Glamour Accessories, Patterns Book 176, Spool Cotton Co

This book reads just like is was intended ... a 1940s glamor magazine.    Truly, this is like watching an old black and white movie; one is slightly holding their breath waiting for Elizabeth Taylor to step forward and absolutely take our breath away.   And, appropriately so ... this pattern book, issued by Cotton Spool Company back in 1942.     There's 14 pictures here, so grab a cup of coffee (or whatever you like to drink) and enjoy the photo journal.

 Issued by Cotton Spool Company in 1942.   The front and back cover are the same and feature:
Portrait Ruffle (No 2591) - Collar and Cuffs.  This is a crochet pattern. 

This is the promo page on the inside cover.   I've included to share the rich language.

Top Form (No 2618) - An off the face calot hat to wear when you want to look your prettiest  With smart matching zip bag.  This is a crochet pattern.

(Top left) - Bright Outlook (No 1270) - Blouse is made of 2 pieces; each 18 x 23 inches, bound with ribbons.  Knit 

(Bottom right) - Color Combine (No 1269) - Black with color is up to tricks!  In a banded pullover, with multi-colors in a tunic.  Sized 12, 14, 16.   Crochet

Treasure Collar (No 2592) - Tie on this frilly crochet collar (made on a ribbon) to crisp up your favorite black or your new navy. 

Spirit Lifter (No 2601) - Lovely sleeves to give your dress a new lease on life.  Matching wimple.  This pattern set is crochet.  This pattern is offered as a free download. 

Mesh Magic (No 2609) - This beauty ties around your head.   Knit 

Call to Color (No 2616) - Flowers to adorn your hair and shoes.   This crochet pattern is available as a free download in the shop.

Priority on Prettiness (No 2598) - Delightful crochet flower necklace and earring set.    

First Love (No 2612) - Calot Hat and Bag - Sweet young accessories!  A just-right accent.   This is a crochet pattern.

 Date Go'er (No 2590)  - Wear this collar for it's little-girl look.  Grand to change the neckline of last season' dress.   

Sweet Sue (No 2624) - Smart and a favorite, the demure mesh snood.  This is a crochet pattern.

(Top left) - Southland Mesh Scarf (No 2415) and Hat Brim (No 2619).  A shade hat for sun or summer.  These are both crochet patterns. 

(Bottom right) - Loopy Loveliness (No 2622) - A brilliant color pillbox that sports a loop-fringed halo.  This is a crochet pattern.

 I'm just going to come right out and say it .... I HAVE GOT TO LEARN TO CROCHET !    I just must have the Mesh Magic Hat piece and the Treasure Collar.   

Do you have a favorite?

I have reformatted these patterns to bright, clean PDF patterns which are available in my shop, should you be interested.    

Thanks for dropping by, and I hope you enjoyed the pictures. 

 Lorrie

Star Doily Book 124 Patterns American Thread

From American Thread Company, all the way back to 1955, is the Star Doily Book, No 124.    I particularly like they way the cover shows them framed.   I'm probably a lot of steps behind the rest of the crochet world, but I'd never thought of framing a doily.   Having a mixed media background, there's unforeseen potential here.   But, let me not get too sidetracked as I'm sure you stopped by to see the pictures of all this book contains.

Star Doily Book, No 124

As usual, the front and back cover are the same.  

Oval Pineapple Doily   This beauty can be made as a centerpiece measuring 14 x 21 inches, or as a smaller version at 8 x 12 inches.

Flowers - This doily is row upon row of changing patterns and finished off

with a border of pretty pink flowers. 

More Flowers - Whether referred to as a luncheon set, as was the case in the 1950s, or the more common term now of placemat, this pattern gives instructions to crochet a pretty flower motif piece measuring 11" x 16.5".

Motif Center - An elegant doily that can be crocheted in three different sizes -- small,

medium and large. 

Knitted Doily (with some crochet) - can be worked at either 16 or 22 inches and has a pinwheel or whirlwind motif.  This is the only knit choice in the booklet; which, I must say is one more than usual!

Green and Pink Doily - A pretty piece that measures 13" in diameter

Spider Web Doily - Crochet at 10" or 13" in diameter

Picot Doily - Crochet 12 12 or 30" in diameter

Cluster Stitch Doily - And here is the Grand Finale.  We have a daisy center, several rows of quite attractive leaves, a tulip edge and a row of tiny flowers as the finishing touch.  Beautiful.  You can stitch it at either 16 or 22 inches in diameter.

All the patterns are crochet, except the knitted doily (of course); although it does contain some crochet.  All the patterns are calling for Puritan or GEM Mercerized Crochet Cotton, which was the promotion point for the leaflet.  I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding substitutes.

I'm a bit hung up on the doily on the couch.   We had complete dinner conversation about how the doily was affixed to the couch.  We talked about how sewing it on would be impractical (it would certainly need cleaned regularly), and pinning would be hazardous, and I don't think they had the spray-on glue back in 1955.  We also discussed static electricity, but that's a real stretch.   Perhaps you know ?

 I've restored and reformatted these patterns and they are available individually in my shop, should you be interested. Just follow the links below the pictures.  

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Rugs Hats Bags American Thead Star Book 115

Officially, this is Star Crochet Book No. 115.   Notice the 'Crochet' in that designation; typically it is simply Star Book.   I'd assume the addition of Crochet is due to all of the patterns being all Crochet.    This booklet takes us back to 1955.  It contains 'Modern designs for Rugs, Hats, Bags, Pillows and Luncheon Sets".   All of the patterns are easy - perfect for beginners practice, or quickly accomplished by the more skilled crochet artist.

Continue on if you'd be interested in a book review.

 As is typical, the front and back covers are the same.   The front cover previews 4 of the patterns, hopefully giving you the temptation to pick it up and purchase at your local store. 

As you might guess from this picture of the inside cover, this crochet booklet was issued as a promotion to American Threads Aunt Lydia's brand of yarn.   All of the patterns will feature one of these three name brands.   (Of course, you may substitute with current brands).

Crocheted Hat and Bag features an attractive raised popcorn stitch.  The drawstring bags have not remained popular, however, I'd think it would not be difficult to alter to a small shoulder strap.

The hat is cute and perfect for everyday wear.

 Checkerboard Rug and Pillow is an easy block motif set.  Crochet the required number of blocks and stitch them together for a rub measuring 30 x 42 inches and a pillow that is 12 inches square.   This pattern also appeared in the June, 1962 issue of The Workbasket.

Triangle Pillow - They casually snuck this one in to the photo op.  I almost missed it.   The size is not stated, but it's made up in three colors and is a quite nice accessory.   This 'sneak-in' pattern is offered as a free download in my shop. 

Loop Stitch Bathroom Set includes 17-1/2 x 27 inch rug as well as a tank set.  The dimensions of

 the tank set are not stated.   I'd imagine, back in the late 1950s they had not considered all the

 varying types and sizes we have today!

The Classic Oval Rug measures 22 x 37-1/2 inches and has a nice layer of fringe.  It would certainly be easy to incorporate this  in to the home decor. 

The New Modern Rug and Pillow give draw attention and give a bit of flair to whatever you may stage them.  The rug measures 25 x 38 inches and the pillow a large 15-1/2 x 19 inches.  

Woven Luncheon Mats are 12" x 16.5" without the fringe.    These are crocheted with the striped

woven (or darned) in and finished with a nice fringe.   

The New Home Look is a super easy rug that  measures 24" x 36" without the short corresponding fringe.

The New Hat Look includes the hat, of course, as well as another drawstring bag.  Another easy to wear hat that will easily correspond with the wardrobe.

Knitting Bag - The size of this bag is not stated, however, the little tote looks more than ample to haul around a reasonable quantity of stuff.   This pattern is available as a free download in my shop.

Knitting Bag -  Another Knitting Bag, square versus diamond shaped.   This bag is also offered as a free download in my shop. 

A nice variety set of crochet patterns ... a little of this for you and a little of that for your home.   Typical ploy to draw in the consumer; if you don't like the rug, perhaps you will like the hat!      As I was typing this one up, I found myself wondering when did the Luncheon Mat name change to the Place Mat.   Of course, there is the obvious idea that we use the mats at other meals too.   Out of curiosity, I headed over to Google and searched 'When did Luncheon Mats become known as Place Mats?', and it returned with nothing of significance.    Something that Google doesn't know?   Nawww ... I just didn't find it.      Perhaps you know?

