Crocheted Collar Moderne Vintage 1930s

Back in my more artsy days, I created a wide range of mixed media arts/crafts.    I loved most of them, but, wasn't much at marketing them.   Just create and stick them in the attic so I had space to move on.   Then, fast forward a couple years and I started pulling some of those works down to decide what to do with them and quickly decided ... many of them were just not as great as I had thought.  

I found myself thinking about this as I turned the page in the very Vintage (1934) Paris Sponsors Crochet, Coats & Clarks Book 46, and came across this pattern ...

Coats & Clark's call this pattern Collar Moderne.   It distinctly reminded me of some of those things that I created, that seemed wonderful at the moment, and then later, Not So Much.    I wonder if the creator of this pattern felt that way.   Great idea at the moment --- and I'm sure this would have been quite modern for 1934 -- and then later, Maybe Not.   Or, perhaps, it was money to the bank and who cares.

Basically, there are short and long crocheted bands that are connected together and then stitched to the garment of your choice.    I suppose, in the rights circumstances, one might be able to pull it off .... Maybe Not !

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

What do you think?

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Easy Crochet Belt, Free Pattern

This belt pattern is super simple.   It's made up with two rows of cluster stitch, edged in stockinette.   Or, if you want it wider, add more cluster rows, or change the yarn, or changed the needle.   It's a good pattern to practice and experiment with.  And, you'll end up with several belts to supplement your wardrobe.

It's backed with grosgrain ribbon to prevent stretching.  Or, sew a fabric band to match the width you decide upon.    The vintage pattern is from a 1953 issue of The Workbasket.

To print the pattern, click to enlarge and then copy/paste to a word document on your computer.  

I hope someone gives this a try.   These old public domain patterns should certainly be kept active !

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Princess Doily Pattern Mail Order 1043

Here is a beauty.   Officially named 'Princess Doily', she is pattern number 1043.

The description - Violets in bas-relief are the motifs found in the spiderweb border of this lovely doily in crochet.  And that, certainly simplifies all that is going on here.   

Although this has all the signs (oversized paper and inconsistent strike print) of the vintage mail order patterns, it is in a different format.  So, my guess is there is another mail order company out there that I've not learned about.  I did a few searches on Princess Doily, and found a variety of them ... just not this one.  Based on the paper and print, I'm dating it to the 1940s.   Also unique in the pattern is some of the language used.    My favorite example being equidistant.   As in the blocking directions ' equidistant  around, then shape the scallops between them.   Seriously, I had to jump over to a google search and look up the word (which means = at equal distances).   

So, I don't know where it came from (company wise), but I do know that it is lovely.    The oversized page was in quite poor shape, so I took a couple hours and transferred this to a bright clear digital PDF, which is in my shop, should you be interested.   There are, of course, dozens of other doilies there as well.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie  

Eastern Star Tatted Motif Pattern

Here is a tatting pattern, named Eastern Star, that I pulled out of the Dcember 1953 issue of The Workbasket.

It's a sweet little star motif that the pattern suggests you place on handkerchiefs.   Now, I don't know if many  ladies still use handkerchiefs, but it's still a nice motif to place, perhaps on collars or .....   I'll just leave that up to you.

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

Oh, you'll note that I forgot to remove the tip at the bottom of the pattern.   Unless you are wanting to get knocked on your behind ... I don't suggest it !

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Crochet Coozie or Glass Mitt, Free Pattern

For today's convenience, we have coozies.   They come in all types and colors.   Some are insulated, some have zippers, some fit cans and some fit bottles.  They are frequently used for beer, and often for soda products.    I'm sure they are residents in the majority of households ... at least here in the States.    If you don't know what I'm referring to, take a look here.

Apparently the concept was similarly popular back in the 1950s in crochet and knit versions.   The patterns frequently show them at use in ladies afternoon parties.   I'm sure they were also great bazaar and holiday items.

I'm surprised they have not made a reappearance.   They would be that something unique.  Say, crochet up a set, in school or NFL colors.   Make up some in bright pink for your favorite girly girl, and serve her dinner.  Make them for gifts, make them for yourself.    If someone asks, you can say you are getting back to your roots !

To print this pattern, click to enlarge and then copy/paste to a word document on your computer. 

This pattern, in case you are interested, is from the December, 1953 issue of The Workbasket. 

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Crochet Festive Stoles and Blouses

Crochet Festive Stoles and Blouses.   Now only is it a great suggestion, but a complete pattern book, as well.    In actuality, it is knit and crochet, but since the crochet far outnumber the knit, I just left that part out.

