Toggle menu

Shop by Category

  • Mail Order Crochet
  • Mail Order Knitting
  • Crochet
  • Knitting

    • Shop by Brand

  • Alice Brooks
  • Laura Wheeler
  • Coats & Clarks
  • American Thread Co
  • Anne Cabot
  • Columbia Minerva
  • Bernat
  • Lily Mills
  • Spinnerin
  • American Weekly
  • View all Brands

    • Book 225, Aunt Lydia's Rug Yarn Collection

    From American Thread -  Star Book 225.  I'd date this to the early 1960's and it's definitely a Collection of their over-the-top whimsy designs, dotted here and there with a couple lovely pieces.     It's worth a look through ... who knows what might tickle your fancy, (or memory!).  This pattern book was issued as a promotion of American  

    aunt-lydias-heavy-rug-yarn-book-225.jpg

    AUNT LYDIA'S RUG YARN COLLECTION

     This quite busy front cover is a great preview to the whimsy contained inside ....   And there's a lot ...  I uploaded 28 pictures !   So, get your coffee, (or whatever you drink), have a comfortable seat and let's go visit this Collection.

     Pompom trimmed shell crochet pattern, below hip

     A Belle's Shell is an extra long crocheted shell, or tunic on big needles.  It has a scoop front neckline (giving it a jumper type look), and, in case you didn't notice .... check out the pom-poms at the bottom !   Now, this would be fun with a pair of leggings or skinny jeans. 

     Love Knitted Shell Pattern, Vintage American Thread

     'A Love Vest'.  This is a very loose fitting crocheted pullover vest.  The picture does not show details well, but there's a V-neck in there and crocheted (buttons) spelling out love down the front.  I'd presume aimed towards the tennis fan.  

     

    Vintage Aran Afghan Knitting Pattern with Pillows

    The Aran Afghan and Pillows - what a beautiful knitted Irish Fisherman style classic!  They are knitted in 5 different stitch panels and measures 49" x 65"  You can crochet the matching square pillows at 18 or 19 inches, or an oblong with is 12 x 18 inches.  This pattern has been in the top 50 favorites in the shop for some time.

    Aran Pillows Knitting Pattern

    An additional picture of the 'Aran Pillows' -- they definitely deserve a second look!

     Crochet Ripple Poncho Pattern, Vintage 1960s

    American Thread officially called this set of men's garments - 'By the He-Sea'.  Okay, so, I'll save the commentary for a "Ludicrous Picture" and get right to the details.   Here we have two pullovers and a poncho.   The Slip-Over (brown & white) is knitted and sized small, medium and large.   The laced pullover is crocheted and also sized small, medium and large.   The Ripple Poncho is crocheted and 'one-size'.    Can you see your man wearing these!!   

    Easy Crochet High Top Slippers Pattern, Laced 

    Crocheted Lace Up boot    I really like the lace-up starting at the toe at ending with a tie at the ankles.   For the 'tween' aged girl, some pompons would be adorable.

     

    Knitted Boots Pattern with pompon 

    This knitted boot with the oversized pompon yells fun.  For us 'not so young' set just leave the pompon off.  The bottoms are knit in a contrast color that matches the pompon.   

     

    Beginners Crochet Place Mats Pattern

    This placemat is titled 'Lunch or Brunch', but I'm sure you could use it for Breakfast or dinner as well.   It's an attractive table piece with the dainty floral border.  It is crocheted and measures 14" x 18, with a matching 5 x 5 coaster.  This is an easy pattern, perfect for beginners.

     Vintage Poodle Bottle Covers

    Here, we have 'A Poodle Boodle' .  These sweethearts are crocheted.  You'll also need felt scraps for the eyes and bits of ribbon.   The come in Large, Medium and Small; although the pattern does not indicate the actual height.   The are a round cylinder, and if you put a bottom on them,  might make for an interesting container to stash things.   Definite cute ... definitely unusual.  

    Knitting Pattern Snowman Doll Pattern, Rubber Ball Base

    Meet the Showman Snowman.   He is knitted around rubber balls  and then adorned with scrap of felt, ribbon, and a top hat.   Based on the size of rubber balls called for, I'd say he is tall - around 15 inches.    This pattern is offered as a Free Download in the shop.  

     

    Crochet Pattern, Tennis Racket Cover

    Here we have the 'LOVE Tennis Racket Cover'.  This is knitted, with crocheted letters and a bit of embroidery detail at the handle. Definitely a bit of the unusual ... I've not seem many (like none) knitted tennis racket covers. 

     

    Pretty Crochet Bathroom Rug Pattern Set with Flowers

     This is the 'Flower Bower Power' Bathroom set, consisting of toilet seat cover, tissue box cover, tissue cover and floor rug.  The base is knit, the flower and stems are crocheted. The rug measures 25-1/2" x 35-1/2 inches  

     

    Vintage 1960's Crochet Vest Pattern

    The 'Excite in White' sleeveless cardigan is below hip length and quite comfortable looking.   It is knitted and sized small, medium and large. 

    Beginner Crochet Pattern, Placemats

    'The Simplest/Smartest of Them All' Luncheon Mats and perfect in their simplicity.  Make them up in a variety of mix and match colors for mealtime fun.  The measure 11" x 16" and are crocheted.   This pattern is available as a Free Download in the shop. 

     

    striped tote bags knitting pattern

    'What's Your Bag' pattern gives you instructions to create two totes, one large, one mini sized.  They are knitted. 

      

    This piece is called the 'Going Sewing' Sewing Caddy.   This is a crocheted cylinder to store your measuring tape on the inside, the face becomes a pincushion, there is a pocket for scissors and a couple bands to hold threads.  I suppose it would make an interesting topic for your craft room - it's definitely different.  This pattern is available as a Free Download in my shop. 

     Crochet Mirror Cover with girls face

    'Mirror Mirror on The Ball' is a mirror cover !   It is crochet with felt adornments.   And, I have no idea why one of the eyes is missing.

    Crochet Pattern Round Mottled Place mats pattern

     This is the 'Hit and Miss' crochet placement.   I'm think it is titled this for the bullseye in the center.  It it quite nice and would make a good table centerpiece, measuring 26" in diameter, without the fringe.   Go with a double strand of yarn and keep adding rounds for a rug.  

     And, as is typical with American Thread Star Booklets, the back cover is exactly the same as the front cover.  I suppose the front is the introduction, the back is the recap.

    With the exception of the Aran Afghan pattern, everything here are suitable beginner easy projects.   The whimsy comes with the times (1960).  A couple remind me of a designer meeting in progress .... "Ok designers, get me patterns to promote Aunt Lydia's Rug yarn by the end of the week.  These patterns are in the shop, should you like to look at any one closer.  Just follow the links.   There's a couple free downloads in here as well.   

    And, that's it .... cover to cover.