This is a loose and random collection of original knitting, crochet and needlework patterns from Victorian publications. I do knit, crochet and sew, however, these patterns at best can be described as a very loose collection of directions accompanied by photographs and/or illustrations and are in many instances beyond my skills and comprehension.

To view the patterns and instructions clearer, double click and expand as desired.

Good luck!
Showing posts with label 1877. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1877. Show all posts

Friday 10 February 2017

The Bath Rubber

I decided to have a go at reproducing the crochet Bath Rubber.  My first thought was that this was a wash cloth that you might use on face or body but then when I read the pattern it said to use white cotton and trim it with red. When I was a girl in the 1960's the dish cloths and floor cloths were always white with an edge of red so I revised my first thought and now I think this might have been for cleaning the bath. Of course this is still up for debate. You might argue that it has a frilly picot edge that is a bit fancy for bath cleaning but you have to remember that the Victorians were trimming mad, they thought nothing of putting lace on top of lace on top of a frill so it isn't too much of a stretch to have a lacy edge on a cleaning cloth.


So. Although I think it's original purpose was for cleaning the bath I have decided that for me it is a face flannel. I have a few knitted face flannels and I use them regularly so this should be a useful project for me.


The pattern instructions are vague to say the least. They seem to rely on knowledge not included in the text and without the drawings this would be an impossible task. Crochet is great because it grows so fast and modifications can be made on the hoof so much more easily than with Knitting. You will need to rely on the drawings to clarify the written instructions.






I did not trim with a different colour as this was all I had. All the same I am very pleased with the outcome.




Saturday 4 February 2017

Important Notice to Subscribers

The Young Ladies' Journal
1877 - How we could do with a modern day Madame Rudolphine (as anyone who has ever attempted a Burda  magazine pattern can testify).


Knitted Shawl

The Young Ladies' Journal
1877

Plain and simple but I imagine quite effective.



Walking Belt for Infant

The Young Ladies' Journal
1877



Knitted Comforter

The Young Ladies' Journal
1877



Knitted Shawl with Crochet Border

The Young Ladies' Journal
1877





A Knitting Case

The Young Ladies' Journal
1877

Sadly I don't think the London Office will have any of the embroidery transfers left!



Baby's Knitted Jacket

The Young Ladies' Journal
1877






Baby's Knitted Undervest

The Young Ladies' Journal
1877






Baby's Boot crochet

The Young Ladies' Journal
1877



Baby's Boot - Crochet

The Young Ladies' Journal
1877





Couvre-Pied

The Young Ladies' Journal
1877








Knitted Mitten

The Young Ladies' Journal
1877




Embroidered Dog Basket

I believe there is a line - but apparently in 1877 there was not...




The Young Ladies' Journal

Crochet Square for Counterpane

The Young Ladies' Journal
1877