Historic knitting pattern: baby booties

Many historic knitting patterns are not for the faint of heart. The directions can be vague and filled with errors. It is always nice if a previous knitter has "translated" the pattern so we can proceed with the actual knitting.

Here is a blog post from Heather on her blog-Doodles. She has posted the directions to knit a pair of baby booties.

Thanks Heather!

Knitted edging from 1867

Here is a knitting pattern for knitted edging. It is from Godey's Ladies book 1867. The instructions suggest it for a bedcover. That's alot of stitches! I think it would be a great bottom edge to a shawl.

Enjoy, Debby

Year End Sale on Craftsy
Now to December 31

Up to 80% Off Yarn at Year End Flash Sale at Craftsy

Up to 65% Off Fabric at Year End Flash Sale at Craftsy

Crochet pattern from 1867

Check out this lovely crocheted circle from Godey's Ladies book dated 1867. The instructions suggest using it for a pincushion cover! 

Year End Sale on Craftsy
Now to December 31

Up to 80% Off Yarn at Year End Flash Sale at Craftsy

Up to 65% Off Fabric at Year End Flash Sale at Craftsy

Knitting chart generator online

Wow, I just found this site that will generate a chart for you. It is at http://chartgen.orangellous.com/

From the site-
Overview: chartGen is an online tool for generating charted knitting patterns from written instructions. The user interface uses JavaScript to allow the user to input stitches and row information, then uses the PHP GD library to dynamically create a graphical chart of the pattern.

Enjoy, Debby

Arm knitting video

Sorry it has been so long! Lots of illness on the homefront. We are better now!

Here a great idea for helping a non-knitting friend get started and and actually make a scarf.

How to arm knit. From Lion Brand Yarn

Get the look of knitting without using needles. Using the simple technique of arm knitting, you can make a scarf in just half an hour!

Save up to 50% on Craftsy Classes 12/21-12/24

From December 21st through the 24th, Craftsy will be offering up to 50% off classes!

Free patterns for charity knitting

Interweave Press has a free booklet of 5 patterns for charity knitting here. Think of others and knit a few of these cute items.

Enjoy, Debby

Black Friday Sales at Craftsy!

Craftsy Yarn and Fabric sale up to 80% off from 11/27-12/2!
Craftsy has brilliant savings on the craft supplies you want! With up to 80% off yarn and 65% off fabric, get the best prices of the year while you can.

A great idea to use all those less than pretty buttons...

I have lots of buttons and not all of them are very pretty but I CAN'T throw them out. Well thanks to Pinterest, I found something I can make with them.

Check out this post on craftstylish for this great idea!

Enjoy, Debby

New dog sweater pattern...finally!

I keep getting asked when I will release any new dog sweater patterns.

I have been working on a new collection of different ribbed designs. The first one is now ready...

It is called Zig Zag rib.

It is an easy "first step" into the land of cables and aran knitting.

The seven page PDF pattern is available for sale and immediate download on ETSY, Ravelry and Craftsy.

A scarf and hat version are coming soon.

Enjoy, Debby

What is Craftsy?

What is Craftsy?
Craftsy is a worldwide craft community offering online classes. It also has a patterns marketplace where independent designers can sell their patterns; a supplies shop with great deals on yarn, fabric, and class kits; and a projects section where members share pictures of their latest craft successes. With over two million members and counting, Craftsy has something for just about everyone, in categories ranging from quilting, sewing, knitting, painting, photography, cooking, and more. 

 
Behind the Scenes: The Making of a CraftsyClass
Before filming even begins, hours and hours are spent determining what content will be covered in each class, and how to best teach specific techniques to the camera. Instructors work with an instructional designer to create an in-depth outline of each lesson, and decide how to best prepare props or “step-outs” that show what your project should like at different steps. Instead of a scripted class, instructors follow their outlines on camera to create an authentic and engaging teaching experience. 

Most Craftsy classes are filmed in one of five Craftsy studios in Denver, CO, assuring that every part of the production process goes off without a hitch. They fly in instructors from all over the world to spend several days filming, then spend several weeks turning hours of footage into a two to three hour class experience that has been watched, rewatched, and reviewed by industry experts. The final result is an HD-quality video that takes you in-depth into specific topics in any given craft category- from cooking and fine art to sewing and knitting. 

 
What IS the Craftsy experience? 
Craftsy classes are designed to have all the benefits of an in-person class, with none of the drawbacks. Available online and on-demand, you always have world-class instructors at the tip of your fingers. You can retake the class as many times as you want, and the 30-second repeat feature allows you to watch the same section over and over again until you get every technique just right. 

