Crochet Panda Bear, Free Panda

This Crochet Panda Bear gets an A+ for adorable.   

The pattern does not indicate his (or her) actual size, but I'm guessing somewhere between 8 and 12 inches.   If you make this one up, I'd appreciate your stopping back by and letting me know. 

Here you go .... 

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

New Ideas in Doilies Pattern Book Coats Clark 283

This booklet, New Ideas in Doilies, Book 283 from Coats and Clarks  has quite a lighthearted introduction:

"Choose a color from your room, then select a doily from this book.  Crochet the doily in your color choice ... and you have a new point of emphasis in your decor.   These doilies are designed to complement the mellowness of maple, or the subtle sheen of mahogany".  




There are a couple more unusual doilies here.  Grab a cup of whatever you like to drink, and let's preview of the book.

New Ideas in Doilies

 S- 221 - Summer Sunshine graces the cover.  A pretty place mat with lattice edging measures
12.5 x 19.5 inches.
This pattern is available as a Free download in my shop.  

S-212 - Carnival Wheels can we used as either doilies or place mats.
Make these hairpin lace pieces in oval (15 x 19.5 inches) or round (14.5 inches).

S-213 - Lagoon Doily measures 13 inches 

Scallops of crocheted braid form the basis of this unusual design.  

S-214 -  Minute Magic as it is so quick and easy to make that ... you guessed it ... it will take just minutes.  The finished doily measures 17 inches

S-218 - Rapid Rings - Here is another doily that is in the 'Easy' category.  Simple, yet elegant, it measures 19 inches in diameter when completed.    (( Did you notice the container of cigarettes ... that is certainly a look at times gone by )).

S215 - Laurel Leaves - An unusual doily is named for the Laurel Leaves it is to resemble.   I've not much experience with Laurel Leaves, I will admit.  To me, it looks a bit like small cactus.  You?

S-216 - Victoriana -  Charming doily with base of crocheted braid, linen center, that measures 17 1/2 inches in diameter.

S-217 - Filigree crochet doily features row upon row of loveliness and 8 points edge.

S-219 - Ribbon Rows - 12.5 x 18 inches

Filet crochet laced with colorful grosgrain ribbon.

S-220 - Dew Drop - 14.5 inches square (each motif is 2.25 inches)

Simple motifs in contrasting colors joined with star-shaped fill-in lace.  This pattern is available as a free download in my shop.  

And, on the back cover ... S-222 - Edelweiss - Complete with daises and ruffles, this pretty piece at 15.5 inches has a lot to offer. 

I think a couple of these are quite lovely.   I particularly like The Lagoon, it has such a spring feel to it.    I also like the Ribbon Rows with the grossgrain ribbon weaved through it.   Although I'd have to use it on a table, not as a placemat; my eating habits are too messy to eat on this pretty piece.

So, what's your favorite ?  (Do leave me a note ... sometimes I wonder if anyone is looking at, or enjoying these old patterns).

I have restored and reformatted the patterns in this book and listed individually in my shop, should you be interested in making one of them.   Just follow the links below the pictures.  There are also two free downloads offered.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Crochet Placemats Doilies Coats Clarks Book 315

This pattern booklet is Placemats and Doilies in the Contemporary Manner.  It is Book 315, Coats & Clark's, Vintage 1955.    I enjoyed the 'Contemporary Manner' in the title.      We, of course, have vintage, when something is older and if it's not older but we still need some extra words, just toss in Contemporary.   (Yes, I know, I'm easily distracted with words).    Actually, this booklet contains a nice variety of vintage style doilies and placements (Modern back then, of course).   That's not to say, however, that they would not be desirable n todays setting.        Here, let me show you.

Place Mats and Doilies, Book 315

S-750 Star Wheel Place Mats take the front page.  These pretty mats, suitable for the entry or dining room table, measure 19 inches. 

This is one of the few Coats & Clark's books where the front and back cover are different.    

Here's the promo page on the inside cover for their line of threads featured in the patterns to follow. 

S-748 - Orange Blossom - Orange Blossoms, Pineapples and lacy mesh all in 11-1/2 inches.

S-749 - Ripple Rhythm - 14 inches in diameter, features a central leaf type motif and plenty
mesh with a rhythmic flow. 

S-751 - Strawberry Cream - An eye catching place mat design, mesh with a solid 

border measures 12 x 18 inches

S-752 - Avocado Stripes has thin stripes between rows of cluster stitch with contrast color.

 Quite a pleasing combination. 

S-753 - Silver Sands - 12 x 18 inches, calls for metallic thread, giving it 

shimmering detail.  This pattern is offered as a Free Download in my shop. 

S-754 - Candy Cane  is well named for the red and white, stitched with
 metallic thread is 16.5 inches in diameter.

S-755 - Sundial -  This pretty piece, IMO more resembles a star or a flower ... maybe a
poinsettia, although officially named Sundial.  It is 10 inches in diameter.

S-757 - Rose Wreath - with open mesh on the inside and the rose
motif on the out.  It measures 14 inches 

The back page gives us the last two doilies featured.
S-758 - Comets Tail (top) - aka is whirlwind, is lovely at 11-1/2 inches.
S-759 - Rose Brocade - a rich tapestry type doily all in 13 inches.

So, what do you think of these Contemporary ... ummm Vintage 1955 ... designs?     There are a couple I wouldn't mind having.   I think the outside pattern on the Rose Wreath would make a nice border on clothing and the Strawberry Cream Placemats would look great under my dinner plate !

I've restored and converted these patterns to PDF format.   They are available in my shop, links under the pictures, should you be interested.   Either way, I hope you enjoyed the pictures and book review.

Thanks for dropping by,

Star Book 55 Crochet Potholders American Thread Co

This booklet, from American Thread Company, is dated 1947.  It is Star Book 55 - Potholders.    For this booklet (as I understand was done for a couple earlier ones as well), a variety of corresponding recipe' accompany the individual patterns.    You know, a recipe for Crabmeat Augratin along with a pattern for a crochet potholder with a crab motif.    Perhaps they thought it would be a bonus.  If the patterns were not enough to get you to put the book in your basket, perhaps the recipe would tip the scales towards purchase.

I will admit, there is a whimsical variety of patterns here.  Many of these have gift giving written all over them.     All of the patterns are crochet.   Here, let me know show you !

Star Potholders

As usual, the front and back cover are the same. The cover color is red, versus the pink that was picked up in this scan.

 This book is a promo for the Star Brand Cottons, although the recipies and art sketches add a wonderful flair.

 No 5501 and No 5502 - Give us a fish an a crab, nicely served up with crab meat au gratin. 

 5503, a bumble bee and 5504, a butterfly complimented with honey date sticks.

 5505 a strawberry, 5506 a pear and 5507 an apple.   All three served up with a recipe for spiced fruit compote.

 5508, maple leaf potholder and 5509 an acorn potholder with a recipe for maple sugar graham crackers (which I'll list below).  

No 5510 - a tree all by itself ... no recipe.   

This pattern is available as a Free Download. 

5511, Panties potholder, 5512, Slip potholder and 5513 Dress Potholder.   Now, these are accompanied by a recipe for cheese cake.  I don't quite get the correlation.

 

 No 5514, Thorn Rose, 5515 Poppy potholder and 5516 a Daisy.   These are dished up with an interesting recipe for candied rose petals (using real rose petals). 

No 5517 Cookie jar, 5518 Teapot and 5519 Plate potholder, along with a minted tea cooler. 

   

 No 5520 Potholder Pocket Book Mit and 5521, Scotch Plaid Cap Mitt.   Now, you know you love your fashion accessories so much that you'll want them duplicated in your kitchen!

No 5522 Pinweel and 5523, square pinwheel.   These are accompanied with a recipe for, what else but, Pinwheel Sandwiches. 

 5524 Navajo Potholder, 5525 Log Cabin and 5526 Indian Circle, 

with a recipe for Indian pudding

 No 5527 Checked Potholder and 5528, Plaid Potholder 

 You have to admit, there are a fair number of fun designs here.    Why not have the ever-so-functional potholder dish up some fun !    

Here's the recipe for the Maple Sugar Graham Crackers. 

2 tblsp butter or margerine
1/3 c shaved or grated maple sugar
6 large Graham crackers
Chopped Walnuts

Blend butter and maple sugar.  Spread on graham crackers.  Sprinkle with the copped nuts and bake in moderate over of 350 deg.f for 10 minutes.   

I'm not sure where I'll find the maple sugar (since this is obviously a solid), but it just made my shopping list.   These sound delicious. 

As usual, I've listed these patterns individually in my shop.   The tree pattern is available as a Free Download.

Thanks for dropping by,  

Glamour Accessories, Patterns Book 176, Spool Cotton Co

This book reads just like is was intended ... a 1940s glamor magazine.    Truly, this is like watching an old black and white movie; one is slightly holding their breath waiting for Elizabeth Taylor to step forward and absolutely take our breath away.   And, appropriately so ... this pattern book, issued by Cotton Spool Company back in 1942.     There's 14 pictures here, so grab a cup of coffee (or whatever you like to drink) and enjoy the photo journal.

 Issued by Cotton Spool Company in 1942.   The front and back cover are the same and feature:
Portrait Ruffle (No 2591) - Collar and Cuffs.  This is a crochet pattern. 

This is the promo page on the inside cover.   I've included to share the rich language.

Top Form (No 2618) - An off the face calot hat to wear when you want to look your prettiest  With smart matching zip bag.  This is a crochet pattern.

(Top left) - Bright Outlook (No 1270) - Blouse is made of 2 pieces; each 18 x 23 inches, bound with ribbons.  Knit 

(Bottom right) - Color Combine (No 1269) - Black with color is up to tricks!  In a banded pullover, with multi-colors in a tunic.  Sized 12, 14, 16.   Crochet

Treasure Collar (No 2592) - Tie on this frilly crochet collar (made on a ribbon) to crisp up your favorite black or your new navy. 

Spirit Lifter (No 2601) - Lovely sleeves to give your dress a new lease on life.  Matching wimple.  This pattern set is crochet.  This pattern is offered as a free download. 

Mesh Magic (No 2609) - This beauty ties around your head.   Knit 

Call to Color (No 2616) - Flowers to adorn your hair and shoes.   This crochet pattern is available as a free download in the shop.

Priority on Prettiness (No 2598) - Delightful crochet flower necklace and earring set.    

First Love (No 2612) - Calot Hat and Bag - Sweet young accessories!  A just-right accent.   This is a crochet pattern.

 Date Go'er (No 2590)  - Wear this collar for it's little-girl look.  Grand to change the neckline of last season' dress.   

Sweet Sue (No 2624) - Smart and a favorite, the demure mesh snood.  This is a crochet pattern.

(Top left) - Southland Mesh Scarf (No 2415) and Hat Brim (No 2619).  A shade hat for sun or summer.  These are both crochet patterns. 

(Bottom right) - Loopy Loveliness (No 2622) - A brilliant color pillbox that sports a loop-fringed halo.  This is a crochet pattern.

 I'm just going to come right out and say it .... I HAVE GOT TO LEARN TO CROCHET !    I just must have the Mesh Magic Hat piece and the Treasure Collar.   

Do you have a favorite?

I have reformatted these patterns to bright, clean PDF patterns which are available in my shop, should you be interested.    

Thanks for dropping by, and I hope you enjoyed the pictures. 

 Lorrie