The booklet is by Coats & Clark's ONT and is titled New Quick Tricks to crochet and knit. Original cost 10 cents. Dated 1954. I was disappointed when I got it home. Some of the pages are missing but I still love the great images. The "Glass Jackets" remind me of those being made today by crafters. My favorite is the "Happy Chappie" pot holder.
Both my mother and grandmother crocheted. My grandmother traded her crochet for other handmade items. There was a magazine in the early 1950's (don't know the name). In the back was a list of the names and addresses of people who wanted to exchange their handcrafted items. She exchanged some of her lovely crochet pieces for rag dolls for my sister and I. I remember the lady lived in Texas. I wasn't very old (maybe 4) but I still remember that little muslin doll with the blue dress. Oh how I would love to have that doll today. As I think back on this time, my grandmother was one of the first craft traders but hers was by snail mail not the inter net. Things really haven't changed much when it comes to people trading their handmade art with other artists.
I learned to crochet as a child and in college I made vests and things with granny squares. I them graduated to making doll clothes for my little sis's Barbies and even made a really cute sweater for myself. My last projects were afghans for our home. I haven't crocheted much in years but I'm seeing those crocheted flowers and thinking I need to make some of them.
Thanks for joining me for Pink Saturday. Special thanks to Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for hosting this weekly event. Check her blog for a list of other participants.
Well, Pam, once again we have a love in common with crochet. I have collected quite a few booklets and found some great patterns. You might remember the crocheted heart pin cushions with ribbon edges I did last spring. I still have several to finish. Loved the story of your grandmother as one of the first craft traders. Great Pink Saturday Post...thanks for sharing...Happy Pink Saturday...Sue
ReplyDeleteOh Pam, I loved your story and how your grandmother was a pre blogger. Blogger is really not much different than pen pals is it? We just get to see each other more often than a mailed letter. One of my cherished saves is a crocheted elephant someone made my oldest son when he was born. Happy Pink Saturday.
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to take up crocheting again, too! I remember wearing little slippers like those when I was a kid!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun little book. A glance back in time at crochet then. In Lebanon, women who learn the craft, create an entire set of doilies, spoon and cup covers, that they use with pride when they serve their guests. I have yet to master the granny square. I'm not the best at pattern reading, but I do love to crochet. Have many, manh projects in the works. Wishing you a beautiful day and a wonderful weekend. :) Tammy
ReplyDeleteOh! I forgot to mention that one of the cross-stitch magazines I used to get had ads in the back where you could become a pen pal with another cross-stitcher or crafter. I always wanted to do that but never did follow through. Now blogging connects us immediately with others we have common interests with or are inspired by. :) Best wishes, Tammy
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story Pam. I love crochet pieces and started a blanket 10 years ago (my first piece) and I am so ashamed to say I never finished. I have to find someone to reteach me the pattern....eek. I promise I will do that soon. You have inspired me. Happy Pink Saturday. Grace xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteoh gosh does that bring back memories! I had five auntie's and they had lots of crochet items .. I especially remember the little dolls, like the one on my blog only with crochet clothes, hats and purses.
ReplyDeletethanks for bringing back those memories !
:))
Pam..I love those old patterns...they just don't make em' like that anymore. I haven't learned to crochet yet..but it is definitely on my to do list!
ReplyDeleteHappy Pinks to you..xo Tami
I love your post today! What a great find that book of patterns is. I especially love the crocheted monkey, watermelons and slippers. I thought glass covers was a new thing but this hows me I am wrong. I sure love the story of Grandmother being an trader; and by snail mail! Amazing how the internet has changed things!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Cindy
Some day I just may learn to crochet! In pink, too, ha!
ReplyDeleteHappy PS,
Jacalyn
That is a wonderful story about your grand mother Pam. What a find in your booklet, even tho there may be some pages missing. I love the patterns of long ago. Happy Pink Saturday, Char
ReplyDeleteMy Mother used to crochet too and I remember her making so many pretty things. The booklest reminds me of some that she used to have.
ReplyDeleteHappy Pink Saturday.
hugs
Sissie
Isn't it so wonderful to look back on what used to be so commonly used? I haven't seen anyone using crochette things forever.
ReplyDeleteIf you enjoy meme and challenges, come by and join us for Thursday Two Questions at http://www.blessingreflections.com/p/thursday-two-questions.html
We would love to have your participation.
Hi Pam, I used to and still do crochet somewhat, and I made tons of those granny squares...vests, throws, you name it lol..
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and saying hi, I always appreciate it!
Barb
Vintage crochet-how fun-especially like the coasters!
ReplyDeleteVintage crochet-how fun-especially like the coasters!
ReplyDeleteLove this vintage gift post. Wow!
ReplyDeleteWell, I am obviously the LAST one to the P.S. party:) Thank you for stopping by my blog...and thanks for the boost I needed to get crocheting!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
Very interesting...and fun! I love to crochet small projects! It's still fun after all these years! ♥
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