Vintage Book Reviews -The Mary Frances Knitting and Crocheting Book

Well, you might not agree. The three books I reviewed over the past few weeks as ‘reruns’ were all excellent books. But, this week’s book is CHARMING!! Even I find it amazing that I find this book so charming. I hated dolls when I was a kid as I was SUCH a tomboy. I can’t say I’m a doll fan now, but something in this book just speaks to me. Maybe it says as much about how I think a child’s like should be as it does about the charm of crocheting for one’s favorite doll or teddy.

The Mary Frances Knitting and Crocheting Book by Jane Eayre Fryer is one of my all time favorite crochet books. And, unlike most books that mix crochet with knit, crochet does not get short shrift. There are lots of crochet projects in this little gem. Further charm is added by the (mostly)black and white photos and the quaint drawings of Jane Allen Boyer. The book claims over 55 projects for all levels of expertise. I think they are right.

The subtitle of the book ‘Adventures Among the Knitting People’ pretty much tells it all – except that the wording should have included among the crocheting people also. The book certainly does.

This book tells a story that you will enjoy reading to or sharing with a youngster in your life, perhaps as you teach the art of crochet. There are plenty of ‘how-to’ instructions, photos, and illustrations. And, I don’t think you will find a more complete set of projects to properly clothe your dolls and teddies – and maybe even your own babies or grandchildren!

From crocheted leggings (to teach the decrease) to the infant doll’s complete crocheted outfit of socks, cap, and sacque to the doll’s crocheted garters, you will find a wealth of pretty patterns, each focusing on learning a new stitch.

One defect in the book is that the chapter on ‘Red Cross Knitting’ includes no crochet patterns among its patterns for wash cloth, wristlets, ehlmets and hot water bottle cover. Such a shame! We crocheter are/were willing to crochet for the Red Cross effort too! It would also have been pleasing to have a greater number of color plates also. The ones included are especially attractive in vintage tones and styles.

For you who also knit, both the ‘standard’ and continental version are included, along with an equally good collection of knit patterns for dolls and teddies.

This book is 270 pages published in 2003. ISBN is 0875885373. It’s readily available at online booksellers, new and used, from about $4 to more than $70. This one should not be missed. Note: the same author has written books about sewing, cooking, and several other titles that might be of interest.

More Crochet?

The Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern is one of those fun wearable crochet projects that has just the right mix of retro charm and modern festival style. If you have been seeing granny square bucket hats popping up everywhere and thinking, “I could make that,” this pattern is a lovely place to start.

This crochet bucket hat is worked in the round using granny-style clusters, giving it that familiar textured look without requiring you to join lots of separate squares. That is a definite win if, like me, you enjoy the look of granny motifs but don’t always feel emotionally prepared for a mountain of seams and ends.

The pattern uses worsted weight #4 yarn, with cotton or a cotton blend recommended, which makes sense for a summer hat. Cotton gives the hat a bit more structure and keeps it feeling breathable rather than floppy and sweaty. You’ll need around 80g of yarn, a 5.5mm crochet hook, scissors, and a yarn needle. The finished hat is designed to fit a head circumference of approximately 51–55cm / 20.1–21.7 inches, which puts it in the adult small/medium range.

What I like about this pattern is that it includes practical fit notes rather than pretending every head and every crocheter’s tension is magically the same. The granny mesh has stretch, and the pattern suggests trying the crown on after Round 5 before continuing with the body section. That is such a useful little check-in point, especially with hats, because nobody wants to finish the whole thing only to discover it either perches on top like a teacup or slides down over your eyes like a lampshade.

The instructions are written in US crochet terms and include a clear stitch key covering chains, clusters, double crochet, repeats, slip stitches, and spaces. The pattern also explains how the rounds are closed, how the beginning chain functions, and how to count the clusters at the end of each round, which is helpful for keeping the shape on track.

The construction is straightforward: you begin at the crown, continue down into the sides, and then work the brim. The brim shaping comes from an increase round that helps kick the edge outward into that classic bucket hat shape. Rounds 15–17 then hold steady to smooth out the brim edge, giving the hat a neat finish without making the shaping feel overly complicated.

I would call this an easy to confident beginner crochet pattern rather than a very first crochet project. You’ll want to be comfortable working in the round, counting repeats, and making double crochet clusters. Once the rhythm clicks, though, it becomes a relaxing, repeat-friendly project — the sort of crochet you can work on while half-watching TV, provided you don’t lose count during the increase rounds. Ask me how I know.

This pattern also has great colour-play potential. The yellow version feels sunny and wearable, the scrap yarn version has brilliant festival energy, and a red-and-green version would make a surprisingly cute Christmas market hat. It would also be a good stash-busting crochet project if you have leftover cotton yarns hanging around from dishcloths, bags, or summer tops.

Overall, the Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat is a cheerful, wearable crochet pattern with strong Etsy appeal. It hits that sweet spot between nostalgic granny square style and modern handmade fashion, making it a great pattern for festival outfits, summer wardrobes, handmade gifts, and market sellers looking for a trendy crochet accessory.

Best for: confident beginners, granny stitch lovers, summer crochet projects, festival fashion, scrap yarn makes, and crocheters who want a wearable project that feels fun rather than fussy.

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