Modern Needlecraft Magazine, Volume 15

I've just finished processing Modern Needlecraft Magazine for the shop and wanted to take a couple minutes to reminisce before filing away in the 'completed' cabinet.

This magazine is Volume 15 and is the Spring-Summer issue for 1952.   There are 47 patterns in the magazine.   I processed 33 for the shop.   I don't typically decide which are sellers or not; they all deserve to be preserved.  But, in the case of this magazine, there were a number that were incomplete (you know - cont. on page 89 and nothing there), as well as some that called for ordering of specific forms or parts that are no longer available.

These old magazines were really an extension of advertising.   The yarn/thread brands would place their advertisements, and the majority of the patterns listed were using these specific brands.    Being 1952, the majority of materials are discontinued.    Where possible, I've started putting in some links to cross-reference what the yarns were.  

As typical, the magazine is divided into categories ... the something for everyone approach.  Well, almost anyway -- afghans, cloths and bedspreads were excluded.   Here are a few of my favorites.

Ribbed Sleeveless Knit Pullover has summer fun written all over it. 

Knit Two Piece Set for Baby.   

Medallion Dress with stole.

Pinwheel Crochet Rug is 30 inches

Mans Basket Weave Cardigan for the classic look

Knot Stitch Crochet Stole for a romantic evening look

My copy of the magazine is quite fragile and I was pleased to work up fairly decent photos from the little clips given.  There are other patterns from the magazine scattered here and there in the shop as well.

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

Hiawatha Corde Hats and Bags No 10

Since I seem to be spending a lot of time with 1944 designs lately, let's go for one more.   From the Heirloom Needlework Guild, let me present .....

Hiwatha Corde Hats and Bags - No 10, which sold for a five cents.   This is more a leaflet than a pattern book, featuring just 5 patterns all using (of course) the Hiawatha Corde and Rayon Cords.  

Victoria 303 - the picture hardly gives you an idea of this hat.  Crocheted in herringbone stitch, netting is pleated in a small border at the edges and then forms long neck ties.   The bag, a 'just right handbag - called Flower Basket - is lined. 

The Corde Handi-Bags, also featuring the herringbone stitch have top zipper closures and are sized 4 1/2 x 5 1/2 or 7 x 11 inches.  These bags are perfect for clutch or makeup bags.  

Classic Calot 315 is worked in four sections and joined.  Hair netting is added at the bottom for the look of drama -- inherent to many of these 1940's designs. 

All three of these pattern sets are lovely designs.   The only difficulty will be finding suitable materials to replace the obsolete Hiawatha Corde.  (( Particularly with no gauge being given on the designs )).  

My copy of this pattern set is in quite poor shape, however, am pleased that the restored patterns turned out so well !    My new motto you know .... Preserving history, one pattern at a time. 

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie  

The Vintage Crochet Snood Pattern of the 1940s

By definition, the snood comes in two types.    It is either an ornamental hairnet (or fabric bag) worn over the hair at the back of the neck, or wide ring of knitted material that is worn as a hood or scarf.   The second definition applies to more recent times, whereas the classic, or in this case, vintage term is the hairnet.

Although the crocheted snood has been around for centuries, they again gained popularity during World War II.     Snoods are typically an easy crochet project that you can stitch up in just a day or two.  The crochet snoods of the 1940s, with just an exception here and there, were pretty much predictable.  (Albeit Delightful).

 No 2447 - is a long hanging Snood with wide ribbon ties. 

This Perky Snood envelopes the  back of the head with just a small  tie at the top of the head.

Sweet Sue is similar to No 2447 above, but with different thread and hook.

Bow for a Beau, while still a basic snood, has a rather sophisticated flair, which just might be the result of a black, versus white, ribbon.  

And for fun --- Spool Cotton Company called this whimsical hat a snood as well.   Interesting ... quite!   A snood, well no.  

I'm add new patterns to the shop almost every day.   If you'd like to see if more snoods (I have to say, I love the word), have appeared, try this link.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie

Vintage Crochet Flower Hair Accessories

I was just entering a new pattern into the shop for a set of hair accessories and found myself wondering if I didn't already have these.    Now, these hair accessories are not necessarily big sellers, but shouldn't a design that goes all the way back to the 1940s (and possibly earlier) deserve representation?   Well, of course --- I think so anyway.  

Here's the pattern I'm talking about.   It's 1946 from Anne Cabots Mail Order Album.   I love the loose sketch detail, accompanied by the photography.   I nice combination of four different flowers and two leaves, that could be mixed and matched in any number of ways.

And here's another marvelous set - this one issued as a 1943 Lily Mills Leaflet 112-b.  Not all of the options here are flowers, but all are quite delightful.

This set, a bit later 1940s, is from Coats and Clarks.   It's a nice flower with variation to be used in different ways.

These patterns were specifically issued as hair accessories.  But, one must remember that a flower is a flower is a ..... well, you get the idea.   

The 1960s were well represented with flowers ... those put on a wire stalk and added to vases -- such as this Mail Order Design 524.  These flowers would make marvelous accessories.  

So, back to where I started, yes, I did have several patterns for flower hair accessories.  Don't forget that these are also great for chokers, wrist bands, shoes, label pins, over the top belts, etc. etc. etc.   I have well over 150 vintage books and magazines waiting to be processed, as well as over 500 mail order design patterns, so I have no doubt that more flowers will be appearing soon.

Okay, now I'll go back to my regularly scheduled work!.    Thanks for dropping by, 
Lorrie  

New Stoles and Cover-ups to Knit and Crochet

Let's go back to 1952.  The war is over, Harry S Truman is president, Winter Olympics were held in Oslo, the Honeymooners debut on TV and the average cost of a new car was $1700.    And while all this prosperity was happening, ladies (and some gents) continued with their knitting needles (just like in war-times) to create marvelous items for themselves.

 To keep those needles clicking, and yarn sales in action, Bernhard Ullman continues to publish several pattern books.  One of which is New Stoles and Cover-ups -- To Knit and Crochet.   It's volume 27, and sold for 20 cents (the same as a tank of gas).

No 650 - Crocheted Stole is attractively stitched in two complimentary colors graces the front cover.  

No 649 - Knitted Stole (on left) in thick and thin yarn

No 646 - Hairpin Lace Stole (on right) is made in strips on a 3 inch loom and highlighted with metallic thread.

No 655 Knitted Shrug (middle top) with three quarter sleeves and ribbed banding.

No 647 - Old Fashioned Feather Fan Pattern Stitch with long fringed ends.

No 652 - Triangle Shawl knit in jumbo yarns.

No 653 - Ribbed Stole dotted with Pearls measures 20 x 68 inches.

No 648 - Quick Knit Stole in Jumbo Yarn or Knitting Worsted

No 651 - Evening Camisole and Cover-up (center top); perfect evening attire. 

No 645 - Crazy Daisy Stole is crocheted with 365 crazy daisies. 

No 644 - Crocheted Triangle Stole with randomly placed sequins

No 654 - Angora Cape Stole - wraps you like luxury itself.

And that's it.  Twelve patterns in all; 8 knitted and 4 crochet.  Stoles and Cover-ups were coveted accessories in this time period, and Bernhard did a very job indeed.   

These patterns are listed in my shop individually, should you be interested.   Either way, I hope that you enjoyed the photo journal of this vintage book. 

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie  

Mail Order Design Pattern 624, 5 different Choices

Okay, so those of us that love the mail order patterns have come to know that the major player is one lone company - Needlecraft Services - that distributed their patterns under a number of different marketing names; such as Alice Brooks, Laura Wheeler, The Star, Readers Mail, and many individual newspaper or magazine names.

As I've built the my mail order pattern collection, I've learned a variety of tidbits about these patterns. For example, the same pattern was seldom distributed under more than one major name or number. And, the individual pattern numbers may have been used multiple times. The case at hand (that I'm looking at today), is Design 624.

I have three individual Design 624 patterns in my current selection.

Design 624, Crocheted Accessories;  include dish cloths and bath mops

Mail Order Design 624, Crocheted Cape styled Shawl

Design 624, Crocheted Swan Chair Set, Marketed as Laura Wheeler in 1948 features the always popular pineapples. 

Mail Order Design 624, Crochet Swan Basket in a combination of shell and pineapple stitches.  

Now these patterns referenced are just in the Knit / Crochet categories.   I know there is at least one Mail Order Quilt Pattern, and I wouldn't be surprised to find a transfer selection as well.  Should I process any more 624's for the shop, I'll add them to this post.    

Thanks for dropping by,

Crochet Hats Bags and Accessories

The year was 1943, World War II was underway and financially times were tight.   It was also a time of high fashion, and many a woman spent the evening hours knitting and crocheting both items to donate to the war effort, but items of fashion for themselves.

Spool Cotton Company, one of the major thread and pattern publishing companies, at this time, published their book 200 -

 Hats, Bags and Accessories 

" Heady Stuff:  Hats to turn heads, and warm hearts ... Hats to bring a glow to your cheek, a sparkle in his eye ... Hats to make your personal history memorable.  There's nothing like a pretty hat to make a pretty girl prettier, to give her a head star on chic, to captivate the man in her life.  Here are 21 out and out flatterers designed to make the most of you at a fraction of expense.  Lofty ideas that deal softly with your purse, keep your feet on the ground ... but let your head soar in the clouds. "

PC1350 -  Baby Hat and Bag Set

PC1317 - Mother Daughter Scotch Caps - Contrast the ribbon to compliment your outfits.

PC1340 Black Hat and Bag - The buttons certainly add intrigue to this bag.  The hat is a simple calot.

PC1323 Liberty Hat - This is an adorable highlight, with or without the flower.   

PC1336 - Square Brimmed Bonnet - This is certainly the 'glow to the cheeks' reference.

PC1331 - Beret with a small bridge where a ribbon is threaded at the top. 

PC1352 - Baby Cap is a close fitting affair with three small tassels at the left edge.

PC1251 - Pink and Maroon Hat and Bag Set.   Enticing and easy to boot.

PC1351 - Black Out Hat and Gloves

PC1346 Cherry Mittens - Easy to make mittens with a delightful raised cherry motif.

PC1312 High Hat with Tassels is a breezy affair that would add a touch of fun to almost any outfit.

PC1329 Paillette Trimmed Hat and Muff.  The hat has just enough veiling to be romantic

PC1329 Roll Back Pompadour hat finishes in the back with a large stylish bow.

PC1326 Open Crown Hat and Bag Set.

PC1316 Classic Sailor Hat is high, wide and handsome.

So, what do you think?    Did Spool Cotton nail the essence with the description ... hats to make a girl prettier and captivate the man in her life?   I am particularly fond of the square brimmed hat and the roll back pompadour.  These two would mesh well with my style.   

So many of the modern crochet hat patterns are similar, squashy and touting ears.   I think it would be marvelous to see a return to variety.  

I hope you enjoy the book preview.   I've listed most of the patterns in my shop; links are below the pictures. 

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie 

Crochet a Vintage Sailor Hat

Between the wide 30 year time period of the 1930s through the 1950s, pattern publishers had a tendency to partially name their patterns after current events.    Many times the design style may have something in common with the subject, and sometimes, no real commonality at all.

A good example of this is the Crochet Sailor Hat, which started cropping up in the early 1930s in pattern books and magazines and albeit disappearing in title mid 1950's.   The correlation here?   Well, World War II of course.    Times were frugal, the populations were supportive and pattern companies, wanting to sell patterns, certainly played on the symbolism.  After all, who wouldn't want to crochet a hat so named in honor of a loved father, brother, son, etc.   Here are a few examples from my current pattern listings. 

Palm Beach Sailor - This design from 1934 and ties in both the sailor design (which it obviously is), and Palm Beach.   I'm not sure what, but apparently Palm Beach was either in the news, or perhaps, just the place to be. 

Wide Brim Cartwheel - Resemblance to a Sailor high is, well, NONE.   But, it was 1939 when Spool Cotton Company released this, and they had to a reference in.  And, how did they do that you might ask.  Well, in their official description.  " Look like a picture of fragile femininity in this luscious lace creation - a wafer thin sailor which you can wash just the way you do a lamp-shade"

Classic Sailor Hat - brought to us from the Spool Cotton Company in 1943. 

Sailor Beware - A design hat from Jeanette Styles, released in 1942.   The pattern has several variations, which could have led to a variety of names. 

Nylon Sailor Hat  - American Thread also get in the name game with this entry in nylon cord, in the early 1950s.  

Sailor Boy - Just a bit late for the Sailor Name Game, didn't stop Dritz from putting the name on this Beret in 1956. 

Now, that's not to say each of these designs don't have some merit.   They are all crocheted and they all have some commonality ... even if it's in name (or description) alone.  I have several thousand more patterns standing by to be processed and I've no doubt there will be more.    If you want to check to see if I have more, try a search of "Sailor" in my shop  (this will bring up other sailor-ish items as well).

Thanks for dropping by. 

Lorrie