Part 1

Book 54

ART & PLEASURE “_Painting with Needles_” NEW USES OF DEXTER COTTON WARP

_Virginia Snow Studios_ ELGIN, ILL.—U.S.A.

TEN CENTS IN U.S.A. PRINTED IN U.S.A.

No. 6523: —Page 10—

_Art and Pleasure_ “Painting With Needles”

To the Romans who cradled culture, all forms of created beauty constituted Art. Fine sewing of all kinds, they called “Painting with Needles”.

Today, centuries later, we find millions of American women, those of wealth and those of more modest means alike, also painting with needles. They are expressing the beautiful in colorful yarns, and perpetuating culture with their crocheted creations made for the comfort and pleasure of gracious living.

And it is more than art! Women have learned and are learning how to dress better for less and how to adorn their homes with practical, yet lovely, articles of usefulness.

Crocheting with Dexter Cotton Warp is, in a sense, the fair flower of an art that our great-grandmas practiced not alone for pleasure, but with an eye to the practical—the art of the weaving of rugs. Their yarns were not so fine and lovely as of today, nor so amazingly easy to work with. But then, as now, women found pride and delight in the home-arts, and now crocheting, the art of the hour, flaunts many of the exquisite designs that have survived those early rugs.

You who love to crochet seek of course the most beautiful and authentic designs, and finest materials to work with. This Book is for you. In it you will find fascinating variety, and you will meet as from the pages of history patterns originally conceived by Colonial grandames, or Spanish senoras, or Bavarian peasants—designs from all over the world. You will find the instructions simple and easy to follow. Choose, and know the thrill of superior crocheting. Save money. And feel free, please, to make us your crocheting headquarters. We shall always be glad to serve you.

_Virginia Snow_ Elgin, Illinois

A Century of Service Weaves Beauty and Long Life Into Your Crocheting!

For one hundred and twenty years women of America have used Dexter Cottons.

A hundred and twenty years ago N.G.B. Dexter dreamed of working magic with cotton, and he founded his mills in rugged New England to make that dream come true. His were the first mills in America. Crude the first cotton that came from them, of course, and yet the Dexter stamp of quality was the guarantee of American women that the yarns they wove and spun with, American-made, could not be surpassed by any product of the mills across the seas.

Today American women have that same faith and reliance in the cottons that bear the name of Dexter. Today as never before, there is fulfillment of his early dream. For women are working magic with cotton, they are creating beautiful things with soft lustrous yarns of delicious colors, sensuously lustrous, yet strong and enduring. And today, as never before, the name of Dexter on yarns carries assurance of unsurpassed quality, of almost a century and a quarter of continued integrity.

Choose Dexter cottons. They will weave into your crocheting unparalleled beauty, and retain that beauty far longer than ordinary yarns can promise....

NO. 6532—UTILITY BAG

This practical utility bag knows no age limit—it “sings with youth” yet by its very usefulness can be dignifiedly subdued. You can make it in any combination of colors getting rare effects with its diagonal stripes. And you will possess an ideal utility bag for shopping, or with sports clothes, or as a knitting bag.

Instructions on page 11

NO. 6531—LAUNDRY BAG

Even the laundry bag in the modern home must be expressive of beauty. Here is one that you will find easy to fashion; sturdy and enduring, it will remain always a happy spot of color through countless washings and much abuse.

Instructions on page 12

NO. 6534—SHOPPING BAG

Here, too, is a shopping or knitting bag that can be worked up in various combinations of colors, and you will find countless times when it will be “Just the bag I need”—a practical bag you will prize.

Instructions on page 12

NO. 6536—BELT

Strongly Spanish is this striking belt, with fringe trimming—just the thing to smartly “set off” the simple sports dress, and give it tone.

Instructions on page 11

NO. 6537—ZIPPER PURSE

Crochet this zipper purse in colors to match the belt above and it, too, will be an unusual style appeal, amazingly fetching.

Instructions on page 11

NO. 6528—LACE TABLE CLOTH

Also ultra smart for distinctive service. Crocheting at its loveliest contributed to this distinctive table cloth. It completely covers the table and lends itself in generous measure to that indefinable something—that for want of a better word—designers call charm.

