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The mittens ended up with 68% of the vote.  The Pattern: The directions look fairly detailed and there are separate instructions for the left and right mittens. An entire paragraph is devoted to the gauge for the mittens which are described as “medium size which should fit most persons.” They go on to say that once you understand how these are made you should be able to adjust the size by altering the directions or the gauge. There is a pattern included for the embroidery and they explain how to transfer the design by tracing it thin typing paper and then making pin pricks along the lines. Then you pin it to the mittens and pat with a powder puff and small amount of powder. After the embroidery a ruffle is added to the edge. The Materials – the pattern suggests that you use:
I think I have a 00 steel hook but at 2.7 mm that seems a little small to use with worsted weight yarn so I’ll have to check the gauge to be sure it will work and since they give a nice detailed gauge it seems a shame not to test it. For the yarn, I’ll be using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Blackberry for the mittens. I bought it at an estate sale a year or so ago. I’ll either use crewel thread or Teksrena wool yarn for the embroidery. Teksrena yarn is from Lithuania and was given to me by a friend from work. I have a lot of different colors but not the specific colors suggested by the pattern. I have mixed color sequins but not 42 gold ones. If I have enough of the mixed color sequins I’ll use those instead.  Next Week:
I’ll have an update on the November Bed Jacket. I might have it finished by then!
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Other generations can vote too :) For January 2020 we'll be going back to 1947. Here's a photo taken in 1947 of some of my favorite boomers - my mother and her sister.  Harry S Truman was president. The Cold War was starting. The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra, Dinah Shore, Frankie Lane and Al Jolson would be popular that year. Christian Dior would soon come out with a new post war collection called, “The New Look” that had full skirts since fabric was no longer being rationed. The New York Times Fiction Best Seller was B.F.’s Daughter by John P. Marquand. Elizabeth Short “Black Dahlia” was murdered. Mark Dayton, Jack Hanna and Paula Deen were born. Workbasket Magazine is only eight pages long and has five patterns in it. Crochet patterns are the Bouquet of Zinnias on the cover, crocheted mittens and a Ferris wheel chair set. There is also a pattern for men's knitted gloves and some tatted squares. You'll get to choose between a flower from the front cover or the mittens. The flowers are made from cotton crochet thread and heavy wire.  Crocheted Mittens use kitting worsted in a dark color and colorful yarn for the embroidered details and sequins. The text says that “similar mittens sell for from five to eight dollars in smart shops.”  Which one should I make in January?
First up, December 1970. The pattern is called simple crochet coat with popcorn border. Described as, “Red, charming and beauteous is this distinctive design.” This is a lovely vintage look. It’s done is worsted weight yarn with a J hook. Finishing directions seem simple if your definition of simple is lacking in specific directions: “Block and steam sections to measure. Sew or weave seams. Work reverse sc down right front, across lower edge, up other front. Work across each cuff and top of pockets. Line coat for best shape. Sew on buttons and pockets.” It might be "simple" to crochet but I think you need some experience in garment construction to put it together.  Next we have the cover for December 1972. It's a Christmas Cape or Tree Skirt. That wasn't a question, it's both! The main part of this is knit but the edging and embellishments are crocheted. I love that this is a dual purpose pattern. Who hasn’t looked a tree skirt and thought, “I'm a little chilly, that tree skirt looks like it would make an excellent cape”?  December 1978 - The hooded Jacket. I kind of like this one except that it doesn't have any buttons or zippers to close it. This time there are three pages of directions including charts for the cross-stitching on the white bands.  And last for today, it's December 1979's lacy holiday blouse. I'm pretty sure this person doesn't live in Minnesota. It looks like it might be a bit chilly for December.  Next week - I'll have voting for January ready. January will take us back to a time before I was born. I'm pulling choices from one of the oldest Workbasket Magazines I have in my collection. Wondering what to make for last minute vintage gifts? Gifts Galore has the perfect project! The back cover has some fun ideas:  I still use hangers like the red version with the crochet around them. I love them for slippery things and tank tops. And those pot holders are all pretty amazing. The owl is done over bone rings. The oven mitt is named "Dopey Duck"!
Would you make any of these as gifts? Next week I'll share some of the covers of December Workbasket Magazines that have projects that are either too time consuming to make or are knit but are still pretty cool. I haven't made any progress on the November bed jacket yet. I've been too busy with other projects but we'll get back on track in January. Happy crocheting! |