A Quite Popular Crochet Pineapple Doily

Some of the Mail Order Design patterns were more popular than others.   But how can you tell which ones were the 'most popular'?   That one is easy ....  by how many times it was duplicated.

Lets take this marvelous Mail Order Pineapple Doily as an example.  The doily, depending upon materials used, can be  made in six different sizes ranging from a small of 11 all the way to 25 inches in diameter. 

And, apparently the readers loved it ....

Design 869 (Laura Wheeler) was released in April of 1951.  "Crocheting this doily is time well spent.  Stunning in two colors; start the second color on the second pineapple round".   It was ran again in 1954. 

Design 7223 (Alice Brooks) was published in 1957.   "Crochet with an heirloom future - as centerpiece, placemat set - prize winning doilies.  Lovely in two colors, starting second color in second pineapple round".  It was ran again in 1959.  

And it was released in a separate syndicate column as American Weekly 3136.  (I don't know the dates or description), but would assume it was in the same time span ... or, based on the paper quality, no later than 1961.  I'm just beginning to understand that American Weekly was apparently associated with Readers Mail.  

And that's how the it went for the popular designs.   They are released, and if sales are more than typical, they are the sister name -- Laura Wheeler or Alice Brooks and even more sales were made.

I'd wonder how frequently the fiber artists buying these patterns discovered they bought the same Design twice !

Okay, I'll get back to work now.    Thanks for dropping by.

The Crocheted Pineapple Cape

The pineapple stitch in doilies have been a favorite design for .... well, a very long time.   But clothing, that appears to be a different story.  I've processed over 5000 patterns for the shop, and of those, find that pineapple stitch in clothing became prevalent in the late 1950's, with the Mail Order patterns (Laura Wheeler and Alice Brooks) leading the charge. 

As was typical, the Mail Order patterns built on each design ... i.e., create a pattern and if it proves popular, start making slight deviations in another pattern .. repeat, repeat, repeat. 

Design 833 - "If you want a lovely cover for chilly weather, why don't you crochet one yourself.   This little cape in the lacy pineapple pattern is easy to crochet"  1955

Design 7429 - This crocheted pineapple cape is a close match with the variation being a different collar. 

Pattern 7329 - Multiple variations in this pretty design.  

Design 617 - "Graceful cape to star atop fashions -- in pineapple design combined with easy shell stitch".  

Design 716 - "Rows and rows of pineapples topped by open crochet yoke and band collar - a pretty capelet for any season wear".  

I still have several hundred Mail Order Design patterns to process and, I have no doubt, there will be  more pineapple capes.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie 

Hand Knits for Men, Spinnerin Volume 141

I was scanning a few booklets, when I came to this Spinnerin Men's Book.  To the head of the stack it immediately went.   Men's patterns, in comparison to women's is so minor that they deserve to be handled first.    So, for my 'next up' book review ....

Spinnerin 141 - Hand Knits for Men was issued in 1957.  Frequently pattern books are issued for a specific brand of yarn as a promotion.   In the case of this pattern book, however, it appears Spinnerin featured a number of their different yarns.   Perhaps their 'most popular' yarns for the time period.

Style No 4046 - V-Neck Cardigan graces the front cover.

Style No 4033 - Sleeveless Cardigan Pattern, V-Neck and slightly below waist length 

Style No 4035 - Sleeveless pullover (on right) features narrow stripes in two colors with contrast bands and trim.

Style No 4031 - Mans Sleeveless Pullover in two tones of Nylane Fingering Yarn, with contrast trim.

Style No 4045 - Mans Cabled Pullover pattern has a defining touch of 'just a bit' of contrast color trim on the V-neck.

Style No 4063 Mans Pullover with patterned yoke features cable and pebble stitches.

No 4036 - Mans Raglan Sleeved Pullover with ribbed edges.   A casual design perfect for every (winter day) wear.

No 4030 - Mans Sleeveless Pullover Pattern is hip length, v-neck and contrast color bands.

Style 4041 (on left), mans sleeveless pullover with tri-cable bands.

Style 4048 (on right), a different variation of the sleeveless pullover, in an easy basketweave type stitch.

Style No 4042 - Mans Pullover Vest Pattern, below hip length in easy pattern stitch.

Style No 4043 - Mans knitted vest with slot pockets, lowered v-neck, below waist length.

Style No 4044 - Mans two tone checked sweater with contrast sleeves and ribbed bands.

Style No 4028 - Pullover features extended shoulders and a grand buttoned yoke collar.

Basic Mens Sweater include sleeveless, crew neck and raglan sleeve options with or without turtleneck.

Two pairs of mans basic knitted socks.

Style No 4013 (on left)  and 4047 (on right) - mens patterned pullovers.  (Not processed as the charts had been scribbled all over).  

And, gracing the back cover, Style No 4029, Mans Pullover (with an interesting wavy ribbed pattern stitch).  

All of the patterns are written for size small (36-38), with changes for medium (40-42) and large (44-46).   There are nice designs in this book, albeit some a little short for todays' fashions.   Perhaps you have the skills to lengthen.     The materials referenced in the book, of course are outdated (Spinnerin no longer in business), however finding substitutes should not be too difficult.

Hope you enjoyed the book review. 
Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Lily Mills Book 1300, 42 Crochet Patterns

I've been so busy transferring the shop from Todays Treasure to Vintage Knit Crochet that I haven't taken much time to process patterns since June.    But the transfer is close to complete, and I'm going to relax a bit and resume processing a couple patterns each day.    I went to the 'pending cabinet' and out came ....

Lily Mills Book 1300  - Crochet - 42 Items of Beauty and Lasting Quality. 

Illustrated ... Explicit Instructions 

I've had this book in my collection for several years.  I recall when I first received it receiving a good chuckle from the "Illustrated Explicit Instructions'.

This pattern book takes us back to 1945.   It's a bit of a 'no-frills' muted black and white book, as would be typical for being in the middle of WWII.  Surprisingly enough, there are no WWII war bond advertisements.    The book offers us a bit of this and that ... something for everyone, and then a little more.   I'm not going to add all 42; in fact I processed just 20, but even that's just too much of a blog post, put I'll put in a few and supply a link to see the rest.    Ready?   Here we go.

Hit Parade - Baby Set No 1:   This easy knitted baby set includes a jacket, bonnet and sweet little socks.  I like the addition of the socks, versus the typical booties.

Baby Talk :   This little set includes a baby bonnet and matching mitts.  Both are ribbon laced and sized for baby at 3 - 6 months

This Crochet Flower Picture is an unusual piece.   The flowers and separately crocheted and then tacked in place to fabric covered cardboard and framed.   Perhaps an extension of crewel work that was so popular in this time period.    I've not processed this pattern, but if you just 'must' have it, let me know.  

Doily Set - Place Mat and Glass Doily - This graceful mat set is certainly out of the ordinary.  Flower petals and leaves surround a linen center.  

Darned Filet Centerpiece, 14 x 24 inches, in the marvelous rose scroll motif and be worked in Filet Crochet as well.  

Handbags and Coin Purses are billed as a Mother Daughter set ... perfectly sized for each, and a quite easy pattern.  

Fascinator Head Scarf ... as 1940's as it gets!  The flowers on this design are crocheted separately and sewn in place.  

Gay Espardilles - Crocheted House Slippers and attached to cork bases.   They are sized to fit and do indeed look comfortable, as well as fashionable (with those ankle ties). 

Crocheted Toys ... a ball and a bean bag. 

This cute piece is a hat shaped pincushion with lattice edge and ribbon ties.  In the 1940's, pincushions were for hat pins as well.   

This pattern book was issued as a promotion for Lily Sil-tone Mercerized Crochet Cotton and Lily Pearl Cotton.   All of the patterns call for these threads.  

There are a few other beauties in this book, if you'd care to take a look.  The patterns I did not process were primarily edgings and insignificant bits (like the hat pin heads pictured above) .... that's how they go all the way to 42!.  

Hope you enjoyed the pattern book review. 

Thanks for dropping by. 

Lorrie 

Crochet Barbie Fashion Doll Clothes, Mail Order Designs

It was a glorious year for little girls. It was 1959 and Mattel released a creation of Ruth Handler called the Barbie Doll. Little girls across America were instantly enchanted and the rest is history.

As the Barbie Doll arrived to each home, the next essential need was the wardrobe. Which means, of course, loving Moms pulled out the cloth, scissors and yarn and started sewing, crocheting and knitting clothes fashion outfits for the beloved doll. This, of course, drove the pattern companies to start issuing patterns for those outfit.

I have several of these patterns from the early 1960's found mainly in over-the-counter magazines (like McCalls Needlecraft), as well as several Mail Order Designs. Here, let me show you a few.

Design 525 - Crocheted Bride and Bridemaid's Gowns. Just about every little girl would want these outfits.

Sweet Teen Bride is another bridal outfit (or great party dress without the veil). Did you notice the pineapples?. This pattern was issued as a Coat's and Clarks Leaflet.

Design 199 - Mail Order Pattern - Most likely Anne Cabots. This Design gives us a coat, top, skirt, hat and two choice dresses.

Design 7362, Crocheted Doll's Wardrobe. This Mail Order Design is in the Alice Brooks number series, and gives mix and match options consistent with the times .... notice the ripple poncho.

Tea Time Ensemble - This pattern from The Workbasket features more variations on mix and match options.

Just for fun, a little Barbie Trivia ...

• Birthdate: March 9, 1959
• Born: Willows, Wisconsin (a fictional place)
• First Outfit: One Piece Swimsuit
• First Hairstyle: Ponytail

I have no doubt a fair number more Fashion Doll patterns will be added to this small collection as I have a a HUGE amount of patterns I've yet to work my way through. The number will, however, be limited by what is in public domain; i.e. 1959 into early 1960's.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Knitted Afghan Patterns with Leaf Motif

Most everyone loves an afghan on the couch and or bed. It's a piece of comfort just waiting to be called upon. Wrapped around our shoulders, or feet; it is warm and soothing. I have a fair number of knitted afghans in the shop, but I think of all of them, I like the ones with the leaf motif the best. Whether plain or complex, there is just something so organic about the leaf that calls to me. Let me share a couple of my favorites with you.

Nantucket Afghan from Spinnerin: This design is also one of the shops favorite. The thick texture and diamond blocks are such a pleasing combination.

Leaf Afghan from Columbia Minerva: This design has an understated beauty, knit in contrasting shades with leaf and cable panels.

Laurel Leaf Afghan from Bertrand: This design is a colorful bit of simplicity, knit in three colors in an almost geometric way.

Lattice Leaf Afghan from Coats & Clark's: This beauty is panels of leaves worked in rows that give a lattice type effect. The design is knit in one color and has full lush fringe.

There are a few others, of course, but these are four definitely my favorite.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Mans Crochet Cardigan Pullover, Mail Order Patterns

I've said this a number of times, and I'm here saying it yet again.  Many of the mail order crochet (and knit) patterns are simple variations of each other.  You know, have a base pattern and make a slight change, and now you have another pattern to market.    Here's the most recent example; this one in the 'mans' category.

Design 901, Mans Crocheted Sweater:  Mans Raglan Sleeved Pullover with Color Band Stripes and raised rib type pattern stitch; size 36 to 42. 

Design 7140, Mans Cardigan:  Dito, dito, dito with the exception of the front button band, converting the attractive pullover into a mans cardigan.  

The pullover Design fell into the original Laura Wheeler series, and the cardigan in the Alice Brooks number series.  They are both, of course, the same company.   

Since there are two, I have no doubt there may be more.   I have several hundred more Design patterns to work my way through and will add to this post when/should I come across.  

Okay, that's all .... I'm back to work. 

Thanks for dropping by,