Vintage Crochet Projects Podcast – Episode 1

Can you believe it, I’ve done another video? And in this one, you actually get to see me, and yes, I’m talking and everything! This video is a podcast about finished, current and future vintage crochet projects I’m working on and, as the title might suggest, I plan for these to happen every now and again. I will also do a vintage sewing podcast series at some point to go alongside them.

Below I have listed relevant links to the patterns and yarns that I have used, for your reference, in the order I talk about them. I must remember for the next one to make a note of these before I start shooting rather than after, as I forgot a lot of it as I was recording!

Hopefully the sound is a bit better in this than the last one, but do let me know if it’s too loud, too quiet or whatever. And, in case you’re wondering, insouciance means casual lack of concern; indifference. Just watch the video and you’ll see what I’m on about.

Thanks for watching!

Finished Projects

Chucky Scarf Pattern (original cowl pattern) – Just Be Crafty (it uses half trebles UK terms, hdc US terms, not trebles as mentioned in the video)

Yarn used: Drops Eskimo in Yellow

Floral Cushion PatternHomespun Vintage by Jane Crowfoot

Yarn used: Drops Puna in Off White and scraps of dusky pink, rose, olive and sage from my stash

1933 Swagger Pull On Jumper PatternFleisher’s #17 c.1933 – Hand Knitted Apparel for Town, Sports and Travel from Iva Rose

Yarn used: Drops Karisma in Chocolate Brown and Off White

Mustard and White Parisian Beret, which is mentioned in this segment.

Current Projects

1930s Plaid-Effect Jumper with Bow DetailSubversive Femme

Yarn used: Cascade 220 Fingering in Twilight Blue and Christmas Red

Betty Sparkles Vintage Knitwear – My amazing knitter friend Amanda, who I mention in this segment.

1930s Tailored Blouse Pattern – Spool Cotton #46, Paris Sponsors Crochet – a free copy of this pattern can be found here

Yarn used: DMC Petra 5 in colour 5722

Future Project

Deramores Gauntlet Cuff Jumper – Deramores

Yarn to be used: Sirdar Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed – Magpie (749)

Cate

Just a vintage gal suffering from the Golden Age syndrome. A lover of all things old, especially the 1930s, seamstress, crocheter, maker of hats and enjoys rummaging at flea markets.

18 Comments

  1. I loved it! You’re so funny. I had sort of the opposite problem as you. I learned to knit ages ago, but couldn’t get the hang of crochet. I finally got determined and tracked down the crochet version of the knitting book I had learned from.
    Too bad no one has invented a weather-swapping machine, we have roughly 360 days of sunshine here! I have sunshine to spare! Oh, and I vote for a red bow on the plaid sweater.

    • Aw, thank you Sally! It’s funny isn’t it? Everyone says I should be able to pick up knitting so easily because I can crochet and sew, but it just doesn’t seem to want to click. Like you, I have tracked down a knitting version of the crochet book that was a big help in the beginning, so I will be referencing it as I go along with the jumper.

      Oh, a weather swapping machine would be amazing! We have sun today, which should last until the weekend, but the last three days have been horrible again! xx

  2. I am impressed with your podcast, Cate. You’re a natural, really! It was lovely to see some of your crocheting projects “live” , too. I hope you were able to go out and enjoy the sunshine afterwards! xxx

    • Oh, thank you Ann, I really appreciate it! Yes, I did manage to go out for a little while and then, when it got a bit cooler, I sat in my kitchen with the French doors wide open. It was lovely! xx

  3. Your video was absolutely delightful, Cate! I enjoyed seeing some of your projects, they are beautiful! It’s funny, I have the exact opposite problem to you. I am fine with knitting vintage patterns but I seriously struggle with crocheting! I don’t know how you figured out what size yarn and hooks to use but I have no clue, hah!

    • Thank you so much Sarah, that means a lot! I did a huge amount of research into the yarn and hook sizes, and basically pieced all the evidence together to come up with the information I need. It took a while, but I can pretty much tell these days just by a quick read of the pattern. If you ever want to figure out the yarn and hook size for a pattern just give me a shout and I’ll see if I can help. xx

  4. This was so much fun to watch! I vote for a red bow on your jumper. The red stands out better and bows are always the best part 🙂

    • Thank you Kate! The red version of the bow is pretty much done, but I’m going to finish the main jumper first before making a firm decision. xx

  5. Hi there, I know Jane so sent her a link to your vlog, her crochet work is amazing, I can’t wait to see some of your finished pieces I am currently battling with a vintage pattern for a jumper but you have inspired me to go back to it after a break.
    xx

    • Thank you for your lovely comments and for sharing the link. It’s funny isn’t it? Sometimes you just need a break from a project and then go back to it afresh. xx

  6. Loved your latest vlog! I can knit but not crochet, started knitting as I keep my own sheep & thought I had better do something with their fleeces, soooo have them spun into yarn at the Natural fibre company each year but different weights! I then dye the yarn in batches in what ever colour I fancy – which sometimes works and sometimes not! Just keep going till I get the colour I like. I love vintage knitting patterns as for me I find them much easier than the modern day ones – instructions clearer! I really dislike modernised vintage patterns as they are usually full of mistakes! Have you looked at the Vintage knitting pattern lady on line? She does mostly knitting but also some crochet. I’m from Cornwall & often go to the Shepton Markets perhaps one day I will see you! Many thanks (PS I like fashion from the 1930’s through to the 50’s)

    • Thank you so much Jo! Wow, what a fabulous way to make use of your sheep and you get something that is utterly unique to you. Yes, I much prefer vintage patterns in both crocheting and sewing. Modern patterns seem to really over complicate the most simple things, whereas vintage patterns make complicated things seem incredibly easy.

      I have come across The Vintage Knitting Pattern Lady before and I think I included her in my post here – http://vintagegal.co.uk/vintage-craft/find-vintage-crochet-patterns/. Her crochet offerings are a bit slim but I will definitely keep her in mind if I do finally manage to conquer knitting!

      If you do spot me at Shepton Mallet any time, please come over and say hello. It’s always great to meet likeminded people in real life, and not just online! xx

  7. Thanks for the vlog, it was nice to hear you talking about your projects.
    Your jumper with checks is going to be awesome. It’s not only a labour of love, it’s a labour of devotion! I have always admired that pattern since I first saw it at Subversive Femme’s Etsy shop, but it looked so complicated make so I have’nt bought it (your vlog made it clear that it’s a little bit above my crochet skills). I certainly look forward to see your version finished.

    • Thank you! The jumper is actually beginning to look like a garment now as I’ve sewn the sleeves and arm cuffs onto the main body and sewn up the sides. I just have the waistbands to add on and then weave in all the ends at the bottom (I’ve already woven in about 100 ends so far!) and then it’s done. It’s actually a pretty easy pattern to follow, it just takes a long time to weave in all of the vertical threads. If you’d like to try a simpler 1930s jumper crochet pattern, then I’d highly recommend the one I used here – http://vintagegal.co.uk/vintage-craft/1930s-crochet-jumper-button-shoulder/. It’s super easy and it’s so lovely to wear. I want to make another one in lemon yellow now! xx

  8. I enjoyed watching this and seeing all your gorgeous crochet projects. Such amazing stuff. It was a great video. How is the knitting coming on? Do let me know if you need any help.

    • Thank you Kate-Em! The knitting isn’t going very well, I have no idea why I just can’t get it. My mum has started the ribbing for me and will then hand it back to me once she gets to the plain body section. She said then I can just concentrate on getting used to doing one stitch! 🙂 xx

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