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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Knitting Sweater Pattern Book American Thread Star Book 215

 This booklet, entitled Sweaters for Him and Her is mostly sweaters.  There are a couple deviations though, such as a cape, a scarf, a hat.    Well, let me just show you.

American Thread Star Book No 215
Better Sweaters, Knitted and Crocheted
For Him and Her

As is typical with the American Thread Vintage 1960s covers, this one is colorful, fun and whimsical.  Shown here is a preview of the first two patterns in the book.   First we have the Rose Flap Over; a knitted sweater with a rose motif.   It's a Mother and Daughter combo (or any combo you'd like) sized 10 to 16 adult and 3 to 6 girls.   The other pattern is 'The Big Long Scarf'.   And, boy is it long ... at least in the picture.  This crocheted scarf does not state the dimensions, so I'm guessing that 'you' decide how long you want it to be.
 
 
This is 'The Big Needle Jiffy Dress'. It  is a knit crochet combo 10 to 16.    A pattern for the knitted 'Quickie Tam' is also included.
 
 'Tiger Tiger Mittens'.   If you school mascot is a tiger, make them up in the appropriate colors.   If not, make them up in an color combo the tiger in you desires.   These mitts are knitted. 

This attractive sweater is called the "Aran Turtleneck" .   It is a knitting pattern and is sized S-M-L.

"The Turtleneck Hooded Raglan" sweater  is also knitted.   I'm sure that this type of garment, where the neck converts to the hood would have an actual name, but I do not know what it is.   (If you aide in my education, please leave me a comment!).    I do like it however.     It is sized 34-36-38. 

This is a Knit is A Day Pattern (how many hours is that, anyway ... 24?)  It is the mans Big Needle Slipover.  This is a warm, outdoors looking sweater with the chunky turtleneck and cuffs and the matching band.   It is sized for the larger man, 38-40-42.

Okay, remember these books are from the 1960's and a bit of Flower Power is a must.   Actually, that is the name of these.  The one on the left is the Flower Power Sweater.   It is a crocheted,  and bulky, with a nice sprinkling of  Fresia (?) on the front.   This is sized S-M-L.  The piece of the left is being a called a Flapover, for its ties on the sides.   It has a very definite flower situation going on.  With the ties on the side, it is a 'One Size Fits All.
Versus the other, more bulk winter items in this booklet, this Lacy Knit Top is soft and delicate. This top is knitted and is sized 34 - 36 - 38.

This is beautiful cape.  The picture shows it as upper thigh length, I suppose you could make it longer or shorter based on your personal desire.  It is knitted and lists on sizing, so I would assume it is considered 'one size'.

The back cover features two different patterns contained a couple pages before the end.  There are two different patterns ... just waiting to be knitted for the future Ski (or whatever) weekend !   The sweater on the left is called 'Beige Ski Sweater and Hat, and the one on the right is White Ski Sweater and band.    Both sweaters, the hat and the band are knitted.  
 
So, what do you think of this one?  Styles too outdated (Flower Power perhaps), for today's standards?   Of the books I've gone through so far (scanning, listing and reviewing) this one is heavier on the knitting side.   I've typically found alot of crochet patterns in the books, with one or two knitting tossed in.   This is the opposite.

I hope you enjoyed the preview, and thanks for dropping by.
Lorrie

Sunday, March 27, 2011

American Thread Star Book 214 Vintage Crochet Knit Craft Patterns

One might say, this book is 'Jolly Good Fun'.    It is ...

Current Attractions, Flowers, Pillows, Gifts, Fashions 
Note the huge floral arrangement on this cover.   Also note how well the wood panel depicts so clearly shows the time period of early to mid 1960s.   But, back to the floral arrangement.   Each of the flowers and foliage are created with yarn.   I've not included pictures for each of the individual flowers, but they are in here !   Every piece is crafted with heavy rug yarn. 

 Now this is handy ... an umbrella holder built right into this crocheted tote bag.

 This is a stately bedspread bearing the very patriotic American Eagle.  It is crocheted.   The finished piece measures 57" x 100".

This is a tabletop Christmas Tree and it is created with wire and heavy rug yarn.   It begins the section of flowers and foliage.   This picture does not call me to rush out for heavy rug yarn, however, it might be cute in 'real life' and a good project for a schoolager who can measure and cut.

"It's a Shell, It's Crocheted, It's Devine", according to the title.    It's actually an interesting tunic variation for todays fashion with the side openings.   It is sized small, medium and large.

This pattern not only creates the adorable crocheted throw, but the flower shaped throw pillows as well.   This would be a wonderful addition to a Sunroom, A tween bedroom, or, of course, anywhere you'd like it to be.  The finished dimensions are not stated.

Mermaid Pajama Bag -- Now, this is an incredible fun blast from the past !   (If you are over 40), remember how we had pajama bag pillows on our bed, and in the morning, we made our (ya right) and put our pajamas inside a fun zippered character, or doll, bag and put it on our beds.   This is one of those.   She is crocheted and also requires lining, scraps of felt, foam,  and iridescent bangles.   

Here's some more of the 'individual' flowers picked out of the huge bouquet on the cover, along with a sampling of the crocheted pillow patterns.  I think these flowers would make great school projects for those in say ... 4th grade and up ... Make up a bunch for Mothers Day.

