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.

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

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

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

Scintillating Pineapples Crochet Pattern Set

Now, I've written a number of blog posts about Mail Order (Away) patterns, but this particular pattern leaflet was a first for me.

Leaflet T.C. 8 -- where the T.C. stands for True Confession.   Do you remember that magazine (or perhaps you are a current subscriber!).   A magazine with scintillating deemed stories aimed for the young woman; not quite pornography, but certainly not General Housekeeping either.

But, of course, women of this liking would enjoy crocheting as well.  I had just never thought about the magazine offerings being in places other than those periodicals aimed directly at Needlecraft artists.

This is a two page, open fold leaflet, T.C. 8, with two popular patterns, vintage 1950's, from The Spool Cotton Company.  Shown above is Pattern No 7857, a round pineapple daisy luncheon set.

The inside pattern is No 7855, a matching runner is a similar motif that measures 15 x 40 inches.

This pattern leaflet, in PDF form, is available in the shop, should you be interested.

The appearance of this pattern leaflet in my collection stack, makes me wonder what other magazines contracted with the Yarn and Thread companies to feature their pattern as mail-away's.   I'll keep my eyes open, and if you know of others, do let me know.

Thanks for dropping by,

Crocheted Owl Pattern, Mail Order Designs

I'd assume that Owl's have been popular forever.   I mean, seriously, who doesn't like an owl?  But, I think with the popularity of Macrame in the 1960's, the owl became a natural; the colors so perfect for the jute cords.  And, where macrame went, you can bet the crochet fiber artists were sure to follow.     #Among the most popular of craft patterns for the time period were the Mail Order Designs starting in the late 60's.   It was easy marketing, reaching the entire country through newspapers.    Here's a couple examples:  #

Design 481 - Crocheted Owl Wall Hanging 10 1/2 x 21 inches.   

Design 672 - Crocheted Pillow in two sizes.    A shell stitch beauty, the pillow and owl are worked separately and joined.    Do you see the resemblance between these two .... yep, same owl.   This is very frequent with mail order patterns; variations of the same design.

Design 496 - Crocheted Hot Plate Mat in two sizes - 9 x 11 and 7 x 8.  I've no doubt you could also attach a hook to the back and create colorful kitchen wall hangings with these as well.

Are there more?   Of course there are.   And, as I get them reworked for the shop, I'll come back and add them in.

Thanks for dropping by,

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 

Variations of the Mail Order Rose Crochet Doily

As I have been mentioning, I have found very few instances where one of the mail order patterns (Alice Brooks or Laura Wheeler) are actual duplicates of each other.   So, not exactly the same, but closely related to each other; variations you might say.

Today I came across an example of a lovely Rose Design.

Mail Order Design 7327 -  Raised rose motif in an eight point star with diamond motifs between the points.   Made at 13 or 22 inches.

Mail Order Design 603 - Raised rose motif in a 6 point star with wheel center, and shell scallops.  Make at 11 13, 18 or 21 inches.

Mail Order Design 507 - Raised Rose in Pineapple Motif with scalloped edges.  Crochet this runner at 12 x 26, or 15 x 32 inches.

The commonality, of course, is the rose.  Exact same rose, with the petal and leaves, in all three patterns with the variations being the number of star points, or scallops, or round versus oval.   Although I have a lot of these Design patterns, there are hundreds more out there (waiting for me to find), and I have no doubt this exact rose will show up again, and again .... and perhaps, even again.

Thanks for dropping by,

Long Plus Size Crocheted Vest Pattern

Here's another example where the mail order pattern appears the same, but ends up 'not quite'.

I saw a post this morning over at Crochet Talk that prompted a look through my ladies crocheted vest patterns.   I was scrolling, when that 'wait a minute' thought occurred .... are these two Mail Order Designs the same, just under different numbers?    A second look as immediately called for.   ( Apparently, I am easily sidetracked and this is an excellent example of why I get so little accomplished in a day).

Let's see, Mail Order Design 7403, gives us a womans vest, generously sized for busts 38 to 48, worked in V-stitch, with big patch pockets in the front, slightly extended shoulders, below hip length and edging.

Whereas, Mail Order Design 7569, also sized 38 to 48, with extended shoulders,  front patch pockets, edging and below hip length.  But, it's worked in shell stitch and open stitch.

I knew there was something else here different as well, but had to look a couple times to catch it.   It's the edging of course.   The edging on Design 7569 is scalloped (as all shell stitched garments will be), and is included at the bottom hem area.

As I go through more and more of these Design patterns, I'm frequently finding close similarities, and I'm sure, before I finish processing all the Mail Order Designs I have pending, there will be more examples of this vest.

Okay, that's it, back to work now.  Thanks for dropping by.

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  

Butterfly Chair Set, Mail Order Crochet Pattern

I was just processing a mail order pattern for my shop - Alice Brooks 7170.  While proofing the pattern, I kept thinking "didn't I just do this pattern".  But, since I check to make sure I don't do the same patterns twice, I knew that not to be the case.   I went on the hunt to clarify the situation.

I currently have four different patterns in the shop for crocheted butterfly chair sets.  Interestingly enough, all 4 are mail order patterns.   They are ...

Anne Cabot's 5155, early 1950s

Mail Order Design 410 - late 1950s (?)

Design 7111 - 1958

Alice Brooks 7170 - 1950.   

It is the last two (Design 7170 and 7111) that I thought were the same.   Well, almost, but not quite.   The butterfly chair back section is the same (although pattern wording has slight differences), but the arm rests have slight differences in the outer pineapples.   The other two are distinctly different. 

There are other mail order crochet butterfly sets out there that I've not yet been able to add to the collection.  When I do get them, I'll come back and update this email so we can continue looking at the differences. 

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,

The Homecrafters Crochet Patterns

I've again come across the name 'The Homecrafters" and will say that I'm just a bit perplexed.   I have three Homecrafters patterns in my mail order collection.  All are crochet patterns.

Homecrafters 303 - Pansy Doily 

Homecrafter 318 - Fern Crochet Doily 

Homecrafters 327 - Large Ruffled Pineapple Doily

Homecrafters 329 - Three Doilies

The new pattern I worked today is identified as Homecrafters 312 - a filet crochet half or bibbed apron, that includes only charts, not even a picture of the completed apron.  (It's not often I see a pattern that vague).  

So, why am I perplexed?  Well, it's the name -- The Homecrafters.   Now there are quite a variety of names that the mail order knit and crochet patterns were marketed under.   And, I've been able to find information, be it from Google News advertising clips, Copyright entries in Google Books, the web, or others that have mail order patterns and are blogging or selling them on Ebay.   But, the Homecrafters .... nope .... nothing. 

The patterns are on the full size sheets, as are all the other patterns, but the back of the sheet is printed with patterns for woodworking projects; such as chairs, tables, benches.   The address is listed as PO Box 45, Old Chelsea Station, New York 11, NY.   Now, Old Chelsea Station is right where the Needlecraft Services and other mail order patterns kept their PO boxes, so this falls right in line.  The patterns will be pre-1963 as they reference the 2 digit postal codes.  

And, that's all I know.   I've Bing'd, Google, even browsed Dogpile and, as I've already said ... nada.  

Mysteries always bother me.   So ... if you know anything about The Homecrafters, I'd love to hear from you !!!

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie 

This Crocheted Shawl is a Fascinator

I came across another occurrence of a crochet pattern being specifically called a Fascinator.     The first time, was a few months back in a pattern leaflet from the Spool Cotton Company, and then today, a mail order pattern.

This one, SPC 1440, is a frilly delight, approx. 40 inches long.   It is early 1940's.  

Laura Wheeler 709, a shawl that is 46 x 38 x 29 inches.   This one has a nice tulip motif that is attached here and there to adorn.

This Fascinator, from Woolco, is crocheted in yarn, giving it a more substantial look.  

Both pieces are lovely, but, of course, sent me off to a typical distracted and off-topic research project.    And, what did I learn.    Well, the term Fascinator started out as a bit of a Victorian label for lace or crocheted head shawl that was secured to the head and drapes down the back, at varying scarf or shawl lengths.  These garments were deemed to make a woman mysterious.   By the 1930s, the term (according to Britticana Blogs) the term move applied to lacy hoods an then slowly disappeared from use. 

The term Fascinator began making a reappearance for the small adorned hats typically worn by the British in the 2000's.   

Like this example from Wikipedia.

Now, two hours, a shower and dinner later, I'll be able to let the subject go and move on to the next pattern in my stack to process.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie  

Crocheted Flower Block Afghan, Mail Order Design 988

I received an email this morning from a  woman in Australia that has been looking for a specific mail order crochet pattern.   She'd been searching for some time as part of her pattern was destroyed and she really wanted to finish the in-progress piece..   

This is a quite nice, and VERY LARGE afghan.   Made up of 11 inch floral blocks, that are joined to make an afghan that measures 69 x 95 inches.   This is more than a afghan, is is a blanket.

It's a large block, measuring in at 13 inches, crocheted in four colors.

Here's one of the newspaper advertisements.  There are a couple variations, but each of the are basically the same, and consistently marketed by Laura Wheeler.

Anyway, I pulled it out the pending drawer and completed the scans, converted to word doc, reformatted, put into a PDF (whew!) and listed it in my store.   It needed done, and now it is !

Perhaps she'll send me a photo when she's done ... these design pictures are never that great. 

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie