Rugs Hats Bags American Thead Star Book 115

Officially, this is Star Crochet Book No. 115.   Notice the 'Crochet' in that designation; typically it is simply Star Book.   I'd assume the addition of Crochet is due to all of the patterns being all Crochet.    This booklet takes us back to 1955.  It contains 'Modern designs for Rugs, Hats, Bags, Pillows and Luncheon Sets".   All of the patterns are easy - perfect for beginners practice, or quickly accomplished by the more skilled crochet artist.

Continue on if you'd be interested in a book review.

 As is typical, the front and back covers are the same.   The front cover previews 4 of the patterns, hopefully giving you the temptation to pick it up and purchase at your local store. 

As you might guess from this picture of the inside cover, this crochet booklet was issued as a promotion to American Threads Aunt Lydia's brand of yarn.   All of the patterns will feature one of these three name brands.   (Of course, you may substitute with current brands).

Crocheted Hat and Bag features an attractive raised popcorn stitch.  The drawstring bags have not remained popular, however, I'd think it would not be difficult to alter to a small shoulder strap.

The hat is cute and perfect for everyday wear.

 Checkerboard Rug and Pillow is an easy block motif set.  Crochet the required number of blocks and stitch them together for a rub measuring 30 x 42 inches and a pillow that is 12 inches square.   This pattern also appeared in the June, 1962 issue of The Workbasket.

Triangle Pillow - They casually snuck this one in to the photo op.  I almost missed it.   The size is not stated, but it's made up in three colors and is a quite nice accessory.   This 'sneak-in' pattern is offered as a free download in my shop. 

Loop Stitch Bathroom Set includes 17-1/2 x 27 inch rug as well as a tank set.  The dimensions of

 the tank set are not stated.   I'd imagine, back in the late 1950s they had not considered all the

 varying types and sizes we have today!

The Classic Oval Rug measures 22 x 37-1/2 inches and has a nice layer of fringe.  It would certainly be easy to incorporate this  in to the home decor. 

The New Modern Rug and Pillow give draw attention and give a bit of flair to whatever you may stage them.  The rug measures 25 x 38 inches and the pillow a large 15-1/2 x 19 inches.  

Woven Luncheon Mats are 12" x 16.5" without the fringe.    These are crocheted with the striped

woven (or darned) in and finished with a nice fringe.   

The New Home Look is a super easy rug that  measures 24" x 36" without the short corresponding fringe.

The New Hat Look includes the hat, of course, as well as another drawstring bag.  Another easy to wear hat that will easily correspond with the wardrobe.

Knitting Bag - The size of this bag is not stated, however, the little tote looks more than ample to haul around a reasonable quantity of stuff.   This pattern is available as a free download in my shop.

Knitting Bag -  Another Knitting Bag, square versus diamond shaped.   This bag is also offered as a free download in my shop. 

A nice variety set of crochet patterns ... a little of this for you and a little of that for your home.   Typical ploy to draw in the consumer; if you don't like the rug, perhaps you will like the hat!      As I was typing this one up, I found myself wondering when did the Luncheon Mat name change to the Place Mat.   Of course, there is the obvious idea that we use the mats at other meals too.   Out of curiosity, I headed over to Google and searched 'When did Luncheon Mats become known as Place Mats?', and it returned with nothing of significance.    Something that Google doesn't know?   Nawww ... I just didn't find it.      Perhaps you know?

As usual, I restored this book to individual patterns and listed in my shop.  Just follow the links below, should you be interested.   A couple are listed as a free download to express appreciation to my customers and/or visitors.   

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie

Crocheted Fashions, American Thread, Start Book 116

This booklet, Crocheted Fashions was issued as an American Thread Promotion for their line of heavy mercerized crochet cotton.   The cover indicates the patterns include bedspreads, hats, luncheon sets, gloves, hot plate mats and bags.   And, yep, that's exactly what is in here ... plus a cornucopia !   A great combination book ... a few fashions for you, a few for your home.    All of the patterns are crochet.

Crocheted Fashions

The front and back covers are the same and preview two of the patterns. 

This is the original advertisement for the promotion. 

Hat & Bag - a cute brimmed cloche with ribbon ties and a matching handbag.   

Crocheted Knitting Bag - Nicely striped and ready to haul your stuff. 

The Modern Block Crocheted Bedspread - bright a colorful with a touch of 

fun tossed in, in the form of popcorns. 

This Motif Luncheon Set is a delightful 4-1/2 inch square that not long makes a great place mat, but could easily become runners and tablecloths as well. 

Border Place Mats, neither frilly nor plain ... just right for everyday wear.

" For the New, Gay, Modern You" - Beret Hat, Drawstring Bag and Gloves

The Modern Horn of Plenty; a cornucopia for your table decor

Bridge Cloth with Napkins.   The Motif checkerboard cloth is 30 x 30 inches.  The napkins are cloth with crochet edging. 

The Traditional Potholder and Hot Plat Mat sports a circular Flower Motif.
The Modern Potholder and Hot Plate Mats, in three sizes, are bright and colorful

This pattern book takes us back to 1950.  It's obvious, that at the time, Modern was the new buzz word as it's used frequently throughout the book.   (Interesting that it's a word seldom used now).    I always have questions when I go through these books.   Like, do bridge players still decorate with bridge cloths, or does anyone over the age 13 still use a drawstring bag, why are most knitting bags, crocheted, etc. 

As usual with these old public domain pattern books, I've reworked the pattern to bright clean PDF files and they are available individually in my shop - Just follow the links before the pictures should you be interested.     Either way, I hope you enjoyed the pictures.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie

Crochet Hats Bags Gloves Pattern American Thread Star Book 79

American Thread outdid themselves here!  This book, Star 79, was issued in 1951.  It's lovely start to finish; both the patterns and the photography.  All of the patterns are crochet.   I'm sure they would be fun to make as well as fun to wear.   Definitely not what you will find anyone else wearing.   And, if I don't say to myself, they are definitely fun to look at.

Hats - Bags - Beanies - Slippers - Gloves

The Vagabond - Shoulder Strap Bag and Hat - Quite a cute hat with just the right amount of brim to make a fashion statement.

 Stroller, Hat & Bag has rolled band (or cord) edges.  The bag is lined and the hat has a button on top.

 The Pixie Hat & Gloves.  This little cap is definitely pixie; right down to the small peak in the back.  The gloves are wrist length.

 Pouff Puff Slippers.  Perhaps more house sandals than slippers, but you can call them cute either way.

Ring Around a Button Hat & Bag - This cute crocheted hat has a faux styled wrap-around band with a button on the side.  It would also be a perfect place to place a flower.   A drawstring bag is in the same pattern stitch.

It's Nylon Hat - A bit sailor like and more in line with the 1940's.  Perhaps American Thread were feeling a bit nostalgic.

Town & Country Hat - Sitting low in the back and higher in the front creates a perfect profile to put 'a feather in your cap'. 

The Cloche - A quite feminine pattern stitch that will make any outfit better - dressy or casual.

Pom Pon Hat & Ascot - creates a fun accessory set for the grade school aged girl.

The Roller - You may notice the crown for this design is the same as the above Stroller; the rolled band gives it an entirely different look.   

I'd be hard pressed to name a favorite.  BUT, I suppose should someone clamp down the screws really tight, it would be The Clothe, or maybe the Town Country, or maybe ...    Which is your favorite?

This booklet was a promotion for their Star Rug Yarn, Aunt Lydias and Dawn Worsted.   All the designs here are in the easy category.  The individual patterns are available through the link under their respective pictures, should you be interested.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie

Crochet Potholder Pattern, American Thread Star Book 69

The patterns in this book, Pocket Potholders, are downright fun.   The book is Star Book No 69 from American Thread Company.   It goes quite a ways back -- like 61 years -- issued in 1950.    They call these pieces pocket potholders as they have a space for you to put in your hand, and in some cases, a separate spot for your thumbs.    There are 14 different patterns here and I want to share with you all the pictures.   I copied them to small files, so hopefully they will not be too intensive to load.     I'm not adding in the individual instructions, as they are all crochet. 

Pocket Potholders

As typical, the front and back cover are the same.

The official promotion ..

Rose Potholder

Danny Duck

So, what do you think?   Are these fun, or what?   I'm especially fond of the strawberry and the frog.   With each one of these books, learning to crochet is rapidly growing on my lists of things to learn.  

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

American Thread Star Book 68, Crochet Bedspread Patterns

 This book was issued by American Thread Company way back in 1949 ... yes ... 62 years ago.   It's Star Book 68, titled Spreads that are different in Motifs Easy to Make.     The book contains the 7 patterns shown below.   Each pattern is crochet.    But, don't let the ideas of spreads limit you.  Most of these are square blocks ... use them in any manner you wish ... scarves, shawl, inserts .... any way you wish !

Spreads that are Different in Motifs Easy to Make

The Pansy Spread is shown on both the front and back cover.  Because of the popularity of our Pansy Doily we have had many requests for a Pansy Bedspread.  This one is lovely.  We know you will enjoy making every one of the little heart-shaped flowers.  Each motif measures about 10 inches.  40 motifs, 4 x 10 are required for spread measuring 40 x 100 inches, without the ruffle.     

 Shell and Popcorn - Whether your bedroom is Early American Victorian, Modern, or "Just You", this lovely spread will fit into your decorative scheme.  Each motif, for this spread, measures about 6.5 inches at its widest point.  476 motifs and 54 half motifs are required.  The finished spread measures approx. 64" x 109", without the fringe.  

 Cinderella Spread - How simple to transform a drab room into one of colorful beauty.  We have added a simple edging and band of Irish Crochet to a yellow organdy spread.  Why not trim a white spread with Cherry Red trimming -- add curtains and a dressing table to match?   Each motif measures 3".  

 Snow White - The forever popular popcorn stitch in an easy-to-make new motif design makes this spread an heirloom beauty.   Each motif measures about 6 inches.  198 motifs 11 x 18 are required for Spread measuring 66 x 108 inches, without fringe.    

 Flower Queen - A raised flower motif gives the illusion of a lovely nosegay and these motifs are such good pick-up work.  Each motif measures about 5 inches, 286 motifs 12 x 22 are required for bedspread measuring about 65 x 100 inches without the border.   

 Sleeping Beauty - And who wouldn't be a sleeping beauty in a spread trimmed with these dainty Forget-Me-Nots.    This edgings pattern is offered as a Free Download. 

Prince Charming - A bold patchwork spread perfect for that masculine prince.   Each square measures about 4 inches.  Spread is 80 x 116 inches with border.  This is an easy pattern, perfect for beginners. 

 I'd say I am most fond of the Shell and Popcorn Spread.   My husband, though, might think it too frilly and want to hold out for the Price Charming, which I might consider to masculine for the bedroom --- although I'd love it as an extra large afghan ?   You -- do you have a favorite ?

I've reformatted these to clean crisp patterns and listed in my shop (just follow the links below the pictures) should you be interested.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Decorative Tray Cloth, Free Crochet Pattern, Vintage 1960

Today I wandered through a vintage copy of The Workbasket, Number 9, Volume 25 from June 1960.   These little magazines are always fun .. a little of this and a little of that for the craft addict.   Before I put it away, thought I'd go ahead and share one of the (public domain) patterns with your.    This is very small picture in the magazine, which translate to it directly being not that great of a picture here. 

Decorative Tray Cloth  

The official text -- "You'll find many uses for this attractive, unusual tray mat.  It is crocheted in motifs, which give you a nice over-all effect.  Each motif measures 2.5 inches square and requests about 15 yards thread.  The completed tray mat, trimmed with a crisp ruffle, measures approx. 13.5 by 21 inches.  We suggest you use Clark's Mercerized Crochet Thread, size 30, in which or ecru and a steel crochet hook no 11."  

I agree.   This is a nice looking doily mat.   It would look great on my front entry way table !

Well, here's the pattern ...

If you make this one up, do stop back by and let me know how it comes out !

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie