Knit a Dress in your Favorite Team Colors

I came across this pattern in a a vintage 1960s issue of Todays Woman and instantly liked it !

Okay, I like both the picture as well as the dress.    I don't know what it was about the early 1960s, however a variety of these patterns were taken with ceramic or stuffed animals in a variety of poses.   It almost looks like to could be from American Threads, or Coats and Clarks ... they had some exotic animal spreads.   BUT ... regardless, the picture is fun enough to bring a smile (or two), and the dress is quite great as well.

Now, here is Southeast Louisiana, the colors would have to be Purple as the MC and Gold as the CC.  But, there's also Tigers at UMO, and Auburn and Clemson and I'm sure hundreds more at the High School level.   And, although the there's a tiger ... this dress could go pro as well ... Football, Basketball, Baseball  ...   Well, you've probably got the idea.

A knitting pattern - square neckline, short sleeves and those glorious stripes.   GO TEAM GO.   Or, as we would say here in Southeast Louisiana --- Geaux Tigers; and a dress to knit up before you geaux see them !

I've listed it in my shop, should you be interested.  

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Crochet Bangle Hats, Anyone ?

Now, we all know, that in our deep down recesses, we love bangles.   There is just something about them that brings out that little girl in us.   Putting on bangles is just about the equivalent of wearing some fun.      I remember a friend, we must have been about 10, and she had a pair of gloves where the wrist section was loaded with bangles.   I wanted a pair soooooo bad.    And that come rushing back to me this morning when I picked up an old issue of a McCalls Knitting Magazine and this bi-fold pamphlet fell out ....

The Pez

The Pill Box 

A Wig Type Pill Box

A Beret (well, sort of)

A Pixie Cap

And, last but not least, The Loop Toque

So, when it comes to an accessory, can you honestly think of something more fun than these (or potentially others) bangle hats?  I can envision them ...  

• Purple, Gold and Green for Mardi Gras
• Red, Green and White for Christmas
• Brown and Orange for Fall, 
• Pastels Shades for the Easter hunt.   

I listed the pamphlet in my shop, if you are interested.    Either way, I hope the pictures brought a smile to your heart and some fond memories.

Edited 12/26:   I just discovered that The PEZ pattern (right down to the model) is also part of Bernat Book 165), although I've not yet located the relationship between Wallbeads and Bernat.     

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie  

Crocheted Scrubby Dish Cloth, Free Pattern

Here's one for all of the crochet enthusiasts who just love to do dishes.    But um, maybe there are not too many of those.    So, here's one for all the crochet enthusiasts who have to do dishes and would like to try out a new scrubby.      The pattern is vintage 1953 from the Workbasket.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

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

Round Rainbow Pillow, Free Knitting Pattern

Have you been looking for a knitting pattern for a round rainbow pillow?   Well, how about this one ?

This pillow is 18 inches in diameter.   The pattern is calling for Black, red, orange, yellow, kelly green, medium blue and purple ... the colors of the rainbow.  You could, of course, branch out and change the colors .... shades or blues, black and white or whatever contrasts with your decor.   Of course, you already knew this !  This pattern is from a 1950s issue of McCalls Knitting.

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

Enjoy the pattern, 

Lorrie 

Bernat Afghans to Knit Crochet, Book 160

This pattern booklet, A bouquet of Bernat Afghans to Knit and Crochet is a real beauty.     The Bernat, as do most other, adopt a theme to set an overall mood for their book.   The mood here is apparently relaxation (good theme for afghans) with an emphasis of the outdoors.  And, as you would expect, the afghans are perfectly modeled in the pictures.   There are a couple classics in here, along with some more obsolete patterns.    The book was issued in 1968.    Here, let me show you.

A Bouquet of Bernat Afghans - 1968
2127-160 - A knitted afghan.    And yes, it would be perfect for a nap on the couch - anytime.  

2135-160 - Starting off with a bit of whimsy; it is a crocheted domino afghan.   What better to accompany an afternoon snooze in the lawn chair !

 2135-160 - Here's a lacy knitted beauty.   It's perfect for those days you might want to stay tucked into bed admiring yourself in the mirror.   Or, truthfully, any other time, almost anywhere else in the house. 

2129-160 - Here's a cabled afghan, knitted with crocheted edges and fringe.   Perfect for an afternoon nap in tall grass. 

2134-160 - An afghan of crocheted squares.  Also a great standby for an afternoon nap.

  

2125-160 - WOW ... This piece is completed in an afghan stitch and then embroidered.    The amount of work required in this makes it a guaranteed heirloom.  

2128-160 - Two Color Plaid Crochet Afghan ... so tartan ... so masculine.  

2138-160 This is a classic afghan - Granny Squares in autumn colors -- Perfect to fight off the backyard chill. 

2137-160  No pattern book could every be complete without a knitted ripple.  

2131-160 - A sailing themed afghan with the star compass motif in the center.   It is knitted with crochet edges.    This picture is also the back page.   

2126-160 :  Bright and colorful, this knitted afghan will brighten even the most serene of places. 

2130-160 :  Here's a 5 color ripple wave.   It is crocheted and extra-large as you may have noticed ... a big 58 x 100 inches.

2133-160 - One last Granny Square (Can there every be too many Grannies?).   Again, crocheted and measuring 44 x 70 inches.   Dramatic in blue, equally great in any other color combination.

And that is it ... 13 patterns - A Bouquet of Bernat Afghans to knit and crochet in beautiful Berella.    Nicely done Bernat !

I've listed the patterns individually in my shop; the links are under the pictures, should you be interested.   Either way, I hope you enjoyed the Afghan Show.  

Thanks for dropping by,  

Crochet Hot Plate Mat, Free Pattern

This pattern is from the March, 1955 issue of The Workbasket.   It is a crochet pattern for a Hot Plate Mat ... one as colorful as you'd like to make it ... the pattern indicates you can use your bits of leftovers.    The pattern is crocheted on one inch bone rings.   The rings will give it that extra rise off your table for protection.  

These would be so handy to have.   Crochet them to match your dining room decor and then brings those pots right to the table without worry.   They work up to make a nice housewarming gift as well.

To print, click to enlarge and then copy to a word file on your hard drive.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Crochet Stole Shawl Pattern That Looks Like Knit

While I have the May 1953 issue of The Workbasket out, I might as well add in one more pattern to my blog.    I like this one.    The lead-in says it is perfect for those folks that want a knitted stole, but only know how to crochet.   So, the pattern allows you to crochet a knitted (look) stole.   Now, I neither knit or crochet so I don't know if learning to knit is more complicated than crochet, but it is nice to know that there's a pattern than can give you knit, when you only crochet.   (Was that ever a lot to say !).

If this applies to you, or not .... here's a vintage pattern to create the 'Knitted Effect Crocheted Stole'.

To print, click pattern to enlarge and then copy / paste to your computer. 

In December we are going to spend a couple days in the car gong to and from a vacation stint, and there .... (drumroll please), I going to learn how to crochet .... try anyway.    

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie 

Dogwood Blossom Doily Chair Set Pattern

I imagine these chair sets originated, way back then, to protect the chairs from our dirty arms and hair, making them Functional Art.   And, oh, Art they are.     For the most part, I think the popularity of chair sets started faded in the 1970s, but many of the patterns remain desirable for their use in doilies, shawls, tablecloths and other ornamental items.  

This public domain pattern, Dogwood Blossom Chair Set, is a nice pattern that I hope you'll be able to find some use.   It would be a shame for these just to die out.   This pattern is from the May, 1953 issue of The Workbasket.
......

(To print, click to enlarge and then copy / paste to a word document on your computer)

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Vintage Baby Booties, Free Pattern

Here's a cute little pair of crochet baby boots.    These came out of a 1966 issue of FashionCraft.   What tickled me about this particular listing?   (I know you are wondering).  They description indicates one can crochet them up in a couple hours and then suggests we hang them on the Christmas Tree for the arrival of Little Folks.  

 Now, I'll be the first to admit that I'm wanting Grandchildren (even though this isn't the right time for the only grandchild bearer I have).   BUT, perhaps, if I make these up and hang them on my tree .... the little folks will come.     It certainly wouldn't hurt ..  however .. my family might think that another screw or two is working it's way loose.

Okay, enough of my ramblings.    It is a cute little pattern, vintage 1960s.    If you have some little ones that may happen by, might I suggest you crochet them ....

(To print this public domain pattern, click to enlarge and then copy / paste to a word document on your hard drive).


Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Girls Crochet Sweater, Striped with Fringe, Free Pattern

This crocheted sweater is made up of colorful rows, linked together with fringe at the bottom.    It has the bateau neckline and three quarter sleeves.    To update it to current fashion, one might want to make it a couple inches longer - mid or below hip, and call it a tunic.

The pattern is sized for girls between sizes 4 and 14.    It is from American Thread, Dawn Book 178, Sweaters 4 to 14, His and Hers, Knitted and Crocheted.  (Wow ... that's a long title - they managed to cover it all !).     I thought I'd offer it here as a Free Download.. for your crochet pleasure.

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

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie