Historic Needlecrafts by KnittyDebby

Historic Articles about Lacemaking from 1900's

2015-11-30T17:04:00.002-05:00

I was researching something else and stumbled across this interesting collecting magazine called The Connoisseur from about 1900. Along with other intriguing items, some of the issues had a section on Lace.

This issue has a particularly interesting and well illustrated article about English needlepoint lace.

Imagine seeing some of these pieces in person. I can't imagine the amount of work involved. Just beautiful!

Enjoy,

Debby

Knit for your little princess!

2015-06-11T15:19:00.001-04:00

With the birth of the new Princess Charlotte, I have seen more pretty and free knitting patterns for lovely baby shawls and bonnets.

Here is a free pattern for a lace baby shawl.

Here is a free pattern for a bonnet and another here

I have read that the bonnet was placed on the baby's head upside down and you can see that from this photo below. The square on the top of her head should be at the back...but it still looks cute!

Send over pictures of your princess in these lovely fashions!

Enjoy, Debby

Knit along...Victorian knitted lace edging No.3 REVEAL

2015-05-16T20:25:00.001-04:00

This No. 3 clipping is from 1880. I have also included a clipping that explains the old knitting terms.

NOTE: I found an error on row 3. Slip 1 and not two at the beginning of this row.

Here is my sample:

I think this would be great on a guest hand towel since it looks like it would stand up to washing!

Enjoy,
Debby

Knit along...Victorian knitted lace edging No.3

2015-05-03T21:41:00.000-04:00

This No. 3 clipping is from 1880. I have also included a clipping that explains the old knitting terms.

NOTE: I found an error on row 3. Slip 1 and not two at the beginning of this row.

You can email me a photo of your work and we can compare our results. I'll post our photos next week.

Enjoy, Debby

Knit along...Victorian knitted lace edging No.2 REVEAL

2015-05-01T18:07:00.000-04:00

Last week I posted No. 2 clipping from 1880.

Here is the pattern again and a photo of my results. How did you do?

I really like the triangle sections over the diagonal sawtooth edge. I think this would look quite nice on a baby blanket made from the simple Grandma's Favorite dishcloth pattern.

Enjoy, Debby

Knit along...Victorian knitted lace edging No.2

2015-04-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

Let's try #2 in the knit along.

This No. 2 clipping is from 1880. I have also included a clipping that explains the old knitting terms.

You can email me a photo of your work and we can compare our results. I'll post our photos next week.

No errors in this one!

Enjoy, Debby

Knit along...Victorian knitted lace edging No.1 REVEAL

2015-04-24T17:50:00.002-04:00

Here is the first Victorian knitted lace edging clipping from 1882 that I posted last week.

And here is my knitted sample. A nice diamond motif edging. How did you make out with this pattern?

I'll post #2 tomorrow.

Enjoy, Debby

Knit along...Victorian knitted lace edging No.1

2015-04-18T20:22:00.001-04:00

Let's try a knit along. I have found many Victorian knitted lace patterns in old newspapers. It is fun to knit them and see what they turn out to look like! It is a glimpse into the past.

This is No. 1 from 1882. I have included below a clipping that explains the old knitting terms. You can email me a photo of your work and we can compare our results. I'll post our photos next week.

NOTE: I found an error in row 9. There is an extra "narrow, over"

Enjoy, Debby

Free lace shawl pattern

2015-02-19T10:08:00.000-05:00

Pretty Sophie Shawl from TahkiStacyCharles.com is offered as a free download.

I like the combination of lace on the sides and then the interesting panel down the center. Looks like there are some cable twists in it too!

Happy knitting, Debby

New dog sweater pattern-Celtic Triad

2015-02-18T11:42:00.001-05:00

Just finished another doggie sweater called Celtic Triad.

It is easy to knit with written out instructions. For small and medium size doggies.

Available on ETSY and Ravelry.

All the best,
Debby

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2015-02-05T17:52:00.000-05:00

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KnitPicks does it again...52 weeks of dishcloths

2015-01-20T18:25:00.001-05:00

If you just want to make a small project or practice some new stitches, a dishcloth is perfect. You get the practice in and have a finished item to use or give as a gift.

KnitPicks has 52 weeks of dishcloth patterns for both crocheters and knitters.

Here is a sampling...

Crochet:

Knitting:

Enjoy,

Debby

I have found a treasure!

2015-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

I have found a treasure from 1847. It is a copy of Mrs. Gaugain's Open Knit D'Oyleys No. 1. The scans are completed and I have a PDF copy for sale on ETSY. It surprised me that the doilies are so intricate and lacy.

The directions include Mrs Gaugain's translation for her unusual knitting abbreviations as you can see in the example below.

Happy knitting, Debby

Keep your doggie warm in a new sweater!

2014-12-30T17:20:00.002-05:00

Keep your doggie warm in a new sweater! Try my latest pattern Celtic Braid available on ETSY or Ravelry.

It's easier than it looks and your doggie will thank you!

All the best, Debby

Red Heart site 12 weeks of Christmas

2014-10-30T12:16:00.001-04:00

Red Heart is repeating the 12 weeks of Christmas feature again this year. I am a bit behind...they are on week 5 already!

Here is a lovely example of the great free patterns that they are featuring.

Crochet cables and texture pillows and throw

Check out their web site HERE!

Enjoy,
Debby

Physical therapy and general whining!

2014-09-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

I haven't been very vigilant with my posts lately, which I apologize for. I fell in May and have had some terrible issues with my back. I am doing physical therapy now and on the road to recovery but wow....it has been a painful summer. And now summer is almost over!

Cooler weather means more knitting and crocheting. It is my favorite time of year! I love fall colors and luscious yarns.

I just finished a shawl in a lovely caramel color yarn with sequins...just in time for autumn. I will post a photo next week.

Time for some fall creations...

Here is a pretty knitted cowl. The free pattern is here.

I love this crocheted one. The pearls are a fabulous addition!

Enjoy,
Debby

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New vintage pattern-dainty crochet baby bonnet

2014-08-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

I got the first two patterns completed from the vintage magazines that my sisters found for me.

Dainty Crochet Baby Bonnet pattern from 1928

It is a pretty style with a medallion on the crown and flower medallions across the brim.

Dainty Crochet Baby Bonnet in Irish Crochet from 1928

This bonnet has a center crown of a rose surrounded by six leaves, one attached to each petal.

I will next work on a few done in luscious tatting!

Enjoy, Debby

Irish crochet edging - free pattern

2014-08-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

To get ready for the Irish crochet bonnet, you may want to practice a bit on some less complicated edging.

Here is a pretty design from FreeVintageCrochet.com

For Irish Crochet Edgings, use J. & P. Coats Tatting-Crochet, Size 70, with Milwards Steel Crochet Hook No. 13; or J. & P. Coats Best Six Cord Mercerized Crochet, Size 100, with a No. 15 or 16 hook.

Looks nice!

Enjoy, Debby

Magazines from 1920's....and some upcoming patterns

2014-08-05T11:11:00.001-04:00

My sisters found some great magazines from the 1920's for me. They each are full of great articles, advertisements and patterns.

I will be working on some new patterns from them this week. I love baby bonnets so I will start with them.

There are some in lovely irish crochet work and others in tatting.

Enjoy,
Debby

Free vintage tatting pattern-Lapel posey

2014-07-12T11:41:00.002-04:00

Here is a pretty tatting pattern from FreeVintageCrochet.

A lapel posey. I think these would be very pretty for a vintage style wedding!

Enjoy,
Debby

Knitting for little girls

2014-07-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

From the same knitter that gave us the all-in-one-baby-top

Here is the Girl's All in One Sleevless Top on Ravelry

Very cute! I need to make this for a 4 year old in my family!

Debby

You always need a baby shower gift

2014-07-03T19:02:00.002-04:00

Don't get caught short not having a baby shower gift that was made by YOU!

Here is an easy summer knitting project that you can have ready for the next shower.

Have a safe weekend!
Debby

Using lace stitches in fresh ways

2014-06-14T16:40:00.000-04:00

Here is a pretty knitted summer top pattern from Lion Brand. I really love the fresh use of basic lace stitches with fresh and modern colors. Log on to Lion Brand with a free account to get your pattern.

Happy knitting,
Debby

Another pattern to use up yarn...cotton yarn

2014-04-20T09:23:00.001-04:00

I am always on the lookout for patterns that will use up bits of yarn but still make something useful. A fast project is even better.

Here is a unique dishcloth pattern that you can knit up in no time. Use up your bits of cotton yarn and have some extra cloths for hostess gifts!

Do you have some favorite patterns to use up odd bits of yarn?

Happy knitting, Debby

Victorian treasures from England

2014-04-15T17:17:00.000-04:00

I have posted some Victorian treasures for sale on ETSY.

The Shilling guide is a precious primary source for many lost arts such as lace making.

A few examples of the instructions included are for carrickmacross lace, honiton lace, irish crochet lace, limerick lace, point lace, tatting, teneriffe lace and torchon lace. There are projects in smocking, knitting and crochet as well.

There are some single issues of Weldon's Practical guides and Fancy Needlework Illustrated too.

Never heard of Carrickmacross lace? Here is a link to an interesting article on Wikipedia with some background and examples. LOVELY!

Enjoy, Debby