English vs US Equivalents for Knitting Needles and Crochet Hooks

I came across this equivalency guide to cross reference sizes between US and English Knitting Needles and Crochet Hooks.     I'm sure this is available out there in 1000 different locations.    But now, here it is ... 1001.

If you want to print this to put in your favorite knit/crochet book, click to enlarge, then copy/paste to a word program on your hard drive.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Crocheted Edgings Pattern, Vintage Style

Here are three edgings from a Vintage 1966 issue of Fashion Craft.   Now, I'm not sure that one would be able to tell much difference between a current (suppose that would be called Modern) edging and that of a vintage variety.  But, as far as edgings so, these three of quite nice ... ranging from slightly chunky to delicate.

Put them on collars, dresses, pillowcases and ... well .. whatever you'd like to apply narrow crocheted edgings !

To print, click pattern to enlarge and then copy/paste to a word document on your computer.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Knitted Dickey, Free Pattern

When I was a girl, I had a number of these dickeys.    My mother insisted on them.   It had absolutely nothing to do with fashion, or changing the look of some everyday top, but more to keep the neck warm on the walks to school.   (And no, it wasn't miles, through sleet and snow).   I'll admit, I hated them.      It wasn't until I grew up ... that my appreciation of Dickeys returned.   No longer do I think of them as something to keep my neck warm ... but an accessory; something to change up the boring same o - same o shirt. 

This particular Dickey, as fast and easy pattern, comes from a 1966 issue of Fashion Craft Magazine.    Enjoy.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Knitted Cable Leg Warmers, Free Pattern

Having been born to the "Big Calf' family, I've been blessed with what is classically termed 'Cankles'.    What this ultimately means is, I never wear anything that draws specific attention to that area between my knees and heels.    I've seen girls and women sporting leg warmers over their jeans or over tights and have been downright jealous.   They look marvelous (both the leg warmers and they legs they are adorning).      Oh well, perhaps they didn't inherit my sense of humor (which is almost a requirement for us 'Cankle' women). 

So, if you are one of those folks (or know one), that could use a great pair of leg warmers ... this is a really nice Cable Pattern for a vintage copy of The Workbasket.

To print this pattern - click to enlarge and then copy/paste to word document of your choice.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Ruffled Doilies Pattern Book 253 by Coats Clarks

If you love doilies, this vintage book is a real treasure.   The book is from Coats and Clark's.   It was issued way back on 1949.    It contains 12 doilies where the ruffle reigns Supreme.

The lead in commercial:  "The vogue for ruffles has taken hold of the imagination of American women ... their feminine love of daintiness has been captivated by these airy-fairy dolies.  Nothing can add more to the gaiety of a room than wisps of frothy lace ... and here are cascades of frills and ruffles to delight your beauty-loving heart.  For cobweb delicacy combined with durability, use J&P Coats or Clarks O.N.T. Best Size Cord Mercerized Crochet". 

So, if you love doilies, grab a cup of coffee, tea or whatever you like to sip, and have a gander at these lovelies.

D-134 / Waterfall - Measures 20 inches in diameter.

D-130 / Rose Ruffle - Interestingly enough, this lovely is named Rose Ruffle even though there is no rose or even floral reference.  The finished doily measures 18 inches in diameter.

D-139 - Full Bloom - Floral motif and nicely fluted edges measures 9-1/2 inches in diameter.

D-135 - Zephyr has a small floral center and a seriously wide and tall ruffle.  It measures 18 inches in diameter.

D-131 - Fairy Frosting / Oval Doily Measures 16 x 20 inches.  Each small doily measures 10 inches in diameter.  I am guessing it received the name for association with mounds of frosting. 

D-138 - Fancy Free / Measures 12 inches square (including ruffle).

D-140 - Staff of Life / Measures 9.5 by 13.5 inches.  I would think this attractive 

piece would fit wonderfully into your bread basket.

D-141 - Whirlpool / Measures 21 inches in diameter and will be a dramatic backdrop accent for a vase or single figurine.

D-137 - Easter Lily / A pretty piece of art measuring 14 inches in diameter.

D-132 - Party Frills / Measures 22 inches in diameter.

D-136 - Flying Comet / The motif here, more commonly known as a whirlwind, is surrounded by a wide ruffle.  It measures 13 inches in diameter. 

D-133 - Pole Star is suitable elegant to have been chosen to grace the back cover. This centerpiece measures 28 inches in diameter.

I have to say that these are quite special show pieces.   Each one deserves a center stage.   If I had to pick, I think I'd lean towards Zephyr; uncomplicated design and such a tall ruffle.  I don't know to what degree doilies are still used in the home, but this is an art that would be a true shame to loose.

These patterns have been restored and converted to clean, crisp PDF patterns and are available in my shop, should you be interested.  (Links under the pictures)

I hope you enjoyed the doilies !    Thanks for dropping by.
Lorrie

Doreen Crocheted Knitted Mittens Gloves Socks, Vol 96

I've now added a 5th Doreen (by Nell Armstrong) book to my collection.    This one, Doreen Two Needle Argyles - Easy to Make Crocheted Mittens and Gloves.   So, five down; about 100 to go --- unless the series did not start at 001.   I've performed quite a few Google searches looking for information and have found very little.

The book cover says 'Crocheted Mittens and Gloves'.   But, there is a whole lot more going on here.   As many of the patterns are knitting as crochet, and there are sock and a scarf as well.       The pictures in the book are quite explanatory, so I'm giving here just a photo-journal .....     Enjoy the book.

Along with a variety of old-style, albeit fun and funky mittens are some very elegant socks and gloves.   Something here for everyone.   Of Nell's books, that I've seen so far, this one is straight-forward, not many cute drawings and, well ... strictly business.   But, what nice business. 

One day, I'll process this book for  the shop ... if something here is a 'must have', let me know and I'll see what I can do. 

Thanks fro dropping by,
Lorrie

Fluffy Ruffles Crochet Patterns, Coats Book 275

If you love crocheted ruffles, you are going to love this one!   How do I know?  Well, I just do.   This pattern book is from JP Coats Clarks and is Ruffles Book 275.   It contains a delightful assortment of ruffles for your clothing and home decor ... ruffles at their best.   I have to say that this book contains one of the most unique (ruffled, of course) window treatments I've seen.   And, as typical with these 1950 era books, the photography is lovely.    

So, get another cup of tea and enjoy the photo-log.

 Coats Clarks Ruffles Book 275

 The cover features the crocheted window ruffle, along with plant jacket ruffles. 

S- 97 Roses and Ruffles - a detachable Collar that will make a stage with any dress,
 be it high or v-neck.

 S-105 Pinafore Frills - Crocheted neck and hemline ruffles, shown here on a girls dress, but adaptable for any size.   This pattern is available as a free download in my shop. 

S-104 Crocheted Peter Pan collar, a delightful addition for a young girls dress or top. 

 S-106 Buffet Frills : Ruffled Doilies in sizes to meet all of your hostess needs for the buffet. 

S-103  Place mats with a ruffled edge for a soft feminine touch.

S-93 Window Ruffle - A soft and frilly touch as a window treatment.

S-95 Floral Ruffles :  This is a multi-ruffle opportunity in doily making for the dining table. The water glass doily has a single ruffle; the saucer a double ruffle; the plate a triple ruffle and the centerpiece goes to quadruple!  The flower motif is also quite nice. 

S-101 Ruffled Doily with Rose Applique  -  This design is an applique center of your choice surrounded with three rows of ruffles.  No applique, a linen center would equally as lovely. 

 S-99 Frilly Aprons for Mother Daughter and Doll grace the back cover.  

The directions list 8 different threads, Mercerized Crochet, Tatting Crochet, Knit-Cro-Sheen, etc. with a variety of hooks.    Each pattern will specific a hook, you can vary the threads to arrive at different sizes and textures.   Experiment just for the fun of the ruffles.

I have restored and reformatted these patterns to PDF format and they are available (just follow the links) in my shop.  I particularly think the window, kitchen and pinafore patterns have other great potential uses for the edgings all by themselves.    

I hope you enjoyed the photo journal.  Thanks for dropping by.
Lorrie