How to Make Yarn Dolls

Here is another pattern that is just to fun, in that vintage sort of way, not to share.   This one comes to us (public domain) from the October 1966 issue of The Workbasket.   They call this a Rock'n Roll couple.

  And, what is almost as much fun as the dolls themselves, as the 1966 lead in description, which I quote: "Lively rock and roll dolls add "swing" to a teenager's room decor.  They also happily return a small child's hugs and go with him on all his adventure trips. Sure to be a popular bazaar item, dancing dolls would make delightful birthday and special occasion gifts. Decorations for many different party themes could be planned around the rock and roll pair. Dancing in the center of a buffet table, they set a gay mood for almost any kind of party". 


Now, do you really think these would have been a theme for a teenager in the 1960s?    Perhaps ... what do I know.   


Anyway, it is a good base pattern for a yarn doll calling for, of course, yarn, styrofoam balls some cardboard and felt scraps.    It could certainly be a fun way to spend an afternoon.   And, who knows, perhaps your teenager just might help (NOT!). 



Easy to Make Rock & Roll Yarn Dolls -

Thanks for dropping by, 
Lorrie  

Chevron Strip Afghan, Free Knitting Pattern

If, 1) you have a good imagination, and 2) you are looking for a Chevron Afghan Knitting Pattern, have I got a deal for you.      Here is the imagination part.

1)  This afghan, a vintage 1960s Coats & Clark pattern, is knitted with big needles in two colors.   This pattern is calling for Tangerine and Baby Yellow.   Go ahead, skint your eyes.    Can you see it? A mix of bold and mellow, casually tossed over the arm of your couch, or perhaps the end of your bed.   Now, of course, you could imagine it in any color combination you like.   

2)  And, if you are looking for an knitted chevron afghan pattern, this one is free !   And, it's super easy as well, knit on big needles, with just a bit of crochet detail.

If you'd like to give it a try, I've listed it as a FREE DOWNLOAD in MY SHOP.

Want to see more Crochet Afghan patterns?    I have bunches of them in my shop.

Thanks for dropping by. 

Lorrie  

Smart Vintage 1950s Mail Order Dress Patterns

The 2nd Workbasket Pattern Page from August 1953 falls under the enduring caption of Easy to Wear.    Now, this was before my time.   I grew up in the rather slumpy (and perhaps frumpy) 70s where we considered mumu's and smock tops as easy to wear (with or platform shoes, of course).  But, what do I know.     I'm not sure I'd say 'Easy to Wear', but I would definitely say each of these dresses has some WOW factor going on.

Workbasket 9223 (top left) - They are calling this a coatdress, with jives, accept the sleeves.    I find it intriguing. 

Workbasket 9214 (middle) - This pattern has a great shaped yoke (with matching pockets) and extended shoulders in contrast.  It includes a cute waist length jacket.   This pattern is sized for women up to 48.  

Workbasket 4614 (right) - Enjoy the description on this lovely dress - 'smart casual with a frosting of contrast around the collar and sleeve'.   If I could just write like that !   I do agree .... love the collar.  

I Googled around a bit, and looked over at Vintage Wikia Patterns and didn't see a trace of these three.   I suppose those who purchased these patterns have passed them on to the next generation who are holding on tight to them .... those greedy women!    I'll add this post to Wikia's pattern pages as a placeholder to history.

I also enjoy looking at these pattern pages.    Lot's of little things to notice ... like a cinched in 20 inch waist on a patterns that include womens sizes and, of course, their descriptions.     (If you are interested, here is the 1st Pattern Page in the August 1953 issue)

So, which one is your favorite?

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie  

Dog & Bird, Felt Wall Hanging Craft Project

I came across the cute craft project in a 1953 issue of The Workbasket.  AND, as the pattern is in the public domain, I'm going to share it with you here.   Perhaps you'll see some potential.

Now, a little color would certainly perk these up a bit.  But, again, the year was 1953 !   These sweet little wall hangings are 6 3/4 inches.   They are created using scarps of felt, some glue, some embroidery thread and a little stitching.   I'd think they would be a great project to work with your grade-school aged children.   Or, forget the wall hanging part, cut the bird and the dog from brightly colored fabrics and use them as appliques on clothes, totes, pillows, etc.    (I'm going to do the bird as an applique once we get moved ... right now the sewing area is already packed for painting).

Anyway, I transferred the pattern to a PDF document and loaded in my DocStop account, should you be interested in giving it a try.

Bird & Dog Picture In Felt, A Craft Project -
Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Round Tatted Doily Patterns

I was processing an old Workbasket tatting pattern for my shop, which can be quite an ordeal.   First I scan the old patterns to Word Documents, carefully proofread (because scan technology doesn't translate numbers or symbols well), add back in any pictures and charts, and then convert to clean crisp PDF documents.   Some patterns take awhile and other, like TATTING patterns, can take a really long while.     I was just proof reading a pattern entitled Round Doily in Tatting .... like 45 minutes worth of proof reading.  Now, I don't know how to Tat ... but really !!!  One must spend as much time marking out each sentence, in tiny parts, to make it through the pattern.   I can't imagine the patience it must take to create this beautiful work.  

And then I got to thinking, I've seen this pattern before.   (Which is not really that uncommon in The Workbasket issues).

Lacy Doily in Tatting  

So, I went on the hunt in my shop, thinking I'd just spent a big chunk of time proofing a pattern that I'd already done.   And, I found it.

Round Doily in Tatting 

I was wrong.  Although they are similarities, they are distinctly different.    And, may I say ... WOW.  Tatting definitely produces some incredible lacy art.   I suppose that's it.   This is Art.

These two, as I've mentioned, are in my shop.    I have a few other tatting selections as well, should you be interested.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Classy Overlay Dress Pattern; A Mock Wrap

At first glance, this dress pattern has the look of front wrap, with the option of either a tie or button closure.   Wrong !

Butterick 6817 (Vintage 1980s), " Loose-fitting, straight dress, below mid-knee or mid-calf,has slightly dropped shoulders, shoulder pads, front overlay with narrow hem, back zipper and long sleeves with optional elastic. A: contrast and button trim. B: overlay has tucks and extends into tie ends ". 

With the overlay in contrast or same fabric, this is a classy, eye catching dress.  The deep V-Neckline and exposed wrists in View A begs the opportunity to showcase your jewelry.  The dropped shoulders adds the highlight of comfort.  

Yep, overall a great dress.   I'm surprised this is not in the Classics series.  

I've listed this in my shop, along with a HUGE number of other dress patterns, in case you are interested.

Thanks for dropping by, 
Lorrie 

How to Personalize a Sundress

Simplicity 7869 is a pattern for a fun 1970s Vintage Sundress.   This cute dress can be made up in a long or short version, has shoulder straps and ruffled V shaped pattern/trim merging into the shoulder straps.    (It's listed in my shop if you are interested).  

Tucked inside the envelope I found a great handout Simplicity put together to (I'd think) compliment this dress, that gives great tips to personalize a Sundress.    I left the handout with the pattern, but just had to take a scan  
to share with you.   

Hope you can put it to good use !


Thanks for dropping by, 
Lorrie 

Vintage 70s Short Shorts & Bodysuit Pattern

I've mentioned this before, but when processing patterns for my shop, it is not uncommon to find things in the envelope.  Sometimes a fabric swatch, the original sales receipt, and many many sewing pins.   

I picked up Simplicity 5040 and among the pattern pieces was a piece of college ruled notebook paper folded up real small.   I carefully unfolded it, and to my surprise, it was the pattern writings and an artistic rendering of the pattern.  

And on the other side of the notebook paper, the back of pattern information (the english part) was carefully written out.

I find that I'm always suseptible to speculation; probably resulting from long hours alone hanging out in my studio.   I assuming this is a young teenager of the 70s .... Did she so love this pattern that she copied the whole thing for a notebook she kept?  Or, did she write it all out intending to give to a friend so she could get the same pattern.    Or, did she write it all out and give to her Mom so she would buy it for her, and then it was stuck in the envelope and forgotten?   


I, of course, don't know.   But, I did include it in the envelope in case the next owner of this vintage 70s pattern would like to wonder, as well. 


Woops, almost forgot to to mention ... what a great 1970's teen pattern.   Short shorts, flared pants, scoop neck bodysuit and halter.  This one, in a size 5JP,  is listed in my shop.   You might find vendors with other sizes over at Vintage Wikia Patterns as well.  


Thanks for dropping by, 
Lorrie 

Cape Collar, Summer Evening Dress Pattern

I was processing (checking, scanning, etc), two Simplicity 7382 patterns to put in my shop and kept thinking that I already had one of these.   So, did a quick check, and nope, I didn't.   


nope, I didn't.   


It's a great vintage dress.  A bit on the elegant side without being formal.   Perfect for an evening out with someone special.  It is sleeveless with a flared skirt attached to the semi-fitted bodice, a tie belt, lower round neckline, back zipper and a great cap collar.  


I entered them into my shop last night and when I went to file them away this morning, realized why they seemed familiar .... it's the exact same pattern as Simplicity 7383 (of the same year). 


So, it appears that Simplicity, instead of doing one pattern in a wide range of sizes, divided the pattern into two different number series.

Simplicity 7382 runs size 10 to 20
Simplicity 7383 runs 14.5 to 24.5

Which then got me to wondering if there was yet another pattern for the smaller size ... say 6 and up.    I did a couple more searches, Simplicity 7381, Simplicity 7384.   If there is one in the smaller size, I didn't find it.   I'll keep my eyes open !

Crocheted Tablecloths with a Round Motif

A neighbor, going through boxes that had belonged to her grandmother, came across a couple crochet patterns, which she was kind enough to pass on to me.   She said she found nothing else that was crochet pattern related and had no knowledge that her grandmother was creative in any form.   Yet, she had held on to these patterns for a Very Long time.   All three patterns are free leaflets and all are dated 1939.   Although folded, they are in Very Good condition.

Officially called Lucky Star No 7144.  It was issued as Fre Leaflet No 1555 and has an encircled star motif.      Variations of this pattern have circulated several times.  I know I've seen it in a late 50's American Thread book as a table runner.

This is Continental No 7159, issued in Free Leaflet 1466L.   A semi spider web type design and measuring 60 x 81 inches.  The large motifs are 4 inches and and small are 2 1/2.   With a little heavier thread, this would make a wonderful bedspread as well.

This is the Worlds Fair Cloth Pattern.   It is another that has recycled.   I browsed around and apparently the motif is the same as that of the World Fair and was reissued to commemorate the different events.   This particular pattern does not state a size.  Just keep creating the motifs until you reach your desired size.

So, I know several things about the original owner of the patterns.    Her name was Martha, she lived to be 92, she had a granddaughter named Linda and she collected three crochet patterns all with a circular motif.

I've reformatted the patterns to clear clean copy, maintaining the original cover art and have listed in my shop, through the above links, should you be interested.   I have several other cloths as well, should you be interested in browsing.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Stuffed Toy Pattern for Baby, Vintage 1940s style

Here's another delightful vintage pattern.  It's 1949 and the momma's (and perhaps grandmas) would sew up little stuffed toys for the new baby.  

With this pattern, McCall 1078, the choice were a lion, a giraffe, an elephant, a donkey, a bear and a deer.   Each pattern consists of just a couple pieces and uses scraps of fabric.  And then, a transfer to embroider on a face to each.    I would guess thousands of these were made up for babies .... perhaps even, some of us !

While I was fondly looking at this vintage advertisement (Winter 1949/1950 issue of McCall Needlecraft), I found myself wondering if these little two piece stuffed toys patters were the origination of those bolts of fabric where the toy outlines are stamped on, complete with sewing lines and all you have to do is cut out.   Hum?   Something to ponder (not that I'm sure of things, at the moment).  I did find a reference over at Vintage Patterns Wikia, however, no current vendors.

Hope you enjoyed the vintage pattern advertisement.   Thanks for dropping by. 

Childrens Rabbit, Panda, Mouse Costume Pattern

I know that young kids no longer (or so it seems) want to be characters such as it was back in the 1940's and 1950's.   Many girls, of course, still hang on to the princess and fairy, but more and more so, particularly with the young boys, it's the movie cartoon characters.  

Back in 1949, McCall issued childrens costume pattern 1485, giving the kids a choice of a mouse, a panda or a rabbit.  

Apparently, the pattern was quite popular as it was re-released several times, updated from the McCall name to the more current McCall's name.   The pattern is kids sized 4 - 12 and each have a front zipper closure for easy in and out.    I'm particularly fond of the rabbit ears.    If they are anywhere to scale with the picture, they'd have to be like 15 inches high, don't you think?   Oh, and the pompom tail.  

Two things - 1) I wouldn't mind making the rabbit costume for myself ( McCall's - please re-release in an Adult Large) and 2) how I'd love to see these parade to my front door on Halloween !

I don't have this pattern in my shop, however, appears to be several vendors over at Vintage Patterns Wikia that do.    I came across this advertisement in a 1949 issue of McCalls Needlecraft, and wanted to share.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

God Bless Our Home, Crochet Sampler, Free Pattern

Here is another pattern that comes from the January 1953 issue of The Workbasket.    It's a wall sampler or cloth with the ever popular saying - God Bless Our Home.

Now, early issue of The Workbasket can be known for their really poor image quality.   And, I have to say, that they really outdid themselves with this one.

If you look real close there is a floral motif and the lettering, all worked from a chart using mercerized threads.  The finished piece measures 18 x 36 inches.   I'm just learning how to crochet (and it is not going too well), and it amazes that something as detailed and lovely as this piece, is such a small pattern.

This pattern is available as a FREE DOWNLOAD in my Todays Treasure Shop, should you like make one for yourself, or gift to a friend.  

Thanks for dropping by.
Lorrie

Butterfly Doily on Linen Center, Free Pattern

Here is a simply, yet quite attractive doily made up with a linen center.   Start with linen piece, whatever size you wish, crochet on the lacy edge and then make whatever number of little flower and butterfly motifs that you might wish to scatter around the cloth center.     Or, just make of the edging and the little motifs and add them to anything that you might like.  

This (public domain) pattern is from the January, 1953 issue of The Workbasket.    I've added this pattern to my shop as a FREE DOWNLOAD.   If you'd like to have this edging and motifs, shop on by.   Let's not let these older patterns fade away !

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Quick Knit Patterns Columbia Minerva 732, Jackets Slipovers Coats

It's been awhile since I've previewed one of the vintage pattern books, so I took a gander though my box and came out with an early 1960's selection from Columbia Minerva.   This is book number 732 and contains a variety of patterns for sweaters, jackets, cardigans and a three coats.    A couple of the patterns are standard fair, but most have something special going on; either in design or pattern stitch.   Most of the patterns are knitted, most with some crochet detail included, and just two of the patterns are all crochet.     There are 32 patterns in all.

The front cover features two cardigans and a slipover (732-1, 2 and 3).   All three knitted, with crochet. 

732-4 Cardigan - A cabled cardigan reminiscent of Jackie O style .. just below waist.    Sized 12 to 18, knit with crochet

                                               

 732-5 (on left) and 732-6 (on right).   Both have great pattern stitches; both are knitted; 732-6 has a touch of crochet.  

732-7 Cardigan has an attractive mix of diamonds with a moss stitch carried across front, back and down the sleeves.  It is knitted, with crochet details. 

732-8 Cardigan has a sweet pattern stitch and quite a feminine collar.  It is on the short side (a definite 1960s style), just below waist length and three quarter sleeves.   

732-9 Jacket (on left) and 732-10 Cardigan (on right).   Both these pieces are knitted, with crochet detail.  Both are attractive fair, but 732-9, with those elbow length bell sleeves and big collar are just a notch above.  

732-11 Cardigan - I don't know the name of this pattern stitch, but what a delight it is.  I particularly like how the pattern is pulled onto the collar, versus a ribbed effect.   It is knitted and sized 12 to 18. 

732-12 - Fair Isle Cardigan is worked by directed yarn color changes, not a chart.  It is knitted with crochet detail with solid contrast for fold-over collar, sleeves and button band.  

732-13 Cardigan (on left) and 732-14 Cardigan Jacket (on right) - Two great wardrobe choices; both knitted, with crochet detail.  

732-15 Cardigan - Here we have a knitted double breasted beauty with a fold over, wrap across collar.   It is sized 14 to 20.  

732-16 Cardigan Jacket - How do you take a cardigan jacket even more delightful?  Well, here they 

have added a double breasted inset panel - fashion and flair.  It is knitted, with crochet edging and sized 12 to 18.  

732-17 Jacket - The collar on this jacket is so wonderful that CM nailed it by making the rest of the design straight forward and simple.  It is knitted and sized 12 to 18.  

732-18 - Jacket - This piece just builds on itself ... first the pattern design, then the big buttons, the 3/4 sleeves and then, that collar.  It is knitted, with crochet edging.  

732-19 Jacket - Short and sweet with the potential of making just the right statement.   It is knitted.  

732-20 Slipover - A high neck pullover with raglan 3/4 sleeves and waist length.  Oh, and that delightful diamond geometric edged design!

732-21 Poncho with Slipover - This is a two-fer pattern.  First is a standard ribbed turtleneck slipover sweater, and then a motif designed tabbard with side ties.  (CM are referring to it as a poncho).   Both are knitted, the poncho has crochet ties.

732-22 Slipover - A nice sweater with banded V-neckline, three quarter sleeves and patch pockets.  It has an outdoorsy flair.  

732-23 Slipover (on right) and 732-24 Slipover (on left)  - Two great slipovers; one with an incredible cowl neck and one with a panel inset.  Both are knitted; pattern on right with crochet edges. 

732-25 Slipover.  This out-of-the-ordinary has a raised diamond motif, edge ribbing and an attached tie scarf collar.   It is knitted and sized 10 to 16.

732-26 Slipover, Hood and Mittens - a three pattern set.  The sweater features a strong cable pattern, which is matched on the gloves and detachable hood.   It's knitted with crochet ties and edges.  Mix and match all the way.  

732-27 Slipover - The is a design of understated elegance, featuring a honeycomb stitch - dress it up, or dress it down.   It is knitted.  

732-28 Cardigan Jacket (on left) and 732-29 Jacket (on right).  Columbia Minerva offer up these two exclusively crochet patterns - both loose fitting and comfortable in appearance, with great collars and sleeve variations.   

732-30 Coat - This coat has that WOW factor.  Simple and elegant, with the strong cable highlights.  It is knitted, with crochet edges and sized 10 to 20.  

732-31 Hooded Coat - This design is bold and fun; hip length with the checked pattern, hood and contrast bands.   It is knitted, crochet detail.  

732-33 Coat - And, last but not least, another long knitted coat - simple like a long sweater.   it is knitted with crochet detail and sized 10 to 20.

As typical with the earlier pattern books, the back cover is the same as the front shown above.   Now, as I work through the book, I process the patterns that I put in my shop.  This takes several days.  Which means, I've been looking at these designs quite a bit.   I have to say, there isn't a single one that I don't like.   And, the photography ... well, soft, romantic and sweet.   The pictures are a delight to look at.   

Well done Columbia Minerva !     The titles with highlighted links are available in my shop, should you be interested.   

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie