Jocko Sock Monkey Pattern, McCalls 1443

This is Jocko, Kitty and Baby.   They are adorable sock animal patterns going way back.   This vintage advertisement from the 1943 issue of McCalls Needlework.  

Although the magazine was McCalls, I wasn't sure if it was a McCalls or a mail order pattern.   These magazines typically carry both.   A google search brought all kinds of fun information about Jocko Sock Monkeys, but, I had to go to Vintage Patterns Wikia to find the actual pattern.

Yep, it's a McCall pattern, dated 1948.   (Interesting that the bunny did not make their 1949 advertisement).  The pattern set apparently contains tissue pieces, along with transfers for the faces.  

I knew, at first sight, this was moving to my 'search for', 'must have' pattern list.   I've already set up my Advance Google Alert and I'm keeping my fingers crossed !

If you have this pattern, I'm begging you to share.   I promise to give it back !

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Small Crochet Beaded Bag, Free Purse Pattern

I found this public domain pattern in a 1949 issue of McCalls Needleworks.    It's a cute little bag (even with the picture missing a small chunk).

Note - the circle at the top is a detail blow-up showing the pattern with the beads.   Anyway, it's a cute little shoulder bag, where you can crochet the shoulder strap to be whatever length you might wish.  A great little bag to carry just a couple things.  

Now, one thing about this pattern ... it calls for a lining kit that I have no doubt is no longer available.  But, I'm sure that it would not be that difficult to pick up some fabric and create your own lining.     If your looking for a little bag, you might want to give this one a try - it is available in my shop as a Free Download.    It would be a shame just to let these vintage goodies go to waste over a little lining !


Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Pointed Collars, Vintage Mail Order Patterns

It's been awhile since I've worked through an old 'The Workbasket' issue.  This time, I picked up the September, 1953 issue.   This particular year/month, they were a bit skimpy on the pattern offerings - just one page with three choices.  

Wardrobe Winners 

The three dress choices, appropriately so for 1953, are of the shirtwaist style.   The one commonality, beyond dresses, is the pointed collar.  All three of these pattern choices feature a pointed collar.   So, I'd think it is a fairly safe assumption that was a hot detail for that fall season.

Workbasket 4519 - Misses shirtwaist, which they are calling a 'step-in'.    This was also marketed under Anne Adams 4519 and R4519, with suppliers referenced over at Wikia Vintage Patterns.

Workbasket 4605 - Girls dress with a pointed collar they are calling a 'wing'.   I love the contrast shaped pockets, neck tie and sleeve bands.

Workbasket 4557 - This dress has a faux wrap look in the front, made even more interesting with the paneled skirt.

Yes, they are calling each of these collars something different - Crisp and wing, but still .... it's right in fashion mode ... a pointed collar.

Hope you enjoyed the old pattern advertisement.    Thanks for stopping by,
Lorrie

Crochet Stole with Sequin Flowers, Free Pattern

How is your imagination?  

This picture is a crocheted stole, 20 x 60 inches - or larger, should you choose.  It's made up of small little flower motifs that each have a bead or a sequin in the center of each.    And for this beautiful description, they (from the September 1953 issue of the Workbasket), give us this picture !

But, I've figured it out.   It is an imagination test.   Read the pattern and let your imagination take hold.  And then, just possibly, you'll see the vision and head out for your yarn and sequins.    Just maybe.


Crochet Stole with Sequin Trim -
Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Crocheted Piggy Bank, Free Pattern

Now, what could be more fun that a crocheted piggy bank?   Well, I could suggest that might be a crocheted piggy bank full of $100 dollar bills.  But, since that isn't realistic (in my life, anyway), I'd say a Free crochet piggy bank pattern!  

This public domain pattern is from a 1949 issue of McCalls Needlework.  Picture quality in this magazine were not great, but I think we get the general idea.   This  piece, 4 x 10 inches, has a crocheted body with a small cleanser can on the inside to hold the money.   Stuffing is added between the cannister and the inside of the pig to plump him up.   A fun piece to make, as well as hold your money, I'm sure.

Perhaps you'd like to give him a try ?   Just in case, the pattern is available for Free Download in my shop --- come on over.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Easy Crochet Stocking Cap, Free Pattern in New Format

My semi-career here in the pattern business has entailed alot of rework.  It goes like this.  

- Decide to do something

- Do It for Awhile

- Realize there is a better way to do.  

- Rework everything already done 

That's my case here with this pattern.    Previously I was scanning public domain knit/crochet patterns to PDF files and listing in my shop.   A straight scan of a PDF file is not necessarily attractive, so I played around with different formats, until I arrived at a document with a clean crisp look.   Worthy, in my opinion, of being sold in my shop.   So, in addition to all the new entries being in the new format, I'm reworking all of the patterns that are already there. 

And, that brings me to here ... over the last couple days, I've been reworking the Bernat 165, Hats Hats Hats book to the new format.  In the book, there is an attractive, yet simple, crocheted stocking hat.

It's perfect to those learning to crochet as well as fun for those with years of experience to knock off in an afternoon.   You could, perhaps make one for both yourself, as well as a friend!.    In case you'd like to give it a try, I've listed on a Free Basis with immediate download over in my shop.


Thanks for stopping by,
Lorrie 

Vintage Wedding Veil, McCall 1490 Advertisement

In their 1949 issue of McCall Needlework Magazine, McCall featured one of their new patterns across a three page spread.  

  First, on page 24, a beautiful full piece spread.  

And then, on page 93 and 94 the front and back view of the actual pattern envelope (I found an image over at Worthpoint).   I also found a Country Roads Story that indicates there is a vintage dress & veil (from this pattern) over at the LSU Ag Museum ... which ironically enough, I remember seeing when we were over there a few months back.

The advertising spread is ... well, only one word seems appropriate .... LOVELY.

I hope you enjoyed the old advertisement.   Thanks for dropping by.
Lorrie

How to Make a Funky Yarn Lampshade

If you are a watcher of Home & Garden TV (HGTV), you'll note that it is loaded with shows about how to renovate your home, or shows on buying or flipping houses.    Well, that's relatively new over the last 6 years.   It used to be loaded with Do-It-Yourselves Home Decorating Shows.     The change must have been subtle because I didn't truly realize the change until I flipped the page in a 1949 McCalls Magazine and found this pattern picture.

Now, this would have been a perfect fit for one of those shows where, say, two neighbors got together to redecorate a room in each others house.  They always ended up with at least one quite funky, yet functional art type projects.    Here it is.   Take a lampshade, either new or one that has seen much better days.  Strip it down to the fame and wind it with yarn.   And, if that isn't decoration enough, add some pompons all the way around it.

I have no doubt this style may have been hot with the young folks in the 60's and perhaps, early 70s, just didn't know it went all the way back to 1949 !

But, all kidding aside, you know you'd love to give this one a try.   Get creative, instead of pompons, how about fringe, or beads or those irridescent disc thingies.

Go for it !


Funky Yarn Lampshades -
Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Crochet Horns of Plenty Doily Hotpad, Free Pattern

This pattern, a Horns of Plenty is from the September 1953 issue of The Workbasket.

The design is wonderfully illustrated with the intended purpose; to be used as a decorative cover on a hotpad with -- the killer (literally) -- an Asbestos Pad.  Apparently, asbestos pads were a great heat diffuser and were used frequently as hotpads.   This design was created to fit these pads (sold in 8 or 9 inch sizes), folding over the sides to hold the crochet in place.     Well, we know what happened to asbestos pads !

But, it is still quite an attractive design that deserves not to be given up on due to discontinuation of Asbestos Pads.

The design could still be used for the intended purpose substituting to a cork pad - like those sold in the plant aisles for protective bases in the Home Box stores.  I think they would also be lovely, say in a group of five, applied to cork to colored cardstocks and put on the wall as wall art.   Like this ---

  I've didn't get these aligned too well, but hopefully enough for you to get the idea.

And, I think a row over top of a door would look great as well.  

Okay ... enough already ... I'll get on with the pattern.


Horns of Plenty Crochet Doily Pattern -

How will you use this little pretty?   Do let me know.    

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Looking for a Clown Bean Bag Pattern ?

Well, are you looking for a Clown Bean Bag Pattern?    If you landed here from a Google search, I'd think that perhaps you are.  

How about this one ?

This cute clown bean bag dates back to a 1953 issue of The Workbasket.  The base is an old white sock, stuffed with dried peas or beans (or any number of newer choices -- like plastic pellets).   Clothes are made from scrap fabrics, yarn arms, embroidered face with just a touch of rouge, and, of course, a Pompon for the top of the hat.

If you'd like to give him a try, I've uploaded the pattern over at DocStop for ease of downloading.

Bean Bag Clown Pattern


Sew a marvelous bean bag !

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

An Afghan Pattern Sale for End of March

For fun, I've been adding a couple of my Afghan PDF Patterns at Wanelo.  Doing this type of thing, just like Pinterest, can become addictive.    It's also been fun looking back through the Afghan patterns I've listed in my shop so far and choosing what to list.  

While going through the Afghan listings, I started thinking ... well, why not have a sale.   So .... Why not?   I'll call it the End of March sale.

Although I still have alot of patterns to list, there are a fair amount in the shop to choose from.

                Crochet Afghan Patterns   

   Knit Afghan Patterns 

Now, as you know, some of the knit afghans also require a little crochet here and there.  If so, it will be mentioned in the very beginning of the description.  

This knitted ripple is my current favorite.     

Now, my afghan PDF patters are generally $3.00.  On sale, that makes them $1.50.   So ... come on by.   It  just might be a good time to stock up.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Western Blazer Pattern from Authentic Wear

I had never heard of Authentic Patterns Inc., however, a browse through Vintage Wiki shows they produced a variety of Western Wear patterns, that included square dance outfits.    I also did a Google search; it appears they are no longer in business.  

This pattern, Authentic 243, is a Ladies Western Blazer.  

Official Description :  Ladies Blazer, a western look that's bold as it is beautiful.Blazer front features three patch pockets with single point yoke flaps and conservatively wide lapels. The back is belted with double side back vents, accentuated with a single point back yoke. Detailing is finished by top stitching. 

 I've listed this pattern in my shop - Authentic 243, Size 10 (Bust 32 1/2).   Here in Louisiana ( typically not thought of as a Western state ... even though we are close to Texas), I don't come across many Western patterns.   Of the close to 3000 patterns I currently have only one, but that could change on any day, patterns of  Western flair.    


Thanks for dropping by, 
Lorrie 

Rose Crochet Curtain Pull, Free Pattern

I'm in the process of going through a 1950s Alice Brook Design Catalog.   With these little booklets, I like to pull out the individual pictures and captions and put them into the Mail Order - Knitting and Mail Order - Crochet sections here in the blog.     In the middle of this particular catalog, there are a couple (public domain) patterns that I'll be sharing here in the blog.    

The first pattern to share is nice Rose Crochet Pull.   Myself, I think this is a delightful little design.    Use it for curtain pulls, like Alice Brooks has marketed, use it with your ceiling fans, or make up several and use them as belt ties.   I'm sure there are many other ways to use them as well!  

Enjoy the pattern.  

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

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie 

High Fashion Knitted Shells, Vintage 1960s

The year actually, is 1966.   Woman's Day puts out a supplement to their August 1966 issue.    Now, I don't (yet) have the August 1966 issue, so I don't know what all was included there, but I do know that this supplement has a nice collection of 7 Shells.    All of the patterns are knitted, several have crochet edges or trim and one includes embroidery stripes.  These fashions were obviously intended for the 'more mature' younger woman in that the styles and colors are all quite discreet --- keeping in mind the MOD selections of the younger set 'hippies' of this time.   Perhaps, it was not deemed the 'hippie' set were doing much knitting or crochet!

This is a small pamphlet, 8 pages in all.

The front page models the Garter Stitch Shell, with a 'quite nice' turtle fold over neck.  The pattern is knit only.

The Trellis Stitch Shell  is knitted with extended sleeves and trim around the edges.  

Don't miss the cute flip of her hair! 

This is called the Ribbon Knit Shell, and the reason is apparent - the pattern stitch does give the appearance of ribbon, although made with Fingering yarns. Knit with crochet edges.

Here, with the Seed Stitch Shell, we have a slight cowl look and extended shoulders. 

Knit with crochet edges.

This piece, the Stockinette Stitch Shell has an attractive bit of color block going on.  It is knit with crochet edges and a back neck snap.    

This top, the Diamond Lace Trellis has a light, summery feel.  

It is knitted with banded edges.

And, last but certainly not least, we have the Textured Stripe Shell.  

This top, knitted with crochet trim, has embroidered stripes. 

All of the patterns are Misses Sizes 10, 12, 14 and 16.  (I still have not learned why patterns were never sized for the smaller woman ???).  

Overall, it is a nice little supplement.   Other than, perhaps added rows and making the shells a little longer, they are as much in fashion today as they were back in the 1960s.   I've listed the individual patterns in my shop, links under each picture, should you be interested.   

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie  

Crochet Reversible Baby Blanket, Shell Stitch Free Pattern

Looking for a pattern to create a relatively easy blanket for a baby gift?     This one, Vintage 1966 from McCalls is reversible and measures 36 x 50 inches, and best of all - it's (public domain) FREE.

  Not sure if the baby is a boy or a girl?  Make one side blue and the reverse pink.   Or any contrasts of your desire.   Although the picture isn't much (it was a tiny 2 x 2 clip), it looks like a nice easy crochet.    Perhaps you'll give it a try.

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

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Girls Fairy Costume, Sewing Patterns

Do you have a little girl who wants to be a fairy, or perhaps double it up and be a diary princess.   Chances are probably a good 90% the answer to this is a yes.  ( Of course, there is the other 10% that just want to put on their jeans and climb trees! ).    I started thinking about these little girls this afternoon, when, while processing a set of patterns and two fairy costumes were in the stack.  

There is a fair amount of variance between the two patterns, although both are in the same size range.

McCalls 3758 - A simple selection with a sleeveless raised bodice dress, all the way to the floor, and huge wings that are controlled by cuffs attached to the arms.  

McCalls M4887 - Here we have wire wings attached at the shoulders and overskirt and enough tulle (either long or short) to make any little girl feel super special.  

BUT, whoever was the lucky girls whose Momma bought these patterns, didn't get either of these dresses.  They were passed on to me uncut.  Now, how sad is that.   I'm just hoping that perhaps, Momma actually bought a third pattern that was sewn and not passed on.

If you have one of those girly girls, do consider a Fairy Costumes (links above).  Either one like these, or one of the other varieties out there in Google-Land.

P.S.   No need to wait until Halloween; she'd like to be a fairy today.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Searching for a Vintage Pinwheel Doily Pattern

A few days back, I received a message from a visitor to my shop looking for a very specific Pinwheel Doily pattern.   Apparently, her friend had received these in unfinished condition.  They were believed to have come from a grandmother or great grandmother.   My Visitor, obviously a very good friend, was trying to find a pattern to match so you could finish them.    Now, that's nice ...

Now, I'll admit, I usually enjoy a mystery so I asked her to send me a couple pictures.

 The first doily picture is cropped to an individual motif and (I think) is around 6 inches.

The second picture is this motif as part of the cloth.  I'm guessing (great) grandma was making a table scarf.  Seems there would be too much open space for this to be a tablecloth or bedspread.

The third picture she sent, I quickly realized was a different pattern altogether.

I have only a couple pinwheel doilies in my shop.   I do have, however, about 20 different doily books from the 1940's, 50's and 60's that I've not yet got around to processing.    I pulled them out of their 'pending boxes' and, with a couple cups of coffee on the back porch browsed through them.

You know what I found .... Nada ... Nothing.   A couple similarities, but not near the real deal.   So, the mystery continues.   I've printed a copy and put on my work board so I don't forget to compare whenever I handle a new doily pattern.

So, I'm wondering, do these patterns ring any bells with any of you ?    If so, please let me know - Lorrie  @ 5CTStudio@gmail.com.    When I learn the answer, I'll come back and post it here (as well as let the original requestor know, of course).

Thanks for dropping by (and I hope to hear from you).
Lorrie

Silk Slippers Pattern, McCall 1075

In was the late 1940's, and those ladies of means, enjoyed putting on those lovely lounge dresses after dinner and, well, lounge of course.   And to go with those, one would certainly need a lovely pair of silk slippers to match.  And McCall, always in step with the fashion times, gave these two offerings.

              Lined silk slippers with a nice adornment of pompons and bells.   (Yes, bells).   

And, a pair of scuffs and a matching case.   The addition of a back strap is nice.    And, for dual advertising, the initial transfers were available under McCall 477.

These little adds are from the Winter 1949/1950 issue of McCalls Needlework  -- I just had to share them with you.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie  

A Dress to Make Your Hips Look Wider, Sewing Pattern

When I first looked at the cover of this pattern,Butterick 4621,  the words slipped right out - OMG look at how wide this dress makes her (in the yellow) hips look !  Quickly followed by - Why would anyone want to wear this  !  

Then, as I'm pulling everything out of the envelope to process, I realized the answer.   We women, with wider hips, wouldn't wear this dress.   We choose our dresses to NOT draw attention to our hips.   BUT, for those women that are thin with narrow hips, this dress would be a great selection.   The princess seams draw the eyes down, while the front inset, with it's 'V' presentation gives the impression of a waistline.   Then, the perfect placement of the mock wrap across the hips to the side finishes the definition of the figure. 


Nicely done David Warren !    


I've listed this one in my shop.  There are, of course, hundreds of other dresses there are well.  


Thanks for dropping by, 
Lorrie  

Afghan Patterns, Columbia Minerva 742

Columbia Minerva have graced us with at least 7 or 8 different afghan books over the years.   This one, simply called Afghans by Columbia Minerva, contains 17 patterns.    The majority of the patterns are crochet, although there are 4 that are knitted.    The book has not dating or copyright references, however, I place it (public domain) in the early 1960's based on picture styles (props) and use of color.   Any later and it would have copyright references, and any older, it would not be in all color pictures.    Plus, the ultimate reference - the $1.25 original purchase price.    Several of the patterns are heavy on the embroidery, placing them right into that Heirloom quality.  

I'm pleased to share the book with your.

Taking center stage on the front page is the Rose Afghan - a crocheted afghan measures 47 x 69, made up of a center and side panels with a marvelous rose motif embroidered.  I particularly like the sparse use of the lush tassels on this one.

Flower and Fruit Afghan is crocheted in blocks and then embroidery of applies, grapes, pear, cherry,  pansy and black-eyed susan's are added.

 Officially, this is the Feather and Fan Afghan.   It is one of the classics, measuring 45 x 67 inches when completed.

This tri-color design is a gentle Crocheted Ripple, measuring approx. 49 x 54 inches.

Four motifs made a block; 7 3/4 inch squares make up this 49 x 64 inch  Crocheted Patchwork Afghan. 

This is an ongoing delight.  The Rosebud Afghan features Cables and small embroidery rosebuds along with triple knot fringe.   I'm surprised they did not name it an heirloom.  

This easy-to-crochet piece - The Daisy Afghan, is made with 305 motif flowers and blocks and put

together a 44 x 60 inch piece.  

The Red and White Afghan, made up of 7 strips, ends with triple knot fringe and measures 46 x 68 inches

This piece, the Blue and White Afghan, has a strong cable in a two toned striped and a nice finishing touch of fringe at the end of each cable.  

The Two-Toned Afghan is put together with 5 1/4 inch blocks of complimentary colors.  It measures 46 x 68 inches. 

The Black Afghan with Rose Motif has that lacy and flowery feel.  When finished, it is 54 x 72 and bound to become a 'couch' favorite.

This piece, Leaf Pattern Afghan, is made up of three panels with a raised leaf pattern running through and tufts of fringe to finish it off.

A brightly colored, yet masculine, Garter Stitch Afghan.  Note the tassels are of varying colors. 

Here is yet another stripe.   This piece, The Knitted Stripped Afghan, has a subtle blending of 5 shades.  It is a large piece - measuring approx. 57 x 72 inches.

Made up of 4 1/2 inch flower (my interpretation) motifs, surrounded with a border, the Crochet Loop Stitch Afghan measures 50 x 67 inches.

And, last but not least, bold selections.  First, on the right, a Crocheted Striped Afghan,   And, on the left, a Knitted Plaid Afghan with triple knot fringe.

Whew !   Now, that is at lot of afghan choices; 17 in all.  I spent two days working through this book and found my favorites changed as I went along.  At first, I was stuck on the Blue and White for it's simple elegance, then the Knitted Plaid (after all, how could you not love plaid), but, in the end, it was the Daisy Afghan that attracted me most.   How about you?

I've listed these patterns separately in my shop, noted by the links under the pictures,  should you be interested.  There are, of course, dozens of other knitted and crocheted afghan in the shop as well.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie