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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Crochet Treasures

Crochet Treasures
Star Treasure Book
The American Thread Company
Book No. 126
No copyright/publishing date I can find
I believe from early to mid 50's
Originally sold for 10 cents

Both these patterns are hot mats... the yellow one was made over a hot mat that you bought..this crochet piece covered that and was attached in back with crochet thread..(at least thats how the ones in our home was.
The hot mat next to it..was made in small circles and placed over bottle caps..sewn on at the back of bottle cap..and was then sewn to form a pattern. The ones I remember best were the ones made to resemble grapes...


This hot mat is made with popcorn stitches....was supposed to be raised enough to protect surfaces from hot platters..bowls, etc.

Window Shade Pulls


Circa late 40's to early 50's window shade pulls....
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Puff Stitch Shade Pull
Crochet cotton thread
Steel crochet hook No. 8
3/4" bone ring
Work 36 sc over ring, join in 1st sc
2nd rnd:
Ch 3, thread over hook, insert in same space, pull loop through and up the length of a dc, thread over hook, insert in same space, pull loop through and up the same length, thread over and pull through all loops but 2, thread over and pull through 2 loops on hook, ** ch 3, sk 1 sc, puff st in next sc ( puff st: thread over hook, insert in st, pull loop through and up the length of a dc, * thread over hook, insert in same sp , pull up a loop the same length, repeat from * once, thread over and pull through all loops but 2, thread over and pull through both loops ), repeat from ** all around, ch 3, join in first puff st.
3rd rnd:
Sl st into loop, * ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 2, sl st in top of dc for picot, ch 3, sl st in next loop, repeat from * all around, but do not cut thread, ch about 150 for cord, join in same space..cut thread.
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Tassel Shade Pull
Cotton crochet thread
Steel crochet hook No. 8
Cap:
Ch 5, join to form a ring, sh 1 and work 8 sc in ring, do not join this or the following rounds, place a marker at beginning of each round.
2nd and 3rd rnds:
*2 sc in next sc, i sc in next sc, repeat from * all around ( 18 sc in ring )
Next 7 rounds:
1 sc in each sc
11th rnd:
*Ch 2, 2 dc in same sp, skip 2 sc, sc in next sc, pepeat from * all around, join, cut thread.
Tassel:
Wind thread 150 times over a 3 1/4" cardboard, remove from cardboard and tie one end leaving thread on ball, ch about 140 for cord, sl st in same space where ch was started, fasten securly, cut thread. Slip cord through center of cap as illustrated. Cut lower edge of tassle and trim evenly.
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Pineapple Shade Pull
Cotton crochet thread
Steel crochet hook No. 8
3/4" bone ring
Cover bone ring in sc..about 40, joing in 1st sc
1st row:
Ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 3, 2 dc in next sc, ch 3, skip 3 sc, dc in next sc, * ch 1, dc in next sc, repeat from * 8 times., ch 3, skip 3 sc, 2 dc in next sc, ch 3, 2 dc in next sc, ch 5, turn.
2nd row:
2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc (shell) in next loop, ch 3, sk 1 loop, sc in next ch 1 sp, * ch 3, sc in next ch 1 sp, repeat from * 7 times, ch 3, shell in next shell, ch 5, turn.
3rd row:
Shell in shell, ch 3, sk 1 loop, sc in next loop, * ch 3, sc in next loop, repeat from * 6 times, ch 3, shell in next shell, ch 5, turn. Repeat the last row 6 times having 1 less loop across pineapple in each row, ch 5, turn.
10th row:
Shell in shell, ch 5, sc in remaining loop of pineapple, ch 5, shell in next shell, ch 5, turn.
11th row:
Shell in shell, ch 5, sc in next sc, ch 5, shell in next shell, ch 5, turn.
12th row:
2 dc in center of 1st shell, 2 dc in center of next shell, cut thread.
* * * * Attach thread in center sc at top of ring, ch about 140 for cord, sl st in same space..fasten firmly, cut thread.
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Cluster Stitch Shade Pull
Cotton crochet thread
Steel crochet hook No. 11
1/2" bone ring
Work 40 sc over the bone ring..join
2nd row:
* Ch 5, skip 4 sc, sc in next sc, repeat from * 6 times, ch 2, dc in joining,( this brings thread in position for next round)
3rd row:
* Ch 5, 3 cluster sts with ch 3 between each cluster st in next loop ( cluster st: 3 trc in same space keeping last loop of each st on hook, thread over and work off all loops at one time ), ch 5, sc in next loop,repeat from * twice.., ch 5, 3 cluster sts with ch 3 between each cluster st in next loop, ch 5, sl st in dc.
4th row:
Sl st to third st of next loop, * ch 5, sc in next loop, repeat from * all around, ending with sl st in last sl st.
5th row:
Sl st to center of loop, ** ch 4, cluster st in next loop, ch 3, sl st in top of cluster st for picot, ch 3, cluster st in same sp, ch 3 picot, repeat from * once, ch 4, sc in next loop, repeat from ** all around ending round to correspond, join in last sl st.
Cord:
Sl st to next cluster st, work a chain about 15" long, sl st in top of same cluster st,( being careful not to twist chain),..cut thread.
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Saturday, January 26, 2008

Floral Insertions and Floral Edgings

Floral Insertions and Floral Edgings
Clarks O.N.T...J.& P. Coats
Copyright 1949, The Spool Cotton Company
First Edition
Book No. 263
Originally sold for 10 cents


Each of these pieces can be taken and made..as one tiny flower to add to a craft, or as the "back in the day" way..scatted about on any linens of your choice.
There are tiny roses, pansies, daisies,narcissus,, cosmos,asters,buttercups...and apple blossoms.

These photos make me want to grab a crochet needle, my thread and get busy....
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All these beautiful insertions and edgings are made with the tatting and or the mercerized cotton crochet thread, and are some of the prettiest of designs. Quite simply, flowers everywhere. When I was growing up, all well dressed homes had their towels, wash cloths..etc. embellished. If nothing else..thetre would have at the least some tiny crocheted flowers scattered about... and most designs came from these very books.

Crinoline Lady



Crinoline Lady
Published by Clarks O.N.T. - J.P.Coats
Book No. 262
Book Originally sold for 10 cents
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These patterns I remember so well.
There were the "doll ladies" on pillowcases, towel sets, and of course the hankies.
All the elders and the other ladies had their hankies..both everyday..and then the others. Most times..even the everyday hankies had at the least a crocheted edge and a tiny crocheted flower sewn or embroidered on....but the others were tiny works of needle art. They were the ones with the tatted laces..and Irish crocheted edgings. They were the ones with the doll ladies..and the intricate embroidery and fancy work on the corners. I have some of those hankies in my collections..and will get them posted soon.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Doilies


Star Doily Book No. 10
The American Thread Company
Copyright 1953
Book originally sold for 10 cents
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There are some beautiful patterns in this book..and when I was younger..I think I made most of them.
I remember best the doily with the rose in the center, the blossom doily, the pineapple..and the purple varigated one.
The rose doilies..(there were two smaller ones and one larger) that were on my dresser with that huge mirror

This book and others like them were the ones I learned from..and slowly but surely polished my crocket skills. It's a craft I still love...

Doilies, Doilies and More Doilies


Star Doily Book No. 120
The American Thread Company
Printed 1955
Originally sold for 10 cents
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This book has more of the earlier doilies that I made..and one of my favorite pineapple doily patterns, with this being a small tabletop version..I like the large tablecloth patterns best of all though. Thus far, I have made 2 large round pineapple tablecloths and 1 large rectangle

hmmmmmmmmm...wonder if I should start another project ???

Crocheted Chairbacks


Star Chairback Book No. 105
The American Thread Company
Copyright 1954
Originally sold for 10 cents
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review: * * * * *
**** Note.....
Contained in this book are 2 patterns I've searched everywhere for.., and finally found.
The first is a pineapple pattern..the other is the spider web..or spider lace pattern.

They mean a lot to me. My mother, grandmother..and the other ladies taught me to crochet with patterns from these old books......
One of the first chairback sets I made, (the spider web ) was given a place of honor on my dads favorite chair. These patterns bring back so many wonderful memories...

Filet Crochet Patterns



Filet Crochet Book No.317
Coats & Clark O.N.T.
Copyright 1955 First Edition-855-Y-4848
Originally sold for 10 cents
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The edgeing patterns here and in other books..were crocheted and put to use on embroidered dresser and TV scarves..... but most often used on both bed linens and kitchen linens...
A pillowcase without crocheted ot tatted edgeings..was quite simply unacceptable.

Doilies Crochet Patterns

Doilies
Star Doily Book
The American Thread Company
Printed 1955
Book No. 124
Originally sold for 10 cents

Flowers

Flowers

More Flowers
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Also in this book..is a lovely oval pineapple doily..as well as one called spider web, not at all like the normal one called spider web...

Thursday, January 17, 2008


Simple pillow patterns...does anyone still make pillows??? Am I the only one that enjoys the older sewing and crafts ??

Apron Pattern.. The decorative stitching pattern for the pocket is inside. I remember my mother making and wearing these aprons....and being taught the cross stitch and chicken scratch stitches on gingham. It remains one of my favorite things..and a favorite collectable...

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

How-To Cook Rice

**** Source: Texas Rice Promotion Association Cook Booklet

14 Minute Fluff Method

Just remember this magic combination: 1-2-1-14
( 1 cup rice,2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, 14 minutes cooking time )

as follows:
1. Put 2 cups of water, 1 teaspoon salt, in a large pot with tight fitting lid. Bring to the boil.
2. Add 1 cup rice to the vigorously boiling water, let it return to hard boil.
3. Put lid on tight,turn flame to simmer, and leave without stirring for 14 minutes.
* * * * * * * * * * *
For Drier rice: Remove lid and let rice steam dry to desired consistency, over the low flame.
For extra-tender rice: Start with 1/3 cup more water and increase the cooking time four or five minutes.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Variations:
For extra flavor, try adding a bullion cube to the water in which you steam the rice, or use a can of consomme' in place of part of the water in the 14-Minute Fluff Method. Delicious !

Texas Rice Promotion Association Cook Booklet


This little book/booklet is from the Texas Rice Promotion Association..there is no year of publish nor copyright date, and I have gone slowly though page by page. However, from the cover pictures..I am guessing the 50's or 60's. Note the dishes shown on cover...am I right? Is that Fiesta Ware ?
There are recipes sounding wonderful in the booklet.. the one I really want to try is the Rice Porcupines.
I will try and select a few choice ones for publishing here...

Genuine Old-Time Sponge Cake from 1907 Pure Foods Cookbook

**** Source: 1907 Pure Foods Cook Book

The weight of the eggs in sugar and half their weight in flour. This enables you to make a cake of any size you desire. The usual proportion for one loaf, by measure is four large or five small eggs, one cup of fine granulated sugar, and one cup of sifted pastry flour, the grated rind and juice of half a lemon. Beat yolks till thick and very creamy, add sugar, and beat till light colored; add lemon. Beat whites till stiff and nearly dry, and fold them in with care so as not to break down the bubbles, sift in the flour lightly, and fold over (not stir) till just barely covered. Bake in a moderate oven from forty to fifty minutes. You will look far to find a better sponge cake than this when properly made and baked.

Greens, Collards, Spinach and Other Greens..1907 Pure Foods Cookbook

**** Source: 1907 Pure Foods Cook Book

Pick over, trim, wash in five waters, drain, put into kettle with water that drips from them; cook slowly at first till juice is drawn out, then quickly till tender; drain and rinse if you dislike the strong flavor, chop, reheat, season with salt, pepper and butter; add cream if you like, or serve with lemon or vinegar. If for a course, serve with hard boiled eggs; or serve cold as a salad.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Gingham Stitch/Chicken Scratch Embroidery

These and a few other pieces are real treasures to me. The pieces shown here..are tablescarves ..with one being a television scarf. Does anyone remember.."back in the day" when television sets were considered pieces of furniture. There were scarves to cover the top and usually had knick knacks or a flower arramgement atop said television.
This being the plainer scarves.... simple cross stitch on gingham...., however, I am lucky enough to have several in the needlework called mountain lace, chicken scratch, teneriffe...and I'm sure even more names that are unknown to me. The patterns are beautiful with the look of lace, and some have intricate stitches making up the patterns. They're stitched on cloths, tablecloths, aprons and napkins..and are quite beautiful.
There are a few of us that I know..that are still doing this needlework. Myself and a wonderful, sweet friend from Singapore are practicing our stitches...she with her tablecloth..me with a smaller cloth. She has made one bag with the chicken scratch, thats just beautiful..... I am having to play catch up..her stitches are wonderful



String Beans from 1907 Pure Foods Cookbook

**** Source: 1907 Pure Foods Cook Book

Use fresh, tender, yellow or green beans. Remove strings and ends, cut in slanting slivers. Rinse with cold water. To one pint of beans, put into a stew-pan one level teaspoon butter, one-half level teaspoon salt, a dash of nutmeg and pepper; add beans, lifting them from the pan with only the water that clings to them; cover tightly and cook very, very slowly about one hour or until tender. Their own juice, with just heat enough to turn it into steam, will cook them; but, if cooked too fast and they begin to sizzle, add one or two tablespoons of water. Turn out when tender with no further seasoning.

Muffins & Berry Cakes from 1907 Pure Foods Cookbook

**** Source: 1907 Pure Foods Cook Book

Use the baking-powder biscuit formula, add one egg, one rounded tablespoon sugar and make the dough soft enough to drop from the spoon bu using a full cup of milk. Bake in muffin pans.
****
Berry Cakes
Add one cup or more of berries, rolled in flour, and proceed as for muffins..

Shortcake from 1904 Pure Foods Cookbook

**** Source: 1907 Pure Foods Cook Book
Add to the baking-powder biscuit formula, twice the amount of Cottolene (*shortening), or use only three level; teaspoons of baking powder and add one egg if you prefer.
When baked pull the biscuit apart, spread with butter and put mashed and sweetened berries or other fruit, between the crusts and over the whole, The biscuits are more easily served than than large cakes.

Scones

**** Source: 1907 Pure Foods Cook Book

Make as for the the baking-powder biscuits , cut with a large cutter and bake slowly on a slightly greased griddle, or roll to fit a round pan, cut nearly through the dough twice, dividing it into quarters, and bake in oven.

Baking-Powder Biscuits

**** Source: 1907 Pure Foods Cook Book
Into two cups of sifted pastry flour, sift and mix one level teaspoon of salt and four level or two rounded teaspoons baking powder; chop in one level tablespoon of chilled Cottolene, wet to a stiff dough with about three-fourths cup of milk, or half water and half milk. Toss out on a floured board, pat it down and roll one-half inch thick. Cut into small rounds and bake in a hot oven.

Pure Foods Cook Book


Review: * * * * * * *
This wonderful little book is so filled with recipes, hints and suggestions..of different ways of cooking..it's absolutely ahead of its time. If you have a chance to buy this little book..I would suggest you look and then grab onto it for your own kitchen...
This cookbook was published 1907 by the N.K.Fairbanks Company, Chicago...
and notes "A collection of tested and economical recipes, emboyding the newest ideas in the preparation of pure, palatable and wholesome food; with many useful hints on food combinations and values".
The cook book is advertising Cottolene, "the perfect shortening..better than lard, better than butter"
"Cottolene can be substituted for butter with excellent results and for frying, it's better".
**** Note:
Since Cottolene is no longer available, I shall use regular vegetable shortening when trying out these recipes. Some of the best foods I have been priviledged to enjoy..have come from vintage family recipes..and recipes like these..from the older cookbooks....