Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

FOR LOVERS OF VINTAGE CROCHET

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Here’s an example of a book available at this vintage crochet site.  There are so many wonderful antique crochet books available there.  Nothing for free that I could find, but well worth a browse.

http://www.heirloomcrochet.com/hcduff.html

Here’s a wikipedia.org article about the crochet designer who is the focus of the website:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Lucy_Duff_Gordon

Another site that is full of antique crochet books and leaflets for sale is:

http://www.ivarose.com/bear_brand___bucilla___glossilla?b=1

Also, check out this blog for a lovely ‘shoulderette’:

http://stitchybritches.blogspot.com/2008/08/crochet-time-to-make.html

Scroll almost to the bottom of this collector’s site to see a couple of vintage hook holders – commercial quality I think:

http://www.hamiltonweb.us/latest-editions.htm

Finally, here’s a site where you can download some oldies for free.  Can’t go wrong with that.  Just remember that some books do not use US terminology so stitches may differ and other terminology changes with time.  Rather than lunge headforward into a vintage pattern thinking you don’t need to make any adjustments or adaptations, one might do better to research a bit first.  Hope you enjoy these vintage goodies:

http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/completelist.htm

Comments

  1. Great resources to have! Haven’t tried any vintage patterns yet, still waiting to get more used to the techniques brush up on my skills before I take the plunge, haven’t been crocheting for an awful long time.

  2. I recently purchased a crochet pattern book on Ebay from 1912. I was very excited to get this book until I opened the cover. The book was published by Columbia Yarns. It suggests using only Columbia wools and I don’t know what yarn would be comparable to it since I cannot see any. I also don’t know some of the terms that they use throughout the book. The patters are beautiful, the4 end results are amazing, I just wish that I could use these patterns. I am a very skilled crocheter but his one’s got me stumped. PLEASE HELP ME, ANYONE!

Have you read?

The Forest Valley Shawl – Crochet Pattern

This is one of those shawl patterns that feels instantly calming, even before you pick up a hook. The Forest Valley Shawl (After Party Pattern 23) by Scheepjes, available through Jimmy Beans Wool, has a very gentle, nature-inspired feel that really lives up to its name.

What I love about this design is how wearable it is. Some shawls are beautiful but awkward to style; this one feels practical in the best way. It drapes naturally, sits nicely on the shoulders, and works just as well for everyday wear as it does for something a little dressier. It’s the sort of piece you grab when the air cools in the evening and you don’t want anything heavy.

From a crochet perspective, this is a lovely “slow and steady” project. The stitch pattern has enough variation to keep your interest, but it’s not overly complicated. It’s very much the kind of crochet you can sink into — the sort that lets your mind wander while your hands keep moving. Perfect for quiet afternoons or evening crochet sessions.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate territory. If you’re comfortable following a pattern and keeping your stitch count in check, you’ll enjoy this a lot. It’s also a great pattern for appreciating beautiful yarn — especially colourways that shift and flow, as the shawl really lets them shine.

Overall, the Forest Valley Shawl is one of those free crochet patterns that feels thoughtful and soothing. It’s wearable, relaxing to make, and finished with a look that feels timeless rather than trendy. If you enjoy shawls that are as comforting to crochet as they are to wear, this one is definitely worth bookmarking.