Crocheted Rug Patterns, Star Book 106

The year was 1950 when American Thread issued their pattern book - Crocheted Rugs.   The book, 32 pages in all, is half and half color to black and white in a glossy format.  The book is issued in promotion to the Aunt Lydia's Heavy Rug yarn, which is called for in each of the patterns.    There are 14 patterns and I'd rate them all as easy.  All are crocheted, a couple are woven or have added embroidery.

Gracing the cover is Home Sweet Home, with a base of crochet and strands of black and white woven through.   Finished, it will measure 19 x 30 (without the fringe).

Dot Dot Dash, worked in white and green on a black base is an easy design to put together, and would prove a complimentary factor to almost any decor.  Make in a large (23 x 48") or smaller rug.

The Young Modern Rug, also worked in three colors, will measure 24 x 40 inches.   This will be an easy design to increase or decrease size, should you desire.

This pretty two tone rug is named Biarritz (for the city in France?).   It's a nice block motif with the center of each block embroidered in cross stitch.

I'm not sure what the old Granny looked like, but this "New Granny" is quite appealing worked in four colors of 6 x 6 inch blocks to make a finished rug of 24 x 36 inches.

The Provincial Rug is another woven design.  Crochet the base and weave through colorful strands of heavy rug yarn to achieve pleasing effect.    I've added this pattern to the shop as a Free Download.

This rug design is perfect for the childs room; be that on the floor or even the wall (without the fringe).   Happy the Clown is crocheted and the clown embroidered in cross stitch.

The Country Home design is a hexagon crocheted in six different shades and finished with long fringe all the way around.   It measures 25 1/2 inches in diameter.

With a Southwestern American Indian motif in 3 colors, the Cliff Dweller area rug can be worked in two sizes - 26 x 50 or 16 x 26 inches.

The Regimental Stripes rug is crocheted in 5 colors of heavy rug yarn, making it a bright and welcome addition to almost any room.  The rug is 24 x 40 inches.

Funny that American Thread named this Oval area rug Round and Round !   It is worked in four colors, employing three different pattern stitch and, of course, the loop stitch.  The rug will measure 25 x 37 inches.

7 skeins each of black and white Heavy Rug Yarn, and a few hours of time, and you will have the Day and Night rug to place ... well, anywhere you like.   The rug will measure 24 x 40 inches.   This pattern is offered as a Free Download in the shop.

This sweet rug design will be a color spot wherever it resides.  Pinwheel is an easy design that measures 24 inches.

The Contemporary is made of 15 blocks, each featuring one of two sizes of block cubes worked in loop stitch.   I has a quite nice dimensional effect.  The directions calls for one color,  but I think two to three colors would be equally as interesting.

And, that's it .. that back cover is the same as the front.   All in all, there are attractive selections here, and just as American Threads' goal would have been ... something for everyone.   I'd think that still holds true.

These patterns are listed in my shop; just follow the links under the respective pictures.   There's a couple free patterns there as well.   If you want to see more rug patterns, there's a bunch in the shop. 

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Floral Doily Patterns for Crochet Book 268

The year was 1950, and the Spool Cotton Company issued a bright and colorful pattern booklet, making the grand step from the slightly earlier times where only the front and back covers were in color.  Of course, there was a definite reason for this.  It was the introduction of a line line of bright and colorful, as well as varigated threads under the Coats and Clarks Brand Name.  

The book contains just 11 patterns .... and very nice patterns they are. 

The Newest in Floral Doilies 
Book 268

Gracing the front cover is the incredible lovely ...

FD-437 Tulip Varieties with 16 variegated tulips bordering spiderweb mesh at either 

15 or 17 inches.

FD-440 Wild Rose Scallops, brightly colored with pink roses and border on a green lace background.   It measures either 10-1/2 or 12 inches. 

FD-448 Rose Bouquet, worked in Filet Crochet with full page chart, measuring 

11 x 17-1/2 or 12 x 19-1/2 inches.

FD-441 Flower Cartwheel designs radiates from the wheel to brightly colored flowers at the ends of the spokes.   Make it up at either 10 or 11 inches. 

FD-446 Floral Temptation has a bit of it all; pretty flowers, scalloped border that forms a ruffle at the points, a wheel type center... and more !

FD-443 Daisy Web gives a spiderweb ad large tiered center daisy, with a border of repeating

 daisies and leaves.   Make it at either 14 or 16 inches. 

FD-447 Viola Cornuta is the crocheted motif around a linen center creating 

a runner up to 14-1/2 by 40 inches, 

FD-439 Sweet William is made up of 1-1/2 inch doilies, in bright colors, with a deeply 

ruffled green border

FD-442 Petunias has a nice compact pinwheel central motif that is surrounded by

16 individual petunias.  

FD-445 Coreopsis has bright yellow and while flowers nestled at the ends

of the long narrow leaves. 

And, the back cover .. the last three doilies, of course. 

I personally think it is a delightful collection of doilies.  Now, I know that white and beige are the norm, but I'm fond of colorful.  My particular favorite being the Petunia Pinwheel design.   You?  Have you a favorite? 

Thanks for dropping by for my pattern book review, 

Lorrie 

Crochet Hot Mit Potholder Pattern, Meet Handy Andy

We all know that the old issues of The Workbasket are historical for their lousy pictures.   They were lousy way back then and they, of course, have not approved with age.   But, some of them are just so fun that we must look beneath the grain to see the prize.     Like this one from 1956.

Meet Handy Andy.   He's has an extra long face and a really thick neck, which are nicely matched in size by those big ears.   

And then, using an included chart (or branching out on your own) and some felt, you create his facial features.  

This would be a fun project to work with your grade school sized kids.  You crochet, they help decorate !  

If you'd like to make a Handy Andy of your own, he is available as a Free Download in the shop.   There are also a fair number of other potholders in the shop as well  (some free, some not).

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie  

Butterflies in Crochet, Coats Clarks Book 272

There probably has never been a time that butterflies were not a favored motif for crochet.  They are bright and colorful and just the sight, be it the real thing, or portrayed in art, gives us that feel of long summer days and pretty flowers.    No wonder that butterflies have also remained a popular motif in crochet.

Way back in 1951 - 62 years ago - Coats & Clark put out a book celebrating Butterflies in Crochet.    Now, there were certainly no groundbreaking design ideas, but each of their butterflies are attractive motifs' with plenty uses.  Let me show you.

Book 272 - Butterflies in Crochet 

The front cover gives real life examples of some of the butterflies portrayed in the pattern book 

Hat and Gloves S-36 :  Here we have big butterflies stitched to a fabric cloche and the matching 

motif built into a pair of crochet mesh gloves.   This set is pure fun.  

Butterfly Handkercheifs S-44 :  Three pretty butterflies and edgings to stitch to handkerchiefs,

 or items of your choice. 

Butterfly Blouse S-34 :  Just a bit misleading, this pattern includes instructions for one butterfly that can be made to a variety of items and stitched to a blouse, as they suggest, or to anything you might like. 

This pattern is available in my shop as a Free Download. 

S-37 Butterfly Runner.  The pattern includes both a large and a small butterfly motif 

for stitching to runners (or items of your choice). 

S-65 Butterfly Luncheon Cloth:  Another attractive motif for stitch to cloths - in this case a 

pretty pink luncheon cloth. 

S-43 Butterfly Luncheon Set :  A loose butterfly design is attached as edging to place, 

bread and butter and glass mats.  

Night Table Doily S-55 :  This 15 inch square Night Table Doily is mesh with 

a raised butterfly motif. 

Bedspread Ensemble S-66 :  This is an inspiration pattern picture.  Make up the different butterfly motifs in the book and attach bedspreads, curtains, lamp shades in a colorful array. 

Luncheon Set S-61 :  In three sizes, using this mesh mats with butterfly edge

as luncheon mats or doilies.  

And, there you go.  These 9 patterns constitute the book.   I think there is a nice assortment in here.  Although I'm not sure about putting these on blouses, I would image there would be many a person, especially young girls, that would love the butterfly gloves and hat, and I certainly wouldn't mind the runner cloth myself.   You - do you have a favorite ?  

I reworked this book into sharp clean individual patterns, which I have listed in my shop, should you be interested.  The links are below the pictures.     I hope you enjoyed the book review. 

Thanks for dropping by,  

Crochet Gifts, Coats Pattern Book 226

I've been looking through the Crocheted and Knitted Pattern Booklet No 226 for some time.  The official name is Gifts and it has a bunch of different ideas for (perhaps) quick and easy gifts to knit or crochet.   I've delayed processing the book, just because there are so many patterns in it to review.  But, as I'm not getting any younger, suppose I should just get on with it !

The Gifts book contains 24 projects;  all but two being crochet.  Grab up cup of whatever you drink, if you're going to preview with me.   Note - there are 26 pictures here; depending upon your internet speed, it might take a minute or two to load.

 Book No 226, Gifts Crocheted and Knitted was re-issued by Coats Clarks in 1945.   I have not yet discovered the first issue date, nor found evidence of a third.   The front and back cover are the same.  

 No 4034 - Hot Plate Mats - The Large mat measures about 9 inches, the medium mat 7 inches and the small mat about 5 1/2 inches.

No 4036 - Frill Doily features a center six point star, surrounded by more than ample ruffles. 

No 4044 & No 4045 Crochet Insertions shown here on towels, but feel free to put them on anything you might like.
These insertions are available as a Free Download in my shop. 

No 4028 Round & Square Potholder Set features fun daisy flower motif made with scraps of red and green felt. 

No 4024 Baby Blanket measures 36 x 50 inches and has a sweet scallop edging. 

No 4026 Loopy Dog & Ball - Crochet one or the other; they are both adorable. 

No 4042 & 4043 Pincusions:   The pattern is a bit misleading named as Pincushions.  The pattern gives directions to made the edging and insertion for purchased (or already made) pincushions.  They are, however, dainty pieces worthy of use.   

These insertions are available for free download in my shop, should you be interested. 

No 4035 - Hot Place Mats - Bright and colorful pieces with chain edging measures 

approx. 6 x 8-1/2 inches.
This pattern is available for free download in my shop. 

No 4027 - Potholders - Easy Beginner Potholders that are simple and attractive.
This pattern is available for free download in my shop. 

No 4032 - Flower Basket :  A nice accent piece with ribbon weaving, perfect for flowers, potpourri or whatever may suit you.

No 4030 - Crocheted Apron looks to be not just easy to make, but attractive to wear. 

No 4040 - Belt and Matching Bag have an attractive diamond design which is stitched in accordance with the included chart. 

No 4051 - Scuffs are slip-on with a diagonal stripe design.  They require purchases soles.
This pattern is available as a Free Download in my shop.  

No 4048 - Slippers with flower motif are ankle high with a tie closure to keep them in place. 

No 4049 - Crochet Handbag.  This pattern is featured on the cover.  Notice the attractive shell stitch.

No 4029 - Dickey with Crocheted Edge.  Actually, the pattern is for the crochet edging only ... but what a spectacular dickey!  

This edging design is available in my shop as a Free Download.

No 4046 - Bed Socks:  These may resemble baby booties, but they are actually a set of misses bed socks.

No 4047 - Bed Jacket:  This pretty garment is also made in Shell Stitch and features purchased lace collar, cuffs and ribbon ties.   It's a romantic piece.

No 4033 - Hanger Covers & Sachet :  Here a closet accessory set - Covers for your wooden coat hangers, sachets as well as a mini hand stand.  

No 4050 - Curtain Pulls or Ornaments - lacy with scalloped edges.   These are quite pretty and useful for many decorative purposes.

No 4041 Luncheon Set :  A simple, yet elegant design includes placemats that are 11 x 17 inches, as well as an 11 x 27 inch runner. 

No 4036 & No 4037 :  Bright and colorful sets of Glass Jackets and Coasters.   Perhaps the coozies will need to move over for a resurregence.

No 4025 Knit  Luncheon Set is made up in strips and connected together for 

the 11-1/2 x 16-1/2 place mats. 

No 4039 Knitted doily measures 16 inches in diameter. 

That's it !   Finally; it took me three days to process and get through all of these.   I wonder if anyone is actually going to make it to the end of the review.

The book mostly meets the expectations of the title theme - GIFTS.   Everything in the book would have made a good gift back in 1949, and a good number still would today.   The only criticism I could venture would be the ratio between the knit and crochet.  We had a whole total of 3 knitting patterns.

I've reformatted all of these patterns and put them in my shop; some for sale and others as a free download, as indicated below each photo, should you be interested.

I hope you enjoyed the photo journal.  Thanks for dropping by.