Three Little Bears.  Crochet up these little sweethearts (ummm, bears) for fun and decoration.   The are a combination crochet and craft project.   They are stuffed and adorned with felt.    The actual height it not stated (dimensions on craft projects was never an American Thread plus), but I'd think in the 6" 8" category.

 This little piece is a Santa Door Knob cover.   Now, I've never quite understood why we need doorknob covers, and do we take them off every time we open a door, but I do admit that it is a cute holiday decoration.   It's crocheted. 


Yes, it's a yarn dust mop.   Perhaps this was the precursor to the swiffer !  I'm sure it would be functional.  And, it would be a great little project for grade school age kids to make.

The official title 'It's a Quickie with a Large Size Hook".  This finished crocheted rug measures 18" x 36".

Another crocheted run, this one titled "Meow Meow".   This will make a great area run for any cat-loving person.   The dimensions are not stated.

Crocheted covers for wood hangers ... should you have any vintage wood hangers around !

This Eagle Picture is crocheted and framed.   You'll also see this picture displayed over the bed in the above Popcorn Eagle Bedspread.   Dimensions are not stated.

The back cover; used to recap a couple of the contents.  

I hope you enjoyed the tour !   A couple of the patterns are listed separately, if indicated above.    

Thanks for dropping by, 
Lorrie

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Baby Crochet Knitting Patterns Star Book 210 American Thread

This little Star book contains some delightful Afghan and Layette Crochet and Knitting Patterns for Baby.  This booklet was issued by American Thread back in the 1960s as promotion to their line of yarns - in this case Dawn Orlon, Wintuk and Sayelle.  The patterns are cute, the babies are adorable.

Let me show you.
American Thread - Star Book No 210
Baby Infants to 18 Months - Crocheted and Knitted
The cover pattern is called 'Carriage' and is a crocheted afghan measuring 31" x 52".  It consists of 84 motifs, each measuring 4".  It's billed as a baby blanket, but seriously, it would make a wonderful lap robe for any age. 

Diamonds for Baby is a knitted afghan measuring 30" x 35".   This is quite sweet, but I'd think that baby would chew on the pom-poms.  

Knitted Blocks for Little Chicks is sized 6 months to 1 year.  It is a crocheted layette consisting of a jacket, booties and mittens.

Heart Appeal Baby Dress is sized 1 year to 18 months.   It is crocheted and absolutely adorable !

White and Pink Baby Set is crocheted in a lacy shell stitch for infant.   It has a sacque, a bonnet and tiny little booties. 

This little set is titled "For My Baby".  It is crocheted with a buttoned jacket, booties, mitts and a cap.  

Cables for Him or Her.   American Threads has a good number of 'Cables' sweaters for him and her (mens and misses), so it only makes sense they would have a Cables for baby as well!.   This is a Knit Set (crochet detail) and is sized 6 to 9 months. 

Crocheted Beauty is another crochet set consisting of a jacket, with a ribbon tie, booties, mittens and a bonnet.  It is sized for 6 months.

The back cover is an exact repeat of the front cover .. another display of the sweet baby with the afghan. 

This booklet, like most of the vintage pattern books from American Thread, are heavy on the crochet patterns.   All but two of these are crochet.   The only disappointment, in my opinion, is the layettes did not include blankets.   This would have been a great opportunity for shell stitch additions.

I hope you enjoyed the booklet.   Thanks for dropping by,  
Lorrie

Monday, March 21, 2011

American Thread Star Book 208 You Asked For These Knitting Crochet Tatting Patterns

Here is another of the Star Books from American Thread - Number 208 - titled You Asked for These.   The book contains a hodge podge of patterns -- a couple jackets, some home items, some crafts ... a touch for anyone standing in line way back there in the early 1960s (book issued without copyright).  Want to see pictures in this book?   Well, here you go !

American Thread Star 208
The colorful cover shows three of the patterns contained in the booklet.   The back cover is an exact repeat.
The Motif Suit - Crochet Pattern  in Small and Medium.  Attractive pattern stitch - don't you think.

The Pansy Doily is crocheted and measures 12 inches in diameter.    I love the dual motif - a daisy in the center, surrounded by daisies.

This Cathedral Window tablecloth  is crocheted with crochet cotton.  It measures 61" x 76" and has 180 motifs.   This one is a definite WOW ... and could easily become a family heirloom.

Colorful Crocheted Block Afghan measuring approx. 42" x 63", is made up with 10 1/2 inch blocks.  

This is the Harlequin Coat; a stylish piece of warmth.  It can be crocheted in Small, Medium-Large.

The Afghan Coat is perfect for those time you wish you could take the afghan right off the couch and bring it with you the entire day.   This is a crocheted garment in S-M-L.

This is one piece of the Maple Leaf Luncheon Set.   I believe this would now be referred to as a placemat.  It measures 14.5" by 11.5".

The Puritan Bedspread is also made with Mercerized Crochet Cotton.  The motifs are 12" x 18" and create a spread about 60 by 90"  With just a touch of old-fashioned, this is a spectacular piece !



Here we have two yarn based craft projects and a crocheted bell. 

And now .... we have a whole lot crocheted edges and a couple blocks  ...













And, this is You Asked For It !  (Remember the final page is a repeat of the front page).
So, what do you think?  

I've scanned and reformated several of the patterns and listed them separately in my shop, as shown .   If, for some reason, you really need one of the edgings, let me know and I'll see if I can get it ready.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie