Let's Crochet, Star Pattern Book 209, American Thread

This book from American Thread Co., Star Book 209, along with a bit of whimsy, gives us some good how-to crochet lessons and a few quite desirable patterns ... all perfect for the beginner crocheter.   The stitches are primarily single and double crochet, with a bit of afghan and popcorn stitch tossed in.    This book contains no date information, however, I'd say late 1960s.   The cover starts us right off with a bit of whimsy ...

Mens Stripe Pullover:  The pattern is sized for men 38 to 52 and does not include those extra long arms ... just the boring, but perfect, standard sleeves.  

His and His:  This combo pattern includes both the V-Neck Pullover, as well as the Cardigan.  The title implies it's Father and Son, however, the size range is 38 to 52 ... which leaves out many boys, as well as teens, for that matter.  It is a nice duo for him and a fairly easy crochet.

Looks Hard, Crochets Easy:   A nice 5 colorful afghan made up of strips of single and double crochet, along with popcorn stitch.  It measures 50 x 64 inches. 

Beginners Potholders - Always a great 'learn-how' project to give you a sense of accomplishment as well as something that you'll be able to use.  This pattern is offered as a free download in my shop. 

Tiger-Tiger (on left):  An attractive tiger stripped sweater; sized small, medium and large.. 

Mini-Square (on right):  A Geometric, sleeveless mini dress; sized small to medium and
medium to large.   Here's a great pattern to date this book to the 1960s.    This mini will still
make a fun and whimsical tunic for today.  

Bangle Jacket:  The picture does not do this simple pattern justice.  a nice jacket in single stitch with a bangle strip down the sleeves and front bands.  Sized Small, Medium and Large.

Loop Stitch Slippers:  These slippers are so easy, they almost crochet themselves.  

Baby Baby:  A sweet layette set sized for little ones 6 to 12 months. 

Bangle Loop Triangle:  I'm not sure women still wear this style of scarf, but those bangles and simplicity are sure to make a younger girls' heart sing.  Should you like to give it a go, it's available as a FREE Download in the shop. 

And, the last cover is the same as the front.    I like the book.   Every pattern is on the easy side.  The man on the cover always brings a smile and I always picture the woman thinking 'woops, sleeves are a bit long'.   I also like the Tiger-Tiger sweater, but mine would have to be Purple and Gold for the LSU Tigers Team.

I've listed  the patterns separately, as noted with links under the pictures; two are available as free downloads.     Or, if you just stopped by to enjoy this whimsical book ..... 

Thanks for dropping by (and come again soon), 

Lorrie

Family Sweaters, Knit Crochet, Coats Clarks Book 178

Family Sweaters was issued by Coats and Clark's back in 1967.   Although the 60s, it doesn't contain the typical Mod styles, but a nice solid selection of garments that one would still want to wear.   Here we have one dress and then a nice selection of sweaters for ... just like the title says ... the Family.

Family Sweaters, Coats & Clark's Book 178.  The front cover previews three of the patterns. 

• B-624 :  Stableboy Knit Sweaters for boys or girls are sized 4 through 14.
• B-625:  Argyle Knit Dress - Big, bold diamonds in mohair form the design of this simple to knit shift.  It's knee length and closed with a back zipper.  Sized small, medium and large. 
• B-626:  Mans Aran Cardigan is knitted.  This pattern, sized 38/40, 42/44 and 46 is rated for experienced knitters only.

B-627 -Aran Knit Cardigan  is childs sized 4 to 12 and designed to fit boys and girls.   

B-628 - Two-Color Crochet Cardigan.  An attractive sweater in a checked effect to
fit children sized 4 to 12.

B-629 - Sequin-Yoke Knit Sweater; so perfect for those dressier days (or nights).   It is misses size 10 to 44.

B-630 - Knit Golf Sweater.  This Sweater features a front zip and crochet edges.   It is sized Small, Medium and Large, fitting chest sizes 28 - 48.

The back cover features the last three patterns in the book. 

B-631 - Sequin Stripe Knit Shell -- Wow; sized 10 to 18

B-632: - Crochet Maternity Blouse, sized Small, Medium and Large.  Not to often you see maternity patterns!

B-633 - Bangle Trim Crochet Blouse.   Make it to wear when a little extra fun might be required.   Sized 10 to 18. 

And, that's it.   The booklet gives us seven knitting patterns and three crochet patterns with a nice mix for mens, misses and children.   I particularly like the bangle trimmed crochet blouse; it would be so fun paired with jeans for an evening out.  I think they did a nice job.  

These patterns have been reworked to bright clean copy and are available in my shop, should you be interested.     I hope you enjoyed the pattern show.

Thanks for dropping by,

Knitting Stitches, Practice Session from McCalls

Tucked away in a 1958 issue of McCalls Knitting, is a guide, a practice session you might say, to knit up several different stitches.   Here they have layed out the pattern and then give you example pictures to compare with.   It is, indeed, the perfect opportunity for the practice session.  Included are Ribbing, Seed, Double Seed, Stockinette, Cables, Plait, Gull, Honeycomb, Herringbone, Popcorn, Trinity, Eyelet, and Lace variations.   Quite a few.  And, since this magazine is in the public domain, I'm able to put display the pages here for your practice pleasure .....

To print, click to enlarge a page and then copy / paste to a word document on your hard drive.

Although I do not knit, I'll find the pictures handy in writing up descriptions on the future knitting patterns I might list in my shop.    Hopefully you'll be able to find it useful as well ..

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie