Old, really old, patterns

For the crocheted part of my Daddy Bloom entry, I riffled through my stash of old crochet patterns. The best ones were really old.

And somewhat sparing in their descriptions.

Or else almost gleefully intimidating.

I used modern patterns as well, but the old ones were the most pleasing to work. Partly because I was combining the crocheted flowers with ones made from old doilies, and there was a lovely sense of rightness in using patterns that were probably as old as the doilies themselves.


And partly because they seemed easier to follow. At first glance the patterns looking confusing, especially compared to modern charted patterns. But they made much more sense much more quickly. It's almost as if they were written to be easily memorised. More modern patterns call for hooks that you can actually see (not something the size of a sewing needle) and the really modern ones presume that you'll be making maybe 2 flowers to sew onto a hat, not 50 for a chemise yoke.

The adverts are great, too.


This must be one of the 'comforts for men at sea'.

Knitting more 'comforts'.
And this must be what accounts for her posture.