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.

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?