Q: Can I transfer photos etc from this iPad to a new iPad air

Your iBooks (purchased through iTunes) will certainly still belong to you - assuming you are going to use the same Apple ID for your new iPad Air.

Your photos should be able to load onto the iPad Air because you should have them stored on your computer.  The fact that you had a previous iPad is almost irrelevant - except I believe Camera Roll photos from your iPad are kept in the iPad's backup.

Do you have a PC or Mac you can sync to.  Are the patterns pdf files?

Use iBooks with PDF documents on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

The free files you opened & saved in iBooks can also be emailed.  You can email them to yourself then open them on your new iPad. 

I have a good article from Apple about what to do: How to back up your devices using iCloud or iTunes - Apple Support

This one might be useful too: What to do before selling or giving away your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support