Beautiful crocheted items that enhanced interior furnishings generations ago are once again in the needlecraft spotlight. For this outstanding collection of classic crochet patterns, needlework authority Mary Carolyn Waldrep has selected for today's needleworker a variety of attractive designs that first appeared in now-rare thread-company instruction leaflets of the 1930s through the '50s.

Included in The Crocheters Treasure Chest are patterns for a lovely tablecloth with a rose motif, a floral-patterned refreshment set (comprising coasters and a larger doily), an elegant series of wide edgings displaying scallops, florals and filet mesh; a tea-cart cloth with a lacy petal design; a magnificent "Cameo" bedspread; the "Chrysanthemum," a charming tablecloth composed of delicate medallions beautiful enough to complement any table arrangement; and dozens of other eye-catching pieces.

A complete list of necessary materials accompanies each pattern, while more than 65 illustrations and detailed, row-by-row instructions guide beginning and advanced needle workers through each step of the crocheting process. Here's a rich anthology of heirloom-quality designs that crocheters are sure to find inspirational and irresistible.

 

 

The pineapple design known for its elegant and classic beauty is by far the most popular crochet design among needleworkers. This book offers a wide selection of the most popular pineapple patterns ever created, taken from various instruction booklets first published some thirty years ago. Thirty-four different pineapple patterns include a large variety of exquisite items.

Each pattern has complete instructions and photographs of motifs and finished projects. Full stitch instructions are given.

 

 

In the 1940s and 1950s, lacy crocheted doilies were at their peak in popularity. Frequently used to accent interior decor, these delicate cobwebs of finely worked threads could be made quickly and with little effort. Thread companies turned out thousands of inexpensive instruction booklets for needleworkers constantly looking for new ideas.

Today, renewed interest in hand-crocheted items has once again created a demand for these elegantly simple - and simply elegant - doilies. With this eye-catching collection of patterns taken from now-rare thread company publications, modern needleworkers can recreate stunning designs for a variety of projects. Noted needlework authority Rita Weiss has selected 32 masterpieces in miniature that are as suitable for framing as they are for use as centerpieces, placemats, cushion covers, and much more.

This inexpensive and easy-to-follow guide also provides helpful tips for beginners - with abundant advice on selecting materials and working the pattern, as well as on the care and handling of heirloom pieces that will be passed on lovingly from generation to generation.

 

 

Filet Crochet is a simple method of producing beautiful lace by crocheting closed and open squares. This book includes complete instructions for working the squares plus tables, materials, and charts for over fifty projects. Each pattern has a photograph of the finished article, close-up photos of detail work, indications of the amount of thread and crochet hook.

Crocheters will welcome this unique collection of hard-to-find patterns. They can be used as is, in combination or as a source to develop your own unique ideas. The charts can be used for cross-stitching, latch-hooking, knitting or any other form of counted thread embroidery.

 

 

Today's needleworkers who admire the time-honored art of filet crochet - forming lacy geometric patterns on a mesh background - will welcome this treasury of hard-to-find designs from the heyday of crocheting.

Twenty-six beautiful filet crochet designs published in now rare American thread- company leaflets of the 1930's and 40's are reprinted in this unique and useful volume. You'll find delicate florals and foliates, birds, and rich geometric motifs in patterns ranging from simple doilies and luncheon place mats to classic tea cloths, decorative pillows, table runners, sumptuous special-occasion tablecloths and elaborately detailed bedspreads.

Choose from Eagle and Motto Runner, Peacock Buffet Scarf, Stepping Stones Bedspread, Aristocrat Tablecloth, Filet Flower Pillow and other exquisite designs - all pictured in clear photographs. Easy-to-follow instructions covering materials, stitches and measurements, plus stitch diagrams and a metric conversion chart make it easy to crochet beautiful filet projects.

 

 

As a backdrop to sparkling crystal and the lustre of fine china, exquisitely wrought crocheted lace tablecloths create an unforgettable effect of traditional opulence. With this long-awaited treasury, sure to thrill all lovers of fine handwork, needlecraft expert Rita Weiss has revitalized this magnificent, time-honored craft. More than 20 of the best patterns, gleaned from rare instructional booklets of over 30 years ago, now enable modern needleworkers to recreate glorious lace table coverings of a bygone era.

The airy elegance, delicacy, and intricacy of design unique to crocheted lace is captured in such stunning designs as Orange Blossom, Mile-A-Minute, Blue Hills, Cathedral Windows and more. Each beloved pattern is shown in sharp photographs and accompanied by clear directions. Other useful information, such as hook, stitch, and metric conversion charts, descriptions of standard stitch abbreviations, and practical advice on finishing and blocking, round out this unusual collection.

The range of patterns included in this rich sourcebook will delight needleworkers. You will proudly display these masterpieces of crocheted lace on your own table, and cherish the products of your handiwork for years to come.

 

 

"Taste the joy that springs from labor," Longfellow once suggested. And what better way for needlecrafters to test that statement than to recreate exquisite crochet patterns originally designed by legendary needlework expert Anne Orr?

The author of nearly 100 needlework booklets between 1910 and 1945, Anne Orr produced lively and graceful designs that are still appreciated and admired today. Over 50 patterns, selected from now-rare instruction booklets of the 1930s and 40s, appear in this easily affordable collection of crocheted items - including a magnificent fringed Irish Rose bedspread, an assortment of fine lace doilies, a luncheon set of square medallion placemats and a variety of delicate lace edgings in assorted floral and foliate motifs.

Easy-to-follow instructions, enhanced by photographs and line drawings, make it easy for beginning as well as advanced crocheters to produce heirloom-quality pieces for the home, to give as gifts or to accent wearing apparel.

 

 

Crocheting is rapidly becoming one of America's most popular crafts. This book offers a wide selection of some of the best known placemat patterns ever created taken from various instruction booklets published some thirty years ago. These booklets are rare collectors' items and when one is occasionally offered for sale it sells for several times the cost of this entire collection.

Twenty-nine different placemats include round, square, rectangular, and hexagon mats. Each pattern has complete instructions, indications of the amount of thread, proper crochet hook and gauge and a photograph of the finished placemat. All of the stitches used to make the placemats are explained in simple diagrams. Fourteen charts, plus close-up shots of detail work and stitches.

Whether you want your table to have an informal country look, an elegant dressy look, a smart modern look, you can find any setting you need with these 29 placemats. If you enjoy doilies, many of these placemats used individually will make lovely ones.

 

 

A compilation of some of the finest crocheted bedspread designs published in those instructional leaflets over forty years ago. Most of the threads listed iwth the patterns are still available.

With the new popularity for handmade items in general and crocheted bedspreads in particular, the old leaflets, repleete with magnificent designs and instructions, have become south-after collector's items.

 

 

Add instant drama to almost any dress, shirt or blouse … lend immediate charm to a simple sweater. With these lovely patterns for collars, cuffs and yokes - chosen from now-rare thread company leaflets of the 1910s to the '50s - modern needleworkers can easily create a wealth of attractive wardrobe accents.

Included in this affordable collection of more than 30 eye-catching items are a child's delicate Peter Pan collar, a charming filet crochet yoke with a rosebud motif, a dramatic ruffled collar and cuffs, an elegant Irish crochet collar and much more.

For needleworkers with busy schedules, these patterns are especially ideal since each can be worked up in far less time than it takes to complete a larger project. Complete step-by-step instructions enable beginning as well as veteran crocheters to personalize wearing apparel with a graceful, handmade finishing touch.