This is a loose and random collection of original knitting, crochet and needlework patterns from Victorian publications. I do knit, crochet and sew, however, these patterns at best can be described as a very loose collection of directions accompanied by photographs and/or illustrations and are in many instances beyond my skills and comprehension.

To view the patterns and instructions clearer, double click and expand as desired.

Good luck!

Friday 10 February 2017

The Bath Rubber

I decided to have a go at reproducing the crochet Bath Rubber.  My first thought was that this was a wash cloth that you might use on face or body but then when I read the pattern it said to use white cotton and trim it with red. When I was a girl in the 1960's the dish cloths and floor cloths were always white with an edge of red so I revised my first thought and now I think this might have been for cleaning the bath. Of course this is still up for debate. You might argue that it has a frilly picot edge that is a bit fancy for bath cleaning but you have to remember that the Victorians were trimming mad, they thought nothing of putting lace on top of lace on top of a frill so it isn't too much of a stretch to have a lacy edge on a cleaning cloth.


So. Although I think it's original purpose was for cleaning the bath I have decided that for me it is a face flannel. I have a few knitted face flannels and I use them regularly so this should be a useful project for me.


The pattern instructions are vague to say the least. They seem to rely on knowledge not included in the text and without the drawings this would be an impossible task. Crochet is great because it grows so fast and modifications can be made on the hoof so much more easily than with Knitting. You will need to rely on the drawings to clarify the written instructions.






I did not trim with a different colour as this was all I had. All the same I am very pleased with the outcome.