Knit or Crochet with Coats Clarks 205

This is one of those pattern books that have a little of this and a little of that.    A little crochet.   A Little Knit.   A few patterns for accessories, a few that are home decor.   Yes, this and that.

The book is officially called Old and New Favorites and is Coats and Clark's Book No 205.  They issued it in 1970.   All of the patterns are created with Mercerized Cotton Threads.

Knit or Crochet 

 The front cover sporting a cap and long scarf.

 A-839 - Knit Lace Doily measures 14 inches in diameter.   It is knitted with 5 Double Pointed Needles, No 0, 10-inch length.  You also need a Milwards Steel Crochet Hook No 8.

A-840 - Crochet Lace Stole - This lovely shawl is 30 x 80 inches, excluding fringe.  It is crocheted with a Milwards Steel Crochet Hooks, Nos 8 and 10. 

A-841 - Crochet Dress is sized 10, 12, 14 and 16.  Directions are given in size 10 with changes in parenthesis.  It is crocheted with Milwards Steel Crochet Hooks No 4 and No 1/0 (zero). 

A-842 - Knit Lace Mat measures approx. 12.5 x 19 inches.  It is creaited with one pair of No 5 knitting needles.

A-843 - Crochet Mini -Kini and A-844 - Crochet Tote Bag -

The 'kini' is sized Small, Medium and Large (Bust 30 - 36; Hips 32.5 - 38).  It is crocheted with a Milwards Steel Crochet Hook No. 7.    The Tote bag measures 11 x 15 inches and is made with a Milwards Steel Crochet Hook, No 1/0 (zero). 

A-845 - Pineapple Tablecloth - WOW !   This cloth measures 72 inches in diameter.  It is made with a Milwards Steel Crochet Hook No 7.

A-846 - Crochet Vest and Clothe - Directions are given for Small Size.  Changes for medium and Larges sizes are in parentheses.  (Bust 32.5 - 38).  This is created with a Crochet Hook, Size H. 

A-847 - Pineapple Centerpiece or Doily - The doily measures 13.5 inches in diameter.  A larger centerpiece measures 18.5 inches.   It is crocheted with a Milwards Steel Crochet Hook, No 10.

A-848 - Knit Tunic - Directions are given for Small Size.  Changes for Medium and Large Sizes are in parentheses.  This is created using 1 pair No 4 knitting needles.   You will also need a neck opening zipper, 7 inches long.

 

The back cover sports an attractive fringed bedspread.  

Now, are you ready for the most interesting trivia about this book?    The cap and scarf pattern AND the bedspread on the back cover are not included in the patterns.   I went through this book at least a half dozen times searching ... and, NOPE ... not in here.   I think this may be the first time I've seen this.   (Or better said ... not seen ... lol).     Oh, and don't forget to check out the bowl on the Pineapple Centerpiece or Doily.   Are those fish in the bowl?

My favorite is the tunic.   I'd knit one of these, if I possessed the talent.   I think the 'kini' is also quite intriguing ... just not on my body.     How about you.  Anything of these you like?

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie

Fringe Edgings for Knitting or Crochet Patterns

Tucked away on the last page of the Star Stole Book 103, American Thread Stoles and Shrugs, is a great page detailing a variety of different fringe techniques to finish off your knitting or crochet projects.   The book is specifically stoles, however, I'd think that they'd work on Afghans and other projects as well.

Hope you find them useful.   (To print, click to enlarge and then copy/paste to a word document).

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Stoles Shrugs, Hairpin Lace, Crocheted, Knitted, Star Book 103

This is a great little pattern book.   It is the Star Stole Book, No 103, Vintage 1953.  And, just like the title implies, it contains patterns for Stoles and Shrugs using Hairpin Lace, Crochet and Knitting techniques.    I particularly like the art form used for the pictures in this book.    I've not seen the floating images of upper bodies only.    In some of the photos I found myself thinking .... turn around please .... let's see the front (or back).    I understand that the back shows better detail of the stitching, but it would be nice to see both.  (This does seem a consistent with knitting/crochet patterns .... front or back, seldom both).

This book was issued as a promotion for the Dawn Dacron and Nylon Brand Yarns / Threads.  It is doubtful you'll be able to find these brands, but American Thread will certainly have current substitutes available.

Star Stole Book No 103

Cotillion Semi-Circular Stole - is made up in rows of puff stitch, giving it that lacy look.  It's finished in long fingers of fringe. 

Riveria - 21 x 72 inches.   Made in rows of hairpin lace, this piece almost has a chenille look.

Illusion - 20 x 70 inches (without tassels).  The combination of crochet and hairpin lace give this stole a light and airy look. 

Opera - Measures 22 x 72 inches. Crocheted stole with a striped effect features rows of small petal motif and lacy mesh. 

Ballerina - Measures 22 x 70 inches without fringe.  - An easy design perfect for beginners.

Madison - Sized Small, Medium and Large. The shrug has a diamond all-over motif,
fold back cuffs and waist length. 

Classic - One Size.   Both Knit and Crochet are employed in the attractive loose-fitting design.

Marguerite - Made up of 272 flower motifs, each 1-1/2 inches to from an elegant piece that is 53 inches across the top of the triangle. 

Evensong - also 53 inches across long edge is nicely trimmed with fringe. 

Cheerleader - 15 x 57 inch stole has contrasting stripes at the ends and for a touch of something different - novelty trim in boy and girl shapes.   This pattern is available as a free download in the shop. 

Party Girl  Bolero- Sized small, medium and large for teen girls, this sweet bolero was taken up a notch with the round collar, fold back cuffs and contrast scallop edges all the way around. 

Elegance - 22 x 68 inches without fringe has rows of knitted lacy divided by scalloped rows. 

And, as usual, the back cover is the same as the front.     Overall, I like the patterns given here.   I also like that they included not just a bolero, but a couple patterns designed for teen girls.  If you are interested, these patterns are listed individually in my shop; just follow the links under the respective picture.   The Cheerleader Stole is available as a free download.

So, what do you think ... of the patterns, or the floating images?

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Afghans Pillows Coats Clarks Book 505

Is it too soon to present you with another of the Coats and Clarks books?   I hope not, as I have it ready for you.    This one is Book No. 505, going back to 1954.  All but two of the patterns are crochet.

Afghans and Matching Pillows

C-237 - Peacock is illustrated on the front cover.   The crocheted and matching pillow is created with Plastic Crochet Hooks No 3 and No 5.    The afghan measures 45 x 66 inches and the pillow is 18 inches square.   AND, did C&C call it Peacock?   Well, I have no idea. 

This pattern leaflet was issued as promotion for Chadwicks Red Heart Knitting Worsted.   I've included the promo page as it is simply delightful.   

C-229 - Polka Dot (upper left) is crocheted with a Plastic Hook No 6.  Each motif measures 5.5 inches square.  The finished piece measures 44 x 66 inches.   

C-230 - Chevron (upper right)  is created with a Plastic Crochet Hook No 6.  Each Chevron measures 3.4 inches across.  The afghan measures approx. 45 x 62 inches.   

C-231 - Blue Diamond (lower left) measures approx. 50 x 65 inches.   It is created with a Plastic Crochet Hook No 6.

C-232 - Honeycomb (lower right) is stitched using a Plastic Crochet Hook No 5.  When completed, it measures approx. 45 x 66 inches. 

 C-233 - Pennsylvania Dutch is created with a Plastic Crochet Hook No 5.  Each square ins 6.5 inches.  The finished afghan measures approx. 52 x 78 inches.

  

 C-234 - Candy Cane Afghan measures 40 x 60 inches when completed.   It is stitched with a Plastic Crochet Hook No 5.  Each motif measures 4 inches in diameter.

C-235 Maltese Cross - This attractive motif is quick and simple enough for any beginner to undertake.  It is stitched with a Plastic Crochet Hook No 5.  The afghan measures approx. 44 x 66 inches.  The matching pillow is 14 inches square.  

C-236 - Patchwork - An afghan stitch square with a tweedy texture and subtle colorings, in a stylized design.  It is crocheted with a Plastic Crochet Hook No 6.  It measures 50 x 67 inches.  The matching pillow is 18 inches square.  

 C-238 - Satin Stripe - This simply beauty measures 45 x 65 inches with matching pillows in both the 18 and 14 inches square size.   It is knitted with one pair No 8 Pins.  You will also need 38 yards of satin ribbon that is 1.5 inches wide. 

 C-239 - Checkmate Afghan measures 45.5 x 66.5 inches and has matching pillows either 14 or 18 inches square (with great tassels).  Crochet is with a Plastic No 5 Hook.

C-240 - Jacob's Ladder is made with a Plastic Crochet Hook No 5.  It measures 45 x 63 inches and has a matching pillow that is 18 inches square.   

 C-241 - Lollipop - This sweet baby blanket is crocheted with a Plastic Crochet Hook No 2.  It measures approx. 32 x 47 inches.  Each motif measures 1.5 inches square.

Lagoon - No Crocheting and no knitting in this afghan.  
This pattern is available for free in another Blog Post,

C-243 - Shaded Stripes (upper left) is Crocheted with a Plastic Crochet Hook No 6.  It measures approx. 40 x 60 inches.

C-244 - Navajo (bottom right) -is Crocheted with a Plastic Crochet Hook No 6.  It measures 45 x 60 inches.
C-245 - Mardi Gras (bottom left) is Crocheted with a Plastic Crochet Hook No 3.  Each motif is 4 1/2 inches square.   The afghan measures approx. 48 x 67 inches.
C-246 - Lazy Daisy (upper right) measures approx. 48 x 60 inches.  Crochet it with a Plastic Crochet Hook No 6. 

C-247 - Pineapple is highlighted on the back cover.   This piece is knitted with one pair No 5 knitting pins.   It measures 50 x 64 inches. 


If you are of the 50 or more age category, you may remember these marvelously boring furnishings of the 1950s shown in the pictures .. either as furniture you owned or the hand-me-downs given to you as a young adult.    They (the furnishings) do make the afghans stand out as the highlight.   Did you catch the phone cord in the Candy Cane photo, or the man in the smoking jacket (smoking of course) in Checkmate?

I think the Pennsylvania Dutch Afghan is truly lovely, although I'll admit right here that the Patchwork Afghan is my favorite.   How about you? 

I've scanned these patterns individually to PDF files and they are available in my shop (I'm entering them over the next day or two).    If you are interested, just click on the pattern number under the corresponding picture.  

Hope you enjoyed the book.    Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Learn to Knit, Coats Clarks Book 190

Coats and Clarks put out this book in 1969 ... a simple Learn to Knit instruction booklet; 36 pages in all.  The book covers the four basic steps and then gives you plenty of practice through a series of beginners projects to help you build confidence.   It looks like a good starting point with a few timeless patterns to learn with.

Here, let me show you.  

Book 190, Learn to Knit

The front covers brims with the confidence that armed with a few skeins of yarn and some needles, YOU CAN DO IT !   

And then, they give you an intro and a reference index covering what learning materials are covered.   And, amongst the lessons (plenty of diagrams), are a nice assortment of very basic beginner patterns.   Although these patterns go way back to 1968, they are still quite applicable to todays wear. 

Garter Stitch Headband

Striped Knitted Scarf

Childrens or Womens Slippers

Turtle Neck Dickey

Cable-panel Shell 

Garter Stitch Drawstring Bag 

Striped or One-Color Pea Cap

Raglan Cardigan 

Easy to Knit Kilt and Beret.    There's also a great, very long, stocking cap, that somehow, I missed getting a scan.

 And, the back cover with a few of the patterns shown to us in color. 

They put out a nice little booklet, simple instructions and plenty of diagrams that, when you've taken your time to work through, you'll be able to complete a few projects, learn to read knitting patterns and, gain a little confidence to move forward.

I'm not able to list these patterns in the shop as this pattern booklet is NOT in the public domain, however, you should be able to find a copy over at Ebay.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Afghan Patterns, Spool Book 140, Vintage 1939

This book is a beauty.   The illustrations are domestically whimsical, cheerful and fun.   The decor is perfectly 1930s, just as it should be with a book published in 1939.   This issue, Book 140, Afghans is from Spool Cotton Company, who were the original publishers of American Thread Booklets.  This pattern booklet was a promotion for Chadwick's Red Heart Afghan Wool and all of the patterns, as you might expect, call for this yarn.   In all there are 13 pattern; 10 Crochet and 3 Knitting. 

Again, the artwork here is delightful; enjoy the show !

Afghans, Book No 140 

697 - Fleetwood:   This beauty is a blend of cool and warm blended color shades worked in panels with contrasting tufts of fringe at the ends.   Finished, it measures 62 x 75 inches. 

No 676 - Carnival Granny:  "A new (for 1939) version of an old favorite and a design as new as tomorrow.  Gay."  Made up of 5 3/4 inch blocks in a diamond motif, it measures 48 x 65 inches.  

No 6000-A Morning Glory:  Feminine and glamorous, crocheted flower motifs blossom into an enchantingly delicate pattern.   It takes 145 individual hexagon blocks with tufts of fringe here and there.

No 698 - Moderne:  Introduce a note of richness with subtle shaded colors, dramatic texture and simplicity of design.   This is made with 5 wide strips, 4 narrow and edgings all the way around.  It measures approx. 50 x 73 inches.

No 699-A - Primrose Path:  The Charm and elegance of Dresden china is captured in pastel flowers on a porcelain white background.  The finished piece measures approx. 48 x 66 inches. 

No 696 - Pennant:  A gay companion for home or outdoors ! Make it up in your

favorite school colors.  The finished size is approx. 55 x 68 inches.

No 6005 - Calico:  As gay as old-fashioned calico, square crocheted motifs join to make a charming colonial design.  This is made up of 257 motifs, making an afghan that measures approx. 52 x 72 inches. 

No 6001 - Green Pastures:  Crochet this versatile afghan in a jiffy using a smart solid color.   The finished piece measures approx. 47 x 67 inches and is created with a Milwards Steel Crochet Hook No 2/0 (double zero). 

A Set of Chevrons ... one of knitting and one for crochet.

No 6006 - Trophy (on left);  Crocheted with a Milwards Steel Crochet Hook No 2/0 (double zero).  Finished size is approx. 50 x 72"
No 693 - Greenwood (on right):  Knitted with 1 pair No 6 Milwards Phantom Knitting Pins.  Finished size is approx. 52 x 78 inches.

 No 691-A - Tartan:  A debonair plaid flaunts gay-colored comfort and adds an extra dash to outdoor terrace or room.  The afghan is crocheted and yarns are woven through for the Tartan effect.   

It measures approx. 47 x 67 inches. 

 No 6008 - Victoriana:  The afghan, approx. 47 x 67 inches, is crocheted with a Milwards Casein Crochet Hook No 4. 

No 678 - Regimental:  An easy-to-do knitted stitch finds smart expression in this sturdy military-striped auto robe.  The finished size is approx. 52 x 72 inches.  It is knitted with 1 pair, No 4, Milwards Phantom Knitting Pins.

And, the front cover is exactly the same as the front. 

As I worked through these, I'd think, this one is my favorite, and then I'd get to the next one.   Then, I had to start evaluating whether it was the afghan or the picture that I liked the best !   Ummm ... both.   Most particularly the lounge chair with the top that resembles a baby stroller and the last picture with the afghan out the car door.     How about you? 

I've reworked most of these patterns and they are available individually in my shop, should you be interested (just follow the links below the pictures).

Hope you enjoyed the pictures.    Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie