The Art of Vintage Tatting | Free Tatting Patterns and Inspiration

What Is The Number One Tatting Question

The number one question asked by Tatters?

Do you know the answer?

They are looking for patterns beyond the traditional doily and edgings.

Thanks to Globalization we American’s now have access to pattern inspiration from all over the world.

The Art of Tatting, that’s based on one easy to do stitch. When you master that stitch, you will have mastered the art. Manipulating that one stitch takes a bit more practice however!

Take care to follow closely the directions for dropping the fingers and stretching the thread and–in a short amount of time, you’ll be creating with ease laces of beauty.

Delicate tatting has an air of elegance! From lovely edgings and other home furnishing pieces, to heirloom wearable that add sophistication to any outfit.

Do you Tat with a shuttle & hook or do you use a tatting needle? did you know that you can Tat without a shuttle?

I’ve tried both methods and the difference is like crocheting with yarn or fine thread, needle tatting and shuttle tatting are different.

But the finished project delivers the same results–my preference is needle tatting, Two totally different technique achieving the same results.

Remember there are challenges with both, there are special “needles” for needle tatting. The size of needle you use depends on the size of the thread you are using just as in crochet or knitting.

Use the diameter of needle that is as close to the thickness of the thread you are using.

So that when you make the stitches on the needle and then push them off the needle onto the thread, the stitches are not loose at all – they are the right size for the diameter of the thread.

I know people who have tried with poor results, do not use a regular sewing needle to tat – it must be a special “tatting needle”.

The eye of the needle is no bigger than the shaft of the needle, so that you can slide the stitches over it and onto the base thread.

Here’s an example of Needle Tatting

You can find the instructions here: http://www.georgiaseitz.com/2007/stricklandbracelet.html

Now here’s the same bracelet using Shuttle Tatting method

Absolute Beginner Tatting Series can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG3Q9fgajBVXykAf1u0SkyQ

The instructions are here:

http://www.georgiaseitz.com/2007/stricklandshtlbrac.html

One other note,  while the stitches are the same the instruction between the two may read differently as shown in the examples above, experienced tatters can usually use either.

Here are some excellent instructional and Free pattern websites.

Allison’s Tatted Lace is a great little site with resources and free patterns.

Be-Stitched is another website you might find useful.

The Instructables Website has downloadable tutorials you might find useful.

Here’s a link to a 13 page PDF of Tatting Books to help build your Tatting library.

Priscilla Tatting Book – PDF – there are three in the Priscilla series.

Here’s a few example of Tatted wearable’s:

Here’s tatted slipper examples and can be found here: http://etsylove.ning.com/profiles/blogs/tatted-slippers-prototype

What do you think about this tatted insert?

Here’s a pattern for Vintage Tatted Gloves pattern.

Here is an example of a tatted blouse.

This tatted piece is on sale on ETSY you can find it here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/105961892/scarlet-red-silk-summer-suit-jacket-with

 

Here’s another beautiful example:

Here’s a tatted cardigan made using thicker thread–well done. you don’t have to use finer weight threads when designing wearables.

Do you like this tatted hats. slippers?

What about this tatted jewelry Box?

Here’s another tatted piece using a heavier weight of yarn instead of thread.

Here’s an example of free-form tatting using the similar joining techniques used in Irish Crochet.

When think about tatted clothes you are limited only by your imagination, look at this piece, tatted motifs, joining stitched and edging.

Here’s an accent to trim an existing outfit–I really like this idea.

Free Vintage Tatting Patterns

Here’s a few Free vintage tatting patterns that I’d like to share to get you started.

Free Vintage Richardson’s Tatting Book Number 7

Richardson Vintage Tatting Pattern Book Number 7

Tatting a Fascinating Book of Delicate Designs | 207 Spool Cotton 1944 Vintage Tatting Pattern Book

Tatting Patterns Spool Cotton Book 207

 Digital PDF eBook Patterns on Sale in my ETSY store ready for instant download:

Vintage Tatting Patterns Motifs Insertions | Luncheon Refreshment Sets Mats Tatted Jewelry Set | Towel Linen Delicate Collars Cuffs Edges

Vintage Tatting Patterns Edges Collars Cuffs Chair Sets Medallions Insertions New Things Happen to Tatting | Spool Cotton Company Book 159

 

Free Vintage Hat Patterns Over the Top Toppers Fascinator’s and Head Pieces

DO YOU LIKE HATS?

Hello everyone, do you like hats? I love hats and wear them almost all the time. This week I want to share some of my favorites from my collection and FROM around the web especially Pinterest. Do you like Over-the-Top Hats? Remember my definition of over the top may not be the same as yours!! Here are some of favorite over the top topper and I’d where each and ever one.

 

 

Would you dare wear any of these hats?

How about one of these stunning modern vintage reproductions.

Let us not forget hats for the Royals around the world–I must say church hats and hats for the royals have kept the tradition alive.

Now the Bazaar–Weird to me–share the weirdest hat you’ve ever seen? Share your weirdest, wackiest hat picture on our Facebook Page and win either one of these this free vintage Hat Pattern Books. the number of likes will decide the winner. Enjoy!

 

Free Hats Bags & Accessories

Hats and Bag Patterns

 

Fascinator’s are all the rage and it seems like if you can think-it, dream-it or imagine it a topper it can be created. Checkout these wonders.

Now lets look at some real vintage hats, head pieces and fascinators.

As you can see there are some styles that have re-invented throughout the decades and some you never see again.. But one thing for sure the hat is timeless no matter what country you live in or your age–take the plunge and enjoy the exotic, the chic and sexy, the mysterious and the funny–WEAR A HAT! Here’s some free vintage hat patterns sew, crochet, knit or craft and become your own style icon.

 

Here are a few more vintage Hat patterns for your enjoyment.

 

http://freevintagecrochet.com/free-hat-pattern/star115/crocheted-hat-and-bag

http://www.freevintagecrochet.com/hats/beaded-cloche-hat-pattern.html

http://freevintagecrochet.com/hat-patterns/spool209/cloche-pattern

http://blog.bramcostpublications.com/2011/01/02/ring-in-the-vintage-new-year-day-2-vintage-crochet-hatpurse-pattern.aspx

http://www.allfreeknitting.com/Knit-Hats/vintage-hat/ct/1 1921 Millinery Spring Summer Hats Picturesque Hats in Hand Crochet Free 60’s Vintage Millinery Hat Patterns

 

 

Congratulations Southfield High School Graduates 2014 | Free Vintage Knitting Patterns

Family Gatherings

I would like to give thanks for being able to come home and be apart of my granddaughter’s big day or shall I say a week.

My time at home with friends and family began with my oldest son’s birthday with his baby brother and his girl fixed a very large Seafood Boil of crab, scrimp, corn on the cob, red potatoes and sausage and the grill master fixin’s Salmon and Walleye for the fun of it.

The three brother’s, there’s a fourth he couldn’t make home this time–

Then came Memorial day everybody was there always good food, family and friends, spades and bid, plenty of trash talking and fun. I got to meet Alex’s parents and Anthony’s girl.  Too much fun to remember to take pictures. Bad bad girl (next time).

Melvin Anthony Erick Kenny

Khayla’s Prom – Southfield High School 2014

was the primary reason for this trip her prom was last Tuesday–she looked absolutely gorgeous.

Khayla 2014

Daughter and Granddaughter

The carriage — my favorite car

Cadillac STS

I am so glad limousines are obsolete! I have three favorite cars, the Cadillac (this one), the Jaguar and the Ford Thunderbird (the collector’s edition)

Here’s the prom date.. Carlos is not only handsome, he’s smart and he has great manner’s which means his parents took care business.

Graduation Day 2014

The next big day was Graduation Day this past Sunday at Chene Park–we attended church in the morning and the ceremony started at 4, here’s a few highlights. By the way there were almost 300 young people graduating from just Southfield High School more boys than girls this year about 20 more Young African-American men!

Diploma in Hand

Thank you for sharing my couple weeks with the family–Now I am waiting on Caleb to arrive–

School’s out for summer!

Free Vintage Knitting Patterns

This week I’ve put together a fine collection of free vintage knitting patterns–I sure hope that you will want to make  at least one of these beauties.

1940’s Knitted Cocktail Dress Pattern

40’s Vintage Knitted Cocktail Dress

40’s Shirt Waist Knitted Blouse Pattern

1940s Shirtwaist Knitted Blouse Pattern

Vintage Shirtwaist Dress Pattern

1950s Vintage Knit Dress Pattern

1960’s Chic Knit Tunic

1960s Vintage Knit Tunic Pattern

Vintage Front Zip Cardigan Jacket Pattern

Luck Knitted Front Zip Cardigan Jacket

1970’s Knitted Bride’s Coat

Knitted Brides Knitted Coat Pattern

Girl’s Knit Party Dress

Girls Knitted Vintage Dress Pattern

Vintage Fichu Knitting Pattern – A triangular scarf of woven fabric, worn over the shoulders and crossed or tied in a loose knot at the front.

Knitted Fichu Pattern

30’s Vintage Two Piece Tailleur with Vestee

Two Piece Tailleur with Vestee Pattern

Vintage Ribbed & Smocked Knitted Dress Pattern

Vintage 50s Ribbed Smocked Knitted Dress Pattern

Stay tuned for other great knitting, crochet and needle-arts patterns.

By the way check out My Collections:

The Dazespast Style Library

Summer Chic

Evening Elegance

My Vintage Crochet Projects | Free Vintage Crochet Doily Patterns

My Vintage Crochet Projects

Last week I shared the sewing projects that I have on the table–this week it’s all about crochet. I’m working doilies and motifs mostly and I will share the patterns with you.
I love working on ruffled doily patterns mostly, I like the one’s with complex stitch patterns. The make the project challenging but the results are phenomenal.

I just finished the 1890’s Doily, from Old Time Crochet Autumn 1996. Originally published in “Miss Arnold’s Book of Crocheting, No 2, 1890”

Here’s my completed version.

My Version Vintage 1890’s Doily Pattern

Center 1890 Doily

If you’d like to make the 1890’s Doily, here’s the free crochet pattern.

An 1890’s Doily

An 1890’s Doily Pattern Part 2

I finished this doily about a week ago, this doily is from Lily Mills, 1950, Book 1600. “Sheer Witchery”, it’s a doily luncheon set, I only wanted to make the large doily pattern.

Sheer Witchery Doily | Lily Mills 1950

Sheer Witchery Close-up Doily

If you’d like to make “Sheer Witchery” here’s the pattern.

Sheer Witchery Luncheon Set Doily Free Pattern

Free Vintage Doily Pattern Sheer Witchery

Also in process is the “Blossom Ruffle Doily” by American Thread Company.

I’ve made this doily several times and gave one away and sold the other. Now I want to have one for myself. Blossom Ruffle is an easy doily to make but now with age and bad eyes working in dark colors is difficult at night because of the stitch pattern. here’s where I am at the moment.

Now here’s the vintage pattern “Blossom Ruffle”.

Free Blossom Ruffle Doily Pattern

Blossom Ruffle Doily 2

My next vintage gem is Coral Reef from “Old and New Favorites”, the Spool Cotton Company, Book 269

Coral Reef Doily

Here’s the pattern if you’d like to make this odd ruffle doily.

Coral Reef Spool Cotton Book 269

Coral Reef Doily 2

Another project is “Ruffles Run Riot” from Lily Mills, published originally in Book 1600 and then again in Book 209.

Ruffles Run Riot Free Doily Pattern 1

Ruffles Run Riot

 

My final contribution for today’s post is also from Lily Mills, Book 400 “Easy to Crochet Tablecloths Luncheon Sets and Runners”.

The medallion design is called Shell Motif”, I have about 15 motifs made because the size 16 hook is almost like a needle if you tap your finger tip the wrong way. so it was slow going for a while. I solved that problem by using the old rubber finger tips you buy at the office supply store–they make great thimbles.

By the way enjoy the Garden Fern motif on the same page.

 

 

I want to share a the Popcorn & Pineapples Doily, from American Thread Company. Book 128. I made this doily sometime ago, actually its been about 12 years maybe a few more than that, this is by far my favorite small flat doily, the stitches come together to create a beautiful pattern.

Here’s my version.

Popcorn and Pineapple Doily

If you’d like to make this pattern, here’s the instructions for the Pineapple and Popcorn Doily

Popcorn and Pineapple Doily Pattern

Popcorn and Pineapple Page 2

Popcorn and Pineapple Doily 3

As I was looking for this doily I came across some older work from some of these patterns, take a look.

Double Ruffle Doily | Spool cotton

Blossom Ruffle

Rice Stitch Doily

Enjoy, your comments and thoughts are always welcomes, until next time.

Beautiful Free Vintage Crochet Motif Patterns

Old Favorites In Crochet Bedspreads | Lily Design Book 73 | Lilly Mills Company 1954

Lily Design Book 73 has some of the most exquisite vintage crochet pattern designs created during the 1950’s.

My favorite is the Lace Valentine with one of the most challenging center starts  — I’m still trying to figure-out what the instructions are actually directing me to do :(.

Another favorite of mine is Fairy Ring another precious design.

The Lily Mills Company was a North Carolina cotton mill, there doesn’t seem to be much information about the company but of the vintage books and patterns I’ve collected contain some of the prettiest vintage thread crochet patterns around.

Here are several motif patterns from the pattern book you can find the entire book here.

Traditional Elegance

Textured in Beauty

Fairy Ring Crochet Lace Motif Pattern

Twinkle Star Bedspread Motif Vintage Pattern

Lace Valentine Crochet Lace Motif

Enjoy these other Free Vintage Pattern links.

Vintage Crochet Doily Patterns 1942

1940’s Crocheted Hankie Edgings Aprons Slippers Doilies Potholders and More

 

 

 

Free Vintage Pattern Saturday |Small and Large Bust Adjustments | Waist Hips and Thighs

To start the New Year I was going to share some awesome free vintage patterns from my collection and other places around the internet–which by the way I am still going to do.

But, then I thought about the big content splash around the web in-terms of relevant content having to do with improving your dressmaking skills with respect to measuring, alterations and pattern grading of vintage sewing patterns. These sites use vintage techniques when possible–I have gone through many sewing books dating back to the late 1800’s some things are the same now as it was then, what may be different; but the tools needed for many techniques are being refined.

They’ve been in our sewing books all along–but we were not paying attention –didn’t have time, so we stopped finishing seams except with the standard manufactured serger and we’re enjoying getting back to the basic–the quality..

Thinking about what I just wrote–I want couture quality in my sewing that I make for myself and others and on the way there

Remember, vintage techniques used quality finishings

While I consider myself a skillful dressmaker, it’s definitely an area that I find the most interesting and challenging and to fine tune my skills, I sort out blogs that you may or may not know about.

I also have to give credit to Pinterest which has led me to some great resources and Chrome’s translation extensions open the door worldwide sources.

Now while I love sewing up a true vintage treasure and as you know I sell them too, I’ve discovered a gap in the market place–a niche.

So the question is, what if you could buy the vintage pattern of you wanted in the size you needed, requiring minimal alterations? What would it be?

So let’s start there, look at these really great vintage summer designs, I want to know which one you like the best. Taking the poll and commenting — I want to thank you in advance, its appreciated.

6103 Advance

Vintage Pattern 8615

7789 Icon

4270 Vintage Short Halter Dress

When we’re thinking about vintage sizing and wondering why 50’s and 60’s models looked so slim and trim in our personal collections of vintage patterns and magazines–let us not forget–women of that era worn girdles and corsets to make their bodies fit the shape of many styles.

As a matter of fact, I can remember being told to wear a girdle as a girl and on occasion today I still wear firm under-garments to make sure that my lumps and bumps are inc check.

I can’t remember the last time I even wore a pair of pantyhose–I wear stocking with garters and garter belts or the ones with the lace bands.

Now you might ask how does that feel in the summer–well be sure to select your under-garments based on materials suitable for the season. Like cotton bra’s and slips for instance.

Enough rambling checkout this article from Jennifer Valentine | The Body Beautiful, she takes on the subject with an eloquence that I find interesting.

Next and most important step as you know is your body measurements–this is not a task you can do alone and have accurate measurements, I believe as the next blog author that fitting problems can be eliminated before the begin by doing this first step correctly.

The next post by  Marina of Frabjous Couture is just what the doctor ordered, Hip Circumference and Fit for the figure with a tummy/belly or handle-bars or other mid-section imperfections, this is the first of a series of articles on the subject and she leaves us with some homework.

Next we’ll explore a couple of blog contributor’s with something to say about the Bust Adjustment and essential for almost everyone –wait let me just say, ready-made patterns just like shoes come in an average size the standard B cup, well a lot of women either have bust that are slimmer or fuller so how do you make a great fitting bodice.

Since bust adjustments are the most commonly asked question, I’ll devote several different resources to the subject.

Small Bust Adjustments

First we’re going to tackle Small Bust Adjustments which is more difficult to find articles about the subject, but Shannon has taken on the subject with a blog post titled “My Cup Does Not Runneth Over“, take a read if you need to adjust down instead of up.

As you’ll see with this next post on Slapdash Sewist, she takes an approach that most of us use, and that is working at the process until we get the bodice or top to fit the way we want it to.  But her pictures are great and easy to follow when it comes to making bust adjustments for small bust sizes.

Everybody’s familiar with Gertie, well she does a “Small Bust Adjustment Tutorial” for a pattern from her book “Gerties New Book for Better Sewing” and Colette Patterns, I think you’ll find it most useful.

For Us Full Busted Ladies With  C, D, E, F and G Cups

In this next post from Sincerely Yours, I really like the point that Kate makes about the “Full Bust Adjustment” as a milestone event in the sewing life of any heavy chested woman.  The book she recommends is Palmer/Pletsch Fit for Real People an excellent resource for your sewing library.

Back in the day I was 5’/7.5″, the perfect size 12 for my life before age 40, then a perfect size 14 after until my early 50’s. Now in my late 50’s I find that my hips are still a 44″ but my protruding stomach is a nightmare caused by fibroid tumors, gallstones and now ulcers. This next resources would have been a great resource for me.

Another FBA resource is courtesy of Pink Chalk Studios, in her post she shares her experience from a fitting class  at Pacific Fabrics in Bremerton, WA learning the Palmer/Pletsch method of fitting for unique shapes. I wanted to visit that Pacific Fabrics in Bremwnton and didn’t have a chance.

Bra fittings were an annual event during my adolescents, and I continue that tradition today with my daughter and grandaughter. By the way my granddaughter graduates from High School this June, anyway, you will know your true size.

Finally Sew LA Blog, gives a great run-down on Full Bust Adjustment techniques with measurements and all.

Enjoy these Fitting Tutorials and Resources.

Since we’re on the theme of vintage dressmaking–knits were on the rage in the forties and fifties and are still one of the most expensive custom couture fashions today, enjoy these beauties and share an outfit when you knit or crochet one of the patterns. Download this “Free Vintage Pattern eBooks” and enjoy your weekend.

Couture Knitting Crochet Patterns Free PDF Book

Free Vintage Jeweled Knitted Cardigan Pattern

Free Knitting Crochet Vintage Suits Coats Dress Patterns

Vintage Sewing Pattern Fashion Trim Detail

Sewing for me has always been about the details–distinctive, one of a kind details that make the garment uniquely mine.

That’s what I love about sewing vintage, especially the 40s and 50s..These details are not simple, but boy they can transform a piece from simple to spectacular.

Here’s some examples of spectacularly beautiful vintage sewing detail. These examples range from buttonholes or bias binding, tabs, collars and pockets.

Take a look at these and examples and tell what fashion sewing detail you’d like to master?

1950s Bound Asymmetrical Pockets with Covered Buttons

Bound buttonholes are challenging — but what do you think about these pockets, is this a sewing technique you want to master?

Vintage 50s Sewing Pattern Neckline Variations

How about these necklines–which one do you like the best?

50s Pattern Necklines Bodice Sleeves Skirts Jackets

Here are some other examples of sewing patterns from the 1950’s with dramatic show-stopping accents.

Now let’s look at the 1940s–in my opinion some of these accents are not difficult to master but other’s given that vintage patterns were not marked with any detail, you really had to know how to sew. Not only did you have to use the machine proficiently your hand sewing skills had to be pretty good because some of these accents are difficult even with the technology of today. Here’s where your vintage sewing books would come in handy and I have a collection spanning from the 20’s through the 1970’s.

Now lets a visual journey through the high-end sewing patterns of the 40’s and please tell me what technique would you like to master?

Vintage 1940s Fashion Pattern Detail

In closing tonight’s post, I want you to know that running my vintage pattern store is time consuming and it leaves me very little time for sewing–but I do have some great projects already cut and ready–stay tuned because I really need to take the time to finish these pieces. Remember browse and let me know what trim details you crave to master.

Related articles

• A busy sewing week and a vintage pram (craftymadre.wordpress.com)
• Beginner’s Guide To Sewing Essentials (fiftytwocreate.com)
• Planning for a Summer Sewing Camp (josiesattic.wordpress.com)
• Do you have to know how to sew to be a fashion designer? (misssteviegiovanni.wordpress.com)