Small Crochet Beaded Bag, Free Purse Pattern

I found this public domain pattern in a 1949 issue of McCalls Needleworks.    It's a cute little bag (even with the picture missing a small chunk).

Note - the circle at the top is a detail blow-up showing the pattern with the beads.   Anyway, it's a cute little shoulder bag, where you can crochet the shoulder strap to be whatever length you might wish.  A great little bag to carry just a couple things.  

Now, one thing about this pattern ... it calls for a lining kit that I have no doubt is no longer available.  But, I'm sure that it would not be that difficult to pick up some fabric and create your own lining.     If your looking for a little bag, you might want to give this one a try - it is available in my shop as a Free Download.    It would be a shame just to let these vintage goodies go to waste over a little lining !


Thanks for dropping by,

Crocheted Piggy Bank, Free Pattern

Now, what could be more fun that a crocheted piggy bank?   Well, I could suggest that might be a crocheted piggy bank full of $100 dollar bills.  But, since that isn't realistic (in my life, anyway), I'd say a Free crochet piggy bank pattern!  

This public domain pattern is from a 1949 issue of McCalls Needlework.  Picture quality in this magazine were not great, but I think we get the general idea.   This  piece, 4 x 10 inches, has a crocheted body with a small cleanser can on the inside to hold the money.   Stuffing is added between the cannister and the inside of the pig to plump him up.   A fun piece to make, as well as hold your money, I'm sure.

Perhaps you'd like to give him a try ?   Just in case, the pattern is available for Free Download in my shop --- come on over.

Thanks for dropping by,

Crochet Reversible Baby Blanket, Shell Stitch Free Pattern

Looking for a pattern to create a relatively easy blanket for a baby gift?     This one, Vintage 1966 from McCalls is reversible and measures 36 x 50 inches, and best of all - it's (public domain) FREE.

  Not sure if the baby is a boy or a girl?  Make one side blue and the reverse pink.   Or any contrasts of your desire.   Although the picture isn't much (it was a tiny 2 x 2 clip), it looks like a nice easy crochet.    Perhaps you'll give it a try.

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

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Afghan Patterns, Columbia Minerva 742

Columbia Minerva have graced us with at least 7 or 8 different afghan books over the years.   This one, simply called Afghans by Columbia Minerva, contains 17 patterns.    The majority of the patterns are crochet, although there are 4 that are knitted.    The book has not dating or copyright references, however, I place it (public domain) in the early 1960's based on picture styles (props) and use of color.   Any later and it would have copyright references, and any older, it would not be in all color pictures.    Plus, the ultimate reference - the $1.25 original purchase price.    Several of the patterns are heavy on the embroidery, placing them right into that Heirloom quality.  

I'm pleased to share the book with your.

Taking center stage on the front page is the Rose Afghan - a crocheted afghan measures 47 x 69, made up of a center and side panels with a marvelous rose motif embroidered.  I particularly like the sparse use of the lush tassels on this one.

Flower and Fruit Afghan is crocheted in blocks and then embroidery of applies, grapes, pear, cherry,  pansy and black-eyed susan's are added.

 Officially, this is the Feather and Fan Knitted Afghan.   It is one of the classics, measuring 45 x 67 inches when completed.

This tri-color design is a gentle Crocheted Ripple, measuring approx. 49 x 54 inches.

Four motifs made a block; 7 3/4 inch squares make up this 49 x 64 inch  Crocheted Patchwork Afghan. 

This is an ongoing delight.  The Rosebud Afghan features Cables and small embroidery rosebuds along with triple knot fringe.   I'm surprised they did not name it an heirloom.  

This easy-to-crochet piece - The Daisy Afghan, is made with 305 motif flowers and blocks and put

together a 44 x 60 inch piece.  

The Red and White Afghan, made up of 7 strips, ends with triple knot fringe and measures 46 x 68 inches

This piece, the Blue and White Afghan, has a strong cable in a two toned striped and a nice finishing touch of fringe at the end of each cable.  

The Two-Toned Afghan is put together with 5 1/4 inch blocks of complimentary colors.  It measures 46 x 68 inches. 

The Black Afghan with Rose Motif has that lacy and flowery feel.  When finished, it is 54 x 72 and bound to become a 'couch' favorite.

This piece, Leaf Pattern Afghan, is made up of three panels with a raised leaf pattern running through and tufts of fringe to finish it off.

A brightly colored, yet masculine, Garter Stitch Afghan.  Note the tassels are of varying colors. 

Here is yet another stripe.   This piece, The Knitted Stripped Afghan, has a subtle blending of 5 shades.  It is a large piece - measuring approx. 57 x 72 inches.

Made up of 4 1/2 inch flower (my interpretation) motifs, surrounded with a border, the Crochet Loop Stitch Afghan measures 50 x 67 inches.

And, last but not least, bold selections.  First, on the right, a Crocheted Striped Afghan,   And, on the left, a Knitted Plaid Afghan with triple knot fringe.

Whew !   Now, that is at lot of afghan choices; 17 in all.  I spent two days working through this book and found my favorites changed as I went along.  At first, I was stuck on the Blue and White for it's simple elegance, then the Knitted Plaid (after all, how could you not love plaid), but, in the end, it was the Daisy Afghan that attracted me most.   How about you?

I've listed these patterns separately in my shop, noted by the links under the pictures,  should you be interested.  There are, of course, dozens of other knitted and crocheted afghan in the shop as well.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Lacy Crocheted Jabot, Free Pattern

According to the Free Dictionary, a jabot is a frill or ruffle on the breast or throat of a garment, originally to hide the closure of a shirt.   (Which, depending upon the level of your sewing skills, can be a downright good idea).    I'm generally not into a ruffled neckline, as it find it irritating, however, the jabot is an entire different story.  

I came across this particular jabot in the 1947 issue of Woman's Day Crochet Annual.

Now the picture is not great (it was one of those little 2 x 4" squares in a magazine), but it does show the delightful frilly prospects.  Finished it measures 6 inches long and would be ready to stitch onto whatever garment you desire.    Or ... perhaps you could branch totally out of the box, and put a row of three across the side of handbag, or create 2, fold over, place end to end and create an entirely different collar.

In case you are interested in giving it a geaux (I'm in Louisiana), I've listed the pattern as a Free Download in my shop.

Thanks for dropping by.

Florentine Skull Cap, A Crochet Beanie Pattern

I was working my way through the 1947 Woman's Day Crochet Annual when this particular pattern caught my eye.   Well, actually, it was the name of the pattern - Florentine Skull Cap

These earlier (1930's - 1950's) magazines and pattern books frequently (I'm learning) often added historical, or romantic references to their official pattern names.    Such as this one - Florentine Skull Cap.  

At first glance, I clearly got the Cap part.   It a nice close fitting beanie.  There, however, it strays from the norm.   There is the little rounded swoop at the top (a nice variation from the standard pompon) and then the looped fringe (they are calling hairpin lace) down the back.   I think it has a fun look to it.

But, how about the Florentine Skull part.   Well, headed off to my new best friend - Google.    At a high level, historically, the skullcap is both protective an symbolic, going all the way back to Dante.   Variations spread between war armor to spiritual headgear worn by monks.  (If you are truly interested, there is an excellent history here).  AND, it was believe to have originated in Florentine.   That mane in the back might tie back to the back ornamentation of armor headgear.

But there is another possibility - there is a plant with a botonical name of Peregrina.   The common name for the plant is -- yep, you guessed it - Florentine Skull Cap.

So, what was Woman's Day thinking when they designed the mane on this hat?   Well, although I have no true knowledge, I do, apparently, have a couple ideas.

This pattern is listed in the shop (above link).   There are, of course, lot's of other hat patterns as well.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Crochet Pocket Purse Belt, Fanny Packs of the Past

In current times, we call them Fanny Packs and they come in a variety of styles and colors.    They gained great popularity in the 1990s with the widespread use of nylon fabrics.    They were equally used by men and women ... a unisex fanny pack, you might say.

I still have one in my closet.   I pull it out each year for Jazz Fest ... so great to carry a few dollars, some gum, chapstick .... you know .... stuff.    I understand the concept of 'fanny', but really, it is typically worn on the side or front.

But, the concept certainly did not originate with the cute name, like Fanny Pack.  I know they go back, at least to the 1940's, as I came across crochet patterns for two variations in the 1947 issue of Crochet Annual.

 This is referred to as a Purse Belt and attached to the waist with a button.   This design is adorned with beads all the way around the purse section.  

Whereas this one is a Pocket Belt.    It also attaches to the waist with a button.  

Neither of the patterns call for lining, but I'd think that would be a good addition.   I'd also venture that these designs of the past were primarily worn by women.   (I know I'd never get one on my 'old school' husband!).   

Do they still have possibilities in current time .... although not quite Fanny Pack.    Made up in colorful yarns, I'd think perhaps.    If you'd like to experiment, I've listed the pattern (for both) in my shop.  

Thanks for dropping by.  

Lorrie