Mail Order Knitted Dress Pattern

As if frequently the case with the Mail Order pattern, I picked up Design 7031 to process for the shop thinking .... do I already have this pattern.   The hunt was on.  (Particularly since this is a huge pattern that takes several hours to process and I wouldn't want to spend time on it twice!).

Now the search function in my shop isn't very grand (wish Highwire fixes it someday), but diligence paid off, and there it was ... Design 501.   The same; No.  Similar; Absolutely.

Both are nice A-Line designs with comfortable fitting short sleeves and back zipper closure.  Both are knit in Fingering Yarn and Misses sized 32-34 and 36-38.

Design 501 - Knitted Dress   

Design 7031 - Knitted Dress  

Did you readily spot the differences?  Well, the first pattern has just one raised leaf panel, and the second has two.   And, less obvious, the first and second have a slight collar variation.   And, that's it.

I come across this type of 'differences' constantly in the Mail Order patterns.  Pattern A has a slight difference to Pattern B.  I imagine this partially occurred because of the constant business requirement to have 'new' patterns in the newspaper every week.   I'd also think, like an idea, there can be so many variations on a good design.

These are both intermediate to advanced Designs; the directions are extensive.  But, what great designs that I'd think you'd want to wear for years.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Hand Knit Fashions in Tweed, Bernhard UllmanVol 32

This pattern book, Volume 32, is just the 4th book that I've worked through in the Bernhard Ulmann collection, and I must say, it's quite delightful .... as well as a nice deviation from the doilies and bedspreads I've mostly been working through lately.

This book takes us back to 1957; designs have not yet taken on the mod colors of the 1960's, but are not entirely the form fittings styles of the earlier 1950's.  

Hand Knit Fashions in Tweed - Volume 32

Volume 32 was created as a promotion tool for Bernhard Ulmanns Tweed brand yarns, Bear Brand Tweedmoor and Fleishers Glen Tweed, as well as Bear Brand Sport Tweed and Fleishers Sport Tweed.  That goes to say, then, that all of the patterns in this book will feature these specific yarns (a quite attractive selection!). 

No 668 Windbreaker Suit - The skirt, as is typical, is a straight design and quite standard fair.  But, what a splendid jacket.  

No 667 - Box Coat is made an above standard design with the fabulous collar and fold-back cuffs.  This loose fitting design is one that would be so comfortable. 

No 679 Ribbed Sheath Dress is an elegant design that became quite remarkable with the all over rib pattern stitch, then taken over the top with the contrast collar.  

No 672 - Ribbed Stole is a quite easy design that is simple rib stitch with long fringe ... a warm and elegant choice.  

No 673 - Lace Stole is also an 'extra easy' design perfect for beginners.   This pattern is offered as a free download. 

No 681 - Cable Cardigan gives bold and broad cables that definitely pop out on the tweed background.  The back is cabled as well.

No 676 Girls Clock Socks .... remember this term?  (Clock socks have a narrow pattern (not usually clocks) that runs up the leg and along the foot. Looks like clock hands when viewed from the side).  

No 674 - Two-Tone Weskit.  This fitted vest has the marvelous checked pattern stitch on the front and a striped motif (created by the tweed yarn), on the back.  This design yells 'Fun'. 

No 675 - Jiffy Knit Jacket:  How cute it this?   Chunky and Bulky and, well, cute!  And it's an easy design that beginners could tackle.
No 678 - Fringed Shortie - Another cute design with the subtle patterning of the tweed.  The fringed collar adds that bit of 'fun' as well.

No 677 - Men's Classic Socks - a marvelous tweed for the professional man.

No 666 - Sleeveless Pullover for our men features the grand argyle design on the tweed background with extra wide ribbing at the bottom.

No 669 - Jumper is a simple, attractive design perfect for everyday wear.  The tweed yarns give the design just a bit of texture.

And, that's the complete book.   The book cover being the same as the front.   I found it interesting the socks pattern did not contain a size, but I'm not a knitter, so perhaps it's a knitting skill that one just knows when to add on or subtract (?).    

My favorites here are the Ribbed Dress and the Jiffy Knit Jacket; either of these would be a welcome addition in my closet.   You; what are your favorites?  

These patterns, complete with listed material requirements, are listed in the shop should you be interested.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie  

Knitted Coats for Madame and her Dog

Although  not in the hundreds, I have come across a fair number of knitting or crochet patterns that are designed for mother/daughter, or father/son, or even brother/sister, but this is a first for me !

May I present two knitting designs that are woman/dog, or whatever combination in which you might like to think of it .... perhaps human/canine ?

These knitted designs came out of McCalls Needlecraft Magazine - Fall/Winter 1963.  I will say the pullovers are both great looking designs, as well as the dog coats.   I particularly like the dog coat on the right ... complete with pockets to carry those small things the 'walker' might need.    But, the set together, well, that's just 'too cute'.

I've listed these in the shop, should you be interested in creating the ladies pullovers, or dog coats.   But please, if you knit (and wear) the combos, please send me a picture !

Thanks for dropping by.
Lorrie

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  

Bernat Fashions in Venetian Yarn, Book 92

Some pattern books that I process contain more surprises than others .... like this one.   Yesterday, I picked up the book from the 'patiently waiting' stack, warmed up the scanner and carefully put through each page.   Then, later in the evening started the process .... which requires restoring the pictures in Photoshop, converting the patterns themselves to a text document, where I can then proof and format back to a PDF document and pictures for the shop.    It went like this ....

Bernat Book 92 - Bernat Fashions in Venetian Yarn, Published in 1960.

 Style No 137-92, is featured on the front cover.  Knitting this design will be, by the minute, the creating of a fashion favorite. Bold checked pattern stitch, contrast band and large shawl collar.

On the inside cover is a most amusing depiction of Bernat .... a master dyer.    Now, just like the title of the book implies, the patterns in the book are made in Venetian Yarn.
This yarn, now discontinued (as you might expect for 54 years), is 100% wool, is 1-oz weight with 75 yards per skein.   The book indicates that Nylo Germantown may be substituted.   This is also discontinued, but it is a 50% wool, 50% Nylon, 2 oz weight at 150 yards per skein.

Style No 1680-92, a form fitting knitted dress with a noteworthy pattern stitch, collar and dolman elbow length sleeves.

Style No 136-92, a loose fitting knit jacket that one could have not choice but to make it a wardrobe favorite. 

Are you liking how Bernat fancied up the whole pattern design with the gilded frames?   (as if these designs needed fancied!)

And here, with this lovely three piece knitted dress is was my surprise began ... the pattern text said 'continued from page 7'.   I flipped back to Page 7 to see how I'd missed something and ... well .. there was no page 7.   While scanning I never noticed that pages 7 to 10 were missing.  

So, for this design, and at least two other ... I have no record.   And, because the designs are here so fabulous, that's a real shame !  This pattern graces the back cover.

Style No 148-92 and 149-92, give us one jacket with two design options -- collarless with open front, or notched collar and button band.   

Wonder why Bernat didn't put these beauties in a gilded frame?

Style 1684-92 graces the back cover.  The skirt is rather standard fair, but oh what a knitted jacket it is !

And, with the posting of the last pattern, the book is finished.   Well ... at least until I happen across another copy of the book and get the opportunity to fill in the gap of pages 7 to 10.  

Hope you enjoyed the journey.    Thanks for dropping by,  

Pointers for Crocheting and Knitting

This book, magazine style, came to me in a lot of goodies I purchased off of Ebay some time back.   I logged it in and placed it in the ever growing stack of my collection.   Over the last couple months, I find I keep moving it back towards the top of the stack; believe it's something about the bright red cover that kept grabbing my attention.

This is a bit of a mystery book it's not really branded, nor a specific magazine.  You know, like American Thread or Bernat ... long time yarn manufacturers that put out pattern books to support their yarn sales, or Smart Knitting Magazine.

This pattern booklet says its published by successors to Home Arts and Needlecraft Magazines and the publisher is Newbold Ely.  Published by successors?   There's also reference to this being a companion pattern book to the Knitting Knowledge book series, also published by Newbold Ely.

This pattern booklet was issued in 1947.   Although there are some good patterns here, as well as some delightful photos, it was not a high quality publication.   The pictures are a bit grainy and overall dark, and I'm sure the 50 some years have not been that kind as well.

There are around 45 patterns in the book.   I put 30 some in the shop; the rest were not up to muster.  Most the patterns are for sale, however, a small handful are listed as free downloads.  It's a usual selection for a magazine style offering of this time period ... doilies, children's wear, pullovers, afghans, etc.  Here, let me show you a few.

 Toddler knitted checked jacket - Sized 2 to 5

Knitted sleeveless slip-over for our little girls with twin cable stripes down the front.  Toddler size 4 and girls size 8.  

Floral Medallions for bedspreads and scarves - 5-1/2 inches each, with small fill piece.

Colorful and easy striped afghan

Family set of knitted cable sweaters

 

And, tucked onto one of the pages, is this marvelous clip of a woman knitting for her (probably away) military husband.  ((Remember, the year here is 1947 )). 

Another feature in the back of the book was a small section of the knitted and crochet pattern stitches used in the book.   I've added an album to my facebook pages to start capturing the pattern stitches.   If you'd like to see, here is the Crochet Pattern Stitch Link, and this is the Knitted Pattern Stitch Link. 

If you'd like to some of the patterns that I listed, follow this link .... Pointers for Crochet and Knitting.   I went out and Google'd the companion books, and Geez ... would I like to have them as well.   But, maybe one day, there are still a good 200 other books in my collection waiting for me to do something with them !

Hope you enjoyed the brief review.   Thanks for dropping by.

Lorrie  

Columbia Minerva 756 Crochet Collection Pattern Book

Here's a marvelous book from Columbia Minerva  - Book 756, Crochet Collection.   Just like the title implies, there is not a single knitting pattern to be had.   The book, early 1960s, features tops, jackets, dresses, and a couple coats.   And don't let me forget the suits ... very Jackie O in styling.  Now, I've carefully worked through each pattern and have to save that most are all on easy side; with only a couple being more moderate.

There are 25 separate patterns in the book.  

756-1 Two Tone Suit is worked with two closely contrasted color tones, giving it that tone on tone look.

And, for Columbia-Minerva, a rather short introduction. 

756-2 Princess Suit - an attractive two piece set with straight skirt and jacket.

756-3 Double Breasted Suit - Similar in style, but is double breasted with the marvelous double notch collar. 

756-4 Long Shell in a pretty shell stitch, with scalloped edging.

756-5 Shell gives us a light and airy pattern stitch; so perfect for summer

756-6 Suit Pattern - Straight Skirt paired with nicely trimmed open front jacket.

756-7 Afghan Suit in afghan stitch, of course, includes a comfortable waist length jacket and skirt.

756-8 V-Neck Pullover with striped bands is rated E (for easy, of course)
756-9 Raglan Sleeve Sweater also has striped color bands at hemline and sleeves.

CM756-10 Crochet Sweater is a simple pullover with checkerboard trim.
CM756-11 Crochet Sweater with low V-Neck with contrast band at openings.

CM756-12 Walking Suit is made in a Shell Stitch Motif and includes both a long skirt and overcoat.
CM756-13 Crochet Sleeveless Dress with Matching Jacket and tie belt

A collection of easy to crochet, easy to wear dresses grace the center fold.   With a change of accessories, these all have potential of going from casual to dressy.
CM756-14 (far left) - Simple sleeveless dress in allover shell motif with scalloped edges.
CM756-15 - (2nd from left) - Star stitch straight dress with extended shoulders and boat neck.
CM756-16 (bottom center) - Lovely crocheted dress with square neckline and collar,
and raglan sleeve cap.
CM756-17 (right back row) - Easy straight dress with extended shoulders and a lovely round collar.
CM756-18 - (Far Right) - Columbia are referring to this beauty as an Ivory Macrame.

CM756-19 Shell Jacket with adorable faux pockets and scalloped edges.
CM756-20 Shell Pullover Sweater with allover motif and long sleeves.

CM756-21 Crocheted Coachman Coat has shoulder has the finishing touch of epaulettes and is
 lined in taffeta.
CM756-22 Long Coat, side buttoned with dolman sleeves and a roll collar.

CM756-23 Evening Skirt and Top, employing both a harlequin design and
lacy shell stitch top.

CM756-24 - Three piece suit with lined jacket and skirt is easy enough for beginners.
CM756-25 Three Piece Suit is a stop more to the intermediate to advanced artist.  The detachable collar and cuffs are delightful.

So there you go.   A fair number of upscale designs to update your wardrobe, as well as some classics that are both easy to make and easy to wear.    The styles of jackets and pullovers are a bit on the short side, just as you'd expect for the early 60's, but add a few rounds here and there if that's not your current style.   I am particularly fond of the double page spread of dresses.  But, that's to be expected, as I always love a dress.   You, what do you favor?  

Hope you enjoyed the photo journal, and thanks for dropping by. 

Lorrie 

Knitted Crocheted Pattern Book WF1, New York World's Fair

This booklet, Knitted and Crocheted designs, as featured at the Better Living Center at the New York World's Fair was a special edition pattern booklet by American Threads (WF1) to commemorate ... yep, you guessed it .. the New York World's Fair.  This booklet, Original Dawn Yarn Designs was a promotion for that specific brand of their yarn. 

 This pattern book came out in the 1964/1965 time frame.  These are quite subdued to other American Thread books around this same time line.   There is truly not a pattern here that would not be desirable.

Let me show you. 

Irish Crochet Dress : "I went to the World's Fair and I saw - Cover Girl in White Evening Sheath.  The skirt is divided, the attention is not !"  The shell is sized S-M-L; the skirt is one size.   Iridescent sequins and small crystal beads further highlight the Irish crochet.  

  Gold and White :  "I went to the World's Fair and I saw - Striking pair with Midas Touch ... bold gold stripes mated with white call attention ... to his ... to hers".  Knitting pattern sized for were at 32, 34, 36 and for him at 40, 42, 44.

"I went to the World's Fair and I saw -- Forecast of Things to Come .. a Chevron Knit Dress that scoops fashion with an impish neckline, hemline ... a debonair striped shell, with basic skirt, to whip up in the briefest of time capsules"  Both patterns are knitting and are sized S-M-L.

Motif Sweater : "I went to the World's Fair and I saw - The Box .. crochet the motifs as you go.  Perfect for flights of fancy"  This Box Motif Sweater pattern is crochet and sized S-M-L.  

"I went to the World's Fair and I saw ... The pullover Authority .. newest pullovers made good travellers ... on helicopters or World's Fair Express".  The Opal and Antique Gold Sweater is knitted and sized 32, 34, 36.  The Coral and White Sweater is also knitted, but sized 34. 36, 38.

"I went to the World's Fair and I saw  -- Drop-Shouldered Coachman .. this perfect spectator gets the play of attention too for its classic beauty of line and color".   This Coachman Sweater calls for both knitting needles and a crochet hook.   It is sized S-M-L.    

"I went to the World's Fair and I saw -- A Shell and Popovers .. pomponed, looped, and squared away to steal the show and make your day".   The Buff Shell, Looped Topper and the Square Topper are crochet, The Pom-Pon Popover requires both knitting and crochet.

Shell Patterns

"I went to the World's Fair and I saw -- Traveling Companions .. Big, bold stripes in her comfortable shift dress and cables in his casual pullover".  The Bold Stripe Sheath is knitted and sized 10, 12, 14 and 16.  The Man's Cable Raglan is also knitted and sized 40, 42 and 44.

"I went to the World's Fair and I saw -- The Stop-Light Sheath ... Red on Red on Red".  This dress is crochet and sized S-M-L.  

"I went to the World's Fair and I saw -- Two Fashion Noteworthies .. button-free and easy shaped cardigan ... smashingly striped drop-shouldered pullover".  The Cocoa and Tangerine Trimmed Cardigan is crochet.  The Striped Sweater is knitted.   Both are sized S-M-L.

"I went to the World's Fair and I saw -- Capricious Cardigan .. turn the sleeves on or off -- it's a fashion coup either way you crochet it.  Why not have both?"  This bulky cardigan is crochet and sized S-M-L.

"I went to the World's Fair and I Saw -- Turn About .. knit-easy, wear easy shift with decollete worn front or back, unbuttoned as low as you dare".  This dress is knitted and sized S, M, L.  Note:  If desired, dress may be worn with opening at back.

"I went to the World's Fair and I saw -- A Pink Lady ... with deepening interest, from the palest to the most forthright declaration of Star-bright color".   This Tri-Tone Cable Sweater is knitted and sized S-M-L.

This is the back cover and a replay of the marvelous Red "Stop-Light' Sheath.

This book was issued as a promotion to American Thread Brand Yarns.  This delightful lead-in was included on the first pages. 

One of the back pages gave us a handy reference to the different Dawn Yarns that are used in this book.

Hope you enjoyed this Fashion Show of the 1964 -  Latest in Knit and Crochet Wear.     In this particular time period, American Thread put out a number of pattern books that were, well, on the funky side.   This book, however, makes up for that with several quite elegant pieces.    

I have restored and reformatted these patterns to crisp, easy to follow, documents which are available in my shop - just follow the links below the pictures - should you be interested.

 Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie