Stitchy Britches

Modern Motifs of Mexican Trend

2010-04-15T10:24:00.008+10:00

aka "My best friend went to Mexico and all I got was this tiny sombrero"*

Yes stitchy friends, here's your erstwhile blogger managing a post...although I can't feel guilty because a) so many other great bloggers regularly share stitchy goodness and b) I still don't have a scanner.

Mexico is on my mind - literally:
...As my best friend recently returned from two weeks in Mexico and brought me back a wee present. Hope I'm not scaring you with my pic!

I haven't been to see all her photos yet, and for those of you without your own sombrero (because I know you're jealous) I present "fiesta motifs for colorful touches of Mexican gaiety". You know your breakfast nook wants it.

Apparently:
"Your needle will fly along the simple sitches of these motifs of Mexican flavor. Gay up your kitchen with Mexican-inspired dish towels and pot holders. Put a variety of these designs on curtains and table linen in the breakfast nook to add charm to informal meals. Delight the bride-to-be on your gift list with hand-made guest towels, refreshment napkins, luncheon sets or dresser scarfs reflecting in these designs the happy Fiesta spirit of our South-of-the-Border neighbors."

I'm keen to see if my friend's holiday snaps include women with baskets of fruit on their heads, giant cactii, boys eating bananas, and fighting cocks (actually sounding "gay-er" by the minute...oh dear! Come back readers...please...**) But this pattern assures me that these are common South of the Border capers.

Men wearing rugs will give you flowers:

Doves, cactii and maracas abound:

But the scariest thing in Mexico are the deadly attack parrots!

Watch your fruit girls.

*only kidding Nat, I do love my pressie.
**sorry, really I am.

Owl love you

2010-02-04T15:23:00.003+11:00

Hello Stitchy friends,
Oh yes, it's been a long time, I know! Short story is that 2009 was a HORRID year and as such, all crafty endeavours suffered. But I'm getting back on track now, and to show you how much owl love you all here's a pattern from a late 60's Crewelwork set:

Hopefully it's clear enough for you to print and use...I don't have access to a scanner anymore, so I took a pic of this pattern with my i-phone. And don't forget to share any pics of your stitchy goodness to the Flickr embroidery pool!

Stitch along with Mike's!

2008-12-05T15:55:00.004+11:00

I'm a bad britches, stitchy friends, I know I am. But good stitchy fun is currently happening on the Meet me at Mike's blog. They've got a nice list of links to free Christmassy patterns, and they're having their own Christmas stocking stitch along, with two of their own designs. Pip's also put up some embroidery basics tutorials and they're all rather splendid. So if you haven't already, check it out! That should keep you out of mischief for a while!

Here's one that's been stitched, by a lovely gal at Brown Owls last Monday:

walkers 705

2008-11-02T14:33:00.009+11:00

walkers 705, originally uploaded by drewzel.

Hi Stitchy friends,
I scanned this one ages ago and promptly forgot about it...hopeless aren't I? I found it in my Flickr just now. I don't have many Walker's transfers but I do like their style, they are more "realistic" than the stylised animals of Vogart and Aunt Martha's (which I also adore.) It depends what you're looking for. I'm guessing these date from around the 1940's and I can't even remember where I got them now! Another good thing about Walker's is that they always appear to give you double copies of the transfer sheet, which is a nice bonus, so usually the ones I've found, even if one sheet is used, the other will usually be intact. Hurrah!

And because our kitty friend on rollerskates is a popular motif...here you are:

scottie kittie1, originally uploaded by drewzel.

Click on the picture to go to Flickr and get sizes for printing.

Sailor girl and Sailor boy

2008-10-29T12:57:00.001+11:00

sailor girl, originally uploaded by 'Playingwithbrushes'.

Given the fact that I've been neglecting my scanning lately, when I find something cute and stitchy in my Interweb travels I have to share with you. Two cuties to stitch, from a vintage colouring book, courtesy of Playing with Brushes' Flickr.

I know it's not vintage...

2008-10-22T13:47:00.002+11:00

but I've just fell in love with these:

Go forth and make!

Iron On Transfer Pencil tutorial

2008-10-21T15:42:00.003+11:00

If you're a newcomer to the stitching thing and are a bit stumped by the phrase: "Just print off a copy, transfer to your fabric and off you go!" (I'm sure I've used those words before.) ...Sparkly Green Knickers has put up a iron on pencil tutorial here. And I think it's fabulous! [Check out her cute scooter design too.]

Stitching Fun

2008-10-21T14:56:00.003+11:00

Coloring Fun - Cake 1, originally uploaded by Glen Mullaly.

I came across these on Flickr today and thought "tea towels!"
The caption from the Flickr owner reads: "Illustration from the "Coloring Fun" feature "Let's Bake a Cake", Humpty Dumpty's magazine January 1958. Illustrated by Dave Lyons.
Print these on plain white stock and Crayola your brains out!"

...so I think he wouldn't mind us stitching them either?

An idea

2008-09-28T22:01:00.001+10:00

70's invitation, originally uploaded by Vintage LOVE.

From the same photostream as the last pic, how cute would this one look embroidered up? Circa 1970's.

Vintage embroidery - Mexico

2008-09-28T21:59:00.001+10:00

Vintage embroidery- Mexico, originally uploaded by Vintage LOVE.

How wonderful is this? I found this pic on Vintage Love's Flickr.

I must apologise for the lack of posts of late, having to take down all the Vogart ones knocked the wind out of my sails, so to speak, but I'll be back soon with some cute patterns!

Regarding Vogart

2008-08-30T14:09:00.002+10:00

Ditto to Doe-c-doe's post here. If you're a Hoop Love member you can read the discussion in the group. I'm so sad. Hopefully things will become clearer soon.

Inspiration Pic

2008-08-30T12:21:00.001+10:00

The Everything Bag, originally uploaded by bianca.cristina.

I love everything about this bag, the colours, the embroidery, the design choice.
Hooray!

Fun on Rollerskates!

2008-08-02T19:03:00.003+10:00

By popular demand, here's the kitty from the set I blogged a few weeks back.

Aunt Martha's vegie melodrama

2008-08-02T19:00:00.002+10:00

aunt marthas vegies, originally uploaded by drewzel.

I scanned this one, because I saw it blogged the other week with a different cover, I'll find the link and add it in here. Update : - it was Claudia's blog, the patterns are here.

Crochet time: a "shoulderette" to make

2008-08-02T18:51:00.002+10:00

shoulderette, originally uploaded by drewzel.

I might have to re-scan the picture as it hasn't come out very well, it's a rather lovely crocheted shrug. If you click on "original" on the Flickr page, the instructions are clear and easy to read.

Stitchy Stitchy

2008-07-25T10:53:00.001+10:00

Stitchy Stitchy, originally uploaded by painter girl.

I just loved this pic!

Stitch-a-long #3

2008-07-22T16:40:00.003+10:00

summer SAL, originally uploaded by stitchinwitch3.

So much stitching goodness! Click on the photo for a closer look. And I shamefully admit I haven't even started yet.

Stitch-along #2

2008-07-22T16:40:00.001+10:00

Mid-Year SAL Pillow Case - In progress, originally uploaded by littlewarrior.

Another example of Stitch-along beauty! I know this might sound silly, but this one looks so "juicy", it's making me drool!

Mid-Year 2008 Stitch-along #1

2008-07-22T16:39:00.001+10:00

Mid-Year 2008 SAL, originally uploaded by rufffledfeathers.

Look at one of the beautiful pieces I found on flickr today for the Embroidery group stitch-along. Blogged at www.ruffledfeathers.typepad.com.

Remember Hobbytex?

2008-07-22T13:19:00.009+10:00

Today's transfers are a recent op-shop (aka thrift store) find. A pack of Hobbytex iron-on transfers, simply marked "No. 302 children designs". They were wrapped up in a plastic bag when I bought them, so I couldn't check what was in there until I got it home, and lo and behold:

More Vogart - a sheet of "Jolly Farmyard Scenes" (aka Vogart 705) and a mixture of kitty and doggy patterns from Vogart 102 and the days of the week kitties. Does anyone know how Vogart patterns ended up being licensed to Hobbytex and Made in Australia*? I know Vogart used to make fabric paint at one stage too... I might have to go a-Google-ing Hobbytex.

I think there's a sheet missing from the pack as the other sheets are marked B, C and D. The third sheet I have I'm guessing is a Hobbytex original, as I've never seen it before, and the designs defintely seem to be geared towards fabric painting rather than embroidery. I like the designs though, they're good and "boyish": sailboats, racing cars, a rodeo rider and an assortment of old aeroplanes.

So if the wee boys in your life don't want a kitteh or a doggie, then I think this Spitfire-like fighter plane is the way to go!

*(..as the patterns proclaim. I like seeing "Made in Australia" on things.)

PS. Yes, I realise that the flags and the winning cup are still upside down on the first car pic, but I know my stitchy friends have the technology to overcome this.

Hello!

2008-07-02T11:21:00.002+10:00

Just a quick update, sorry for the lack of stitchy goodness lately, I've been on holidays:

But now I'm back and stitchiness will resume shortly. Thanking!

Mid-year stitch along 2008

2008-06-11T09:29:00.005+10:00

I'm a bit behind the 8-ball at the moment, but I just found this in the Flickr embroidery group. I'm very flattered that they're using a design from my Stitchybritches Vogart stash, so of course I'm playing along. And you should too! I can't can't can't wait to see what everyone makes! Yay!

Superior 140 : 7 kitten motifs

2008-06-10T00:45:00.009+10:00

It's time for some DOW tea towels. I love to stitch a kitteh, and these ones are so sweet they will give you the proverbial toothache! Little kittys doing household tasks, we can never get enough of them. Neither it seems could Superior brand transfers, for I have a lot of transfers from that particular company that feature cats.

Kitty is ironing, hanging out the washing (wearing roller skates no less), singing at church, sweeping the floor, mending clothes, having a tea party, and on a tricycle doing the shopping. All the time she has a little friend doggy or a stuffed toy to help her. The relationship between cats and dogs in transfer-land always amuses me, as it has little relation to real life cat-dog interaction. Unless of course, in this transfer below, the doggy is about to come and nip her on her posterior. That would be like my animals - Lola can't see a cat bottom go past without chasing it.

Of course, like all good homemakers, she's providing tea for all (that's one of my founding principles, "tea for all") and little stuffed teddy, kitty and bunny are happy to play along. As the pattern says, these are meant to be for days-of-the-week towels, but they'd look cute on children's quilts or bed linen as well. Whilst I don't want to muscle in on the Vogart hyperbole, in my opinion:

These darling designs are quick and easy to sew, and a choice of gay, bright colours will make your towels come alive and add fun to your modern kitchen. Children will love their own towels stitched with Miss Kitten and her friends, and a set will make washing hands no longer a chore! Just stitch these designs and instantly you will become more attractive, and they will bring good fortune and friends into your life. Your home will be beautiful, your children, beaming with health, rosy cheeked and perfectly scrubbed and well behaved, and your husband will cherish the perfect homemaker that he married.

Ooops, think I'm getting carried away now.... help me!......argh....

Not technically vintage

2008-06-06T08:58:00.002+10:00

...but I've been enjoying this site for more stitch inspiration and patterns. Very cute!

Was just looking...

2008-06-04T11:09:00.003+10:00

at this lovely blog, and this post has a pic of some of these Vogart patterns, stitched and original. Just gorgeous!

1930s German Magazine Cover Art

2008-06-03T18:49:00.002+10:00

1930s German Magazine Cover Art, originally uploaded by nyctreeman.

Inspiration...I'd like to do something stitchy with this image.

Super cute

2008-05-27T15:14:00.002+10:00

Have you clicked on the link in my sidebar and looked at Sarah's site? Lots of crafty goodness, shared for your enjoyment. I was just clicking away and have decided that I gotta stitch up this one asap...as penny squares for a little kid's quilt I think. Chickens! And other cute kid's things, circa 1940.

And the winner is...

2008-04-29T16:28:00.003+10:00

Stacy! Please email me : podbobbins[at]gmail{dot}com with your mailing address.

Here's the pictures to show you it was a fair, out of the hat - well cardboard box - draw.

I'll put a photo of the prize up when I make it all look pretty...but it's a calico tote bag to stitch, stitching transfers, vintage floss, and vintage hankie. And lollies. Hoooray!!

Too many watched cooks never sing for their supper

2008-04-23T14:45:00.004+10:00

Here's a rather delightful transfer from Superior, simply titled "6 Towel Appliques" which is a bit of a shame, given that the transfers are rather fun. The marketing team at Superior could have taken a leaf out of Vogart's book and claimed that "these designs will put some sparkle and fun back into the kitchen!" or told us that "your kitchen will rise and shine with our cheerful appliques." But no, the envelope back only has stitch descriptions and colour suggestions. So we have: a watched pot never boils, sing for your supper, too many cooks, time to shine, a penny saved, and sugar and spice. The packet also contains the shape transfers for you to add fabric as well. (I think I might give one of these a go actually, they've rather charmed me.)

This pattern combines applique, embroidery and cross stitch, so it's definitely worth giving a go, if you're not a cross stitcher, as the "zany" placement of the text is very forgiving for a beginning stitcher. I'll add "sing for your supper" later, as I think that's the sweetest, but in the meantime, here's "too many cooks". I can relate to this one, as Mr Stitchy is the chef of our household, so much so that when I'm cooking, he can't help himself from pottering around next to me and keeping an eye on what I'm doing. And yes, if you're curious, my stitching is much better than my cooking!

Bluebird and roses

2008-04-13T22:01:00.008+10:00

...but not whiskers on kittens. Soon it will be Winter in Australia, stitchy friends, and I'm starting to feel it...I'm bolstering myself with lashings of craft books, cups of tea and the comfort of the couch. So my apologies for my absence of late. But you know what always cheers me up? Wee birdies! So here's some more.
These little birds originally came from a mail order advertisement in a newspaper, and happily, whoever originally ordered the pattern kept the newspaper clipping:

" Simple embroidery" from "our new and exciting Needlework book for 1956!"
"So simple, a child could do these embroidery stitches!" "Dozens of other designs to order, all easy, fascinating hand-work!"
You know, I'm willing to part with my 25 cents for my copy of "this wonderful book" right now!

Alas, I think I'd get a "Dear Crazy Person" reply to my letter, if indeed The Daily Review is still at that address in New York. In the meantime, let's enjoy the birdies and rosies and whiskers on kittens...

[click on the picture for a printable size]

What cheers you up, by the way? Leave me a comment on this post by the end of the week (Friday that is), and I'll pick someone at random for a stitchy pressie suprise!

For wee ones

2008-04-06T20:18:00.004+10:00

Today I was tidying up my craft room (it's an endless task) and I thought I'd scan these baby bib designs for you. They're from the same Workbasket sheet as the non-scary clowns and they have the days of the week plus a few little pictures to add with them. So if you've got little ones to make pressies for, some of these would look very sweet on little singlets, onesies or the bibs.

I think the vintage-style toys are charming, do kids still play with wooden elephants on strings, tin tops and have piggy banks?

Animal potholders : the return

2008-04-06T20:13:00.001+10:00

Hello Stitchy Friends, I know I've been conspicuous by my absence this week, so I thought I'd pop in with the rest of the disturbed animal potholders for your stitching fun.

Here's the bad kitty about to eat a birdie, "duck dinner" and attack of the bees:

And "first prize" piggy to complete your set:

Sunday : odds and ends

2008-03-30T12:17:00.005+11:00

This isn't today's pattern, but I found these this morning, so I thought I'd share. These little designs, Stitchy friends, come from loose odds and ends in my pattern collection.
Weldon's spring flowers:

A rose is a rose is a rose:

And a butterfly and stylised flower design:

Sorry the quality isn't very good, they're all quite old and crusty, and the Weldon's one was yellow ink, so the scanner wasn't happy. I think someone else has shared the same or similar flowers from Weldon's too, let me have a look and get back to you.

Saturday : things for kidlets

2008-03-29T11:49:00.001+11:00

Today's designs come from a sheet that is green ink on coarse cream paper, and again, I don't know the maker. It's a set of designs for baby bibs or children's clothes, including scottie dogs, cutesy things, and some nursery rhyme characters.

There's the Old Woman who lived in the Shoe:

The cross stitch Express:

And the three bears (Goldilocks is nowhere to be seen!) looking rather despondent, yet sinister:

Again I'm only guessing, but I'd say 1930's for this one. I'd recommend stitching the shoe lady for maximum cuteness, as those bears are creeping me out!

Friday: little birdies

2008-03-28T11:39:00.002+11:00

This one is a detail from a larger picture that won't fit on my scanner, so until I sort that, enjoy some wee birdie cuteness! [I don't know the maker, it looks like single use blue ink on tissue paper and I'd guess from the 30's.]

PS. Yes Claire, this one's for you!

Thursday : disturbed animal potholders

2008-03-27T09:09:00.002+11:00

In direct contrast to yesterday's happy clown buddies, today's animals are all a bit shocked as they realise the evil intentions of humans. This is another Workbasket one, as far as I know, there's no number or distinguishing marks on it anywhere, and it's red ink on that low-quality thick paper. Intended for potholders, there's a panicked pig, a kittah eyeing a wee birdie, a rabbit making a nasty realisation, an escaping duck, a very worried dog, and a chicken who seems to be too dumb to be disturbed about being fried and is advertising "young fries". (?) Oh, the strange, twisted sense of humour of the pattern designers! Actually it's all very tongue in cheek, and the animals are all extremely cute.

Poor bunny though, from Easter icon to cook-in-the-pot. Oh the humanity!

Check out...

2008-03-27T08:42:00.004+11:00

...what was in my "in" box when I got to work this morning. And on the Craftzine blog they call Floresita the "embroidery maven". Hee!

Of course I felt extra pleased, 'cause the pic is of this pattern all stitched up.

And I got a newsletter email earlier today from Sublime Stitching, and Jenny Hart says she is loving the week of embroidery at Mike's and gives it a plug there too. So, stitchy friends, if anyone else out there has patterns lurking, it's not too late to join in!

[Feel free to start singing the theme from 'Fame' now if you like!]

Wednesday - Just clowin' around

2008-03-26T22:56:00.005+11:00

Okay stitchy friends, a confession from me : I don't like clowns or circuses. I know there's lots of delightful Enid Blyton type stories of hours of happy fun under the Big Top, but I don't think the animals want to be there, and clowns are just disturbing. When I was a wee stitchy I wasn't scared of clowns so much as my response was "What's the point? You look stupid and you're not funny." (Maybe I was just a brat though.) However, people swallowing knives, magicians, fat ladies with beards, strong men, people eating fire, and flying through the air are fine by me, if they all want to be there...unlike the elephants and lions. Anyway, enough belly-aching from me. And don't even start me on "dancing bears" and the like.

But I know I'm not alone in my mistrust of clowns...so I was pleasantly suprised when I unfolded this Workbasket sheet and found happy, non-sinister clowns, all drawn with a 1960's sense of joie de vivre. There's about 6 clown designs, intended for quilt blocks. So here's today's pattern, where Happy the clown is trying to "tame" Mr. Lion, but we can tell by the drawing that Mr. Lion is just humouring him, playing along for his own amusement. Roar! (Or possibly Yawn! He looks like that sort of lion.)

Link for hints on applying transfers

2008-03-25T10:11:00.003+11:00

Thanks to Deepa, I've been enjoying Tipnut.com. Not sure if it's wholly commercial or not, but worth a look. This link on applying transfers was rather handy, I thought.
Cheers.

Tuesday - Off to School

2008-03-24T19:42:00.005+11:00

Today's transfer is from Workbasket, and designed as pot holders. There's Johnny and Suzie (well I don't know their real names, that's just what I've called them - actually that's a bit dull isn't it? Hmm, okay) - there's Eugene and Hortense off to their pretty little school house. Eugene is a bit of a crawler and has taken an apple for the teacher, but as Hortense is just so danged cute already, she doesn't need to bribe teacher with fruity offerings. Enjoy...and remember to let me know if you stitch these ones up.

PS. Grr, noticing some spam creeping into my comments. Obviously I don't need to tell you stitchy friends to not click on any suss links, and I'm deleting the comments as I find them. It might have to force me to put comment moderation on, but for now, see how we go.

More stitchy fun!

2008-03-24T18:42:00.004+11:00

Hey stitchy friends, hope you had a great easter, and didn't smudge choccy on your stitching! Check out a week of embroidery transfers, over at Meet Me at Mike's, Floresita is sharing stitchy goodness.
I'm going to try and play along, but I think I'll give you a single pattern a day rather than my usual featured pattern and rave. Okay, off to search the Workbasket pile for some designs for you.

As it's Easter Monday, here's a fluffy wabbit from Workbasket sheet #80. He was originally designed for a baby's bib, as there's a lambsy as well, but I think he's more wascally than cutesy.

Easter Sunday

2008-03-23T20:47:00.000+11:00

I know it's late, but honestly, I have lost track of what day it actually is. This one is from a Workbasket set of New Testament designs for a quilt (I also have the Old Testament ones as well.) All the designs depict characters and episodes from the Bible, and the drawings all have a simple charm. Jesus and the Children is quite sweet. (If you want to see any more leave a comment and I'll put them on Flickr.) And given it's Easter, this one seems appropriate.

A wee bit of knitting

2008-03-20T23:23:00.001+11:00

scan0005, originally uploaded by drewzel.

...because it's cute.

Knocked my socks off!

2008-03-19T12:14:00.002+11:00

I know this is a vintage focused site, but if you love stitching, check out the work of Benji Whalen. Incredible!
Here's one of his pieces "Endless Summer":

Okay, now back to the lambs and flower baskets.

Stitch n' tell

2008-03-19T09:07:00.007+11:00

Further to yesterday's post, here's some pics of some of my recent stitching projects.

1. Quick pillowcase made using patterns from the Sublime Stitching book:

2. Hanky with vintage Vogart pattern:

3. Hanky with Sublime book pattern:

4. Rock'n'roll placemat (pattern again from the Sublime book) for a 5 things Rockabilly swap:

5. Yesterday's AT Company pattern, this is actually a bag panel, but until I make the bag, it's sitting in my office at work:

And here's a question for anyone that can offer advice - Irons, cheap or expensive? Does it matter?

Some dainty appeal

2008-03-18T21:21:00.009+11:00

"...in delicate sprays and tiny motifs. Infant wear and lingerie" proclaims this pattern from American Thread Co. , and to reinforce the point has a drawing of a cute baby...or something approximating a cute baby. I picked this one up as I thought it was rather charming, and I'm guessing it's from the 1920's-30's as it predates the American Thread Co. patterns that are virtual parallel issue of the black bannered Vogart ones from the 1940's. I've read that they published a magazine called the Star Needlework Journal in the early part of the century, but I can't find too much about their patterns. (Any links or info gratefully accepted.)

An exciting pattern it is not, and I don't know much about the American Thread Co. , but they didn't have a fun copywriter working for them, like our pals at Vogart. So I can't promise that these patterns will add gaiety to your life, or win you oodles of praise, but they are pretty. Inside the pattern envelope is a printed sheet with the pattern illustration on one side, and some stitch instructions on the other. The pattern envelope is designed so that it's a generic windowed sleeve, and the actual pattern details are on a loose piece of stiff paper inside. Most economical, American Thread Co.

Here's some floral scrollwork designs, which are quite lovely to add "dainty appeal" to your sewing projects, and they're quick and painless to do. Last night I decided to give one a burl and made a panel for a fabric bag, using some flowers and the phrase "talk to the hand." [Picture tomorrow when it's dry.] So for prettiness or for some subversive stitching, flowers are go!

7 (non-stitchy) random things

2008-03-16T23:23:00.003+11:00

Sweet Bee tagged me for this one, and so here's 7 random things about me, hopefully I haven't shared any of these before. For your reading interest (or not).

1. My fingernails grow really quickly and I can't stand having long nails, so I've been known to hack them off with whatever scissors are handy.
2. I can play the clarinet, flute, saxophone and oboe. What I'd really like to be able to play is the violin, guitar and piano.
3. I have a weird phobia of stick insects. There was one in the lounge room last night, and I couldn't sit still until Mr Stitchy had put it outside.
4. I used to be scared of the dentist, but I got over that in 2006.
5. My favourite tv at the moment is 'Dexter' and 'My Name is Earl'.
6. My least favourite celebrities - Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise.
7. I hate chewing gum and can't do it for more than a few seconds without wanting to swallow it.

Tagging? Who hasn't done this yet? Then you're IT!! Leave me a comment if you've done the meme too.

Stop and stitch the roses

2008-03-10T21:04:00.010+11:00

Yesterday I used a couple of transfers from my Sublime Stitching book and stitched up a simple rose edge on a pillowcase. (Photo to come, the pillowcase is currently out on the line drying.) As I was stitching it, I thought, "What can I do to jazz it up a bit and add a few fancy stitches?" as it was a simple outline design...but then decided against it. And was glad I didn't do any more to it because it was very effective as is. Sometimes we can overcomplicate things, and good designs really don't need too much embellishment.

So in this spirit of simple stitching designs, and as one for the flower lovers out there (I notice they're winning in the poll!)... here's Superior 154 "40 motifs for varied linens and lingerie".

They're all florals from the look of the cover. My copy only has six motifs left in it, and my guess is that there were various sizes of the flowers illustrated on the cover, for pillowcases, towels, cloths, napkins and vanity set. Floral fun:

Iris

Marigold

Pansy (sorry it's sideways!)

...and the Rose.

So I can only share with you these small designs, but again, simple but effective designs are great fun to do for both beginners and advanced stitchers, as they're fast, yet rewarding. And I think that's what the pattern companies of the 30's 40's and 50's had in mind, as your average homemaker wanted to embellish things and enjoy their stitching, but didn't have idle hours to spend on it. As my page footer (taken from The Modern Priscilla magazine) says "Better homes through better needlework"...and who am I to argue?

They're so tweet!

2008-03-09T07:47:00.007+11:00

It's been a busy week in Stitchy world, what with Brown Owls to keep me out of mischief, attempting to bring order to my craft room, and the tiresome chore of keeping two very amourous dogs apart, hence the lack of stitchy posts. Oh, and work.

But today's pattern is a super-tweet birdie design, ordered from The American Weekly of the late 60's. I found this one on e-bay and had to buy it, as I can't go past a wee birdie! They're doing the usual things, washing on Monday, shopping on Thursday, and as you know, my favourite, baking on Saturday.
Here's some tasty pie coveting:

And of course, birdies doing my favourite pasttime...being stitchy!

Suggestion

2008-03-05T10:56:00.001+11:00

My Word Book page, originally uploaded by Comfy & Cosy.

I just came across this picture on Flickr, from a vintage children's book: My Word Book 5, 1966 (Printed by W L Hawes, Government Printer, Adelaide).
I think it would look great as a stitched sampler for a kid's room.

As an aside...

2008-02-27T13:02:00.004+11:00

Am I the only one addicted to creating blogs? On a whim I made this yesterday:

Not sure what I'll put on there, Brown Owls stuff I guess.

Chic lady

2008-02-27T12:16:00.003+11:00

Yesterday I hit my favourite thrift store for a browse while we were waiting for Mr Stitchy's prescriptions from the chemist next door. And I almost walked past this pair of napkins/placemats and a bigger table runner. Not handstiched, from the look of the back of the work, but still adorable nevertheless:

I thought you would agree, my stitchy friends, so I'll scan her tonight and tweak it until I get a transfer pattern for you to use.
Update: here she is, hopefully you can use her:

Current WIP

2008-02-26T19:10:00.004+11:00

P1010039, originally uploaded by Brown Owl & Friends.

I haven't been home for a few days, so no blogging. And thankfully, feeling much healthier (Mr Stitchy now has the flu, I can't help sharing). I was determined to be better to go to the first Brown Owls meeting last night.

This WIP is a little teatowel that I started last night, using Doe-c-doe's mushroom pattern. It's not really cream, just the combination of the fluroescent lighting and the camera flash. It's going to be a swap pressie for a mushroom loving friend.

Ding dong dell

2008-02-23T15:27:00.008+11:00

...I'm still not feeling well. Are you sick of me yet? I know I'm sick of me! Which is why this pattern appealed to me today, I'm feeling rather contrary, and quite irritable, so here I am:

This pattern is a Workbasket one (I think) but I'm not really sure, it was mixed up in a bundle of other patterns and already cut. (If anyone knows where it's from and if I need to take it down due to copyright, please let me know.) This pattern stretched my memory a bit, because it's Nursery Rhyme characters for quilt blocks. I understood obvious ones like Little Boy Blue, Mary Mary Quite Contrary, (a sobbing) Little Bo-Peep, Little Miss Muffet, Georgie Porgie, Little Jack Horner (always a favourite rhyme of mine), and also Jack and Jill - here they are:

When I saw this one I immediately thought of the dirty versions of Jack and Jill I've heard in my time, because Jill definitely looks like she's up to something very naughty...watch out Jack! I'm starting to think that Jack falling down and breaking his crown was no accident, and Jill's "tumbling" was just a cover up to divert suspicion. Might have to get Hercule Poirot onto that one.

But there's also Lucy Locket and 10 o'clock Scholar who I don't know anything about. (I suppose I could just Google them, but that'd be cheating.)

And what baffled me was this fellow who's name had been cut apart from his drawing:

I asked Mr Stitchy if he knew who on earth this boy with a soggy cat was, and he informed me that he's from the rhyme 'Ding Dong Dell'... and proceeded to recite it to me. What a terrible thing! What sort of evil child would throw a kittah down the well?! Such is the stuff of nightmares for me, as a wee stitchy and kitty lover! So Little Johnny Stout has now acquired hero status, as a kitty saver, and all round good guy.

[If you're super keen to make them all as a quilt, email me for the other designs. I haven't altered the size of these from the scans in case you want them for kid's pictures or clothes or whatever, so you might have to tweak them a bit.]

Thanking!

2008-02-19T09:54:00.004+11:00

The very sweet Miss Paula awarded me this the other day:

Thank you so much! Do I need to make a speech? I'd like to thank the Academy, my family, my manager, my personal Guru, my producer... uh, wrong award...
I'm going to tag a couple of people - of course Floresita for being the Queen of vintage pattern blogging, the super-generous Sweet Bee, who always shares all her pattern collection on her blog and Flickr, and my sis Edna for being an all round sweetie. While I'm on a thanking roll, ta to everyone for reading, it makes it more fun knowing you're out there loving the patterns too.

Jewellery you can make

2008-02-18T19:24:00.005+11:00

Just for a change from embroidery transfers, this page is from a little booklet called Home Crafts that came with Weldon's Ladies' Journal No. 664, dating from the 1930's, I'd say. The text doesn't really tell you anything significantly useful as far as "how tos" go, but points you to an advertisement on page 15 for Bead Wire Jewllery ...a "complete outfit" of pliers, beads and stones supplied for 6/6d. The bead company is called Calipe Dettmer & Co, Ltd, of London. I have a mental image of Calipe as being a 1930's version of Mrs Slocombe ('Are you being Served?') with a buxom chest covered in jingle-jangly beads.

Imaginary-characters-based-on-stereotypical-images aside, I suppose I find this interesting because it shows how little the techniques and styles of basic beaded jewellery has changed. "Some wire, three beads and half-an-hour...such is the simple history of this covetable brooch."

What's not to love?

A note on...

2008-02-16T18:58:00.002+11:00

And the winner is...

2008-02-13T21:53:00.003+11:00

Further to my little stitchy facelift giveaway, this random number generator picked commenter number 7 which was Bec! Yay! She gets a vintage Vogart pattern and some stitchy goodness for playing.
Thank you all for your comments, the correct answer was that I modelled it on a Vogart envelope, and a runner-up merit prize goes to Norma who pointed out that the kittys are from one of my Vogart Textilprints, FP200! A lucky parcel of stitchy goodness will be on the way ... Bec and Norma please email your postal details to me at: podbobbins@gmail.com.

Thanks for the comments, remember to say hi if you're calling by, no lurking please! I'll do another little giveaway next month to encourage you to come out of the woodwork!

And remember to add your stitchy pics here, and any stitchy patterns here. If you've got a stitchy blog you want added to the side bar, let me know. Share the stitchy love! Amen!

(Sorry folks, think I'm having a sugar rush from the apple cake I just ate!)

A Trio of Embroidered Basket Designs

2008-02-09T13:58:00.003+11:00

A Trio of Embroidered Basket Designs, originally uploaded by Gigi & Big Red.

Further proof that flowers in baskets are super fab, look at these gorgeous thrift shop table runners that Gigi recently found! The bottom one is my favourite. The second one looks to me like one of the Vogart pillowcases from the Hope Chest designs. Yay!

Days of the week ~ vintage embroidered tea towels

2008-02-09T12:46:00.002+11:00

Days of the week ~ vintage embroidered tea towels, originally uploaded by Vintage LOVE.

Imagine finding these in an op-shop (thrift store to you non-Aussies), I think I'd pass out!
Super cuteness!

And now for something completely different

2008-02-07T14:43:00.000+11:00

No, I haven't got Monty Python transfers (!) but an odd sheet, that I can only assume came from the Workbasket. It is not numbered at all, so I'm not really sure. Seeing as your menfolk might not be lovign all these floral pillowcases, how about making a tie? (The last time Mr Stitchy wore a tie was on our wedding day, but I digress.) Yes, it's personalised tie time!
Also on this sheet there is cross stitch Bo-Peep and Boy Blue, a "bedroom ensemble" with a heart and daisy design, and a pattern for a "Tulip basket for nut and candy cup". There's also a couple of handy hints:

Do you have difficulty keeping the recipe handy when you are cooking? Place the recipe card between the tines of a fork and put the fork in a glass. This also prevents the recipe from becoming soiled.
______
Use clear nail polish to stiffen the tip of cord or thread you are using to string beads. Also when shoe laces lose their tips, twist the ends, dip in clear polish and let them dry. This is good for children's shoe laces since they are the ones who lose their tips so frequently.

And of course, there's this "Personalised tie motif" pattern.

Tie Motifs:
Tiny figures are "hobby" motifs to be painted on white or colored ties using textile paints. Stamp or trace figures in desired positions. Color solid on blue, red, yellow or black. Use only one design as preferred.

I haven't ventured into the world of textile paints, but I think these would be fun in outline stitch (maybe minus the flowers) on a dark tie. Or in redwork.

Maybe I'll have to sew Mr Stitchy one and make him wear it!

Twee overload!

2008-02-07T12:41:00.000+11:00

Here's something a little different, a small single sheet of transfers, simply marked "A New Era Transfer 305". These are English transfers and from the style, I'd date them to the 1930's, and say they're for nursery items. Other than that, I know nothing about them, and doing a quick Google (remembering to include "-ebay") I couldn't find anything about the company.

Hope there's one you like enough to stitch!

Couple'a stitchy thoughts

2008-02-07T10:53:00.000+11:00

You may notice a new poll in the sidebar, I've put it up for a month to gauge what you think of cross stitch. Vogart put out a lot of cross stitch patterns, which I'm rather fond of, but I'm not sure if stitchy folks out there share my opinion - do you like cross stitch or not? What do you think?

Another issue I'd like your opinion on...people selling photocopies of their patterns. Recently on e-bay I was bidding on the original of one of my Vogart wishlist patterns, the auction was due to end, I went to bed and asked Mr Stitchy Britches (the night owl) to keep an eye on it, and bid for me. He forgot about it, and so wanting to keep Stitchy-me happy (bless him!), tried to find another copy on e-bay. He came across a "buy it now" one and thought, "bonus, here's one for her", and bought it. The next day he told me, I wasn't too fussed on missing out (as these Vogart patterns seem to be like buses) - "thank you", said I, "but oh, is it an original or a copy?" He looked at me somewhat blankly and then checked out what he'd bought. He was dismayed to find he'd spent money on a photocopy, and not realised. I said, that's fine, I can still stitch it, so all good. (The auction did clearly state it was a photocopy, by the way.)

But, what do you think of this? I'm happy to support people that reprint transfers that you can iron on and use, but somehow, to me, charging money for a photocopy seems a bit wrong. I know it's free enterprise etc, but I don't operate that way, so it doesn't sit well with me.

Any thoughts?

Just a reminder...

2008-02-04T14:54:00.000+11:00

...that I'll be picking a winner for my little Stitchy Facelift giveaway very soonish. So add a comment in if you want to be in the draw.

PS. Don't forget to vote in the sidebar poll if you haven't already. Flowers are ahead, who would have known?
PPS. And add a comment to the "What's the glamour girl holding?" discussion (link in sidebar)...

PPPS. Floresita, can you please Flickr mail me your postal address, I've still got a little bag of vintage floss for you from the giveaway on my Bobbins blog.

Okay, I think that's all.

"Lady in crochet"

2008-01-30T13:16:00.001+11:00

I just snapped this pic with my camera from a magazine that was sitting on my desk - McCall Needlework, Winter 1948-9.

Show and tell

2008-01-30T13:00:00.000+11:00

Just a quick show and tell of something I stitched up recently, a HIS pillowcase, featuring the bird and violin from Beetastic's Vogart 707 and I used the "his" transfer from one of my old mystery sheets. I added the music notes for a touch of kitsch.

Bonnets and baking (Workbasket 2-910)

2008-01-29T16:52:00.000+11:00

In direct contrast to my previous post, today's pattern is a totally clothed woman from the Workbasket magazine, dating from November 1944. The sheet has 7 Colonial lady motifs for DOW tea towels, and patterns for an "Animal Collection" of little stuffed toys, including a chick, duck, giraffe, zebra, camel, elephant and rabbit all around 5 inches high.

The lady with the bonnet (and cap) is doing your usual things, Monday washing etc, although on Wednesday she's sitting in a rocking chair knitting. I picked Saturday's baking pic to show you, as I thought it might go nicely with Vogart's "Bake on Saturday" design. Plus, baking is the only household chore I have any interest in! Let me know if you'd like to see any of the others.

PS. I might have to re-scan this one, as the quality is lacking.

Stitchy Facelift!

2008-01-24T13:22:00.000+11:00

I'm always playing with the blog template, I was about to say "no prizes for guessing the inspiration", but well... If you leave a comment and tell me which pattern company inflenced the latest header design, I'll pick one of the comments at random and send you a transfer by that same company. Just to say thanks for reading, and to encourage de-lurking!

xx Drewzel

NB. I can't guarantee which transfer, if it's complete or uncut, etc etc, but it will be stitchable and nice.

By request : for the birds

2008-01-24T10:33:00.000+11:00

A veritable deluge of stitching delights here for you this week on the Stitchy Britches! Mostly because my carpal tunnel is giving me grief, so no stitching for me. (The operation is looking more appealing every day.) As birdie love is strong out there, here's some extra birdie designs for you. I'm always happy to check the collection for motifs you'd like to see, but make sure you let me know and show me if you stitch it up!

First one, from the aforeblogged Vogart 703, especially for Claire:

And here are a couple of modern ones that I found at the op-shop on Monday - scanned for Steph:

A little wee bird:
If you drop by, be sure to vote in my sidebar poll - so far "people" are leading! It also lets me know what you'd like to see more of. I seem to be the only punter who voted for "kitties" ...and I didn't dare put "chickens" as an option!

Workbasket 82 : DOW tea towel girls

2008-01-24T09:52:00.000+11:00

I think this one is a Workbasket transfer, although it has no markings, only the number 82. The instructions, paper and colour of the sheet are the same as the Workbasket sheets, and this one features morning glories, pansy pillowcase, and these little girls. One thing I like about the Workbasket sheets is how the artists seem to fill in the gaps with random flowers, scrolls and anything that takes their fancy. This one has a smiling kitty for no apparent reason:

Although now that I think about it, maybe you're supposed to put him with the little girls, he's the right scale for that.
There's no word lettering on this one, so for a change, you can choose what day you do which chore (except for maybe church on Sunday, the little girl is there with a hymnbook singing away. ) Anyway, I picked baking and ironing to share...I love her frilly bloomers!

Hola! It's Workbasket 2-943

2008-01-23T11:01:00.000+11:00

This sheet is the usual panoply of designs and projects, there's a luncheon cloth, pillowslip, scarf, and child's garment motifs. I found out here that it dates to August 1947.

As I was extracting the morning glories from this Workbasket transfer, I thought I'd show you the "Mexican designs for luncheon cloths and napkins." The instructions recommend using "bright fiesta colours - red, green, blue, orange and turquoise". The girl is rather pretty:

I'm not sure if she's got her eyes shut in a coquettish flutter, or she's about to pass out from the weight of the fruit on her head! I've never been to Mexico, but from my impressions of the country from Stitchy World, every woman walks around with a fruit basket on her head, and every man will sing to you:

This mariachi fellow looks a bit cheesy to me!

And of course, there's always a donkey:

Alas, no chickens.
Ole!

Morning Glories

2008-01-23T08:52:00.000+11:00

Yesterday Jeanne asked about morning glory patterns, so I went through my stash last night (after I sorted this out). I only found two, so here they are.

The first one is a Workbasket transfer, from sheet 2-943:

[click on the pic for large size}

The other one is an anonymous pattern that was included in a bundle I got somewhere along the line. It also has roses and there are no markings on the sheet. My guess is that it was made by Superior, as the transfer ink is a sort of metallic green that I've noticed on the older Superior transfers I've got. This pattern is for cutwork, and I'm thinking it's pre-1940 by the design style and the age of the paper.

If I get any more morning glory patterns, I'll definitely share them.

Update - I just realised I've got some more morning glories on Workbasket 82...here they are:

Baby pillowcase

2008-01-20T17:38:00.001+11:00

Birdies pillow case, originally uploaded by Playingwithbrushes.

Speaking of pillowcases, the ever-lovely LucyEllen pointed me to Renee's Embroidery Patterns photoset, and I found this design. Isn't it so sweet? I'll have to stitch this up on a baby quilt or pillowcase, I think it's adorable. Check out the rest of Renee's pics for some very cute patterns to stitch. Hooray for sharing!

Pillowcase lurve

2008-01-20T17:28:00.001+11:00

pillowcase lurve, originally uploaded by drewzel.

Just so that you don't think I'm all britchin' and no stitchin' here's a pic of a couple of my latest pillowcases. Stitching pillowcases seems to be my latest obsession, and I can't wait to get them on the bed, so I haven't got a decent photo of them!

You may recognise the sleepy girls from the Vogart pattern, the "sweet dreams" motif is from a 1940's Simplicity pattern, but copyright prevents me from sharing that. (It would be easy to design your own along similar lines.) The rooster case at the back is from a Workbasket sheet I have, and Floresita has also shared it on her blog. (I had to get a chicken into the bedroom somehow!)

As an aside, I didn't make that quilt that they're sitting on, but I couldn't help buying it as I loved the colours.

More kitty fun!

2008-01-10T18:28:00.001+11:00

clean kitty, originally uploaded by drewzel.

When I got this kitty and the other 6 DOW transfers, they were already cut, so I didn't know where they were from. I suspected they were Workbasket due to the red ink and type of paper. So hooray for Floresita, who had already identified and shared the "wash" kitty here. I don't have the whole sheet though, only the set of kitties.

This "clean" one was my favourite...although, I have 4 cats, and I've never seen one wielding a broom and doing any cleaning for me!

Birdie love

2008-01-10T13:41:00.000+11:00

Over at Sweetbee's Vintage Finds, B was wondering why there's so many embroidery designs with birds on them. Maybe they're popular for pillowcase designs as they're a bit more lively than flowers, and are always sweet and cute. The only answer I can come up with is that everyone loves wee birds...well, I know I do. So to add to the birdie love, here's a pattern from an unknown maker. I suspect this was originally a Laura Wheeler design, as the style and typeface are identical. I'm guessing this one is from the 60's or later, and came out after Laura Wheeler Designs were no more? If anyone knows, please update me.

In the meantime, here's some birdies for "towels, scarves, pillowcases or other household linen." Click on the pic for the full size, and then save, resize, print and stitch away!

Doll accessories

2008-01-07T23:10:00.001+11:00

doll, originally uploaded by drewzel.

Here's a nice little pattern from 'Woman and Home' magazine of 1947. Use felt to make some little clothes for someone's favourite dolly. I really like the little booties, and think you could easily resize and adapt them to make cute baby shoes. Click on the picture and "all sizes" in Flickr to print and read instructions.

Donkeys from Vogart 133

2008-01-06T15:11:00.001+11:00

2 donkeys, originally uploaded by drewzel.

Here's a scan of them, for your stitching pleasure!

Little Burro

2008-01-04T20:26:00.001+11:00

As I'm having a picture day today (well that's what it's turned into) I thought I'd share one I've done.
Further examination of my 'South of the Border' pattern revealed two unused donkey transfers. So I decided to use one for stiching up a redwork "penny square" for a swap I'm in. Much cuteness!

Chicken and Rooster Tea Towel

2008-01-04T19:44:00.001+11:00

Chicken and Rooster Tea Towel, originally uploaded by colonial stitcher.

Further to this post, Colonial Stitcher has stitched up the very cute (yes, you know I love chickens!) on a gorgeous tea towel. She sells her work through Etsy - check out her other stitched creations here. (I was going to buy it, but I found her store about 30 minutes after I was told I had to get 4 new tyres for my car, and my bank account shrivelled up.) Anyway...

Yay! I love to see what people make with the patterns.

Brunkhorst Family Heirlooms

2008-01-04T17:58:00.001+11:00

Brunkhorst Family Heirlooms, originally uploaded by Gigi & Big Red.

Here's some nice eye candy for you, this is a pic of Gigi's linen collection. Gigi says "My mother-in-law handed all of these gorgeous linens down to me from her two aunties. They will be cherished."
Lucky girl! I think we should all start stitching gorgeous things to either start or add to our own family collections. Alas, I don't have any handed down linens, but my collection of "adoptees" is always growing!

2008-01-01T01:01:00.000+11:00

A Stitch in Time

2007-12-29T11:35:00.000+11:00

In my browsing travels, I came across the site of Exceedingly Curious, and loved what was there. [I've added the link to my sidebar.] Lots of lovely scans of an Ingalls embroidery transfer catalogue from 1886, all beautifully scanned and shared for all of us stitchers. There's animals and children, flowers galore, and monograms. Such sharing warms the cockles, it does.
Here's one I found appealing, I thought this would look lovely on a needlecase:

Good Morning!

2007-12-29T11:19:00.001+11:00

Here's another charming design from Exceedingly Curious, a "good morning" pillowcase.
I've tried to flip the picture so that the lettering is backwards and traceable, please let me know if I need to amend it to make it useful.

Click on picture to view full size and print.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T11:14:00.001+11:00

Happy Christmas!, originally uploaded by drewzel.

I hope you give and receive lots of fun stitchy gifts! Happy Holidays!

Lambs, flowers and chickens

2007-12-21T12:49:00.001+11:00

60s pattern 2, originally uploaded by drewzel.

This is from an English magazine called 'Woman's Own' of about 1965 or so. I particularly like the little birdie on the blossoms.

60s pattern 1, originally uploaded by drewzel.

6 Dutch girls for kitchen linens

2007-12-20T13:27:00.000+11:00

Oh, this poor transfer packet, someone's ripped the middle of the cover right off it. Tut tut. However, the sheet inside is uncut, but slightly water damaged. Sweet little Dutch girls doing chores for your towels. What I like about these ones, is that in most of them, she's being helped by a little kitten. So I've picked the one of the girl cooking which you can see in the right hand corner.

Click here to view all sizes and print a copy out. I've tried to tidy it up with the Microsoft Paint program, it's still a little messy, but clear enough to stitch. Mmm chicken.

Deer doiley

2007-12-18T10:54:00.001+11:00

deer doiley detail, originally uploaded by drewzel.

It probably comes as no surprise to you that I have a little collection of vintage linen. My mother always had doileys everywhere when I was growing up, she was very fond of the traced linen kits of the 50's. So I find it hard to pass any by when thrift shopping. My criteria is usually that it's well made and an attractive design, or that can be unpicked and re-stitched.

I found this one while thrift shopping yesterday. It has an identical deer motif at each end, and I'd say by the style and colours, was made in the 1930's. Its showing it's age somewhat, but I'm hoping with an good clean and press, it will come up beautifully. I think it's quite charming.

Zodiac signs

2007-12-17T13:40:00.001+11:00

zodiac signs, originally uploaded by drewzel.

Just a quick one, this sheet from 1965 was in amongst some older ones I got off e-bay.com.au recently. I thought the zodiac signs might be handy for you stitchers out there.

Pattern for place mats

2007-12-13T15:37:00.000+11:00

I found this in an old issue of the Modern Priscilla magazine (July 1928), and I think it's charming. I've photographed it as best I could and I plan on trying to enlarge it so that I can make a pattern big enough to trace.

The text says:
Embroider it in three shades of green as suggested in the picture or in three
shades of blue as planned by the designer. The effect with either
color against the shiny white cloth is delightfully cool and with edges blanket
stitched and finished with a crochet edging is all there is to it.
The complete set consists of one 18 inch centerpiece, four 12 x 17
inch napkins, and four 18 inch napkins, stamped on pure white linen finish Art Cotton.

Superior Kittens

2007-12-08T19:08:00.000+11:00

Ask any kitteh and they'll tell you they're superior. Obviously the pattern company agreed, for they featured kitty images on teacups in this set of transfers. Unfortunately, 3 of mine are missing, but the rest are unused. Stitch your kitty on a teacup today!
The printable pics are in my Flickr photoset.

Revenge of the Lobster

2007-12-06T12:21:00.000+11:00

Just thought I'd share a pic of the set of hankies I stitched, featuring a design from Floresita's pattern - McCall's 1166 (blogged here). I love lobsters (!) but not to eat, so this pattern really appealed, as crazy as it is, because I think dropping live lobsters into boiling water is needlessly cruel. Go lobster, go!

Confused

2007-12-01T23:11:00.001+11:00

mystery pattern, originally uploaded by drewzel.

I'm a bit baffled...I got this transfer sheet in a vintage lot from e-bay and it didn' t come with a cover. Reading here makes me think it's an Aunt Martha's pattern set because of the number, but looking here has got me all confused because the fish'n'chips, ham'n'eggs etc also appear on an Vogart design 259 - Smart Slogans.
Anyone got any suggestions?

For fun and service!

2007-11-28T18:55:00.001+11:00

scary potholder thing, originally uploaded by drewzel.

I put this pic up on Flickr the other day, saying that I thought these crafts were quite ugly. But "pet potholder" has a fan, and I guess the "shoebox carry all" would be quite cute in a nice fabric. Here it is for your viewing pleasure. After Christmas, I might attempt a shoebox carry all...another one for the project list.
What do you think of these two?

Knit Your Own!

2007-11-15T13:10:00.001+11:00

From 'Woman and Home' August 1945:

Click on the top pic to read the instructions.

Felt and Fashionable

2007-11-15T12:31:00.000+11:00

From The Modern Priscilla 1929 - shame they aren't in colour. {click on the picture to see a readable size.}

Vintage doiley

2007-11-15T08:34:00.001+11:00

vintage doiley, originally uploaded by drewzel.

Semco design 140 on a 7" round doiley. Part of me doesn't want to stitch it, as I do like it as is, with the old instructions attached...but then, I can't just collect things for the sake of it. I'm not really into that, things should be used for their purpose rather than hoarded.
Anyway...Semco are still going strong, and I'd say this one is from the 50's or early 60's as the price is still marked 3/6 (Australia went decimal in 1966). My mother had lots of doileys in this style that she'd made - Dolly Varden seemed to be her favourite! This design is called "Margaret".

Little red hen

2007-11-08T09:43:00.001+11:00

little red hen, originally uploaded by drewzel.

From Home Arts 1937.

Chickens!

2007-10-31T08:50:00.000+11:00

Yesterday I posted some "new" patterns I'd recently received on my Flickr stream, which prompted Karen (aka Miss Retro Modern) to share some of hers with me.
Here's my favourite of her transfers, chickens!

Flutterbys

2007-10-26T08:04:00.000+10:00

Also from English "Needlework" magazine (published by Weldons) are some pretty flutterbys to stitch.
I won't bother putting up the instructions, as they recommend the butterflys worked as a border on a tray cloth using eyelet embroidery and buttonhole stitch.

Interestingly, notice the "beau bag"? It reminds me of the cover of the last Adorn magazine.