Instructions on page 9

NO. 6530—TUMBLER MUFFS

The social-set term for this Coaster service is “Tumbler Muffs”. Make them six to a set for your own use, or for appreciated gifts. These tumbler muffs contribute true smartness to serving, and at the same time have a utilitarian value because they protect the hand as it holds the iced drink. It’s fun to make them!

Instructions on page 9

NO. 6526—LUNCHEON SET

This 5-piece luncheon set has the charm of simplicity and at the same time is almost vocal with spirited modernity. Crochet them in colors for harmony, and you have a table appointment your family and guests will delight in.

Instructions on page 10

NO. 6533—BRIDGE SET

Not only richly beautiful is this 4-piece Bridge Set as a joyous and different adjunct for smart entertaining at cards, but it equally is delightful for those intimate, informal luncheons in summer time. Not at all difficult to crochet, yet costly if bought made up.

Instructions on page 10

NO. 6540—CHAIR SET

Something deep-running in the lives of Americans makes anything nautical always popular, inevitably a theme of every branch of art, from priceless paintings to printed fabrics. This dainty Sailboat Chair Set in crochet you will want to give a prominent place in your living room.

Instructions on page 15

NO. 6545—FRILLED MAT

This exquisite frilled table mat is an invaluable accessory—a touch of charm in any setting. It is touches like this that bespeak the genteel taste of hostess and house-wife, that “rare something” so envied of womenfolk.

Instructions on page 13

NO. 6541—DAVENPORT SET

Many housewives choose this Butterfly Davenport Set to bring the spirit of summer into their homes in cold winter months. But good anytime. And easy to make.

Instructions on page 13

NO. 6544—FLOWER BASKET

Picture this delightful flower basket as a table decoration in living or dining room, or your own boudoir, filled with sweet peas, sweetheart rosebuds, or babies breath or freesia. These flower baskets are easily made, too, for long remembered gifts.

Instructions on page 15

NO. 6543—LID COVER

A companion piece to Bath Rug 6542 is this lid cover in harmonizing colors. These two pieces alone can transform the bath with a note of cheery beauty.

Instructions on page 15

NO. 6542—BATHROOM RUG

“Two shades of one color, combined with cream in a simple shell stitch” is the stylist’s suggestion for this bathroom rug, or mat. But it will lend itself to other colors, and go far toward brightening the bathroom, as well as to serve well, as a utility.

Instructions on page 15

NO. 6524—BEDSPREAD

Out of the past of lavender and old lace—of crinoline and stately waltz—of rugged pioneering—gracious living and the love of liberty—out of colonial commingling of realism and glamor come these two beautiful examples of crochet work—the star patterned bedspread and companion rug. Make them—they will always seem like friends your forebears loved.

Instructions on page 12

NO. 6538—RUG

Any bedroom, solarium or sun porch will be made animate with the sparkling modernity of this diamond pattern rug, worked in lively colors or even the more chaste, sedate ones. You will delight in achieving this pattern, and glory in its finished beauty.

Instructions on page 13

Dexter COTTON WARP Art. 380

APPROXIMATELY 850 YARDS TO A TUBE TEN HALF POUND TUBES TO A BOX

COLORS

101 White 100 Natural 108 Yellow 111 Orange 154 Leaf Green 150 Green 281 Delft Blue 210 Purple Navy 118 Tan 187 Brown 273 Light Pink 134 Dark Rose 236 Med. Gray 137 Ind. Red 194 Eggshell 175 Orchid 209 Purple 256 Rust 269 Peach 268 Coral 242 Black

WASHING INSTRUCTIONS

The following proportions sufficient for washing three articles about size 3×5.

To one pail of hot water add 1 cup of salt and 2 cups Ivory soap flakes or Lux. Stir until well dissolved. Add to this sufficient cold water to make a tepid solution to well cover the articles to be washed.

Let them remain in washer just long enough to be thoroughly cleaned. Rinse at once thru three clean tepid changes of water. Wring out all excess water. Lay flat to dry on a clean surface, turning frequently.

By following these instructions the articles made with Dexter Cotton Warp will keep fresh and attractive after many washings.

NO. 6530—TUMBLER MUFFS

MATERIAL—Dexter Cotton Warp, Art. 380, 1 tube natural 100, 1 tube green 150. Crochet Hook No. 8—size—6 muffs in set—each 3 in. across and 2½ in. deep.

The stitch used in muffs is the slipper stitch made by catching under each stitch in every row to form a ridge.

Begin with bottom of muff which is all worked in natural.

1st row. Ch 5, join with sl st, 18 d c into this st, join with sl st.

Row 2. S c in each d c increasing 1 st in every 3rd st, join with sl st.

Rows 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 worked in same way increasing as needed to keep work flat. This piece should now measure 3 inches across—break warp and attach green, and work up 2 rows s c ending each row with sl st,—break warp, attach cream and work 2 rows—repeat until there are 5 rows of green and 4 of natural.

Finish top with 1 row of white scallops as follows—1 s c, 2 d c in same st, 1 s c, skip 3 sts, 2 d c in same st,—repeat around.—Attach white to bottom edge of muff and work one row of s c around—repeat for other muffs.

NO. 6529—CURTAINS

Crocheted Panel Curtains—Size 22×78 inches.

MATERIAL—Dexter Cotton Warp, Art. 380—5 tubes natural color 100, 1 tube each color—Rust 256, Brown 178, Green 150, Orange 111. Crochet Hook No. 5—Large Embroidery Needle.

Using Natural make a ch of 210 sts.

1st row. 1 d c in 7th st from hook, ch 2, skip 2 sts, 1 d c in next st, repeat from * ch 5, turn.

2nd row. 1 d c over d c with ch 2 between d c—repeat this 2nd row until curtain is desired length, fasten thread.

Colored stripes are worked in after mesh is all made, using a large needle with double warp and making simple chain st across mesh in curtain.

1st colored row is made 3 in. from bottom of curtain in rust color—repeat across next row of mesh—skip 2 rows—work 3 rows in brown, skip 2 rows, work 2 rows of green, skip 2 rows and work 3 rows of orange—skip 32 rows and repeat stripe, continue in this manner until 5 colored stripes have been worked. Turn down casing as needed at top of curtain and sew across. Repeat for other half of curtain using care in counting mesh spaces so that stripes will be even when curtains are hung.

NO. 6528—LACE TABLE CLOTH

Victorian Lace Luncheon Cloth.

MATERIAL—Dexter Cotton Warp, Art. 380, 4 tubes natural No. 100. Crochet Hook No. 5.

Size 48×54 in.

This cloth is made up of 72 medallions crocheted together and may be increased in size as desired—

For one medallion:—Ch 8, join.

1st row—*Ch 7, 1 s c in ring, repeat from * 3 times (4 loops).

2nd row—*ch 7, 3 s c in ch 7; repeat from * 3 times.

3rd row—*ch 7, skip 1 s c, 2 s c in next 2 s c, 3 s c in ch 7, repeat from * 3 times.

4th row—*ch 7, skip 1 s c, 4 s c in next 4 s c, 4 s c in ch 7, repeat from * 3 times.

5th row—*ch 7, skip 1 s c, 7 s c in next 7 s c, 3 s c in ch 7, repeat from * 3 times.

6th row—*ch 7, skip 1 s c, 9 s c in next 9 s c, 3 s c in ch 7, repeat from * 3 times.

7th row—*ch 7, skip 1 s c, 11 s c in next 11 s c, 3 s c in ch 7, repeat from * 3 times.

8th row—*ch 7, 1 s c in ch 7, ch 7, skip 1 s c, 12 s c in next 12 s c, repeat from * 3 times.

9th row—*ch 7, 1 s c in ch 7, ch 7, 1 s c in ch 7, ch 7, skip 1 s c, 10 s c in the next 10 s c, repeat from * 3 times.

10th row—*ch 7, 1 s c in ch 7, ch 7, 1 s c in ch 7, ch 7, 1 s c in ch 7, ch 7, skip 1 s c, 8 s c in the next 8 s c, repeat from * 3 times.

11th row—**ch 7, 1 s c in ch 7, * repeat from ** to * 3 times, ch 7, skip 1 s c, 6 s c in next 6 s c, **repeat from ** to ** 3 times.

12th row—**ch 7, 1 s c in ch 7, *repeat from ** to * 4 times, ch 7, skip 1 s c, 4 s c in next 4 s c, **repeat from ** to ** 3 times.

13th row—**ch 7, 1 s c in ch 7, *repeat from ** to * 5 times, ch 7, skip 1 s c, 2 s c in next 2 s c, **repeat from ** to ** 3 times, ch 3, slip st to 3rd st of last ch 7, ch 3, 1 s c in ch 7, then ch 3, slip st, ch 3 counting as the first ch 7 of open spaces, ending with slip st. to first ch 7.

This design is lovely when used as a chair or buffet set and will be found most effective in many places in the home as a decorative motif.

NO. 6526—LUNCHEON SET (5 pieces)

A perfect background for the charming new pottery ware in many luscious shades.

MATERIAL—Dexter Cotton Warp, Art. 380—1 tube each of colors brown 178, orange 111, rust 256, coral 268, tan 118.

Crochet Hook No. 4.

Place mats size 12×16.

Center mat 16×28.

Place Mat—Using brown ch 30, 1 d c in 3rd st from hook * 1 d c in each of next 26 sts on ch, 1 d c in same st, (29 d c in row) ch 2, 3 d c in end st, ch 2, 2 d c in 1st on other side of ch—repeat from * around. Join to top of 3 ch, ch 2, (pick up back loop of st only).

2nd row. *1 d c in each d c, 2 d c, 2 ch, 2 d c in corner sp, 1 d c in each d c at end, 2 d c, 2 ch, 2 d c in next corner sp, repeat from * around, join, break thread.

3rd row. Attach orange in corner sp, ch 2, 1 d c in same sp, 1 d c in next st, *ch 1, skip 1 d c, 1 d c in next st, continue to repeat from * across to corner, 1 d c in last d c of row, 2 d c in 2 ch, 2 d c in corner sp, ch 1, skip 1 d c, 1 d c in next st, ch 1, skip 1, 1 d c, 2 ch, 1 d c in center d c of end. Continue around, join with sl st, ch 2, 1 d c in each d c, increasing at corners and in center of each end—break thread.

4th row. Attach rust—work same as last two rows—break thread.

5th row. Attach coral—work two rows same as rust color—break thread. Attach tan and work 2 rows—break thread.

6th row. Attach brown, work same as 3rd row, then 1 row of s c in each st around. Join, break thread.

This completes center portion of mat—attach tan to begin lace edge—* ch 7, 1 s c in 6th s c—repeat from *, join, next row, 8 s c over each ch 7—join, sl st to center of 8 s c, ch 7, 1 s c in center of next loop, continue around row, repeat for two more rows of loops in 4th row of loops—work 4 s c over ch, ch 3 for picot. Work 4 s c over same ch, continue around mat, fasten off—repeat for 3 other mats.

Center Mat.

Ch 100 and follow directions for place mat, adding 4 more rows of lace st in tan. Press with dampened cloth on wrong side when finished.

NO. 6533—BRIDGE SET (4 pieces)

MATERIAL—Dexter Cotton Warp, Art. 380—one tube each following colors—Yellow No. 108, Green No. 150, Rust No. 256, Tan No. 118, Gray No. 236.

Crochet Hook No. 5—Place Mat 12×18 inches.

Begin with tan, ch 75, turn, catch into third ch from hook.

1st row. D c in each of next 4 sts, ch 2, skip 2, repeat this group of 4 d c, ch 2 until across row (12 meshes) ch 3 to turn.

2nd row. Catch into last d c of mesh, 4 d c in space, repeat across row. Repeat these rows until there are 7 rows of tan. Attach green—ch 2, 1 d c in each mesh and space in tan strip on one side and one end.

3rd row. Ch 3, turn, * 4 d c in 1st space, ch 2, d c over next space, repeat from start to end of row. Work eight rows of green in same manner—break warp. Attach yellow—work same as green only continue until there are 9 rows—break warp. Attach gray. Work same as yellow only making 10 rows—break warp. Attach rust and work across other side and down end of mat making 10 rows—Repeat for other three mats.

NO. 6523—BLOUSE

A Basque Blouse showing a Tyrolean influence in quaint peasant coloring and design—Size 16.

MATERIAL—Dexter Cotton Warp, Art. 380—2 tubes natural color 100, one tube each color—red, green, yellow, Elgin Maid, Art. 1127, for flowers and trimmings.

Crochet Hook No. 5.

One shell is 3 d c, ch 1, 1 d c in same st—Blouse is started at point at bottom of front section.

Row 1—Ch 4, join, ch 3, 2 d c in same st, ch 1, 1 d c in same st (the ch 3 at beginning of each row is counted as first d c of shell).

Row 2—Ch 3, 2 d c over ch 1, ch 1, 1 d c over this st, (shell) 1 shell between 2nd and 3rd d c, turn.

Row 3—Repeat row 2 making 3 shells.

Row 4—1 shell over ch 1, 1 shell over next ch 1, 1 s c in next ch 1, turn.

Row 5—Work back 3 shells, turn.

Row 6—1 shell over ch 1, 1 s c in next ch 1, turn.

Row 7—Work back 2 shells, turn. This allows more length in slant to underarm seam than on vest point in front. Now work clear across row.

Row 8—5 shells, ending with 2 d c.

Row 9—6 shells.

Row 10—7 shells.

Row 11—8 shells.

Row 12—8 shells.

Row 13—8 shells and 2 d c of 9th shell.

Row 14—10 shells.

Row 15—10 shells.

Row 16—10 shells.

Row 17—12 shells.

Row 18—5 shells, turn, and work back to bring this side of work straight. Vest point should measure 4½ inches to center front and 6½ inches to side seam. To keep work straight from this point on, do not work the last shell between the 2nd and 3rd d c of the previous row, but work 1 d c and turn. Work 31 rows from beginning of underarm blouse seam to arm hole, increasing gradually so that there are 14 shells across—sew at arm hole.

Row 32—Drop 1 shell for arm hole.

Row 33—Drop 1 shell for arm hole.

Work 20 rows to neckline.

55th row—Drop 1 shell in shoulder seam, keeping neck edge straight.

Row 56—Work 7 shells.

Row 57—Work 6 shells (drop 1 shell).

Row 58—Work 5 shells.

Row 59—Work 4 shells.

Row 60—Work 3 shells—fasten thread.

Repeat for other side of front.

Back—ch 81, 1 shell in every 3rd at of ch (28 shells).

Repeat for 4 rows working evenly.

Row 5—Begin to decrease by leaving off 1 d c on first shell of each side, gradually decrease in this way for 9 rows, then drop off 1 shell at each side. Work 4 rows even for waist line, now start to increase gradually up to armhole, same as front.

30 rows or 12 inches to arm hole. Work 23 rows, decrease 1 shell on each side for shoulder for 5 rows. Mark center of back, 3 shells on each side of center of neck. Work 1½ shells on each side to make neck rounding. Fasten thread.

Sleeve—ch 57, 1 shell in every 3rd st (18 shells).

Row 2—Increase 1 d c on each side—repeat row 2 four times increasing each row.

Row 7 to 11—Repeat as for row 2 (making 22 shells in row).

Row 12—Work evenly—1 row shells.

Row 13—Drop one shell on each side (20 shells).

Rows 14 to 16—20 shells each worked evenly.

Row 17—19 shells.

Rows 18 to 21—18 shells.

Row 22—17 shells.

Rows 23 to 25—16 shells.

Row 26—15 shells (decrease 1 shell).

Rows 27 to 29—14 shells.

Row 30—13 shells.

Rows 31 to 33—12 shells.

Row 34—11 shells.

Rows 35 to 37—10 shells.

Row 38—9 shells.

Row 39—8 shells.

Row 40—7 shells.

Row 41—6 shells—fasten thread. Repeat for other sleeve.

Collar: Make a chain 14 inches long, 1 d c in each st of ch—attach red thread; 1 s c in each d c, fasten thread. Attach yellow; 1 s c in each s c, fasten. Attach green; 1 s c in each s c, fasten thread. Sew to neck edge of blouse.

Pocket Flaps—ch 27, work as directed for collar finishing edge in 3 colors. Repeat for second pocket.

Belt—Ch 14, 1 s c in each st—repeat this row until belt is 6 inches long, now decrease 2 s c at each side of every row until one st remains—fasten thread. Repeat for other half of belt—but making no decrease and working strip 7 inches in length.

To assemble blouse—whip shoulder and underarm seams together, also join sleeve seams—using color as on collar—work down right side of blouse front from neck edge allowing 4 ch for each buttonhole and 12 s c between each buttonhole making 1 st buttonhole after attaching red thread—work eight down front of blouse and continue colored trim around blouse and up front point to first button. Finish left side of blouse with 3 rows s c in material warp. Work colored edge on sleeves. Sew bright red buttons to blouse, attach belt ends to underarm seam three inches from blouse edge—pull straight end over center of red buckle and fasten, pointed end is to be drawn through this buckle at center back to adjust waist of blouse—Match sleeve seam and underarm seam and whip together 6 inches on both sides from this place—make 4 pleats across top of sleeve using fullness and continue sewing in sleeve. Press blouse seams—Sew simulated pocket pieces at an angle slanting down placing 1 end opposite 2nd button and about 2½ inches away from this button.

Flowers—using colored thread—ch 4, join, 14 d c in ring, make 3 flowers for each pocket—chain st in place with a different color and work large spot of this color in each flower center—leaves and stems are done in simple chain st in green.

NO. 6536—BELT

Inspired by the costumes of Old Mexico.

MATERIAL—Dexter Cotton Warp, Art. 380, 1 tube yellow No. 108, 1 tube each red No. 137, green 150, and blue 210. This is sufficient material to make both the belt and matching bag No. 6537.

Crochet Hook No. 6.

Belt—using yellow—Ch 21, turn.

1st row. 1 s c in 2nd st on ch, ch 1, skip 1, 1 d c in next st, repeat to end of row, ch 2, turn.

2nd row. 1 s c under 1 st loop of 1st row, ch 1, s c in next loop, repeat across row—repeat this row 3 times, break warp—attach green—work 1 row—attach blue for 1 row—red for 1 row—green for 1 row, blue 1 row, red 1 row—work yellow for 41 inches and repeat stripe as above, ending with 4 rows yellow.

Fringe—Cut a piece of cardboard 3 inches wide and 6 inches long—wind each color used around this the long way about 50 times—cut through at one side—pick up one strand of each color, fold over and slip loop end through mesh in belt end, draw all ends of warp through this loop and pull up to knot fringe—continue fringe across both ends of belt.

NO. 6537—ZIPPER PURSE

Matching Belt Style 6536.

MATERIAL—given with directions for No. 6536. 1 ten inch Talon fastener for bag size 6×10 inches.

Using yellow for 1st row. Ch 85, 1 s c in 2nd st from hook, ch 1, skip 1, 1 s c in next s c, repeat to end of row, ch 2, turn.

2nd row. S c under chain loop, ch 1, s c in next loop, repeat to end of row, ch 2, turn. Continue until work measures two inches, break warp. Attach green, work 1 row, 1 row blue, 1 red, 1 green, 1 blue, 1 red, then yellow until piece measures 10 inches. Fold over and whip ends of bag together.

Sew Talon fastener in place—make a 4 inch tassel of all colors used in bag and attach to zipper pull. Bag may be lined if desired to give it firmness.

NO. 6532—UTILITY BAG

MATERIAL—Dexter Cotton Warp, Art. 380, 1 tube each of following colors—brown 178, rust 256, eggshell 194, gray 236.