For this post, let's go back 87 years ... all the way to July, 1936. In newspapers across the country, Alice Brooks Needlework Design pattern 5560 was offered.
Vintage Knit Crochet - Bits of History
Bits of Knitting and Crochet History collected and researched from vintage pattern books, newspapers and magazines. A fun look at old advertisements and tid-bits about the makers of threads, yarns, tools, pattern books and more.
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Friday, June 11, 2021
Vintage Crochet Medallion Pattern, Alice Brooks 5560
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Laura Wheeler 2040, Jiffy Crocheted Cloth Pattern
This is the original pattern picture, that appeared on the over-sized pattern page (when marketed under the Laura Wheeler name). It's a 'most lovely design' that ranges in size of 17 inches to 60 inches. It's marketed as Jiffy Crochet. When marketed by the 'others', only the 'Jiffy Crocheted Cloth, Pattern 2040" would be printedl
In this advertisement we have an actual person displaying the finished cloth. Note that the marketer on this ad is referenced with the newspaper itself being the marketer. Send to 'newspaper name', c/o of Needlecraft Dept. An interesting note on the ads with the newspaper name .... they sold for ten cents, versus fifteen cents if through The Sewing Circle and Laura Wheeler
Here is the third advertisement version. This design shows the marketer as The Sewing Circle, 82 Eight Ave, New York. This was the same address for Laura Wheeler in this time period.
In the pattern sales for this time period, postage was included in the price.
Friday, April 2, 2021
Crochet Baskets Pattern Numbers, Laura Wheeler 619
I was processing Laura Wheeler 619 for two crocheted baskets, when I realized I already had a basket pattern numbered Design 619. But, this post is really about the pattern numbers, versus the pattern themselves. Let's go ahead anyway, and take a look at the two patterns.
This is the Oldest of the two Design 619 patterns, dated 1957. It's for a pineapple basket that measures 7-1/2 inches.
The second basket pattern, dated 1976, also Design 619, are crocheted in two slightly different styles. These baskets feature a handle and are also 7-1/2 inches in diameter.
So, why did Needlecraft Services give two different basket designs the same number. Well, I course, do not know for sure, however, I'd venture to say "they" (whoever the numbering person may have been), gave it a thought.
I keep a rather extensive spread sheet of these Mail Order Design patterns (knit, filet, crochet only) and have come to realize that an individual pattern number was reused multiple times. In the case of (Laura Wheeler) Design 619,
1943 - Filet Crochet Rose Chair Set1945 - Crochet Waffle Weave Hats1947 - Crochet Two Color Oval Rug1949 - Embroidered Sacred Heart Panel1957 - Crochet Pineapple Planter1958 - Crochet Pineapple Doilies1963 - Crochet Afghan Squares1972 - Embroidered Vest Sewing Pattern1976 - Crochet Baskets in two styles1978 - Knitted Hip Length Jacket
See what I mean? In this case, the pattern name Design 619 was used 10 times. When I research an individual pattern number, I typically find there will be between 6 and 12 repeats. The highest duplicator among doily patterns - because there were so many of them. I continue to study the pattern number sets to determine if there is some hidden logic. So far, I have not, BUT I'm waiting for the AHA moment.
Both of the Basket patterns are in the shop, should you be interested. Just click on the links below the picture.
Time for me to get back to work (I'm quilting today!). Thanks for dropping by.
Monday, March 1, 2021
Anne Cabot Introductory Pattern Offer
How about a bit of Anne Cabot trivia? The brand of Anne Cabot, often referred to as Mrs. Anne Cabot's Needlecraft Corner, entered the pattern market in March 1941 with an assortment of sewing, crochet and embroidery patterns. This was a syndicated column that began in Iola Kansas and quickly spread across major metropolitan areas.
The Anne Cabot brand had touch competition from the likes of the Alice Brooks and Laura Wheeler brands, which also were advertising Mail Order Patterns that were established in 1939 and had a strong customer following.
In an attempt to gain following, Anne Cabot offered a coupon promotion on their individual patterns.
Simply collect the coupons printed on your purchased patterns and mail in, with a note showing your requested pattern, to the New York city address. The value of this free pattern ... 10 cents, which was the cost of the patterns purchased in this 1941 time frame.
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Crochet Medallion Pattern Story, Alice Brooks 6406
In processing the Mail Order patterns, I've seen this particular story repeat many times. I thought I'd take a couple minutes and share it with you. The centerpiece of the story ....
This particular story takes us back to 1939. Every couple days in newspapers across the country, an advertisement for a pattern would be printed in the women's section. The advertisement were written to resemble an article, a woman' feature.
Such as this article, which appeared in the Denver, CO paper on June 8, 1939. Miss Doris Biggar, read the ad, and decided to purchase the pattern. She mailed her letter, along with 10 cents to the newspaper's department. On the bottom of the pattern clipping, she wrote in the date she mailed for the pattern. (I frequently find this in the Mail Order patterns - the pattern and clipping inside the original mailing envelope).
A couple weeks go by, and the pattern is returned. (Note, the envelope reads mailed from the Denver Post, however, the Post Office stamp reads San Francisco).Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Molly Darling Crochet Chair Set Pattern No 1275
Last night I picked up the next Mail Order pattern waiting to be processed and was surprised that it had an actual name -- "Molly Darling Chair Set".
This pattern was marketed under number E-1275 in January 1949 by The Needlework Bureau. The "E" designation on the pattern number indicates it was also marketed under the name of Ellen Bruce.
Now, I know that a number of Anne Cabot patterns (who's in the Needlework Bureau family), have an official name with a background, such as the Lincoln Memorial Doily, but I knew nothing about Molly Darling. And, it took only a couple Google searches to find the answer!
Won't you tell me Molly
darling
That you love none else but me
For I love you Molly
darling
You are all the world to me
Oh
tell darling that you love me
Put your little hand in mine
Take
my heart sweet Molly darling
Say that you will give me time
Molly
fairest sweetest dearest
Look up darling tell me this
Do you
love me Molly darling?
Let your answer be a kiss
Molly
fairest sweetest dearest
Look up darling tell me this
Do you
love me Molly darling?
Let your answer be a kiss
A very sweet song indeed! And that, is the answer to the Molly Darling Chair Set. It was named, in 1949, after a top of the charts song. And the motif .... well, she's reminiscent of the then current crocheted chair set -- Old Fashioned Girl, or Sunbonnet Sue.
Should you decide to crochet this piece, perhaps you should learn the song so you can hum it whenever you walk by.
Okay, I'm going back to work now. Thanks for dropping by.
Sunday, January 10, 2021
Dritz Luxury Chennile Yarn
This afternoon I was updating one of my old patterns, which included Dritz Luxury Chenille and decided to take a bit of time to learn more about this yarn. Here's what I learned . . .