National Needlecraft Crochet Afghan Pattern 116.5

I just thought I'd take a minute to share some National Needlecraft Bureau I just came across.    I was processing National Needlecraft Pattern No 116 for a Modern Block Crocheted Afghan .....

.... and found myself thinking .... I know this pattern.   A quick look at the shop showed that was absolutely correct ....

A quick double check, and yep ... Modern Block ... not just same picture, but same materials and directions as well.

But, what caught me by surprise was Pattern Number given by The National Needlecraft Bureau --- No 116.5.    A couple more looks and the answer because quite apparent.

 The pattern is from American Thread Book 116; the pattern appears on Page 5.

So, my thought here ... i.e., the trivia, is The National Needlecraft Bureau may not have assigned their own numbering system, but simple tied the pattern number to the originating publication.

Okay, so it's probably not trivia of great interest to most, but I'm becoming more and more fascinated by the relationships and systems among these vintage pattern publishers.  

Okay, back to work.
Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

The Pansy Doily Pattern

I was just getting ready to add a new (vintage) Pansy Crochet Pattern to the shop, when I thought I'd better check to make sure it was not already there.  Periodically, the same pattern may have been published in different books by the same brand, or sometimes even, different brands.  

This Pansy Doily design has a flower motif within the doily which, interestingly enough, is not pansy shaped.  

This crochet doily design is billed as a luncheon mat, but a doily it is.   A quite nice pinwheel center, surrounded by an abundance of mesh and then, that charmingly colorful border. 

This Pansy Doily is Mail Order Design 303 from Homecrafters and features the doily motif in the center and finishes with a shell scalloped border.  It is worked in one solid color. 

This is another Mail Order Design, Anne Cabot 5055, and, in addition to the Pansy Doily, there's a Carnation design as well.   As are all the Design patterns, the picture is in black and white, but the pansy border is brightly colored. 

The New Pansy Doily, vintage 1960's has a pretty floral center and a scattering of implied flowers in mesh.   And, of course, the grand border of Pansies. 

This Pansy Doily is designed to be a bowl.   Starch it quite nicely and place it in the front entry for your what-nots.  

This Pansy Doily has a elongated diamond center motif.   It's officially billed as a ruffled doily, of which I'm not sure --- but, a grand design it is.  

The Diamond Pansy Crochet design is quite like the doily right above, with the colorful border and elongated diamonds.   But, look closely, and you'll notice the border that connects the border to the center is different. 

And this Pansy Doily was the one I started with.   And yes, it has a number of similar elements .... like the Pansy (lol), but definitely not the same as the others. 

All the pansy doilies currently in my shop seem to be coming from the 1950's and 1960's.   I have no doubt, however, that this colorful beauty has been around for many generations prior; in books that I've just not gotten to yet.  

If this is not enough Pansy design for your, here's a bit larger sample.  

Well, that's enough for today ... back to work. 

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  

Star Book 34 - Bedspreads

Having just finished working my way through an entire magazine, decided to take a bit of a break and work on something a bit smaller.   Pulled open the 'pending' cabinet, and next up in the stack is this delightful book

Book No 34, Star Bedspreads from The American Thread Company.  This collection of 13 patterns was released in 1944 and is displayed over 27 pages.

 On the inside cover is the typical promotion.   This booklet was a promotion of their product - Puritan Cotton Thread.    Here, we also learn that the patterns in this book are all Cecilia Vanek designs.  There's an interesting note, that should you have a problem with a pattern, you can write to her directly.   Now, that's certainly an offer we don't see anymore.  

No 3401 - Hollywood - Cinematic glamour from just two pairs of dotted swiss curtains, with added filet crochet.

No 3402 - Capitol Hill - A delicate filet crochet to lent that touch of splendor to a formal bedroom.

No 3403 - Pennsylvania Dutch - Now you have found it .. a knitted bedspread with hex design.      The design here is not exactly the same, but quite similar to the Pennsylvania Dutch Afghan.

No 3404 - Manhattan - This solid crocheted spread with blocks and vertical stripes is tailored simplicity at its best ... perfect for a modern setting ... perfect for 'his' room.

No 3405 - Hot Springs - A lacy piece with dainty beading - delight your daughter and make this for her own special room.

No 3406 - Louisiana Bayou - The raised Water Lily design brings to mind the flora and fauna of the rich Southland.

No 3407 - 20TH Century Chicago - For a room with a new idea, solid crochet, applique and lacy border.

No 3408 - Peach Tree Street - A spread Scarlet would have chosen for her home with Rhett ... a popcorn pinwheel variation.

No 3409 - Texas Ranch - A knitted spread in herringbone pattern.  Make the stripes as narrow or as wide and in as many colors as your room can take. 

No 3410 - Connecticut Yankee - This popcorn stitch spread is a must to complete your old maple and pine bedroom .. great grandmother loved this simple beauty too. 

No 3411 - Ohio Farmhouse - Large filet block design, looks as if the spread were made all in one piece.  One of the simplest designs to do.

No 3412 - Land of Nod - Whimsical .. elfin .. and so simple to make; a block of filet crochet and then a block of fabric.  Little tots will adore it.

And that's it ... all 12 patterns.   There are a couple classics in here ... such as the Pennsylvania Dutch and the Louisiana Bayou and then, of course, the absolute charmer of Land of Nod.  The first time I came across the Pennsylvania Dutch bedspread it was in a magazine with incomplete instructions, so I was quite happy to find it in this booklet.  

Okay, now on to the next project .... 

Thanks for dropping by,  

Crochet Doily Patterns, Star Book 145

The last leaflet of the year -- 2014 -- that I've processed for the shop is  lovely American Thread Book 145.    This book takes us back to 1956, when the ladies were crocheting away while perhaps listening to the most popular songs 'Don't be Cruel', 'Hound Dog', or 'Blue Suede Shoes'.   No, on second hand, who would be able to sit still with The King of Rock and Roll on the record player!   The leaflet is 32 pages and offers up 16 different patterns for our enjoyment.   There is something for all here - knit, crochet and tatting.

American Thread Co., DOILIES, Star Book 145

Pinky:  A crochet fern center that radiates out to floral border.  

Swan Tatted:  American Thread named this piece Swan .. perhaps thinking the pineapples fold out like feathers?   It can be worked at 14-1/2 or 15-1/2 inches.

Sunburst :  These are a colorful affair that should have no problem finding a display point in many a home.  An easy crochet. 

Pansy (on left):  Another variation of the always popular pansy motif.  This colorful bordered piece is 11 or 12 inches in diameter.

Fan (on right):  A pretty flower center that fans out to a delightful shell border.

Dove : A splendid Pineapple doily with wide shells and lace border.

Ivy :  This doily, with Ivy type leaves and yellow flowers is centerpiece quality at 21 or 25 inches in diameter.

Chelsea :  A small set of pineapples, followed by those much larger, surrounded by mesh, culminate at 16 inches.

Violets - Crochet with pink or purple flowers.  Add a second display of  violets for a large doily.

Golden Citrus - A grand display of pineapples and shells.   It is quite glorious in yellow, but I have no doubt equally nice in any color of your choosing.

Quill- Four quadrangles of pineapple motifs make up this pretty 13 or 14 inch doily.

 Marigold:  Starts and ends with pretty marigolds, with pineapples in between.

Valley Lilly:  A proud floral centerpiece doily at 21 or 22 inches.

Cluster Stitch:  Not as petite as it looks at 12 or 13 1/2 inches.

And that's it ... Star Book 145.   What do you think?  The Sunburst design is my personal favorite of the offerings.  And, I think the flowers on the Ivy Doily could be adjusted to make marvelous trim.  

Okay ... on to the next batch of patterns, which will be miscellaneous leaflets and Mail Order Designs, for a week or so. 

Thanks for dropping by,  

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

Knit Crochet Patterns for Your Baby

The year was 1949, Harry Truman was president, cable television debuted, Milton Berle hosted the first telethon for cancer research, a postage stamp was 3 cents and needlework arts continued to be immensely popular.

In promotion for their line of Dawn Baby Yarns (Baby Yarn, Infants Wool, Pompadour, Medium Weight Pompadour, Anti Shrink, Paradise and Zephyr), American Thread issued their Star Book No 67 - For Your Baby.

The book contains 14 patterns;  7 Knit and 8 crochet.  The pattern designs covers babies between 6 months and Size 3.

No 6701 - Crocheted Baby Jacket, Bonnet and Booties is worked in a delicate shell stitch with solid yoke and contrast stripes.   It is sized for baby 6 months to 1 year.

No 6702 Childs Nylon Cardigan:  This charming sweater is an easy knit and designed

 for little girls at size 2

No 6703 Nylon Knitted Soakers :  An easy diaper cover for your baby.   The pattern is 

offered as a free download in the shop. 

No 6704 Nylon Play Pants are knitted with suspenders affixed with buttons.
The short pants are Size 1.  

No 6705 Rayon Baby Set is crocheted in star stitch.   Perfect for a boy, without lacy frills,

but made interesting with side button appeal. 

No 6706 Rabbit Crocheted in Angora Wool.  This pattern is available as a

Free Download in the shop.

6707, 08, 09 - Crocheted Baby Bibs in three different styles.   A design here to suit every baby.

No 6710 Knitted Set for Baby sized 1.  These booties are more like socks; I'd
suggest making several pairs.

No 6711 Knitted Sweater and Cap will give baby that stand-out look in this knitted set.
It is sized for baby at six to twelve months.

Crocheted Dress No 6712 is sized for little girls 2 and 3.  She'll love the little Peter Pan collar and buttons, and everyone will love the way she looks.

No 6713 Childs Ducky Sweater is size two.  After knitting the sweater, the ducky motif
is cross stitch embroidery.

No 6714 Crocheted Baby Set has the lacy detail for a Girls Set.  Included is a
jacket, bonnet and booties; all size 1.

The back cover is the same as the front cover.   Although the pictures are not of great quality, all of the patterns are quite delightful.  If you are wanting to make something special for baby and you can't find something in these vintage designs .... well, what can I say !

I've listed the patterns in the shop, should you be interested.    There are, of course, many other knitted and crocheted baby toddler designs if you'd care to browse the categories.   

Thanks for dropping by to read my book report. 

Lorrie