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

Crochet Pineapple Dress; What a beauty

I found the newspaper clipping in a stack of pattern leaflets I'd purchased off of Ebay.

It's quite an elegant design, and obviously a fair amount of work in Mercerized Crochet Cotton.  But, what a beauty!.  

I've searched Google-land and can't find anything that matches to this pattern.   The pattern is PC 1021.  Now, I've seen this prefix series many times (PC), and it's typically a designation for 1940's/1950's from Spool Cotton Company.   On many occasions, SPC allowed the National Needlecraft Bureau to market their patterns as well.   Since this is obviously a mail ordered pattern, I'd assume it would be National Needlecraft.   

Of particular fun is the caption of unknown writer -- "Isn't this a pretty dress. I'd love to have one like this.  Wished I could crochet".  

Hope you enjoy the vintage advertisement.   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

Spinnerin Handknit Sweaters for Men Vol 124

This pattern book takes us back to 1954 with a variety of men's designs fashioned by Caroline Sadoux.  It is jam packed with 20 knitting patterns, which include just a touch of crochet here and there.    Typically, pattern books were published as promotion for a specific line of yarns.  This book, however, more represents the line of products sold by Spinnerin for this time period -- 1954.  

 One might say that men's knitted fashions are just 'mens knitted fashions'.   But this is only partially true. The primary difference between 1950's and current men's fashions is the length; below waist versus hip length or below.  

 No 1241 - sleeveless pullover graces the cover.  Another sign of the times -- this gentleman is smoking. 

No 1244 - Another sleeveless Pullover -- being modeled by a Wally (Leave it to Beaver) look-alike. 

No 1247 -Another Vest, but this one a most distinguished design with cross-over front.  

No 12410 - Mans pullover is a classic, nicely understated detail with extra wide ribbed bands.

No 12415 - This mans' pullover is a simple design that becomes a standout with the ribbed arms and collar variation.  

No 12417 - Mans Pullover has an attractive Aztec motif stripe across the neckline and down the arms.  It's quite eye-catching.  

Now, this leaflet actually has 20 men's knitting patterns in all.   You'll find them scattered in the Knitted Men's Section in the shop, if you'd like to view more.  Now, if you have the skills (I do not) to add length to these designs, there are some good selections for your upcoming projects.    

Now, I'll move on to the next book in my 'pending stack'. 

Thanks for dropping by,  

Crochet Doilies Pattern Lily Leaflet D-11

I've been working my way through a stack of leaflets the last couple of days.   Near the end, I came across two individual leaflet patterns with the same number.   Now, I've found this a frequent occurrence with the Design Mail Order patterns, but nowhere else.

The case at hand are leaflets from Lily Mills. Leaflets are numbered D-11.

Rock Rose Ruffled Doily is my guess the older of the two.   I'm placing late 1940's, or perhaps early 1950's, based on the paper quality.   It's a lovely ruffled doily, with a repeating rose central motif.
This is followed by:

Pineapple Centerpiece, estimated as early 1960's.   It's a large, 18 inch diameter, beauty with tall proud ruffles.   It also bears the 'Design of the Season' logo, leading me to believe that Lily has a series of leaflets in the series.  I do not, however, have any others .... I'll have to keep a watch.

So, these leave me to ponder.   Was this just a random mistake, an oversight?   Or, will I start seeing pattern number repeats as is done in the Mail Order patterns.   Of course, I don't. know.

Thanks for dropping by for my random musings.
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,