1953 Wrap Dresses, Workbasket Mail Order Patterns

Spring of 1953 was apparently a very good fashion year for the Wrap Dress.   This advertising page, from the Workbasket, is from the May 1953 issue and it features two marvelous renditions, along with a third dress that also speaks volumes.    I like all three dresses; let's see what you think.

Workbasket 4839 - Here's a One Piece, attached at the shoulders, that fits over the head and then wraps and buttons around the waist.   They are billing it as an apron as well.    Sized 12 to 20

Workbasket 9247 - Not a Wrap; but so attractive.  Front buttoned dress, sleeveless with a large cape collar.   In half sizes 14.5 to 24.5.

Workbasket 9028 - This fun dress wraps around and then straps around the neck and ties in the back.   It is sized 12 - 20.

So, what do you think?   All three lovely and quite wearable?    I'd have no problem with any of these in my closet awaiting their rotation.   So, Workbasket almost nailed it with their official title - Styled for Spring.   I'd wear them all the way into Fall.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Thanksgiving Cornucopia Quilt; Most Popular Week of Oct 23

Although I admit that there were a few views at Halloween costumes this week, I think they were more the 'I wish I had got it done' looks since, with shipping and sewing time, it would have been a pretty close call.   So, this week should have been no surprise at all .... Thanksgiving.     The most popular, or number one viewed item week of October 23rd was .... a Cornucopia Quilted Wall Hanging. 

Cornucopia - Giving Thanks Wall Quilt

Thanksgiving now a days seems to be a down played event.   Well sure, we still strive to get together with family and friends for a meal.   But, it doesn't seem we decorate much anymore for this traditional event.    I was at Target day before yesterday and they, of course, had two aisles loaded down with Halloween items and almost 4 already loaded with Christmas items.   I don't recall seeing anything specifically geared for Thanksgiving.   

But, before I go on too much about most of us not really celebrating Thanksgiving with any visual reminders, other than the food ... I'll have to come right out and admit .... I don't do much in the realm of decorating either.   

Out of curiosity, I went out to my shop to see if I had other Thanksgiving items, and No, not much.    Just these two pretties .

Fall Blessing - An applique Wallhanging with a Fall, perhaps Thanksgiving theme. 

And, this quite Thanksgiving guy .... 

A Stuffed (literally) Tom Turkey.   You have to admit, he would be cute standing guard on either side of the fireplace, or perhaps in an armchair.  Anywhere really ... except too close to the dining room table.   

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie

Knit Crochet Patterns Baby Toddler Columbia Minerva 766

This is the 'Beautiful Baby Book - Infants to Four Years.   It was issued by Columbia Minerva in 1967 and it contains, just like the title says  .... patterns for infants.   The book is about a half and half type thing.   It starts out with cute little layettes of baby and then advances on with a series of patterns for our toddlers ... boys and girls, sized in the 1, 2, 3 and 4 range.   All of the patterns are knitting; the majority of them also have crochet edges or other details.   A couple of them involve some embroidery as well.  

Now, putting all these pictures in this post is one step closer to maxing me out, but they are just too adorable to side-step.     Warning though; there are 27 pictures here  if you are on dial-up, it might take awhile.   So, here we go ....

Beautiful Baby Book 

 766-01 - Little Miss Muffet Snap Crotch Top

766-02 - Tulip Time Layette 

 766-03 - Snuggle Bunny Saque and Cap

 766-04 - Snow Flake - Hooded Jacket

 766-05 - Blue Bells Layette

766-6 Baby Breath - Layette with Cap, Jacket and Blanket

766-7 - Queen Anne's Lace - Baby Blanket ... WOW

766-8 Columbine - Layette; this one includes booties as well.

766-9 - Little Buttercup - Layette 

766-10 - Sleeping Beauty - Layette 

766-11 Primrose - Layette 

And that concludes the baby section of this book.   It gives us 7 layettes, a sacque, a blanket and a snap crotch top.   Overall, every single pattern is delightful and bound to become a keepsake.   I know, tucked away in a box, I have the knitted layette that was given as a present to my son some 23 years ago.    I know the only reason I save it is that it is so special that I could never part with it.       And here, a whole new level of fun starts.    Now, these are all toddler patterns ...  a few are 1T, all are 2T, 2T and 4T.  

766-12 & 13 - Two Little Elves :   A two pattern matching set features a little suit, a dress and matching panties.  

766-14 - Little Bo Peep : Little Dress with Embroidery detail and matching panties.  

766-15 & 16 - Little Girl and Boy Blue gives us a choice of a sweater and a pullover.  

766-17 & 18 Goldilocks and Little Jack Horner is a sweater and cardigan set - one for her and one for him.  

766-19 & 20 - The Little Patriots - Another his and here toddler set - a dress for her and a pullover, shorts and socks for him.   And, lets not forget the fun striped patriotic look.   Or, mix and match those colors to other seasons !

766-21 & 22 - Jack and Jill, a two pattern set with a skirt for her and short pants for him, suspenders and pullovers for both.

766-23 - Cinderella - Toddler dress with a cute little round collar, yoke and short sleeves.   Put tights under it and she is ready to go anywhere.  

766-24 & 24 - The Barnyard Twins - a pullover for her; a cardigan for him and nice bird embroidery motif for both.  

766-26 & 27  - Little Red Riding Hood and Jack Frost:  There's alot of pattern here.  For her, a coat, spats and hat; for him, leggings (pants) and a hooded jacket.

766-28 - Bambi.   Another cute dress with long sleeves, patterned motif and color bands.  

766-29 & 30 - Brigadoon.   Again, a his and hers pattern set ... of the argyle type.   A dress for her, a cardigan for him, socks and pullovers for both. 

766-31 - Jiminy Cricket - A quite handsome cardigan.  

766-32 - Puss in Boots - A girls winter suit with sweater, pants and a hat; all featuring double bands.

766-33 & 34 - Hansel and Gretel:  Another his and hers sweater and cardigan set.  

766-35 & 36 - Little Darling and Mignonete - Dress-up sweaters; one with a lacy neckline and one with flower embroidery.  

766-37 & 38 - Pussy Willow and Morning Glory - The last two patterns; one pullover and one sweater - both are something special.

So, was that a lot of patterns, or what?   When going through the book, I contemplated NOT putting it in the blog.  But then, how could I say I was going to put all these public domain in here for your viewing pleasure, if I didn't actually do.   So ... three days later ... finally finished.    

I've listed these individually in my shop, if you are interested.   The book was just to much for me (MB wise) to put out as a whole.   And, the truth is, no one probably wants to make more than one or two of them anyway.   

So, think I'll take a knit / crochet pattern break for a couple days .... 

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie 

Crochet Football Pattern, For you Sports Fans

Here's the perfect gift to crochet up for those football fans in your life.    No, not gloves to keep the hands warm, but a football ... to hug until the final minutes and past.  

Now, our favorite team is LSU and our football would be purple and gold.   But, feel free to make it up in colors of your choice.  

Go Team !
Lorrie

Creative Sewing, Sept 1982 Mail Order Patterns

It was September, 1982, and The Workbasket call their monthly advertising page  - Creative Sewing.

Workbasket 9214 -  A Sleeveless Jacket (vest of sorts), short or long cuffed sleeve shirt with notched collar, as A-line skirt and a pair of culottes.   A clean, crisp set of coordinates.

Workbasket 9071 - Here's a casual dress, long sleeves with bodice gathered at neckband.   It has a side buttoned front closure.  Wear it belted as shown, or loose.

Workbasket 4509 - If it weren't for the neckline slit, this would be a rather puritan looking dress.  It leaves me ... well, without words.

Workbasket 7216 - Here's a crochet pattern for a combination ripple, granny square afghan.    Note the description here for extra fun.    Directions included ... well yes, that would be why the readers would send in their $2.00, plus $0.50 shipping.

Workbasket 7559 - Here's the monthly sewing craft project - Mr. Frog (as I like to call him).   He was apparently popular, as he was reintroduced in the October, 1985 issue, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him show again as I continue to go through these books.

I'm not much on the dresses here, the early 80s were obviously not my style sense.   For fun, I'll have to pull out the photo album and see just what I was wearing.  I do think the crochet pattern is quite splendid and, how could one not love Mr. Frog.     And you, what do you think of the dresses?

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Embroidery How To, Star Book 21, American Thread

I'm sure I have a couple different embroidery books in my pending box, but this is the first one I've pulled out to review.    This is 'The ABC of Embroidery'.   It is Star Book 221 from American Thread.   The booklet is undated, but based on the photograph styles, I'd say mid 1960s. 

The ABC of Embroidery

 The front cover previews a couple of the patterns, or more importantly, the stitches) contained within the book.   The front and back cover are the same. 

The contents do not detail the patterns, but instead, the stitching.   And, that's what is significant about the book - the stitches.    This is a nice list of stitches.   Each stitch is shown in full detail, making them quite easy to follow and learn. 

A Crewel Project for an eyeglass case.  

Two projects to pillow tops.  These are embroidery worked in yarn. 

Projects for lattice stitched pillows

Several pages of diagrams and charts to create decorative borders and fill stitches. 

Project to embroider stitch on a tote bag. 

Project, with diagram, to stitch an Espallier picture. 

And, as far as the pictures go, that is it.    From a project standpoint, not really alot here if you are looking for start to finish projects.    But, if one is looking for a book with good instructions, with diagrams on how to create a large number of stitches to apply to freeform work, or perhaps transfers, this one would do a good job.    In fact, instead of putting this with the other reviewed books, I'm going to put it with my Padillies (Which I'll finish some day) ... I'm sure they could use some new stitches.  

I've scanned this book to PDF format.   It is available in my shop, should you be interested in a copy yourself.   

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie

Misses Knit Crochet Patterns, Brunswick New Dreams, Volume 668

This is a beautiful pattern book.   The pictures reinforce the New Dreams title ... a bit of rolling fog, soft lights and illusions.   The patterns, however, are desirable and solid fashions.   The (public domain) book was issued in 1968.   I'd say, though, that the designs are just as applicable for today.  Perhaps the beauty of knit and crochet; it is timeless.  All but one of the patterns are Knitting, and most of the patterns have crochet edges or details.   Most are sized 12, 14 and 16, with a couple going to size 18.

There are a lot of pictures here.  If you are on dial-up, I'll understand if you pass them up.    Enjoy the book review !

New Dreams - Brunswick - Volume 668

The front cover previews two of the patterns. 

 Style 6602 -  Plaid Panel Skirt:  The skirt is knitted with stripes in crochet.  It is sized 12, 14 and 16. 

Style 6603 - Poor Boy Sweater:  The sweater is knitted with crochet edges.  It is also sizes 12, 14 and 16, as appropriate for a set.  

Style 6601 - Knitted Suit:  This is indeed a 'dreamy' suit, including a jacket and straight skirt.  It is knitted with crochet edges and sized 12, 14 and 16

Style 6610 - Crocheted Sleeveless Dress:  A basic dress that suits just about any occasion.  

Style 6309 - Knitted Cable Cardigan:  This pretty sweater sports an attractive cable along the button, neckline, sleeve and bottom bands.  Pattern is sized 12, 14, 16 and 18.  

Style 6611 - Crocheted Cable Yoke Cardigan - Delightful !   The cardigan is sized 12 to 18, based on needle size. 

Style 6303 - V-Neck Cable Trim Pullover:  This comfortable knitted classic is sized 12 14 16.

Style 6612 - Evening Sweater:  Knitting pattern with crochet edges is sized 12, 14 and 16. 

Style 6304 - Mohair Sweater with Dickey:  A great collar with deep V-neck .. not to mention Mohair.  It is a knitting pattern that is sized 12, 14 and 16.  

Style 6605 - Cable Sweater is knitted for sizes 12, 14, 16 and 18.  

Style 6313 - Vivant Coat:  There is WOW factor here in this knitting pattern (crochet edges).  It is sized 12, 14 and 16.  

Style 6312 - Classic Cardigan is knitted with crochet edges.  It is sized 12, 14, 16 and 18. 

Style 6606 - Patterned Pullover and Style 6607 - Patterned Cardigan:  Both patterns are knitted.  The pullover has crochet edges.  Both are sized 12, 14 and 16. 

Style 6608 - Tunic Sweater:  This tunic with cable pattern on long sleeves, bust darts and round neckline.  It is knitted and sized 12, 14 and 16. 

Style 6609 - Knitted Blouse with Crocheted Collar and Modesty Panel:  A lovely piece sized at 12, 14 and 16. 

Style 6302 - Smocking Stitch Cardigan:  Such a texturally wonderful design.  This cardigan is knitted, crochet edges, and sized 12, 14, 16 and 18.  

And, last, but not least ...
Style 6604 - Tennis Dress:  Indeed a nice V-neck, long sleeved dress, without our without the tennis colors. It is knitted and sized 12, 14 and 16. 

Now, that was a lot of patterns to get through.   This blog post was beginning to feel like a career.  But, so worth it.   Whether you buy my PDF copies or go looking for a hardcopy of the pattern book, you should be able to see what is in there.   Just like standing at the magazine rack at Barnes and Noble.  Just vintage magazines, as I can only do this with books that are in the public domain. 

Now, about those matching outfits.    When I first looked at some of the pictures, I thought they were outfits;  skirts and sweaters, etc, and I'd read the pattern trying to find the skirt, which wasn't there.   Then, I saw this statement " All skirts shown are made from Brunswick Fine Worsted Fabrics; the colors of which have been especially dyed to mix or match with your Brunswick Hand Knits".   The light came on.   Okay, Brunswick, in addition to marketing yarns were also marketing fabrics in the same colors.   Perfect for matching outfits.   I don't know if they still do, but how great it that?  

Anyway, hope you enjoyed the photo journal.    Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie