First Lessons in Crochet – Circa 1907

Oooh I must be the luckiest girl I know a lovely lady has just given me this bound copy of a book called first lessons. The actual book contains 6 different copies of the Needlecraft Practical Journal.

Contents:

No 1. Crochet

No 2. Knitting

No 3. Plain Sewing

No 4. Darning and mending

No 5. Embroidery

No 6. Drawn Thread

This absolute gem is a real delight and pleasure to own. All of these ‘lessons’ were out of print at the time the book was bound and published and so I believe it to be extremely rare. I have done quite a bit of research and can find no reference to this 1st edition book nor any of the individual content chapters each of which would originally have been published as individual journals in 1906.
The book was originally written and published by the Manchester School of Embroidery, copies of some of the later Needlecraft Journals can be purchased on the internet but they appear to be years later.
If anyone knows anymore I would be delighted to hear your comments.
Sandra Thank You for letting me have this book.   

Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine 46

Winter 2009 is about all things handmade with the emphasis being firmly on traditional crafts. The demand for ageless knitwear offering quality, luxury and longevity is coupled with the continuing trend for natural fibres and is reflected in the following three stories:
Inspired by the privileged classes of the 1920’s countryside, Heritage is eccentrically English and includes striped, patterned and lace womenswear designs. Soft greens and greys contrast beautifully with rich heather purples, golds and chestnut.
Vivid autumn colour is the inspiration behind Folklore, which explores traditional folk designs including tartans, plaids, fairisle, tweeds and texture. Versatile and wearable, the designs are coloured with hues of greens, rich berries and hints of gold.






Click here to get your copy.

Diary Journal Cover – Crochet Pattern

Diary Cover Measures – 12” x 17.75 approx
Materials:8mm hook, 7mm hook, 100g red DK yarn, x2 50g 4 ply sock yarn, 1 tapestry/darning needle.
Note:
The outer cover is made as one piece, inside cover is constructed of 2 inner frames which are then either crocheted to front cover or sewn together. The inner frames should be slightly smaller to help secure the cover snugly.
This pattern is written in US terminology to convert to UK please click here for my conversion chart.
Pattern
Outer Cover
Using 8mm hook and 3 yarns together ch 44 (+1), turn
Row 1: Sc across all chains, turn
Rows 2-32: Ch 1, sc into all sts, turn
Internal Frames:
Make 2
Using 7mm hook and 3 yarns together ch23 (+1), turn
Rows 1: Sc across all chains, turn
Row 2: ch 1, sc into all sts, turn
Row 3 – 28: ch 1, sc into next 2 sts, turn
Row 29: ch 1, sc into next 2 sts, ch 21
Row 30: ch 1, sc into all sts & all chs (23)
Row 31: ch 1, sc into all sts
Finishing: Sew or crochet together the inner frames to the outer cover. Secure around the diary or journal and if required sew into place. Darn in all ends.

This pattern is offered and made available for personal use only. If you wish to reproduce this in any way please contact me or make sure that reference is made to the original author’s blog http://www.goodtimesithinkso.blogspot.com/ Thank you

For more exclusive patterns and to see my handmade creations please click here.

Inside Crochet Preview Issue 5

Inside Crochet
KAL media have issued preview pictures of the next issue of Inside Crochet Magazine.

Patterns include fingerless gloves or gauntlets.

A little lacy scarf number.

A V neck tunic.

Beaded Cuffs

Tunisian Shrug.
There are more pictures to be found on Flickr of Issue 5. I’m not clear about when this issue might go on sale in the UK as the information you can find on the internet is not informative at all. I did email the editors over a month ago but have never heard back from them.
I did promise you all a review of the last issue, but time passed me by and I will do a review of the next copy for you as soon a I can get my hands on a copy, to date not an easy task. Distribution of this magazine appears to be patchy.

On The Bookshelf

I hate to say it but I was greeted by an email in my inbox earlier this week telling me how many days it was until Christmas and my first response was horror. We haven’t even reached Halloween yet. Anyway it got me thinking about books, gifts etc and what type of items to design crochet patterns for in the coming weeks.

I always have a wish list longer than my arm and encourage everyone I know to create one. There’s nothing worse than giving a gift that isn’t appreciated. So I’ve decided to put together a list of recommended crochet books that I rate and may be of interest to you or your loved one’s. I’m including books to teach and instruct people new to the art of crochet – children and adults alike. I’m also covering inspirational books for those seeking new ideas. As well as source books and stitch bibles.

Simple Stylish Crochet

I have mentioned this book before in a previous post and still recommend it for both beginners and advanced crocheters. The projects are varied and the illustrations are beautiful.

Amigurumi World: Seriously Cute Crochet

This book seems to have taken the crochet world by storm. The very nature and cuteness of Amigurumi makes it instantly attractive to children of all ages. A good book to encourage youngsters to start on the craft of crochet.

Creepy Cute Crochet: Zombies, Ninjas, Robots, and More

Another brilliant book for kids – and an absolute treasure for crochet gift ideas for the little people.

50 Sensational Crochet Afghans & Throws

Giving a crocheted blanket is truly an act of love, especially if it has to fit a king size bed. A blanket should be timeless and last for years to come a true piece of history. This book provides inspiration and ideas as well as practical guidance and advice.

Crocheting for Dummies (For Dummies (Lifestyles Paperback))

I am not recommending this for dummies but for everyone. The dummies range of books are excellent sources of reference for everyone. Ether that or I’m a dummy as I have so many of them.

Rag Rug Inspirations [Illustrated] (Paperback)

This is a book that I am currently reading and it’s superb. The photos are amazing, the colours vibrant and lots of fabulous projects and instruction. I particularly like the Hausa-shaped Chain Stitch Hanging.

Rag Rug Making: Contemporary Projects, Techniques and Inspiration for a Traditional Craft (Paperback)

Although not strictly a crochet book their is much here that would lend itself to the craft of crochet. There are patterns, shapes, styles and so much information. Again this book is currently on my bookshelf.

Vintage Crochet: 30 Gorgeous Designs for Home, Garden, Fashion, Gifts (Paperback)

Homemade: Gorgeous things to make with love (Hardcover)

A contemporary take on gorgeous things to make Making it yourself rather than buying it off the shelf has never been trendier. Whether driven by eco considerations and anti-consumerism or by the desire to own or give something personal rather than uniform, many more of us are getting out the knitting needles and sewing kit, and taking pleasure in lavishing some TLC on our homes, our friends, our children and ourselves. Homemade is packed full of ideas for things to make that make life that little bit better. From crocheted coat-hangers to cordials and cupcakes, from cushion covers made from vintage blankets, old shirts cut up to make summer bunting or beautifully simple decorating ideas for an old-fashioned Christmas tree, here are over a hundred ways of adding individuality to your home and to the things you give. You'll save some money along the way - and using materials you have to hand not only saves the cash, it also means building a little bit of your history, whether from a favourite worn-out skirt or pebbles you've collected on holiday, into the things that surround you.While the book is practical and project-based, covering everything from knitting gloves to making natural moth repellents and devising the most gorgeous hand-made gift wrapping, it is also aspirational and chic - a key requirement is that the finished result has to look better and more desirable than a shop-bought version. Many of the ideas are incredibly simple and can be done in minutes; some are more of a labour of love; all have clear instructions and gorgeous accompanying photographs that cannot fail to inspire you to get going and add some homemade glamour to your home and your life.

Simple Abundance

Hello Everyone,

Last night we had thunder and lightening and lots of showers. Overnight it was difficult to sleep and I woke several times feeling cold. When I finally awoke and had my glass of milk, my thoughts turned to autumn and the coming cold weather and I allowed my mind to wander and began to create blankets in my mind. The fact that I have 3 blankets on the go at the moment doesn’t deter my mind from creating new creations.

I do hate to moan about the weather but it’s such a British preoccupation. I used to tell myself it was the territory of the elderly but now I know better.

‘If the first of July it be rainy weather, ‘twill rain more or less for four weeks together.’

So let’s be optimistic that August will bring summer again.

I wanted to share my thoughts on some delightful books that I’ve recently been reading. This seems a more productive way to us the day than grumbling about the weather. I will of course need to get back to my rag rug later it is almost 5ft in circumference now.

Simple Stylish Crochet – Melody Griffiths.

This is a great book full of inspiration and exquisite colour rich photographs. I love the poncho off the cover, as seen above.

The book has 24 different patterns ranging from beginner through to more the more advanced crochet pattern. It has the practical items like hats, scarves and jackets. It also has some sensational glamorous evening wear like the sequinned vest top. I think this is a good book to invest in or at least take out of your local library.

I love vintage crochet patterns and books too. I have quite a collection of books in my growing library. I recently ordered, Crochet By Design by Wynne Broughton, for borrowing at my local library. Unfortunately my local library service had lost this book and so I received this book on loan from Orkney Islands Council.

The book is as it says on the cover a sound manual for learning about the various stages of the design process. The book, although over 30 years old, is still a solid foundation for anyone wanting to master the process of designing any type of crochet. It goods give details on mastering the various crochet stitches and techniques.

I also figured given the weather is so miserable at the moment it would be uplifting and encouraging to read some pages from Sarah Ban Breathnach. Her books are beautiful and nurturing. Reading just a few pages is to escape from everyday stresses and and like having a relaxing cup of tea at the same time.

Two wonderful books by Sarah Ban Breathnach.

Romancing The Ordinary – A Year of Simple Splendour

Simple Abundance – A Daybook of Comfort & Joy

In Something More – Excavating Your Authentic Self, she provides a plethora of musings and reflections which can be read as inspirational affirmations. Each page provides an enriching and soothing creative resource. Something to focus on, something to consider and some gem to ponder on throughout your day.

All of these books are bursting with apposite quotations from a multitude of characters. For example the chapter ‘Entertainment’ opens with the following quote -

“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play of instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves.”

C. G. Jung

This I can relate very clearly to the actual creative process. So go forth and enjoy creating.

Happy creativity