The Filet Crocheted Kitten Pattern

I was processing an Mail Order Design pattern with a kitten motif, and went off to check and make sure it wasn't already there.   I call those 'haven't I already seen this one' moments.   The answer was ... kittens, yes ... this kitten, no.

I currently have four kitten filet crochet patterns in the shop.  I find it quite interesting that all four are Mail Order Designs.  

This is Design 7248, It gives us two kittens playing in a basket of flowers, with a spray of the flowers in the arm rests. 

Laura Wheeler 502 also gives us two kittens playing in a basket.  This time, the kittens are carrier over to the arm rests.

In the Anne Cabot 5741 version, wee have a solo kitten, cute as can be, with a butterfly and smaller floral display.  A larger flower arrangements are on the arm rests, which take on the shape of a vase.  

And, American Weekly 3119 got in on the kitten action as well.  I must say, however, in comparison to the other 'sweet kitties', this is a rather tough looking selection.   Perhaps better suited to a name of 'grumpy cat'.   But, wait, no ... that can't be.   Look at the lovely rose display around Sir Kitten and on the armrests.   They certainly don't say grumpy.  

All four of these patterns are in the 1950 - 1952 range.  Apparently kittens were quite a popular selection for our armchairs.   Each pattern covers that they may also be used as buffet sets and the arm rests as ends to linen scarves.   I'd like to add that the chair backs might also be lovely framed on black velvet.  

Now, of course, I'll mention that I've not sold a single one of these.  But, that's not really the point.  They are still a few of these patterns 'out there'; they are a part of our history and heritage; and they deserve to be preserved.   

I guess I'd better get back to work now.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie  

Two More Pansy Doilies

Each day I try to pull out two of the 'pending' Mail Order patterns and get them processed and listed to the shop.    This is typically a random draw, and as it just so happened, today I pulled out two crochet doilies patterns.   Now, that is not unusual, but in this particular case they were both Pansy Doilies.  Quite splendid doilies as well, if I don't say so myself.

Mail Order 2494 - Crocheted Pansy Doily -  This beauty is medium in size at 12 inches.  The Pansies are crocheted separately and then stitched to the doily.  

Anne Cabot's 5568 - Crocheted Chair-Back Set :  This crochet pattern has been termed a Chair-Back set, which I'd think was an apparent mistake (particularly since it ins't portrayed as such).  I'm officially calling it a doily.  This one has the small pansy center, followed by crochet that has been folded to resemble leaves, another large border of pansies with shells in between.   And, if that isn't enough, it has a gathering of three doilies at each of two sides transforming it to 'almost' an oval doily.  

These are both Mail Order Design Patterns.   I believe they are from Kate Marchbanks (which would lead back to Anne Cabot), but I'm not positive of that.   I do know that I welcome them to my collection.   

Can there ever be too many Pansy Doilies?  Well, probably not.   (I've more in the shop, in case wish to browse further). 

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie 

Vintage 1930's Crochet Collar Patterns in Tower Brand Gimp

A vintage 1930's leaflet from Tower Brand Yarn Corp came up in my stack for processing last that I just must share with you.   Now, I don't know anything about Tower Brand Yarn Corp.   I did quite a few Google searches, and all that definitely comes up is a list of their pattern publications.  On some of the searches I performed, Lion Brand Yarn came up, however, within those pages, I don't find references to Towers Brands, and so, I moved on.

What I do know is the models used in this promotion, which I'm dating to 1939, were a rather stern group of women.   (Definitely in contrast to the romantic photos on patterns during the 1940s).

 This is the Sun Ray Collar No 16 with interesting rounded points.

 This pattern was named only No 22.  It's a very flower petal type affair (at least in my thinking).  

Another pattern with only a number ... No 52.    The design could be construed as honeycomb, or perhaps cobweb. 

All three detachable collars are on the larger side ... as was the 1930's style to bring adornment to the rather plain dress of the average woman.    All three of the patterns call for Tower Brand Gimp, which was a 50/50 cotton and rayon blend.  Many patterns with Gimp variations arose during this time period due to the Mercerized Crochet Cotton shortage during WWII.  Gimp was a rather stiff thread.   For current Gimp substitute, I've read that the DMC Cebelia No 10 thread works well.

Okay, I've shared these photos ...  I can get back to work now !
Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie