A GOOD IDEA FOR DECOR AND RECYCLING

Inside the June/July, 2010 issue of Crafts ‘n Things Magazine, there are several crochet patterns. Pretty, useful, but not particularly outstanding. However, on page 100, there are some ideas pictured which I wish I could show you. Instead, you’ll have to find a copy yourself to see the whole thing. I’ll try to describe some of the ideas.

Here’s what the cover of the issue in question looks like:

I’m not really trying to get you to subscribe to this magazine (although I like it a lot), but this is the only image I could find of the cover. My camera won’t take a good picture.

Now, back to the ideas.

The article is titled ‘Heirloom Display Frames’. They have combined photographs, postcards (I think), buttons, some jewelry, and whole or parts of lace or doilies. These are displayed for hanging either on unframed canvas painted with a basecoat then ’embellished’ with the lacy stuff or affixed to canvas in older looking frames to which have been added the jewelry and other elements.

The pieces pictured are backed with pastel colors. That’s quite effective, but any color you like would work just fine. This would be a great opportunity for those who both crochet and scrapbook to combine those passions to create lovely wall art.

Now, don’t throw rotten tomatoes at me! I’m not endorsing cutting up doilies or old lace. No Way! But, if you happen to have damaged or stained doilies, bits of lace edging, part of an old table runner – that sort of thing – this would be just the way to make use of them and display their unique beauty at the same time.

Hope you can make something from my description, or better yet, find a copy of this issue to see how they’ve assembled their pieces. There is a complete list of supplies listed along with directions. This isn’t rocket science, but everything is more easily done if one knows the proper order in which to proceed.

Have fun and rescue a doily or two.

There is something especially charming about a vintage baby dress pattern, and this Crocheted Cutie Dress #3112 has all the details that make older crochet designs so appealing.

The dress features a neatly shaped bodice, short sleeves, contrast stripes and a full lace skirt with a scalloped finish. It has that classic heirloom look without feeling overly formal, which makes it suitable for birthdays, family photos, baby showers or simply as a special handmade outfit.

One of the nicest things about this design is the balance between the structured upper section and the much softer, more decorative skirt. The bodice is worked in a simple repeating texture, while the skirt opens into a detailed lace pattern that gives the dress plenty of movement and fullness. The white trim around the neckline, sleeves and hem also helps define the shape beautifully.

The pattern includes instructions for sizes 1 and 2, with the second size shown in parentheses throughout. As with many vintage patterns, the sizing does not line up neatly with modern age labels, so it is important to check the gauge and finished proportions rather than relying on the size number alone.

This would be best suited to an intermediate crocheter, or a confident beginner who is comfortable reading traditional pattern instructions. The design uses chain stitches, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, colour changes, shaping, repeated lace sections and separate pieces that are sewn together during finishing.

The sleeves and collar are made separately and attached to the completed bodice. The back is finished with three buttons, giving the dress a practical opening while keeping the front clean and decorative.

The original version uses pink and white mercerized crochet cotton, but the design works beautifully in more modern combinations too. Sage and cream give it a soft botanical feel, lemon and white make it fresh and summery, while orange and ivory create a much warmer retro look.

Because the pattern was originally written for vintage crochet cotton and a steel hook, I would strongly recommend making a gauge swatch before beginning. Modern threads and hook-sizing systems can vary, and the bodice needs to fit correctly before the lace skirt is added.

The professionally reformatted PDF is much easier to follow than an unedited scan. It keeps the original stitch counts and construction while improving spacing and readability. It also includes a modern mockup and the original vintage reference image, which is helpful when visualising the finished shape.

Overall, this is a lovely pattern for anyone who enjoys making vintage-inspired baby clothes. The lace skirt is the real highlight, but the striped bodice and matching collar give the finished dress a polished, complete look.

Have you read?