Clownin' Around

While I've never been a real fan of clowns (or the circus atmosphere in general), I've also not suffered from an irrational fear of them.  Thoughts of squeaky red noses and giant shoes don't send a shiver down my spine.

However-- this right here?  It helps me understand where the terror comes from. 

Honestly, how was this supposed to help sell knitting patterns?

And WHY (for a certain period of time, at least) did anything to do with children invite the automatic inclusion of clowns??  "Oh, it's for kids?  Gotta slap a clown face on it, then."  It's so mystifying. . .