As usual, I restored this book to individual patterns and listed in my shop.  Just follow the links below, should you be interested.   A couple are listed as a free download to express appreciation to my customers and/or visitors.   

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie

Crocheted Fashions, American Thread, Start Book 116

This booklet, Crocheted Fashions was issued as an American Thread Promotion for their line of heavy mercerized crochet cotton.   The cover indicates the patterns include bedspreads, hats, luncheon sets, gloves, hot plate mats and bags.   And, yep, that's exactly what is in here ... plus a cornucopia !   A great combination book ... a few fashions for you, a few for your home.    All of the patterns are crochet.

Crocheted Fashions

The front and back covers are the same and preview two of the patterns. 

This is the original advertisement for the promotion. 

Hat & Bag - a cute brimmed cloche with ribbon ties and a matching handbag.   

Crocheted Knitting Bag - Nicely striped and ready to haul your stuff. 

The Modern Block Crocheted Bedspread - bright a colorful with a touch of 

fun tossed in, in the form of popcorns. 

This Motif Luncheon Set is a delightful 4-1/2 inch square that not long makes a great place mat, but could easily become runners and tablecloths as well. 

Border Place Mats, neither frilly nor plain ... just right for everyday wear.

" For the New, Gay, Modern You" - Beret Hat, Drawstring Bag and Gloves

The Modern Horn of Plenty; a cornucopia for your table decor

Bridge Cloth with Napkins.   The Motif checkerboard cloth is 30 x 30 inches.  The napkins are cloth with crochet edging. 

The Traditional Potholder and Hot Plat Mat sports a circular Flower Motif.
The Modern Potholder and Hot Plate Mats, in three sizes, are bright and colorful

This pattern book takes us back to 1950.  It's obvious, that at the time, Modern was the new buzz word as it's used frequently throughout the book.   (Interesting that it's a word seldom used now).    I always have questions when I go through these books.   Like, do bridge players still decorate with bridge cloths, or does anyone over the age 13 still use a drawstring bag, why are most knitting bags, crocheted, etc. 

As usual with these old public domain pattern books, I've reworked the pattern to bright clean PDF files and they are available individually in my shop - Just follow the links before the pictures should you be interested.     Either way, I hope you enjoyed the pictures.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie

Crochet Hats Bags Gloves Pattern American Thread Star Book 79

American Thread outdid themselves here!  This book, Star 79, was issued in 1951.  It's lovely start to finish; both the patterns and the photography.  All of the patterns are crochet.   I'm sure they would be fun to make as well as fun to wear.   Definitely not what you will find anyone else wearing.   And, if I don't say to myself, they are definitely fun to look at.

Hats - Bags - Beanies - Slippers - Gloves

The Vagabond - Shoulder Strap Bag and Hat - Quite a cute hat with just the right amount of brim to make a fashion statement.

 Stroller, Hat & Bag has rolled band (or cord) edges.  The bag is lined and the hat has a button on top.

 The Pixie Hat & Gloves.  This little cap is definitely pixie; right down to the small peak in the back.  The gloves are wrist length.

 Pouff Puff Slippers.  Perhaps more house sandals than slippers, but you can call them cute either way.

Ring Around a Button Hat & Bag - This cute crocheted hat has a faux styled wrap-around band with a button on the side.  It would also be a perfect place to place a flower.   A drawstring bag is in the same pattern stitch.

It's Nylon Hat - A bit sailor like and more in line with the 1940's.  Perhaps American Thread were feeling a bit nostalgic.

Town & Country Hat - Sitting low in the back and higher in the front creates a perfect profile to put 'a feather in your cap'. 

The Cloche - A quite feminine pattern stitch that will make any outfit better - dressy or casual.

Pom Pon Hat & Ascot - creates a fun accessory set for the grade school aged girl.

The Roller - You may notice the crown for this design is the same as the above Stroller; the rolled band gives it an entirely different look.   

I'd be hard pressed to name a favorite.  BUT, I suppose should someone clamp down the screws really tight, it would be The Clothe, or maybe the Town Country, or maybe ...    Which is your favorite?

This booklet was a promotion for their Star Rug Yarn, Aunt Lydias and Dawn Worsted.   All the designs here are in the easy category.  The individual patterns are available through the link under their respective pictures, should you be interested.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie