I found some old pattern books in our local Antique Depot, it's sort of a antique warehouse where dealers set up spaces with their merchandise, sort of like a flea market but the owner doesn't have to be there, the Depot employees take care of the customers. Anyhow, it was a real treasure finding those old books so I know how you feel.
I know what you mean by not enough hours. I'm working on making small items for a yard sale. A friend asked for 10 of my purses. I have one afghan in the works, two more to make for gifts and a lot of projects I want to try. There isn't enough time in the day and not enough ME.