Lace and Lacy Crochet

 In my last post I showed examples of crochet that somewhat mimic lace or that have a lacy affect. Here are a few more examples of crochet and tatted lace from my collection. 

This candy cane comes with its own crochet jacket. It was made by my friend, Sally Criswell. She sells her beautiful crochet in her Etsy shop, Sally's Xstitch.

Sometimes a stitcher would use rick rack and add crochet to the tape. The stitcher who made this used red rick rack and applied white cotton thread to dress it up.  The lace measures 1" wide. It is a little more than 1 yard long. (from my personal collection)

Hand tatted lace. The stitcher used fine cotton thread, number 80 wt was most commonly used, to make these colorful bits of tatting. Each piece is approximately 4 inches long....long enough to make a collar for a doll's dress or add to a crazy quilt. 

There's a lot more in my collection to share. 

Enjoy!

Crochet: The Lace of the Masses

 Hi! I'm back. Yes, it's been a while. During my hiatus I've been taking classes...lots of classes, in handwork, needlework, knitting, and crochet included.

Today I am listing the pattern leaflet "Fanciworks" by Coats & Clark. 

The leaflet has seven patterns to knit or crochet doilies and pillows. Some of the patterns are filet crochet while others involve the creation of handmade, knit or crochet, lace, which made me think of something someone said during a class. 

"At one time, lace was only worn by royalty and the wealthy. It was very hard to acquire, took long hours to make, and very expensive. Crochet was one way people could imitate the lace they could not afford."

This listing is a great example of that. 

 

Some of the patterns could be created to hang on a wall or in a window.  You can find the listing in my fiber art shop, PatternHaus Fiber Arts. 

Enjoy!

Easy to Crochet Gifts for the Holidays

I realize it's still September but even if I don't like seeing Christmas lights up before Halloween I do like to get some gifts made before the cookie baking and ornament hanging begins. Here's some patterns to crochet for gifts to get a head start on the holidays.

Christmas Crochet has patterns for these cute little carolers and....

these adorable snow man and lady rattle toys. How about the mouse and puppy? Oh so cute!

Hooked on Crochet has some challenging patterns but it also has some great ideas that will work up pretty quick. The ripple afghan can be done in any colors and would be appreciated on cold winter nights. 

The fishing bear on the bottom would make a cute Teddy for someone and those golf club covers are too darned cute! A think they could even become puppets for a show.

And how about this bed jacket? Any color would work. It could even become a little shawl for a fancy dress when worked in the right yarn. 

OK, so I am a sucker for cotton crochet yarn. It works up quick and has a nice feel to it......and since I am always looking for hot pads for the table these patterns are a given. I love them! An H hook and a ball of yarn and I am in my happy place. The Jack O' Lantern is adorable and the poinsettia (below) would look good on a holiday table. 

Well, that's all for now. I'm still adding more to the PatternHaus shop so stop by. There are more patterns....crochet, knitting, needlepoint, cross stitch, and embroidery.....to get your creative juices flowing before the holiday crazies start. 

Post by Eileen from GoofingOff Sewing, PatternHaus, and Miss Eileen's Vintage. 

Knitting and Crocheting Season

I have a hard time knitting or crocheting in the summer. I know, there are folks out there who can knit and crochet at the beach in 110 degree weather but I am not one of them. I have no desire to work with yarn until the weather cools off so I know when fall starts I'll be pulling out the yarn and start hooking...so to speak. 
So, for the folks out there who, like me, are getting ready to knit and crochet, I bring awesome patterns. Some of these patterns will be awesome for the new baby in your world, others perfect Christmas or Hanukkah gifts, and then, maybe something for yourself. 
Who knows where the needles and hooks may take you?

Knit Baby Booties from Leisure Arts has 14 patterns for baby booties. 

 This Leisure Arts booklet is filled with bootie patterns...baby booties, that is. Sweet little Mary Janes, boots, elf shoes (!), even saddle shoes bootie style. The patterns use sport yarn and US number 7 knitting needles. Hey, you can change the yarn and needles and make ornaments....just saying.

Crocheted Slippers for Women & Children from Leisure Arts. Seven patterns to crochet for the hookers (I just love that) in the world.

There is always someone who needs slippers during the winter and here's some great patterns to keep those toes warm. There are patterns for moccasins, espadrilles, sandals, and even fur-around-the-ankle-keep-the-toes-warm slippers. Even slippers from granny squares for those granny square addicts. The patterns use worsted weight yarn and hook size E to I. 

Crocheted Pillows from Leisure Arts Leaflet 282, 6 Designs in Worsted Weight Yarn from 1983. 

 These pillows have the retro look everyone is looking for. The patterns use worsted weight yarn and hooks from F to I. 

Clothespin Angel Ornament by Leisure Arts

Adorable ornaments using bedspread weight (size 10) thread and a clothespin. 

Leisure Arts 356 Slippers! 9 Styles

Keep those toes warm using a crochet hook and worsted weight yarn. 

Crochet Patterns by Herrschners' is full of patterns from easy to expert, ornaments to afghans.  Fourteen fantastic patterns to crochet including afghans, earmuffs, snowflake ornaments, and the gorgeous kissing ball on the front cover. 

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff Sewing, Pattern Haus, and Miss Eileen's Vintage. 

Make Something: Handmade Valentine's Day Cards

I'm one of those folks who knows I need to get a card but hate the idea of buying them.....especially since I know it will be filed in the circular bin and I love to make things that show a bit of me in them (read that I WANT TO MAKE SOMETHING). So, after looking around the 'net a bit I found these cuties to make and give....just in case someone out there in 'netville is a little bit like me. 

From Christie's Cottage  
This card uses fabric flower rolls, markers, and paper. Make the flower rolls or buy them like she did. Check out Christie's blog for the details. 

Valentine Fabric Postcard by Nancy Zieman
Here is a paper pieced fabric card by the sewing master  Nancy Zieman. Her blog has FREE instructions to download.  

DIY Hand Stitched Fabric Valentine's Cards from KSH Creative
This is a cute one that should whip up pretty good....for those of us who wait 'til the last minute (I like working under pressure is my excuse). The pinking shears create a non-raveling stitch. A little glue, zig-zag stitches, paper, and fabric (can't forget the fabric) and there ya go. A unique Valentine's Day card that's cute and personalized.

Ta Da! Here's mine.....Love Grows Here. I crocheted the hearts on the plane to Haiti (kept my hands busy) using the pattern from Lucy at Attic24 (click HERE for the pattern. I love her blog). The stems are chains of green scrap yarn. The leaves are from a pattern I made that I am sharing today. The rest is a bit of a mish-mosh and too much glue but I think the hubby will like it anyway. He's sort of mushy that way. Perfectly imperfect, just like me.
  Oh yeah, the Leaf Pattern.

The pattern is written in US terms, the stitches as follows ::

sl st : insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch, then through the loop on your hook.

sc (single crochet) : insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (two loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops on hook.

hdc(half double) : yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all three loops on hook.

dc (double crochet) : yarn over , insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining two loops.  

Crochet Leaf Pattern 

Size F crochet hook 

scrap of green yarn approximately 2 feet long 

Chain 6. Sl st in the 1st chain. then 1 sc, 2 hdc, 1 sl st. Do not turn. On the other side of the leaf, 1 sl st, 2 hdc, 1 sc, 1 sl st. 

That's it. Pretty quick and it doesn't use a lot of yarn. The hook size is variable depending on the yarn scraps available. 

BTW, the pattern is available to use how you wish, just give me credit when you do. A little gift from Eileen at GoofingOff. 

Post by Eileen at GoofingOff Sewing

Friday's Freebie: Crocheted Slippers

I am surrounded by old papers and patterns....surrounded...but patterns like this one.....I'm OK. These cute slippers came from an old magazine page....not sure what magazine but they look like they'd keep feet warm on a cold winter night....and winter will come soon enough. Crochet a few pairs of these honeys while you sit at the pool or in the car during the summer road trip and holiday shopping will be a little less hectic.
Per the pattern: "Crochet these from  Coats & Clarks Red Heart Knitting Worsted. Six ounces are sufficient for a pair; use plastic crochet hook G. Instructions are given for small size, changes for medium and large are in parentheses. Sew elastic thread around top.

Abbreviations:
ch (chain)       sk (skip)
st (stitch)        hdc (half double crochet)
dc (double crochet)   rnd (round)
inc (increase)
sp  (space)           dec (decrease)

Hope you enjoy the pattern. Work these babies up and keep the tootsies warm this winter. Handmade is always appreciated. 

Love ya!! 

Post by Eileen Patterson....who is GoofingOff 

Filet Crochet Book

I have a friend who is a crochet master....at least I think so. It seems she can crochet anything with anything....yarn, string...don't sit too close or you'll become part of the project...one of those kind of people. I sit awed watching her crochet. The hook seems to take on a life of its own in her hands. She does the most amazing filet crochet....like the projects in this book. 

The Filet Crochet Book by Chris Rankin, 1990

Love the stars! 6 points!

These trims would be wonderful on a crib blanket for a new baby....So cute!

OMG! An heirloom to swoon over.

Beautiful!

Beautiful way to add color to a room. Fabulous patterns.

So, I think this is a great way to challenge one's self....add a bit of oomph! to already-owned skills. Or just look at the book and OOOH and AAH over the pictures....then find some thread and a steel hook and get started dazzling everyone...

Post by Eileen Patterson.....GoofingOff

Use the coupon code BLOGGIN and get 15% off this book and anything else in my Etsy shops....GoofingOff Sewing, MissEileen (vintage), PatternHaus (yarn, patterns, and now pattern books), and Metal Woods N' Water (handmade and beachy stuff).

What to Make with Boutique Yarns

After a trip to the local thrift shop I found myself well-stocked with boutique yarns, read Sashay and Boutique Ribbons. After a while I sat and thought "What does one do with this gorgeous stuff besides making scarves?" Here's a few ideas I found around the web:

Ribbon Remix Scarf uses 1 skein of Red Heart Soft, 1 skein of Red Heart Boutique Sashay, 2 yards of grosgrain ribbon, 1 1/2 inches wide, 5mm (size H-8) hook, and a yarn needle.

 Knit a Lei Scarf designed by Anneliese Anneliese. There's an easy to follow tutorial or print out the downloadable instructions.
You'll need:

• One skein Red Heart Boutique Ribbons yarn (I chose "Fire")
• Size 8 circular knitting needles, 32 inches long
• Sewing needle and thread for finishing
  
  
  How about a crocheted ruffled skirt? This pattern is sized for the little ones, sizes 2-4, designed by Amy at Crochet Creative Creations.
  
  
  
  Crochet Hook: I/9 or 5.5 mm hook

  Yarn Weight: (4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)

  Click here for crochet pattern

  
  
  How about a purse? This is so cute.This is from Dearest Debi. She has a written pattern and a tutorial. 
  
  
  
  You'll need a skein of Bernat Satin and a skein of Boutique Sashay Yarn, a size I (9) hook and a size J (10) hook. 
  
  
  So, there's a few things to do with this beautiful yarn I think a pillow would look good. Maybe flowers to add to a headband. How about a few ruffles on a little girl's skirt? So much to do. So much I want to do. Sleep is so over rated. 
  
  
  Post by Eileen
  
  

Pink Rope Crocheted Necklace or Finishing UFOs

Some time ago I found this lovely pink cotton yarn in my stash. I have no idea how it got there. Really, I don't but I fell in love with it. It is soft with a luscious feeling, like the organic cotton yarn. The soft pink color is fabulous, too. I made this lovely crocheted rope out of it. That was as far as I got.
The other day I decided to finish it. An off-set white flower with a pearl button center, ends sewn together with lots of length so the number of wraps belong to the wearer. Pink, just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness. Much more flattering than the tutu.
I love it. It is how I pictured it in my mind....and the UFO pile is a little smaller.

Post by Eileen

Free Crochet Pattern: Handy Mitt Potholders

I was going through my stack of vintage magazines and found this pattern in a Woman’s Day from the 1970’s.

They are called Handy Mitt Potholders and would make a great gift for the cook on your list or to keep.

Size: 8 1/2 inches from lower edge to top.

Materials: Aunt Lydia’s Heavy Rug Yarn (rayon/cotton)

For solid-color mitt: 1 (70 yard) skein each peacock No. 740 and spring green No. 605. For Striped mitt: 1 (70-yard) skein each peacock 740, spring green No. 605, brown No. 420, phantom red No. 140 and cerise No. 115. For both mitts: Aluminum crochet hook size G (or international 4.5 mm).

Gauge: in pattern st 5 groups = 3 inches, 3 rows = 1 inch.

Striped Mitt:  Starting at wrist edge with peacock, ch 17 to measure about 5 1/2 inches. 1st row: In 3rd ch from hook work 1 sc and 1 dc (1st group made), * skip next ch, in next ch work 1 sc and 1 dc. Repeat from * across (8 groups); ch 1, turn.

2nd row: *Skip dc, in next sc work 1 sc and 1 dc. Repeat from * across, ch 1, turn.

Repeat 2nd row 4 times more. 7th row: Work across in pattern, ch 3 at end of row. Mark this edge for thumb. 8th row (thumb inc): In 3rd ch from hook work 1 sc and 1 dc, continue across row in pattern as established; break off peacock, attach green; ch 1, turn.

Working in pattern with green, work even on 9 groups for 3 rows more, ending at marked edge. Do not ch 1 at end of last row. Break off green, turn.

Next row; Make lp on hook with brown. Skip 1st 2 groups, work 1 sc and 1 dc in sc of next group, continue across in pattern to end of row (7 groups); ch 1, turn. Working even in pattern on 7 groups, work 1 row more with brown, 3 rows with red and 3 rows cerise.

Next row (dec row): With cerise, work in pattern across to within last group, work 1 sc in sc of last group; ch 1, turn. Following row (dec row): Skip 1st sc, work 1 sc and 1 dc in sc of next group, work in pattern across to within last group, work 1 sc in sc of last group; ch 1 turn. Repeat last row twice more, omitting ch 1 at end of last row. Break off.

Thumb: 1st row: Make lp on hook with brown. Starting at outer edge, work in pattern st across free green sts (2 groups); ch 1, turn. Continue in pattern on these 2 groups only for 3 rows more. 5th row (dec row): Skip 1st de, draw up lp in each of next 3 sts, y o hook and draw through all lps on hook. Break off. With brown, work 1 row sc evenly on all edges of thumb sts. only. Break off.

Second Side of Mitt: Make another pieces in same manner.

Finishing: Edging: with red, work 1 row sc all around edges, except wrist edge, of both pieces. Joining: With red, sew both pieces together from the right side. Wrist Edging: With red, work around wrist edge as follows: Work 2 sc in each sc around. Break off. Loop: Attach red with sl st to wrist at seam edge and crochet 2 inch chain. Sl st in each st of ch. Sew end of ch to mitten to form loop.

Solid Color Mitt: First side of Mitt: Using only peacock: work as for striped mitt.

Second side of Mitt: Using only green, make another piece in same manner.

Finishing: Using only green, work as for striped mitt for edging, wrist edging, joining and loop.

A pattern like this can be modernized using “now” colors and different yarn. Try two strands of thick eco-friendly cotton yarn or maybe make your own yarn out of old t-shirts.

Post by GoofingOff

Peace, love, and Happy Stitching!

Free Mitt Potholders Pattern: Gift to Crochet

I was going through my stack of vintage magazines and found this pattern in a Woman’s Day from the 1970’s. 

They are called Handy Mitt Potholders and would make a great last minute gift for the cook on your list.

Size: 8 1/2 inches from lower edge to top.

Materials: Aunt Lydia’s Heavy Rug Yarn (rayon/cotton)

For solid-color mitt: 1 (70 yard) skein each peacock No. 740 and spring green No. 605. For Striped mitt: 1 (70-yard) skein each peacock 740, spring green No. 605, brown No. 420, phantom red No. 140 and cerise No. 115. For both mitts: Aluminum crochet hook size G (or international 4.5 mm).

Gauge: in pattern st 5 groups = 3 inches, 3 rows = 1 inch.

Striped Mitt:  Starting at wrist edge with peacock, ch 17 to measure about 5 1/2 inches. 1st row: In 3rd ch from hook work 1 sc and 1 dc (1st group made), * skip next ch, in next ch work 1 sc and 1 dc. Repeat from * across (8 groups); ch 1, turn.

2nd row: *Skip dc, in next sc work 1 sc and 1 dc. Repeat from * across, ch 1, turn.

Repeat 2nd row 4 times more. 7th row: Work across in pattern, ch 3 at end of row. Mark this edge for thumb. 8th row (thumb inc): In 3rd ch from hook work 1 sc and 1 dc, continue across row in pattern as established; break off peacock, attach green; ch 1, turn.

Working in pattern with green, work even on 9 groups for 3 rows more, ending at marked edge. Do not ch 1 at end of last row. Break off green, turn.

Next row; Make lp on hook with brown. Skip 1st 2 groups, work 1 sc and 1 dc in sc of next group, continue across in pattern to end of row (7 groups); ch 1, turn. Working even in pattern on 7 groups, work 1 row more with brown, 3 rows with red and 3 rows cerise.

Next row (dec row): With cerise, work in pattern across to within last group, work 1 sc in sc of last group; ch 1, turn. Following row (dec row): Skip 1st sc, work 1 sc and 1 dc in sc of next group, work in pattern across to within last group, work 1 sc in sc of last group; ch 1 turn. Repeat last row twice more, omitting ch 1 at end of last row. Break off.

Thumb: 1st row: Make lp on hook with brown. Starting at outer edge, work in pattern st across free green sts (2 groups); ch 1, turn. Continue in pattern on these 2 groups only for 3 rows more. 5th row (dec row): Skip 1st de, draw up lp in each of next 3 sts, y o hook and draw through all lps on hook. Break off. With brown, work 1 row sc evenly on all edges of thumb sts. only. Break off.

Second Side of Mitt: Make another pieces in same manner.

Finishing: Edging: with red, work 1 row sc all around edges, except wrist edge, of both pieces. Joining: With red, sew both pieces together from the right side. Wrist Edging: With red, work around wrist edge as follows: Work 2 sc in each sc around. Break off. Loop: Attach red with sl st to wrist at seam edge and crochet 2 inch chain. Sl st in each st of ch. Sew end of ch to mitten to form loop.

Solid Color Mitt: First side of Mitt: Using only peacock: work as for striped mitt.

Second side of Mitt: Using only green, make another piece in same manner.

Finishing: Using only green, work as for striped mitt for edging, wrist edging, joining and loop.

A pattern like this can be modernized using “now” colors and different yarn. Try two strands of thick eco-friendly cotton yarn or maybe make your own yarn out of old t-shirts.

Post by GoofingOff

Peace, love, and Happy Stitching!

Medieval Dress and Cape, Tenderheart Bear, Barbie Wedding Dress Rockabilly Halter Dress Featured Patterns

Butterick 4377 Misses' Medieval Dress and Cape Size 6-12

 

Crochet PDF Pattern Barbie Doll Wedding Gown

Vintage Sewing Pattern Simplicity 4249 Misses' Halter Dress Size 16 Bust 34 Inches

Sale 30% Off Vintage Sewing Pattern Butterick 6227 Tenderheart Bear Care Bear Plushie

Grooming the Poodle Posse

This weekend marks the start of summer, maybe not officially but Memorial Day weekend means grilling, beaching, and taking out those white shoes you stashed away during the winter. In my world of sewing patterns and fabric, Memorial Day weekend doesn’t mean eating a burger out by the pool. It means my dog groomer went on vacation and might be gone for six, count them, six weeks. That also means leaving my redneck, digging in the dirt, looking for frog poodles still need haircuts and baths. After being attacked by blood thirsty fleas, having poodle wool up my nose, and re-cleaning the bathroom, they are somewhat presentable. Not as good as Miss Shirley (she is truly gifted with clippers) but at least there are no more mats, a few less fleas (where’s the Advantage?), and one less tick (EWWWW!) to attack the posse….that is until they go frogging again.

Fred and Annie. Salty ’s sitting on the porch swing.

Don’t forget to check out the Judaic fabrics listed. There’s new ones. Lots more patterns for sewing, knitting, and crochet, too.

 

You could crochet or knit a blanket while at the pool. Pick out an easy one and knock it out over a weekend. Fun and a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

 

Oh, and here’s an idea for Father’s Day…..a vintage fishing lure key chain from MetalWoodsnWater.

Have a great weekend and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Friday Freebies Vintage Christmas Patterns to Crochet

 

 

 

 

Post by Miss Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage
Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns
GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns
Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work