Vintage Crochet

In a previous post, I shared a photo of my great-grandmother's vintage crochet book. Recently I was given some more of her work:

Grapevine square, which matches my dishes, and the two circles below

Pansy circles:

A close up:

A coverlet or bedspread:

A close-up:

Isn't it amazing? They need a good cleaning, but for approximately 50 years old, are in terrific shape.

I don't normally write bullet posts, but have a lot of little thoughts to share, so here goes:

• In my last writing class, people shared their experiences re-writing a short story of Cinderella. I didn't work on this exercise; I'm not much for fairy tales. Our class is on hiatus through Sept, with an assignment to work on a submission for one of the writing contests posted in magazines.

• Last summer, Chris and I helped with a few animal transports. I've been searching for some to participate in, but there haven't been any for cats in a long time. I do want to encourage anyone interested in helping animals get to their forever homes (or safe foster homes) to check out the yahoo group Dogtransportvolunteers. They post the cat transports as well, and are the largest and most widely-known group. Some transports are specific breed rescues, others are for any dog(s) that needs transportation. If you decide to help out, please let me know about your experiences! It was a rewarding experience for us to drive those small distances and help get cats from kill shelters to no-kill shelters, and the transport organizers are very professional and grateful.

• I finished Glory in Death, the second book in the In Death series by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts). It's a fast, fun read if you like crime suspense, and I am looking forward to seeing Eve Dallas, the detective, marry her millionaire Roarke in the next book, Immortal in Death. I love her wacky best friend Mavis! We all need a Mavis.

• I'm seaming Breton Girl, and am on track to finish by this weekend, my self-imposed deadline. YAY!

Last but not least, I have some paint samples for our front door that I picked up in Cape Cod. I know this is awkward at best, but please feel free to share your opinions. Chris and I are almost decided on a color.

The same swatches, all together

The blues...

I hope whatever your plans are for Labor Day weekend that you have a great time! Next post I'll have some new projects and yarn, and hopefully a finished Breton Girl!

Comments

[Barbara-Kay]

When you are ready to wash the bedspread, treat it like a knit lace object. I remember my grandmother had a blocking frame, 1 x 1 pieces of wood with little nail points sticking up along the wood to hook her large pieces (such as curtains) and stretch them.

[Pam]

I vote for Cherry Wine.

And your crocheted treasures are wonderful!

[Kristen]

Hmmm...raspeberry truffle or crushed velvet? I'll go with crushed velvet.
Your grandmother's crochet pieces are exquisite.

[Jane]

Your great-grandmother's work is beautiful. Our last house was painted very similar to the colors you are looking at. We had the siding done in a soft gray, the shutters black, and the front door a red somewhat like the raspberry truffle. I loved it.

[Sydney]

Your grandmother's crochet items are gorgeous. I can't imagine the work that must have gone into the bedspread.

I'll vote for raspberry truffle, although crushed velvet is nice too.

[2paw]

What absolutely beautiful crocheting and I am very glad that it is being used still!!! I love the pansy one.
Colours: I like the red colours best, I think because they are warm and welcoming. The Raspberry Truffle looks good.

[Chris]

I am so bad at choosing colors....

The crochet IS amazing. Wow.

I love the Eve Dallas series! Mmmm.... Roarke.

[sarah]

Maybe the crushed velvet for the door, but I am not sure I can decide from a photo...The goldenrod we saw on Tues was lovely and might blend well with your interior colors too!

Your g-grans work is gorgeous! I'm so happy for you that you have a treasure like that to enjoy. What detailed work!

[Sarah]

I vote "candy cane red" -- it sings against the gray in a way the others don't -- or "soft chinchilla" if you decide to go with a gray/blue. (The name "sea star" is almost enough to sway me in its favor, but that color just isn't as good in contrast.)

[Betsy]

Put me down for the raspberry truffle too...and if you decide to go the blue route, it's the jamestown blue...

[Yvonne]

My mother has some almost identical grape patterned doilies made by her grandmother. They are just so amazing!

[bettyc]

I vote for raspberry truffle. It does not look as pink as the others

[Bubblesknits]

The crochet work is beautiful! How lucky you are to be able to have some of it. :-)

"We all need a Mavis in our life." Agree(10000000000) lol Love Mavis.

[Dorothy W.]

That crochet work is beautiful! How wonderful that you could have those pieces from your great-grandmother. I hope Breton girl goes well this weekend. I'm no good at choosing colors, unfortunately, and I can't help there. I would probably go with one of the blues, but I'm not one for bright colors and that's just me. I'm glad other people are more adventurous when it comes to color than I am!

[Danielle]

I've always wanted to learn to crochet, and a friend's mom was teaching my friend and me, but I couldn't quite get a grasp of it. I think I gave up too soon! Maybe someday. Lovely colors by the way--I'm sure whatever you pick will be nice--I'm terrible at making decisions like that.

[Robin]

Re the paint: the orangier, the better, IMO!