1960's Crocheted Bikini and Cover Up Pattern - Free Download

1967 Crocheted Beachwear Pattern

Spring break is fast approaching. This 1960's crocheted bikini and cover up will be as fashionable and hip as it was in the era of Gidget and Surfside 6. Download and get working on this easy to follow pattern in three sizes.

Sweaters to Crochet - A 1950s Pattern to Download

Today's Woman - 1950's Crocheted Lace Blouses and Sweater Sets

Featured in Today's Woman Magazine some time in the early 1950's are some very lovely lace tops to make.

Download easy to read directions prepared by the Spool Cotton Co.

Straw Hats to Crochet - Free Pattern Download

Square Brimmed Straw Hats to Crochet

For Spring Break or Summer fun in the sun, these easy to crochet hats made with straw are cool and lightweight. Easy to make. Download these easy to follow instructions.

Princess Louise Crocheted Evening Bag - 1916 Corticelli Lessons in Crochet - Free Pattern

Princess Louise Crocheted Bag Number 275

Last week I posted the pattern from the 1916 Corticelli Lessons in Crochet for the Princess Phoebe Slippers. Today I am posting a pattern for the Princess Louise Crocheted evening bag. The pattern appears to be a pretty straight forward circular design with an edging to accommodate a drawstring. Lined with a pretty satin or velvet this bag would be a lovely accompaniment to any evening attire. 

Download HERE or visit the Antique Pattern Library for this and more from their online library of patterns to share (not sell).

Princess Phoebe Crochet Slippers - Free Pattern from Corticelli Lessons in Crochet 1916

Princess Phoebe Crochet Slippers - 1916 Corticelli Crochet Book Number 1

My journey to discover the contents of a few missing pages from a 1919 Corticelli Lessons in Crochet pamphlet I discovered in a thrift shop has opened my eyes to a treasure trove of free antique patterns at the Antique Pattern Library. The site reproduces entire books and pamphlets of public domain tomes ranging from tatting to bookbinding to woodworking, glass, crochet and dressmaking. All of the publications on this site have been donated and are free to download to use and share but not to sell. 

Last week I shared the Russian Coat and Hat. This week I offer another pattern from the 1916 Corticelli Silk Mills, Lessons in Crochet, Book 1. The ever so Victorian Princess Phoebe Crochet Slippers. The ruffle around the edging is sweet but the ribbon, drawn through and tied in a bow to secure, is the piece de resistance. Download this pattern HERE.

More Free 1900's Crochet Patterns from Corticelli - Russian Coat and Hat

Last week I posted a few patterns from a 1919 Corticelli Silk pamphlet that I found in a thrift shop. Many of the pages were missing and I was curious about what interesting patterns could have occupied those pages, so my hunt began for another copy of the publication. 

What I found was a gold mine of patterns that are free to download and use and share but not sell. Please find time to visit the Antique Pattern Library. There you will find hundreds of books of patterns to knit, tat, crochet and embroider. These volumes have all been donated to share with the public. Perhaps you have something to donate to this amazing archive?

I have reproduced this lovely ensemble from the 1916 issue of Corticelli Silk Mills, Lessons in Crochet, Book 1, to share.

The coat with high collar and contrast button, collar and cuff detail is the perfect tunic length for today's skinny jeans, leggings or skirts. The hat is a statement and artfully casual evoking the artsy Bohemian in you. Easy to make in simple crochet stitches. Download HERE.

Vintage 1900's Crochet Hat and Tunic - Free Corticelli Patterns

Vintage 1919 Corticelli Crochet Patterns

I happened upon Cortecelli Book 9, Lessons in Crochet, dated 1919 at the thrift shop this morning. It is missing pages 11 to 39 and the marvelous projects in the remaining pages have me searching for a copy in it's entirety. Though this blog is usually dedicated to sewing but I am also an avid knitter, spinner, crocheter, quilter among other things, so I thought I would post these rare patterns.

The jacket is lovely with it's raised stitching and fringe trim. Though this fashion was the rage almost 100 years ago (think about that!) it has lost none of it's appeal and the tunic length is perfect with today's skirts or leggings.

Gorgette Hat with Ribbon Crown

This lovely brimmed hat with crocheted crown of satin ribbon is a perfect hat for garden or garden party. 
 

Knitted Hat of Pearl Cotton

Fitting snugly over the brow, this cloche in alternating color blocks and contrast crown is a statement headpiece for Fall and Winter or even Spring in bright and light colors. Download all three patterns for fabulous turn of the century fashions.

Resources to Share - Sew Grateful Week

Sew Grateful Week - My Happy Sewing Place

Growing up in a large family, sharing was one of the first rules to maintain civility in our home. I still love to share. I share recipes, ideas and resources. This blog is all about sharing resources and ideas for sewing. Please visit the left bar for oodles of vintage sewing booklets. Find vintage pattern catalogs HERE. And odd little patterns I have found over the years HERE. And don't forget the ever so important tutorial on altering a pattern HERE. All are downloadable for free. I add more when time allows so bookmark me and pop in now and again.

Stuffed Animals - Every Child's Delight

McCall 419

I slept on the upper bunk in an upstairs bedroom I shared with with three of my sisters. Two sets of bunk beds in this dormer like bedroom, where the ceiling angled in at the sides, in a 1920's bungalow on Milwaukee's near north side. If you let the covers hang over the sides you could imagine you were in a covered wagon. Ahh. My vivid childhood imagination kept me engaged for hours on end. That was the early 1960's. 

Simplicity 2249

My upper bunk was home to 20 or more stuffed animals, my favorite being the large lion and Zip, the monkey. I have always had a tremendous love for all creatures and of course these inanimate plushies occupied the prime spots and overtook more than just leg room, so much so that it was not uncommon for me to fall out of bed when I turned in my sleep. I don't have any of those dear stuffed pals anymore but my memories of them are still fond. Today my bed plays host to many creatures but these are living and breathing pals.

Simplicity 4915

I still harbor great affection for cuddly toys and though I sell many patterns in my Etsy and Goodsmiths shops, these stuffed animal patterns will remain in my personal collection. The designs of the past have such dignity about them, not the cartoon type stuffed toys that dominate today's market.

McCall's 1810

What a wonderful Easter present to receive a new stuffed toy. These are so many patterns to make something really special for your little sweetheart.

Simplicity 3701

This crocheted puppy would delight any child. Download the pattern to make this sweet stuffed toy.

Or if you are in a particularly nostalgic mood, you could make an iconic sock monkey toy. I have made dozens of these familiar faces for nieces and nephews over the last 30 years. These two are not quite ready for prime time but will be ready for my newest grand niece or nephew in May. Make your own with these instructions.

Sock Monkeys - Red Heel Socks - Fox River Mills