The New Guide to Knitting & Crochet Informative Summary

Overview:

Published in 1847, “The New Guide to Knitting & Crochet” by Marie Jane Cooper offers a comprehensive collection of knitting and crocheting patterns and instructions. The book caters to both beginners and experienced crafters, providing detailed explanations of different stitches and techniques, alongside patterns for a wide range of items. The guide covers everything from basic garments like baby shoes and stockings to more intricate projects like Shetland shawls and crocheted collars.

Cooper’s work reflects the popularity of knitting and crocheting during the Victorian era, where these crafts were considered essential skills for women. The book showcases a diverse range of patterns, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of the time. “The New Guide to Knitting & Crochet” remains a valuable resource for contemporary crafters interested in exploring historical patterns and techniques.

Key Findings:

• This book provides detailed instructions for creating a wide array of knitted and crocheted items, including garments, accessories, and household items.
• The patterns demonstrate the range of styles and techniques popular in the Victorian era.
• This guide offers a valuable glimpse into the history of knitting and crocheting as popular crafts.

Learning:

• Knitting: This book teaches various knitting techniques, from basic stitches like plain and purl to more complex stitches like Brioche and twisted knitting. Learn how to increase and decrease stitches, create borders and edgings, and knit patterns for different types of garments and accessories.
  • Plain knitting: Creating a row of stitches where each loop is knit from the front to back.
  • Purl knitting: Creating a row of stitches where each loop is knit from back to front.
  • Brioche stitch: A textured stitch created by bringing the wool forward, slipping a stitch the purl way, and knitting two together.
  • Twisted knitting: A stitch that creates a twisted effect by slipping a group of stitches off the needle and then knitting them back onto the needle.
• Crocheting: Learn a variety of crocheting stitches, including chain, single, double, and treble open crochet, as well as raised crochet and Vandyke open crochet. Explore instructions for creating patterns and learn how to increase and decrease stitches.
  • Chain stitch: A basic crochet stitch that forms a chain of loops.
  • Single crochet: A stitch that creates a row of close-knit stitches.
  • Double crochet: A stitch that creates a row of taller, more open stitches.
  • Treble crochet: A stitch that creates a row of even taller, more open stitches.
  • Raised crochet: A technique where stitches are worked alternately from one side to the other, creating a raised effect.

Historical Context:

This book was written in 1847, during the Victorian era, a period known for its focus on domesticity and craftsmanship. Knitting and crocheting were considered essential skills for women, and the book reflects this by providing patterns and instructions for creating a wide range of items for the home and personal use.

Facts:

1. Knitting and crocheting were popular crafts for women during the Victorian era. These crafts were seen as essential skills for women, allowing them to create their own clothing, household items, and gifts.
2. “The New Guide to Knitting & Crochet” was published in 1847. This publication reflects the popularity of knitting and crocheting during the Victorian era.
3. The book includes patterns for a wide range of items, including garments, accessories, and household items. This demonstrates the versatility of these crafts and their importance in daily life.
4. The book provides detailed instructions for different stitches and techniques. This indicates the importance of learning and mastering these skills.
5. “The New Guide to Knitting & Crochet” is a valuable resource for contemporary crafters interested in exploring historical patterns and techniques. This showcases the enduring appeal of traditional crafts and their connection to history.
6. The Brioche stitch was a popular knitting technique during the Victorian era. This stitch creates a textured fabric that was often used for garments and accessories.
7. The book provides instructions for creating a knitted bustle. This accessory was popular in the Victorian era, used to add fullness to the back of skirts and dresses.
8. The book includes patterns for creating anti-macassars. This was a common household item used to protect furniture from hair oil and dirt.
9. The book suggests using shaded wool for crocheting neck rests and cushions. This reflects the popularity of using various shades of wool to create visual interest and depth.
10. The book provides instructions for creating a carpet bag. This was a common type of bag used for travel and carrying belongings.
11. “The New Guide to Knitting & Crochet” includes patterns for creating slippers. This demonstrates the practical use of these crafts for making items for everyday wear.
12. The book suggests using beads and patterns for embellishing crochet bags. This reflects the Victorian era’s love for ornate decorations and embellishments.
13. The book includes instructions for creating a crochet collar. This accessory was popular in the Victorian era, adding a decorative touch to dresses and blouses.
14. The book suggests using steel beads for embellishing crochet purses. This indicates the use of metal accents in Victorian-era crafts.
15. The book suggests using different colors for crocheting a scarf. This reflects the use of colorful wool to create visually appealing pieces.
16. The book includes instructions for creating a knitted body for babies. This showcases the use of knitting for making garments for children.
17. The book suggests using Boar’s-head cotton for crocheting under sleeves. This reflects the use of specific types of yarn for different projects.
18. The book includes instructions for creating a knitted bust with various colored wool. This demonstrates the use of color and texture to create visual appeal.
19. The book suggests using a mesh to create tufts for a quilt. This reveals the use of different materials and tools for creating textile art.
20. The book includes instructions for creating a knitted polka coat for a child. This reflects the use of knitting for creating children’s clothing.

Statistics:

1. The book provides instructions for creating a quilt that requires 225 pieces and 256 tufts. This demonstrates the scale of some knitting and crocheting projects.
2. The book suggests using six ounces of eight-thread fleecy for creating a knitted bustle. This reveals the amount of yarn needed for specific projects.
3. The book includes instructions for creating a scarf that requires 100 stitches for the width. This indicates the number of stitches needed for different types of knitted items.
4. The book suggests using 145 stitches for creating a bag to hold wool. This demonstrates the number of stitches needed for specific types of knitted items.
5. The book includes instructions for creating a purse that requires 96 stitches. This indicates the number of stitches needed for specific types of knitted items.
6. The book suggests using 16 pins and eight skeins of silk for creating a knitted bag. This reveals the number of tools and yarn required for a specific project.
7. The book suggests using 113 stitches per stripe for creating a quilt. This demonstrates the scale of some knitting and crocheting projects.
8. The book includes instructions for creating a carpet bag that requires 60 loops for the base. This reveals the number of stitches needed for specific types of crocheted items.
9. The book suggests using 90 loops for creating a neck rest or cushion. This indicates the number of stitches needed for specific types of crocheted items.
10. The book includes instructions for creating a Brioche cushion that requires 12 pieces crocheted in different colors. This demonstrates the use of multiple colors to create visual interest.
11. The book suggests using 300 loops for creating a crochet bag. This reveals the number of stitches needed for specific types of crocheted items.
12. The book includes instructions for creating a crochet collar that requires 140 loops. This reveals the number of stitches needed for specific types of crocheted items.
13. The book suggests using 70 or 80 loops for creating a plain purse. This indicates the number of stitches needed for specific types of crocheted items.
14. The book includes instructions for creating a mouchoir case that requires 100 loops. This reveals the number of stitches needed for specific types of crocheted items.
15. The book suggests using 40 loops for creating warm muffatees for a gentleman. This demonstrates the number of stitches needed for specific types of crocheted items.
16. The book includes instructions for creating raised crochet slippers that require 12 loops for the base. This reveals the number of stitches needed for specific types of crocheted items.
17. The book suggests using 130 loops for creating an anti-macassar. This reveals the number of stitches needed for specific types of crocheted items.
18. The book includes instructions for creating a shawl that requires five loops for the base. This reveals the number of stitches needed for specific types of crocheted items.
19. The book suggests using 44 loops for creating ladies’ cuffs. This reveals the number of stitches needed for specific types of crocheted items.
20. The book includes instructions for creating a knitted body for babies that requires 7 stitches for the base. This reveals the number of stitches needed for specific types of knitted items.

Terms:

1. Plain knitting: A basic knitting stitch where each loop is knit from the front to back, creating a smooth fabric.
2. Purl knitting: A basic knitting stitch where each loop is knit from back to front, creating a textured fabric.
3. Brioche stitch: A textured knitting stitch created by bringing the wool forward, slipping a stitch the purl way, and knitting two together.
4. Twisted knitting: A stitch that creates a twisted effect by slipping a group of stitches off the needle and then knitting them back onto the needle.
5. Chain stitch: A basic crochet stitch that forms a chain of loops.
6. Single crochet: A stitch that creates a row of close-knit stitches.
7. Double crochet: A stitch that creates a row of taller, more open stitches.
8. Treble crochet: A stitch that creates a row of even taller, more open stitches.
9. Raised crochet: A technique where stitches are worked alternately from one side to the other, creating a raised effect.
10. Vandyke open crochet: A stitch that creates a decorative V-shaped pattern.

Examples:

1. Baby’s shoes: The book provides instructions for knitting baby shoes using scarlet German wool and white wool, creating a contrasting pattern.
2. Toilet cushion: The book includes instructions for knitting a cushion using a combination of plain and purl stitches, creating a textured effect.
3. Stocking: The book provides detailed instructions for knitting a stocking, covering steps like casting on, forming the heel, and decreasing stitches for the toe.
4. Carriage boots: The book includes instructions for knitting carriage boots using black wool and colored wool, creating a striped pattern.
5. Baby’s knitted body: The book provides instructions for knitting a baby’s body using Boar’s-head cotton and a pattern of plain rows and a specific stitch pattern.
6. Gentleman’s woolen gloves: The book provides instructions for knitting woolen gloves using three-thread fleecy wool and a diamond pattern for the back.
7. Neck tie: The book includes instructions for crocheting a neck tie using treble open crochet and two colors of double Berlin wool.
8. Sofa pillow: The book provides instructions for crocheting a sofa pillow using treble open crochet and nine shades of double Berlin wool.
9. Carpet bag: The book includes instructions for crocheting a carpet bag using plain double crochet and a patterned design with different colors of double Berlin wool.
10. Brioche cushion: The book provides instructions for crocheting a Brioche cushion using black wool and shaded double Berlin wool in different colors.

Conclusion:

“The New Guide to Knitting & Crochet” is a fascinating glimpse into the world of knitting and crocheting in the Victorian era. This book offers a treasure trove of patterns and instructions for creating a wide range of items, showcasing the craftsmanship and creativity of the time. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, this guide provides valuable insights into historical techniques and styles, inspiring you to create your own unique pieces.

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