Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

VINTAGE FOR CHRISTMAS?? AND – WIN A BOOK!

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I was sent a link to this handsome tie.  It’s a vintage pattern but I think the tie would work well with more modern menswear.  What do you think?

http://blog.bramcostpublications.com/2010/11/05/12-days-of-a-vintage-handmade-holiday.aspx

Here’s another vintage beauty from the same site.  Reminds me of the pillbox type hat worn by my mom’s generation when I was a kid.  If you’re not a hat wearer, consider working one up for a local theater company.  It’s hard for them to come up with truly vintage items that aren’t ‘tired’.

Looking for more Christmas themed Crochet Patterns? Check out these books

Crochet Christmas Ornaments

 Christmas Crochet Pattern Books 

And these Christmas patterns on Etsy  

 

http://blog.bramcostpublications.com/2010/11/11/12daysofavintagehandmade.aspx

Other free crochet patterns will be posted at the bramcostpublication.com blog site.  So, check back from time to time.  They also have free knit, sewing, and other crafty patterns.

BRAMCO is having a giveaway that might interest you – vintage crochet patterns!  Click  here for details.  It’s only open November 22 – 25, 2010, I believe.

Comments

  1. Thanks for finding the tie pattern…I will be using it for a themed b-day party this coming July. A Harry Potter party and the guys will be wearing ties in the house colors.

  2. I have several vintage pattern books, including a reproduction of shawls from the late 1800’s. It is awesome, though the yarns used then were quite different and one has to play with yarns and hooks to get it right.

  3. i do not have a website yet but i think ties never really go out of style and am considering buying lots of old ties in silk to make pillow cases and unique clothes or quilt tops

Have you read?

Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.