This is a delightful book; was issued by Coats & Clark's back in 1952 ... yes 61 years ago.   The photos are just what they should be ... early 1950's drama and coloring.  Yep, color.  The folks at C&C (actually Spool Cotton Company) went all the way out and spent the money for ALL the photos to be color.  Typically, the 1950s gave us only the front and back cover in color.  But, although the patterns may be old, the styles should be referenced as Vintage.  The patterns are a promotion of Chadwick's Red Heart Knitting Worsted and Rayon Crochet Cotton.

  The front cover gives us a a crocheted blouse and a shawl.   

 The inside jacket, as typical, gives us the sole advertisement.  The booklet was issued as promotion to their new Rayon Crochet threads.     

 One each - a crochet stole on the left; and a knit stole on the right.  

 Again, one each - a crochet stole on the left and a knit stole on the right.

 Here's a delightful evening wear contribution.   Remember in the 1950's one still dressed up as the norm to go out to dinner, or to friends' house.  On the left, we have crochet blouse; on the right a crochet evening length dress.  Both have the allure of low shoulder straps.   Notice the shawl with the evening dress.  This one is velveteen; not crochet or knitted (a break out from the book theme). The shawl, shown with the crochet dress is sewn of Velveteen and Taffeta. 

 And here is another selection page for the evening crowd.  Although, pair them with casual clothing, and they would go that way as well.   The shawl, fringed three quarters around, is crochet, as are both of the blouses.   

And, on the back cover, an exquisite crochet shawl of hairpin lace, and sewn on rhinestones.  This piece bears both soft and feminine lace, but the wow of bling as well.   (What do you think they called Bling in 1952?).

One might say that the book, in addition to being heavy on crochet (only two knit) patterns, is heavy on the shawl side as well.  They were, no doubt, a popular accessory in that time.   But, wouldn't you think they still are.  Remember as a girl, how you loved to wrap yourself up in a shawl and parade around.  The truth is, you probably still would.   I know I do.   Although I don't seem to go out that much, I keep a couple in my living room to put around my shoulders when it is slightly chilly.  They just make one feel pretty, don't you think?

I've listed these patterns in my shop in PDF format, should you be interested to stitching up one of these yourself.     I hope you enjoyed the photo journal !

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Update -- 10/06/2017 -- Found a companion leaflet to this pattern book -- Leaflet W-547.

Crochet Doily Patterns, Vintage 1947, Womans Day

Actually, the year was 1947.   It appears that Womans Day (I'm assuming a branch of the magazine) put out a yearly Crochet Annual of the most popular patterns.     Here are some of the beloved Crocheted Doilies of the time period, covered in this book.

Fine Spider Web Doily.   It's 12 inches of a intricate spider web.

Honeycomb Doily is just 6 inches, but captures those elements of a bee's interest.

Intricate doily gives of bands of varying design all in 9 inches.

This knot edged doily has a linen center.  It is also 9 inches finished.

Here is a 9 inch Ornate Doily that has the shape of a flower.

Petal Center Doily -- This lacy piece, 8 inches in all, has the petals of a flower in the center, bordered by varying lacy designs. 

A Classic Pinwheel.  This one is 11 inches.

Called the Star Doily, at 14 inches, this one is made up of 253 little circle motifs.

Here'a Classic Wheel Doily at 12 inches. 

There are actually 17 doilies represented in the book.  These are my favorites.   I know the pictures quality is not great, but since the originals were 3 to 4 inches to begin with, I'm surprised I was able to get them this sharp.  

I love these old doily patterns.   They remind me of my mothers' home when I was small.   She had dollies under (it seems) everything.  And, when we dusted (not very often), we'd lift up the doily, and the mirrored pattern will be perfectly left behind on the table.   One day, I'm going to have to do that in my own home; I certainly have enough dust.   And then photograph the image.     

Because of the quality of the pictures and vintage print, yellowing of the book, I've reworked each of the patterns to a bright and crisp, easy to read, copy.   

Thanks for dropping by,  

Knitted Tic Tac Toe Pillow, Free Pattern

Here one that is both fun and functional.    It's a tic-tac-toe pillow.   The cover is knitted in stockinette and the light embroidery work added.   It is then attached to a fabric cover and the foam pillow is added.

 The pompons, five in each color are made.  The instructions indicate they attach to the pillow by use of snaps.    I don't, however see any snaps shown in the picture.   I'd think that tiny little pieces of Velcro (you know, they have those iron on one's) would work a lot better - particularly if the game is going to be played alot, or by younger hands.  This pattern is 1968 ... before Velcro was available.

It's a cute little pillow.  Seems like it would be great as a car trip with the kids.   Let them play and then, when tired out, they can use it for a nap (better make two !)

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

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie