A Quite Popular Crochet Pineapple Doily

Some of the Mail Order Design patterns were more popular than others.   But how can you tell which ones were the 'most popular'?   That one is easy ....  by how many times it was duplicated.

Lets take this marvelous Mail Order Pineapple Doily as an example.  The doily, depending upon materials used, can be  made in six different sizes ranging from a small of 11 all the way to 25 inches in diameter. 

And, apparently the readers loved it ....

Design 869 (Laura Wheeler) was released in April of 1951.  "Crocheting this doily is time well spent.  Stunning in two colors; start the second color on the second pineapple round".   It was ran again in 1954. 

Design 7223 (Alice Brooks) was published in 1957.   "Crochet with an heirloom future - as centerpiece, placemat set - prize winning doilies.  Lovely in two colors, starting second color in second pineapple round".  It was ran again in 1959.  

And it was released in a separate syndicate column as American Weekly 3136.  (I don't know the dates or description), but would assume it was in the same time span ... or, based on the paper quality, no later than 1961.  I'm just beginning to understand that American Weekly was apparently associated with Readers Mail.  

And that's how the it went for the popular designs.   They are released, and if sales are more than typical, they are the sister name -- Laura Wheeler or Alice Brooks and even more sales were made.

I'd wonder how frequently the fiber artists buying these patterns discovered they bought the same Design twice !

Okay, I'll get back to work now.    Thanks for dropping by.

Hand Knits for Men, Spinnerin Volume 141

I was scanning a few booklets, when I came to this Spinnerin Men's Book.  To the head of the stack it immediately went.   Men's patterns, in comparison to women's is so minor that they deserve to be handled first.    So, for my 'next up' book review ....

Spinnerin 141 - Hand Knits for Men was issued in 1957.  Frequently pattern books are issued for a specific brand of yarn as a promotion.   In the case of this pattern book, however, it appears Spinnerin featured a number of their different yarns.   Perhaps their 'most popular' yarns for the time period.

Style No 4046 - V-Neck Cardigan graces the front cover.

Style No 4033 - Sleeveless Cardigan Pattern, V-Neck and slightly below waist length 

Style No 4035 - Sleeveless pullover (on right) features narrow stripes in two colors with contrast bands and trim.

Style No 4031 - Mans Sleeveless Pullover in two tones of Nylane Fingering Yarn, with contrast trim.

Style No 4045 - Mans Cabled Pullover pattern has a defining touch of 'just a bit' of contrast color trim on the V-neck.

Style No 4063 Mans Pullover with patterned yoke features cable and pebble stitches.

No 4036 - Mans Raglan Sleeved Pullover with ribbed edges.   A casual design perfect for every (winter day) wear.

No 4030 - Mans Sleeveless Pullover Pattern is hip length, v-neck and contrast color bands.

Style 4041 (on left), mans sleeveless pullover with tri-cable bands.

Style 4048 (on right), a different variation of the sleeveless pullover, in an easy basketweave type stitch.

Style No 4042 - Mans Pullover Vest Pattern, below hip length in easy pattern stitch.

Style No 4043 - Mans knitted vest with slot pockets, lowered v-neck, below waist length.

Style No 4044 - Mans two tone checked sweater with contrast sleeves and ribbed bands.

Style No 4028 - Pullover features extended shoulders and a grand buttoned yoke collar.

Basic Mens Sweater include sleeveless, crew neck and raglan sleeve options with or without turtleneck.

Two pairs of mans basic knitted socks.

Style No 4013 (on left)  and 4047 (on right) - mens patterned pullovers.  (Not processed as the charts had been scribbled all over).  

And, gracing the back cover, Style No 4029, Mans Pullover (with an interesting wavy ribbed pattern stitch).  

All of the patterns are written for size small (36-38), with changes for medium (40-42) and large (44-46).   There are nice designs in this book, albeit some a little short for todays' fashions.   Perhaps you have the skills to lengthen.     The materials referenced in the book, of course are outdated (Spinnerin no longer in business), however finding substitutes should not be too difficult.

Hope you enjoyed the book review. 
Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Lily Mills Book 1300, 42 Crochet Patterns

I've been so busy transferring the shop from Todays Treasure to Vintage Knit Crochet that I haven't taken much time to process patterns since June.    But the transfer is close to complete, and I'm going to relax a bit and resume processing a couple patterns each day.    I went to the 'pending cabinet' and out came ....

Lily Mills Book 1300  - Crochet - 42 Items of Beauty and Lasting Quality. 

Illustrated ... Explicit Instructions 

I've had this book in my collection for several years.  I recall when I first received it receiving a good chuckle from the "Illustrated Explicit Instructions'.

This pattern book takes us back to 1945.   It's a bit of a 'no-frills' muted black and white book, as would be typical for being in the middle of WWII.  Surprisingly enough, there are no WWII war bond advertisements.    The book offers us a bit of this and that ... something for everyone, and then a little more.   I'm not going to add all 42; in fact I processed just 20, but even that's just too much of a blog post, put I'll put in a few and supply a link to see the rest.    Ready?   Here we go.

Hit Parade - Baby Set No 1:   This easy knitted baby set includes a jacket, bonnet and sweet little socks.  I like the addition of the socks, versus the typical booties.

Baby Talk :   This little set includes a baby bonnet and matching mitts.  Both are ribbon laced and sized for baby at 3 - 6 months

This Crochet Flower Picture is an unusual piece.   The flowers and separately crocheted and then tacked in place to fabric covered cardboard and framed.   Perhaps an extension of crewel work that was so popular in this time period.    I've not processed this pattern, but if you just 'must' have it, let me know.  

Doily Set - Place Mat and Glass Doily - This graceful mat set is certainly out of the ordinary.  Flower petals and leaves surround a linen center.  

Darned Filet Centerpiece, 14 x 24 inches, in the marvelous rose scroll motif and be worked in Filet Crochet as well.  

Handbags and Coin Purses are billed as a Mother Daughter set ... perfectly sized for each, and a quite easy pattern.  

Fascinator Head Scarf ... as 1940's as it gets!  The flowers on this design are crocheted separately and sewn in place.  

Gay Espardilles - Crocheted House Slippers and attached to cork bases.   They are sized to fit and do indeed look comfortable, as well as fashionable (with those ankle ties). 

Crocheted Toys ... a ball and a bean bag. 

This cute piece is a hat shaped pincushion with lattice edge and ribbon ties.  In the 1940's, pincushions were for hat pins as well.   

This pattern book was issued as a promotion for Lily Sil-tone Mercerized Crochet Cotton and Lily Pearl Cotton.   All of the patterns call for these threads.  

There are a few other beauties in this book, if you'd care to take a look.  The patterns I did not process were primarily edgings and insignificant bits (like the hat pin heads pictured above) .... that's how they go all the way to 42!.  

Hope you enjoyed the pattern book review. 

Thanks for dropping by. 

Lorrie 

Crochet Barbie Fashion Doll Clothes, Mail Order Designs

It was a glorious year for little girls. It was 1959 and Mattel released a creation of Ruth Handler called the Barbie Doll. Little girls across America were instantly enchanted and the rest is history.

As the Barbie Doll arrived to each home, the next essential need was the wardrobe. Which means, of course, loving Moms pulled out the cloth, scissors and yarn and started sewing, crocheting and knitting clothes fashion outfits for the beloved doll. This, of course, drove the pattern companies to start issuing patterns for those outfit.

I have several of these patterns from the early 1960's found mainly in over-the-counter magazines (like McCalls Needlecraft), as well as several Mail Order Designs. Here, let me show you a few.

Design 525 - Crocheted Bride and Bridemaid's Gowns. Just about every little girl would want these outfits.

Sweet Teen Bride is another bridal outfit (or great party dress without the veil). Did you notice the pineapples?. This pattern was issued as a Coat's and Clarks Leaflet.

Design 199 - Mail Order Pattern - Most likely Anne Cabots. This Design gives us a coat, top, skirt, hat and two choice dresses.

Design 7362, Crocheted Doll's Wardrobe. This Mail Order Design is in the Alice Brooks number series, and gives mix and match options consistent with the times .... notice the ripple poncho.

Tea Time Ensemble - This pattern from The Workbasket features more variations on mix and match options.

Just for fun, a little Barbie Trivia ...

• Birthdate: March 9, 1959
• Born: Willows, Wisconsin (a fictional place)
• First Outfit: One Piece Swimsuit
• First Hairstyle: Ponytail

I have no doubt a fair number more Fashion Doll patterns will be added to this small collection as I have a a HUGE amount of patterns I've yet to work my way through. The number will, however, be limited by what is in public domain; i.e. 1959 into early 1960's.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Knitted Afghan Patterns with Leaf Motif

Most everyone loves an afghan on the couch and or bed. It's a piece of comfort just waiting to be called upon. Wrapped around our shoulders, or feet; it is warm and soothing. I have a fair number of knitted afghans in the shop, but I think of all of them, I like the ones with the leaf motif the best. Whether plain or complex, there is just something so organic about the leaf that calls to me. Let me share a couple of my favorites with you.

Nantucket Afghan from Spinnerin: This design is also one of the shops favorite. The thick texture and diamond blocks are such a pleasing combination.

Leaf Afghan from Columbia Minerva: This design has an understated beauty, knit in contrasting shades with leaf and cable panels.

Laurel Leaf Afghan from Bertrand: This design is a colorful bit of simplicity, knit in three colors in an almost geometric way.

Lattice Leaf Afghan from Coats & Clark's: This beauty is panels of leaves worked in rows that give a lattice type effect. The design is knit in one color and has full lush fringe.

There are a few others, of course, but these are four definitely my favorite.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Mans Crochet Cardigan Pullover, Mail Order Patterns

I've said this a number of times, and I'm here saying it yet again.  Many of the mail order crochet (and knit) patterns are simple variations of each other.  You know, have a base pattern and make a slight change, and now you have another pattern to market.    Here's the most recent example; this one in the 'mans' category.

Design 901, Mans Crocheted Sweater:  Mans Raglan Sleeved Pullover with Color Band Stripes and raised rib type pattern stitch; size 36 to 42. 

Design 7140, Mans Cardigan:  Dito, dito, dito with the exception of the front button band, converting the attractive pullover into a mans cardigan.  

The pullover Design fell into the original Laura Wheeler series, and the cardigan in the Alice Brooks number series.  They are both, of course, the same company.   

Since there are two, I have no doubt there may be more.   I have several hundred more Design patterns to work my way through and will add to this post when/should I come across.  

Okay, that's all .... I'm back to work. 

Thanks for dropping by, 

Crochet Square Pattern, Mail Order Design 7215

It's quite frequent that Mail Order Design patterns re-use the same numbers.   Very seldom, however, have I found the same number used on similar patterns.  For example, a single number might be used for a crocheted doily and a knitted pullover, but unusual for two knitted pullovers.

And then today, I came across a three-fer, which I'll just call highly unusual.    It revolves around Mail Order Design 7215.

Alice Brooks 7215, Crochet Medallion

Alice Brooks 7215, Crocheted Squares

Design 7215, Crochet Square

These had me by surprise and I had to go through the listings a couple times to make sure I had the correct patterns attached to the pictures.

And that's it ... my first Mail Order discovered three-fer.   Oh, take this back to 'somewhat' typical, there is a fourth Design 7215 as well .... but for a doily.

Design 7215, Crochet Pineapple Doilies in six sizes.  

Ok, now that I've got this one figured out, I'll head back to work.   Thanks for dropping by.

A Very Popular Crochet Rug Pattern

Most days I randomly pull two of the 'pending' mail order patterns to process for the shop. One of the two today was .....

The American Weekly 3142. Well, I immediately knew that I've processed this pattern before. In fact 'a couple times before'.

Why does this happen? Well, I'd venture to say ... because it was a popular pattern with many sales. Laura Wheeler and Alice Brooks were owned by the same company -- Needlecraft Services. Now, I'm not sure which came first, but the company issued the rug pattern as Laura Wheeler 579, and then again as Alice Brooks 7323. It was then again issued simply as Design 7329 .... also the same company. The American Weekly did not create any original patterns; they purchased their patterns from Needlework Services. And, as this pattern was apparently quite popular, it makes sense they would want to market it as well.

And there you have it .... the same pattern marketed under four different names and numbers. I have (purchased and) entered all four of these patterns individually in my shop. At first, when I started finding pattern repeats in the Design series patterns I though about just listing one. But then, I realized that customers searching for a specific pattern by number would not know all the options. And thus ... this pattern is in my shop four times.

And there you go .... tonight's trivia. Thanks for dropping by,

Lorrie

Wards Knit to Fit Sizing Chart

 Out this leaflet came last night from one of my 'pending' processing stacks.  And, lo-and-behold, I had this leaflet already reformatted and in a PDF file.  And, Jees, it was dated 2015.   Now, that's another classic example of how I get sidetracked.  

Back to this leaflet ....  It was issued by Montgomery Wards and is a chart to assist those wanting to increase or decrease size when knitting tops or pullovers in the 14, 16, 18, 20, 40 and 42 size range.

There are three charts covering where to measure and changes for each size, as well as instructions on how to follow the charts.

Now, I do not know how to knit, so these charts are not totally understandable to me, but I would assume they may be quite helpful to others.    If you are interested, I've listed them as a Free Download in my shop.   Just put them in your basket and go to checkout.  (It's not necessary to fill out the address info).

Thanks for dropping by.
Lorrie  

Square Centerpiece Crochet Doily

Most of you will remember the 'old fashioned' TV set.  You know, that large console that was in your, or perhaps Grandmother' living room.   Or, for you younger folks, in old nostalgic movies.   Big square or oblong pieces of furniture, most frequently with legs.

But these sets fulfilled more than just TV watching, the top surface became yet another place for the woman of the house to merchandise objects of choice.  Here one would often find picture frames, vases, pieces of art, etc.

And, of course, the display often included the doily; a perfect showcase to whatever might gather.   Women around the world crocheted pieces to adorn their TV's.   The patterns were frequently called doilies, runners or scarves.   One company -- Needlework Services -- (Mail Order Design patterns) took it a step further and actually referred to them as TV covers.

There were a numbers of these design patterns ....

Design 7041 - in three sizes;  19, 21 and 32 inches

Design 7020 - in three sizes; 19, 21 and 32 inches

Design 7226 - in four sizes; 20, 23, 34 and 52 inches 

 

Now, the classic TV Doily has become a thing of the past, but these Designs live on.  They are still the staging for beloved items, only the table has changed.   We now call them Large Centerpiece Square Doilies, or, in some cases small tablecloths.

These patterns, which I adore even thought I do not crochet, are each a small piece of our history.   Are there more, I ya .... MORE TV COVERS!

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie