Easy Sewing Patterns, 1986 Mail Order Style

The theme for the February, 1986 issue of The Workbasket Advertising Page -- Emphasis on Easy Sewing.   A quick glance at the patterns, and yep ... mostly easy.

Workbasket 9383 (Top left) - A cute V-neck dress with small ruffle collar, shoulder bands and extended shoulders.  Also, a coordinating cardigan, with sleeve variations.

Workbasket 9064 (Top center left) A shirtwaist dress with pleated bodice and slightly flared short sleeves.

Workbasket 9346 (Top center right)  Loose fitting chemise with cape bodice and wide tie belt make with just two primary pattern pieces.

Workbasket 458 (Middle right) Crochet pattern to stitch an overblouse in crochet cotton.   Quite a lovely shawl collar (or is it cape) here as well.

Workbasket 9344 -A set of two skirts; one flared with an elasticized waist and one side wraped with decorative edging.

Although, in my opinion, there is nothing extra special in the sewing selections.   The crochet pattern might be a different subject.  Workbasket 9346 is being touted as a dress-up, from the line of accessories, however, if you take that belt off, it just might be a marvelous piece of lounge wear.

I've said it before, and I'll just say it again .... the 80's just didn't have much 'special' going on.    Feel free to disagree; particularly since no one could call me much of a fashionista.

Thank for dropping by,
Lorrie

Knit a Dress in your Favorite Team Colors

I came across this pattern in a a vintage 1960s issue of Todays Woman and instantly liked it !

Okay, I like both the picture as well as the dress.    I don't know what it was about the early 1960s, however a variety of these patterns were taken with ceramic or stuffed animals in a variety of poses.   It almost looks like to could be from American Threads, or Coats and Clarks ... they had some exotic animal spreads.   BUT ... regardless, the picture is fun enough to bring a smile (or two), and the dress is quite great as well.

Now, here is Southeast Louisiana, the colors would have to be Purple as the MC and Gold as the CC.  But, there's also Tigers at UMO, and Auburn and Clemson and I'm sure hundreds more at the High School level.   And, although the there's a tiger ... this dress could go pro as well ... Football, Basketball, Baseball  ...   Well, you've probably got the idea.

A knitting pattern - square neckline, short sleeves and those glorious stripes.   GO TEAM GO.   Or, as we would say here in Southeast Louisiana --- Geaux Tigers; and a dress to knit up before you geaux see them !

I've listed it in my shop, should you be interested.  

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Housedress Pattern called a Model Coat

My mother wore dresses similar to this around the house ALL THE TIME.   When I was a teenager, I found it a bit embarrassing, and now that I'm (what her age would have been then), I think .... How Comfortable.   Funny how that works; I'm becoming my mother.

I was processing this pattern, Simplicity 5985, to list to my shop this morning, when the description caught my eye.

Button or Snap Front Model Coat - Buttoned front loose-fitting garment, gathered to yoke in front and back, has short set-in sleeves with tuck detail and large patch pockets. Yoke, collar and pockets are out of contrasting fabric. 


Model Coat ???    I've read (and typed) the descriptions on well over 5,000 patterns now and I've not heard anything referred to as a model coat.     So, of course, next stop Google for a definition.     Now, I didn't find anything that resembled a definition, but I did find sites that sold model coats.    And, yep ... they look just like the classic duster, which is officially defined as 
A woman's loose dress-length housecoat.


So, a model dress is a duster, or classic housedress ... just like shown on the picture.    Now, why would I have doubted Simplicity?  


Thanks for dropping by. 
Lorrie 

Afghans to Knit Crochet, Coats Clarks Book 108

Coats and Clarks brought us - Afghans to Knit and Crochet, Book 108 in 1959.   Just as you would expect, for this time frame, the photos are black and white, except for the cover, and a fair number of those are not great quality.   But, if you look close, you'll find there are a couple classics and well as some other intriguing projects.   There are 13 patterns in all.  A couple Knitting, and of course Knit / Crochet combos, along with Crochet and Afghan Stitch and there's a little embroidery tossed in, and just to keep us on our toes, they added in a handwoven afghan.       So ... for your viewing pleasure ....

The front covers (back cover) gives us a color preview of three of the patterns. 

C-454 Palette Afghan - stitched with an afghan hook and multi-colored yarn - 49 x 65 inches.  I really like these multi-color yarn effects.  May the same afghan for every one in the family and they will all be different. Seems like it would be another great way to use up complimentary color scraps.  

B-129 Greek Key - Crocheted blocks, alternating between solid color and the Greek Key motif - 50 x 70.  The pattern calls for two colors.

B-130 Rosebud Ring - Crochet, Puff Stitch 4 1/2" motifs made up this 44 x 60 afghan.   This is a good example of a potentially nice afghan, but lousy selling photography by C&C. 

B-131 Mexicana - A Colorful Crocheted Afghan made up of 5 1/2 inch hexagonal motifs - 49 x 72.   This is another one using variegated yarns.    American Thread also did a Mexicana Afgan in the early 1940s, with no real similarities.

B-132 Chequerboard knitted afghan is Quaker stitch in triangles of solid color and again, variegated yarns - 47 x 64.  

B-133 Ship's Cable - Knitted bulky afghan, bold and elegant at the same time, is worked in strips and has lush fringe - 42 x 64.

B-134 Symphony - Crochet Afghan - 48 x 69.  Look close; this is an attractive piece, but I'd think that it's calling on little fingers (or even larger ones), pulls on, or slipping things through, those textural loops. 

B-135 Shepherd's Plaid - Woven Tapestry - 44 x 55.  This masculine piece is created by drawing a long tapestry needle through curtain scrim.

B-136 Henry Clay Wheel - Crochet Geometric afghan.  The design is based on an Early American quilt pattern - 41 x 61.  

B-137 Pompon Posy - Afghan Stitch with embroidery details and little pompons - 47 x 67.

B-138 Lattice Lace - Knit with Crochet; a lovely afghan with alternating strips of openwork lace and diamonds - 45 x 66 

B-139 - Cottage Garden - Created with an afghan hook and enhanced with a delightful embroidery motif - 51 - 65. 

B-140 - Sugan N Spice - Crochet afghan blanket of dainty pastel colors - 46 inches square.   Coats & Clark's have another afghan under this same name from 1952.   They bear no resemblance.

B-141 Carriage Trade -  A knitted cable for baby, perfectly sized for carriage or cribs - 32 x 42. 

Truth be told, with the exception of the Cottage Garden, which just isn't my style, I like all of them.   I find Ship's Cable close to perfect in a stately simplicity standpoint.   And, I find myself taking a second peak at Chequerboard; it's quite interesting.     I checked each pattern, and they done an above average job with this booklet getting all the charts and graphs included.

I've scanned the book,Afghans to Knit and Crochet, and a couple of the individual patterns to PDF format and put them in my shop.  (Individual patterns will have links under the picture).    Now that I've officially shared this one ... I can now move it from my pending review box and onto the Official Collection shelf.

Thanks for looking,
Lorrie

Crochet Bangle Hats, Anyone ?

Now, we all know, that in our deep down recesses, we love bangles.   There is just something about them that brings out that little girl in us.   Putting on bangles is just about the equivalent of wearing some fun.      I remember a friend, we must have been about 10, and she had a pair of gloves where the wrist section was loaded with bangles.   I wanted a pair soooooo bad.    And that come rushing back to me this morning when I picked up an old issue of a McCalls Knitting Magazine and this bi-fold pamphlet fell out ....

The Pez

The Pill Box 

A Wig Type Pill Box

A Beret (well, sort of)

A Pixie Cap

And, last but not least, The Loop Toque

So, when it comes to an accessory, can you honestly think of something more fun than these (or potentially others) bangle hats?  I can envision them ...  

• Purple, Gold and Green for Mardi Gras
• Red, Green and White for Christmas
• Brown and Orange for Fall, 
• Pastels Shades for the Easter hunt.   

I listed the pamphlet in my shop, if you are interested.    Either way, I hope the pictures brought a smile to your heart and some type of fond memory.

Edited 12/26:   I just discovered that The PEZ pattern (right down to the model) is also part of Bernat Book 165), although I've not yet located the relationship between Wallbeads and Bernat.     

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie  

Dreaming of a Dress with a Gathered Neckline, Pattern

It is an unknown day in January, 1978, and our seamstress, while flipping through the Sunday Newspaper Advertising Fliers, saw it.     A Dress from Sears.

A wonderfully comfortable dress with a gathered neckline, drawstring, and long sleeves, also gathered at the wrists, and the final added touch ... the matching skinny belt.  Just the dress to wear ... well .. to where-ever.   The dress is available at Sears, marked down from $25.00 to $19.99.      Our seamstress, however, does not scoot on over to Sears to get the dress ... she tucks the ad in her purse and the search begins.  

And finally, she finds it ... at least a year later!

McCalls 5888, Vintage 1979  (Remember, the ad is dated January 1978)

And, I say she nailed it.   With the exception of the belt and the sleeve cuffs, it a match.    But, apparently the flame for the dress must have died, because the advertisement was simply deserted with the uncut, factory folded pattern in the envelope.   And, I'm leaving it there (the advertisement) so they next owner of the pattern can invent their own history, as well.

Thanks for dropping by. 
Lorrie

Sewing Simplicity, Vintage 1953 Mail Order Patterns

I adore the vintage advertisements I find in the various knit / crochet / crafts magazines.    My favorite are the sewing pattern ads (quickly followed by the corsets, which I'll start sharing soon).   This particular ad, Sewing Simplicity is from the August 1953 issue of The Workbasket.

9318 - A rare maternity selection - a complete ensemble with blouse variations.  Notice how the word the elastic panel !
9095 - Girls dress -- and a special occasion dress couldn't come much cuter.  (Wonder if these were the pre-versions to the Daisy Kingdom series.
4624 - a simple dress with alot of details.   And, how often do you hear something described 'Lasy daisy frosting points'?

Do you notice what is missing here?   Yep, the crafts patterns.    There's another pattern page in the book that I might get posted tomorrow ... but no crafts pages there either; a bit unusual.

I like all three of them.   You?

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

P.S. - (4-24-2012) - the second Pattern Page for this magazine issue is featured in this blog post.

Crocheted Scrubby Dish Cloth, Free Pattern

Here's one for all of the crochet enthusiasts who just love to do dishes.    But um, maybe there are not too many of those.    So, here's one for all the crochet enthusiasts who have to do dishes and would like to try out a new scrubby.      The pattern is vintage 1953 from the Workbasket.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Knitting Knobby Patterns

Tucked away inside a nightgown pattern, I found a sheet large sheet (folded into a pamphlet) that contained several patterns designed for the Knitting Knobby.  

It seemed a shame to just toss it to the Recycle bin, so I'm posting the patterns here and perhaps, if you happen across a Knitting Knobby (or already use one and could use some extra patterns) you will be able to use them.   (As there was no date or copyright references, I feel comfortable that these are public domain).

Knitting Knobby Coaster

Knitting Knobby Applique Flower 

Knitting Knobby Leash / Collar

Knitting Knobby Lariat

Knitting Knobby Dish Mat

Knitting Knobby Belt

Knitting Knobby Beanie or Beret

To print any or all of these, click on the pattern to enlarge and then copy/paste it to a document on your computer.

Again, I hope this end up being useful to someone out there.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie 

Knit Crochet Pattern Sale, 40% off Black Friday Weekend

My shops' landlord are encouraging us shop owners to have offer Free Shipping over the 2011 Black Friday Weekend.   Starting on Thursday, Nov 24th and ending on Sunday, the 27th.  

I've been giving it some thought, and decided to participate in my Todays Treasure 2 - Knit Crochet Pattern Shop.   As the majority of patterns here are PDF file, they are already no shipping costs.   SO ..... I"m going to offer these patterns (already very low priced) at 40% off with a coupon code.   

So .... drumroll please.       If you'd like to purchase PDF patterns from Todays Treasure 2 ... this weekend, enter  Coupon Code:   2011BlackFridayWeekend

during checkout.    

So, if you've been wanting some of these patterns, it's a great time to stock up !!!

Have a great shopping weeked ( or just a great weekend giving thanks, with no shopping).

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie 

High Fashions, Knit Crochet Patterns, Columbia Minerva 760

I finally finished with Columbia Minerva Book 760 - This book is an absolute beauty.   It is loaded with more upscale (would you expect less of Columbia Minerva?) patterns.   A very nice selection of suits, dresses and jacket combinations and several evening wear.    Looking for something to slouch around the house ... well, the patterns here are definitely not what you are looking for.   But, if you are looking for something out of the ordinary special, continue on.   All of the patterns are knitted; most also involve some crochet.     Enjoy the show !

Columbia Minerva, High Fashions, Book 760, Vintage 1968 / The front and back cover are the same.

760-1 The Balmoral - A Two Piece Evening Dress.  The shell has a marvelous diamond pattern that is highlighted with beads.  Knit / Crochet

760-2 - Longchamps Cape Suit :  The cape with contrasting band all the way around is matched by the same band going down the side of the skirt.  Knit / Crochet

760-3 - Edwardian Coat :  The design is comfortable and the Frog Closures are delightful.  Knit / Crochet

760-4 - Jockey Club Suit : The jacket features the shaped collar and hemline, all highlighted with contrast buttons and trim.  Knit / Crochet
760-5 Bellman Jacket - This dress features the double breasted panel, and pocket flaps, based on the classic Bellman jacket.  Knit / Crochet.

760-6 & 7 - Palm Springs Suits - This combo pattern features the same suit; just the jacket has a long sleeve, or a short sleeve with extended shoulder variations.  Knitting pattern.

760-8 & 9 - Rue De la Paix Suit -  I'm not sure what you would call the from detail interest here, but it is nice .. complimented by with double breasted and the notched collar.   Knit / Crochet
Vendome Suit - The three quarter sleeved jacket has a touch of extra special going on with pocket and braid details.   Knit / Crochet

760-10 - Parisienne Suit - Eye catching pattern with looped collar and cuffs.   Knit / Crochet.
760-11 - Plaza Suit - This suit is a great example of sleek elegance. Knit / Crochet
Don't let the words suit fool you here; both of these are sleeveless dresses with matching jackets.

760-12 Elsinore Coat - Simple Loose Fitting Coat - Knitted
760-13 - Hyde Park Suit - This in the complete set; jacket, shell and skirt.   The shell and jack have small bands of contrast to tie them together. Knit / Crochet

760-14 - Champs Elysee Suit - An empire style dress with flaps and a jacket; all in contrasting color.  Knitted.
760-15 - Windsor Dress - A knitted shirtwaist - simply elegant for everyday wear.  Knitted

760-16 - La Regine Suit - This suit is a sleevless dress and light jacket, accentuated with pleated trim.  Knit / Crochet
760-17 - Ondine Dress - A cute dress, extended sleeves, with or without the grape motif.  Knit / Crochet

 760-18 - Trompe L'oeil Suit - Wide button band, evolving into collar with matching cuffs.  Wow.  Knitted.
760-19 - Sophisticate Suit - This dress and jacket outfit is both professional and feminine in appearance.  Knit / Crochet

760-20 Lucerne Dress - Long and elegant.  Those bands of color are bugle beads!  Knit / Crochet
760-21 - Diana Ball Gown - Long Simple Gown made special with the Gold Greek Key Design at the bottom, as well as ends of the Shawl.  Knitted.

760-22 - La Frencesca Dress - A long spaghetti strap dress that would be perfect for any formal event.  Knit / Crochet

760-23 - Renoir Suit - A simple straight dress topped with an elegant braid trimmed jacket - Don't you think this one yells holiday wear?  Knitted.
760-24 - Renaissance Suit - Another Dress and jacket combination.  This jacket is waist length, gently complimenting the dress and braided tie.  Knit

760-25 - Discotheque Dress - The all over fringe gives this two-piece combo the celebration look.   Knit / Crochet

And, of course, the back page is the same as the front.   If you are thinking that most of these have the Jackie O' look; well ya - remember the year of this book is 1968.   As usual, a number of the patterns are available in my shop, as noted by links under the pictures.   

These books become a labor of love putting out here ... the scans, the pictures, the text, etc. etc. etc.   But, I do think they are so fun to look at and share.   

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie