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