Watching a Craftsy class is like having a first-row seat with some of the best instructors in the world. Even better, classes have a 100% money-back guarantee. 

Try online learning today with a free mini-class from Craftsy! Choose from 23 Free Craftsy Classes ranging from drawing and painting to sewing and quilting, from knitting to cake decorating and more.
.

Enjoy, Debby

Sale- Trio of $1.99 shawl patterns

Check out my sale on Ravelry. 

I have marked down 3 shawls to $1.99 for a limited time. 

You do not need to be a member of Ravelry to purchase patterns. Their shopping cart is easy to use with PayPal. Your pattern is immediately downloadable from your email receipt from Ravelry. 

Happy knitting!

Easy Garter Stitch Diamond Lace Shawl 

Summer Picot and Bobbles Shawl

Easy Self Fringing Shawl

Craftsy is having a flash sale this Friday & Saturday on Yarn and Fabric products at up to 80% off! You can check out each sale here: 

Craftsy yarn sale! Save up to 80% on yarn for 48 hours, November 15 & 16.

Craftsy fabric sale! Save up to 65% on fabric for 48 hours, November 15 & 16.

The sale only lasts 48 hours and products will sell out fast, head over to Craftsy today and check some items off your crafting wish list! 

Free knitting pattern- Christmas stockings

I love the cute patterns on Knitables website

Here is a link to try out some of Sarah's free patterns. 

Check out  her great work with charities too.

Enjoy, Debby

Free Classes!

• Learn How To Piece, Patch, Quilt with Craftsy for FREE! - This class is perfect for the ultimate beginner to learn the basics of quilting. Who knows, maybe they could catch on quick and have a quilt in time for Christmas!

• Learn How To Take Professional Family Portraits with Craftsy for FREE! - How perfect a class is this for the holiday season? Everyone is getting ready to take their family portraits for Christmas cards or just to have in their picture frames at home! Now they can wow everyone with professional quality pictures.

Sale coupon for ETSY store...expires soon!

Use this coupon code and get 15% off any item in my ETSY store, Historic Needlecrafts.

BLOG15NOV2013

There is no minimum purchase but the coupon does expire November 30, 2013. 

If you are not sure how to use a coupon on ETSY, click here for instructions.

Enjoy, Debby

Free Classes!

• Learn How To Piece, Patch, Quilt with Craftsy for FREE! - This class is perfect for the ultimate beginner to learn the basics of quilting. Who knows, maybe they could catch on quick and have a quilt in time for Christmas!

• Learn How To Take Professional Family Portraits with Craftsy for FREE! - How perfect a class is this for the holiday season? Everyone is getting ready to take their family portraits for Christmas cards or just to have in their picture frames at home! Now they can wow everyone with professional quality pictures.

Great small crochet project - free pattern

I love small projects. Here is a vintage crochet pattern for a curtain pull. 

You can use these for their intended purpose to lower a curtain or window shade. They also look pretty hanging in a window as a group. There are many more designs here at PurpleKitty as well as some wonderful vintage potholders!

Enjoy, Debby

Free eBooks from Interweave Press

Here are some great eBooks from Interweave Press

There are 9 in total.

Just to highlight two:

Knitted cowls

Crochet magic ring

Enjoy, Debby

I love this lace shawl-free knitting pattern

I love this lace shawl. The pattern is free on this site. PDF can be downloaded here.

Enjoy, Debby

Knitted Lacy top-Free pattern

From RedHeart.Co.UK website

Lacy and feminine, this lovely knit top can go from dressy affair to office to weekend. Just a hint of glitz adds impact to a lusciously soft yarn.

Project Number:	LW3135EN
Designed By:	Melissa Leapman
Skill Level:	Intermediate
Category:	Knitting
Project Type:	Apparel

Supplies:

RED HEART® Shimmer®: 3 (4, 4, 5, 5) balls 1536 Purple

Knitting Needles: 4mm [US 6] and 5mm [US 8]

Yarn needle

Size:

Directions are for size Small; changes for sizes Medium, Large, 1X, and 2X are in parentheses as necessary.

Finished Bust Measurement: 92.5 (105.5, 118, 125.5, 138.5)cm [36½ (41½, 46½, 49½, 54½)”].

Gauge/Tension:

GAUGES: 22 sts = 10cm [4”]; 26 rows = 10cm [4”] in Lace Pattern with smaller needles; 16 sts = 10cm [4”]; 24 rows = 10cm [4”] in St st with larger needles.CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size needles to obtain the gauges.

PDF is linked here.

Red Heart's 12 weeks of Christmas

Click here to follow Red Heart's 12 weeks of Christmas.

Every Wednesday, there will be a new knitting and crochet pattern.

Enjoy, Debby

New on Craftsy:

• Vintage Cake Design: Sculpting and Stenciling with Lindy Smith
• Vintage Sewing: The Flirty Day Dress with Laura Nash 
• French Home Cooking: Essential Techniques with Cynthia Nims
• Classic Italian Pasta Sauces: Meat & Tomato with Giuliano Hazan

Go Incognito Masks - Free Crochet Pattern

Use your lace crocheting skills and make these great looking masks!

Free pattern on Red Heart website

Whether you are dressing as a marvelous super heroine or going to a masquerade ball, this clever mask will fit the bill. Choose from any of the many colors of Aunt Lydia’s crochet thread for the perfect alluring mask.

Project Number:	LC3784
Designed By:	Lisa Gentry
Skill Level:	Easy
Category:	Crochet
Project Type:	Seasonal

Supplies:

AUNT LYDIA’S® Classic Crochet Thread, Size 10: 1 ball each Pumpkin 431, Black 12, Hot Pink 332

Susan Bates® Crochet Hook: 1.50mm [US 7]

Tapestry needle

Optional: Fabric Stiffener, Styrofoam® Head form, 1” (2 ½ cm) Brush, Rust proof pins

Size:

Mask measures approx. 3 ¾” (9 ½ cm) long x 8” (20 ¼ cm) wide, excluding ties.

Gauge/Tension: 

GAUGE: 23 sc = 4” (10 cm). CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain your gauge.

Enjoy, Debby

New on Craftsy:

• Vintage Cake Design: Sculpting and Stenciling with Lindy Smith
• Vintage Sewing: The Flirty Day Dress with Laura Nash 
• French Home Cooking: Essential Techniques with Cynthia Nims
• Classic Italian Pasta Sauces: Meat & Tomato with Giuliano Hazan

Victorian knitted lace trim!

1884 Victorian knitted lace trim!

From Dorcas Magazine.

Enjoy, Debby

Classes on Craftsy
•Simply Stunning: Hand-Stamped Cakes with Erin Gardner 
•Underneath It All with Linda Lee
•Water Views: Acrylic Landscapes with Bennett Vadnais
•Blocking Handknits with Kate Atherly

A different kind of scarf...free crochet pattern.

Here is a free pattern from Vogue Knitting for a different kind of scarf. It is a crocheted string of flowers!. Very cute.

You will need a free login to download the pattern.

Enjoy, Debby

Free pattern...baby bow.

If this isn't the cutest photo ever...

You can get the free pattern to knit the Miss Savannah bow HERE at Vogue Knitting.

You will need a free login to download the pattern.

Enjoy, Debby

Fall knitting...free pattern

Vogue Knitting has a page of free knitting and crochet patterns. Here is a cute jacket for fall. Love that color!

Enjoy, Debby

Vintage patterns and sizes

Another challenge with vintage patterns is sizing. You may see a pattern that states that the instructions are for a size 12 but the chest measurement appears to only be 30 inches! 

Well, 50 years ago, that was correct! 

PurpleKitty.com has a helpful size chart that shows measurements from approximately 50 years ago and one with currently used standards. You will have a good laugh when you see how small the sizes were then. 

Using gauge information, you can size your work up (or down!) according to the desired finished size.

Enjoy, Debby

Vintage patterns and discontinued yarns.

Vintage patterns have challenges all their own. One of which is figuring out what to use if a yarn is discontinued.

Sometimes a pattern gives you a gauge to work with so you may be able to work out a substitute....

Sometimes you are working blind. That is where the fun begins in being creative and breathing new life into vintage patterns.

This chart of discontinued yarns at PurpleKitty.com can be a great resource. Have a look and book mark it for later use.

Enjoy, Debby

 Craftsy Saleabration: Up to 75% Off All Courses, Fabric and Yarn!

If you aren’t one of the 2 million members currently experiencing everything that Craftsy has to offer, here is what you are missing:

• A wide selection of online crafting classes from the best instructors from around the world, ranging from quilting and knitting to cooking and fine art
• Classes you can watch anywhere, from any device with an internet connection
• Unlimited access to your Craftsy classes - watch them as many times as you like, as long as you’d like!
• A wide selection of fabric and yarn at great prices
• A community of like-minded enthusiasts to share your hard work with

But, you don’t have to take my word for it! Take advantage of the Craftsy sale to try one of their classes, starting at $9.99. The sale begins on Saturday, September 14th and runs through Saturday, September 21st.

Antique sewing and needlework implements.

Check out these fascinating items at the Needlework Tools Collectors website.

This link will take you to a photo gallery of collected items. I love the tiny sewing kits.

Do you have any lovely sewing or mending implements like these?

more...Do you collect stitch instructions?

I love to collect knit and crochet stitch instructions. YouTube is a great resource for not only instructions but also a video demonstrating how to create the stitch.

Here is a great video explaining how to crochet the popular crocodile stitch.

Here is a hyperlink to the video as well.

Where do you find stitch instructions?

Enjoy, Debby

Do you collect stitch instructions?

Do you collect knitting or crochet stitch instructions? I do. I must have at least 25 books full of them. Now I collect them on my computer!

Here is an interesting one I saw this week from Very Pink Knits. She has a YouTube video as well as the written instructions.

You can find it here.

Tomorrow...a crochet stitch.

Where do you find stitch instructions?

Enjoy, Debby

Unusual Capelet/Cowl to knit - Free pattern

Isn't this a cute capelet? It is made with one ball of Calypso from Tahki Yarns and a 10 1/2 (6.5mm) circular needle.

You can find the free pattern here.

Enjoy, Debby

New dog sweater pattern

I got the first of a series of new dog sweater patterns published this weekend. 

It features an easy to knit slip stitch rib design that can be knit in two colors or even three. You can use two solid colors or a solid and a variegated yarn. 

The directions are written out in easy language so a beginner knitter should be able to make this dog sweater.

Available on ETSY, Ravelry and Craftsy

An easy to knit sweater for your favorite little doggie!

Looks like an easy recipe...

I like to make bread but it has to be an easy recipe. I don't have a lot of time to fiddle. 

This looks like one I need to try, especially since I love English muffins.

You will find it here.

Have a safe weekend, Debby

Transition from summer to fall with a vintage shrug

Shrugs make a great project since they are much smaller than a sweater. As we move into fall, you can transition your wardrobe with a pretty vintage shug. I love the one I posted yesterday. Here are a few more.

Knit:

Hamaca Shrug Pattern

Crochet:

Pearl Pal Shrug Pattern

Wow...is that a real waistline?

Enjoy, Debby

Correct link for shrug

http://freevintageknitting.com/free-shrug-pattern/cm704/fan-sleeved-shrug

I love this vintage shrug...free pattern

I love this fabulous vintage knitted shrug. Here a free pattern from freevintageknitting.com. That is an interesting knit texture I need to swatch. 

Enjoy, Debby

http://freevintageknitting.com/free-shrug-pattern/cm704/fan-sleeved-shrug

Patterns on Kindle

I am new to the world of tablets, Kindles, etc. Do you use one? I am happy with my Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1. I can actually see and print the print on the screen! One app that was pre-loaded was the Kindle Reader.

Some historic needlecraft books are available in Kindle format at no cost.

Here is what I found on Amazon.com:

The Ladies' Work-Book Containing Instructions In Knitting, Crochet, Point-Lace, etc. by Unknown 

My Knitting Book by Frances Lambert 

The Ladies' Knitting and Netting Book by Miss Watts 

Handbook of Wool Knitting and Crochet by Anonymous 

The Ladies' Work-Table Book Containing Clear and Practical Instructions in Plain and Fancy Needlework, Embroidery... by Anonymous 

Knitting, Crochet, and Netting, with Twelve Illustrations by Éléonore Riego de la Branchardière 

Spool Knitting by Mary A. McCormack 

The New Guide to Knitting & Crochet by Marie Jane Cooper 

The Lady's Album of Fancy Work for 1850 Consisting of Novel, Elegant, and Useful Designs in Knitting, Netting,... by Unknown 

Exercises in Knitting by Cornelia Mee 

The Lady's Album of Fancy Work for 1850 by N/A 

The Bath Tatting Book by P. P. 

The Art of Modern Lace Making by The Butterick Publishing Co. 

For a fun read...

Lace Curtain Cleaning A Successful Home Business by Mrs. Albert Leigh 

Enjoy this resource, Debby