Crochet was hot in the 70’s. Everyone was crocheting or at least it seemed that way. Many pattern books were published in the 70’s. People experimented with new techniques and color combinations. Before you go out and buy yourself a new crochet book, you should go to the used bookstore and check out some of the used books. The photos may not be as glossy and slick as the newer books, but you’ll probably end up with more content for your buck.
I found the book above, Illustrated Patchwork Crochet by Bella Scharf, at a used bookstore. It was published by Butterick in 1976. The instructions are very good and the patterns are contemporary.
I have a friend who absolutely loves flowers. This book contained many flower patterns (and some wonderful crazy quilt crochet patterns). I decided I would make her a little table mat/doily for her table.
Patchwork crochet is a great way to use up yarn ends/scraps. I crochet a lot, so I had quite a bit of recent scraps. I also acquired some vintage yarn scraps in boxes at estate and garage sales. The yarn was clean and in great shape, so I used it.
I threw together a quick picture of what the tablemat might look like with a vase of flowers on it. Our flowers are barely starting to bloom right now, so pardon my faux flowers.
The little floral mat is a nice alternative to a standard thread doily. They’re quick and easy to make. The bright colors are wonderful for spring. I hope my friend likes it.
March 15, 2008 at 1:09 am
Very pretty! I love the colors you used. The dark blue centers really pulls the design together. Vintage books are so much fun. Oh, and I love the action show of your doily under the vase!
March 15, 2008 at 1:32 am
Thank you. A lot of the new crochet books are just combining old patterns with the latest fashions.
The doily is for a an exchange that I participate in a few times of year. It’s a small group of women I’ve known for a while. It’s always tough to figure out what to make. We’ve been exchanging for a long time and the group is so small that we often repeat partners.
March 15, 2008 at 6:47 am
Those flowers are so pretty! I’ll have to try and find that book.
~Rebecka
March 15, 2008 at 9:33 am
I love this book. I was thinking of trying a few more of the patches in the book. I checked online, you can easily find a used copy for not very much money.
March 17, 2008 at 10:06 pm
I love the Grandma’s Flower Garden you crocheted, Sue! Very nice!
March 17, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Thanks RW, I hope she likes it.
June 6, 2008 at 11:15 pm
[...] I used the same pattern from the book I blogged about in Vintage 70’s Pattern + Vintage Yarn Equals Great Doily Alternative. [...]
September 11, 2008 at 1:24 am
I am Bella Scharf, the author of the book – “Illustrated Patchwork Crochet”. I now have a web site at http://www.PatchworkCrochet.com that is based on my book, has lots of its material, in addition to brand new more trendy crochet designs. All the patterns on the site are fully illustrated, just like the book.
Check it out…..and send me comments using the form on the site. Thanks
September 11, 2008 at 7:19 am
Thanks for the comment. I have to run off in just a bit. I just glanced at your site. I’ll be sure to check it out thoroughly later. It seems that you went from art/crafts to high tech…totally the opposite journey I took.
By the way a lot of people have really liked that crocheted flower table mat.
April 20, 2009 at 4:28 am
what a good idea is just to stitch flowers together! I’ve crocheted a couple… hm.. it was more then a couple
i’ve been thinking what to do with all of them and the simplest way is always the best!
August 19, 2009 at 11:34 am
That’s a great little doily. I love the colors!