The Illuminated Ladies' Book of Useful and Ornamental Needlework by Mrs. Henry Owen

There are two digitized copies of  The Illuminated Ladies' Book of Useful and Ornamental Needlework, which was published in 1844.  One is located here and the other is located here.  I found it interesting that Mrs. Henry Owen thought it necessary to discuss how to use a netting and knitting gauge.   Apparently there were enough people using it incorrectly that she felt it necessary to include an illustration as well as a description of the proper way to use it.  Besides that, she gave a variety of netting patterns, including another cardinal.

1. Netting and Knitting Guage (page 5)
2. A Gentlleman's Purse (page 7)
3. Silk Mittens (page 8)
4. Netted Silk and Wool Mittens (page 9)
5. Netted Muffatees (page 10)
6. A Purse of Two Colours Netted in Points (page 11)
7. Grecian Netting (page 11)
8. A Purse in Squares of Different Colours (page 12)
9. A Shaded Silk Purse (page 13)
10. Treble Diamond Netting (page 13)
11. Diamond Netting (page 14)
12. Netted Fringe (page 15)
13. Netted Ruffle Cuff (page 15)
14. A Pretty Netted Ruff for a Child's Neck (page 16)
15. An Elegant Purse with a Cornucopia Pattern (page 17)
16. Netted Cardinal (page 19)
17. Flower Baskets or Stands (page 19)

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

My completed project for this week has nothing to do with netting.  Three years ago I knit some helmet-type hats for two of my grandchildren.  

I was informed recently by my granddaughter, who was a new-born at the time the other hats were made, that she did not have a hat like her brother and sister.  She needed a hat like theirs.  Then she asked politely if I would make one for her.  When asked what her favorite color was, she replied, "Green."

So this week I knit a green helmet.  I had to get it done and shipped to her before winter is gone.  

And since she has had to wait for more than three years, I sent another type of hat along to add to her collection.

The Ladies' Hand-book of Knitting, Netting, and Crochet by the author of "The Ladies' Hand-book of Fancy Needlework and Embroidery"

There are at least two digital copies of  The Ladies' Hand-book of Knitting, Netting, and Crochet  by the  author of The Ladies' Hand-book of Fancy Needlework and Embroidery.  This link is to the one that seems to have all its pages scanned.  The other copy is missing many of the even numbered pages.  As far as I could tell, the earlier book by this author, The Ladies' Hand-book of Fancy Needlework and Embroidery,  does not appear to have been digitized yet.  A few libraries and museums have copies.

The following list of netting history, equipment descriptions, stitches and patterns are included in The Ladies' Hand-book of Knitting, Netting, and Crochet:

1. history of netting (page vii)
2. Necessary Implements for Netting (page 7)
3. Plain Netting (page 13)
4. Net with Points (page 16)
5. Net with Beads (page 16)
6. Grecian Netting (page 17)
7. Diamond Netting (page 17)
8. Plain Open Netting (page 19)
9. Plain Netted Mittens (page 39)
10. Netted Cuff, with Silk and Wool (page 40)
11. Netted Fringe (page 41)
12. Plain Netted Gentleman's Purse (page 41)
13. A Lady's Purse (page 41)
14. A Purse with China Silk (page 42)
15. A Seam Purse, with Beads (page 42)
16. A Netted Bag, with Ring (page 42)
17. Dice Pattern Purse (page 42)

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

Mother Nature has a way of putting a hold on activities otherwise planned.  The beginning netting classes I was planning to teach today at  Novice Schola were cancelled because of the feet of snow dumped on us last night.  

This is what I saw when I opened the door to the carport.

The front door would not open because of the snow piled against it on the outside.

We measured about 21" depth of snow in the driveway. (photo on the right)

Last week, while we still thought the event would happen, I was trying to come up with a quick, easy project to make in square-mesh netting.  My SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) friends made a suggestion.

When I showed it to them, they agreed it was just what they had envisioned -- a Cup Cover

What is that?  Think back to the last picnic you had.  You had a cup of something to drink that the flies wanted to sample.  This net cup cover, placed over your cup, will keep the flies, bees and other flying creatures out of your drink.  At least that's what my friends assured me.  Today, there are no flies outside to experiment with, and I'm not going to take a cup of anything outside in this weather.  I'll sip my hot chocolate by the heater.

The netting is 6" square and made with string and a 3/8" mesh stick.  The glass beads at the corners add weight to the cover so it won't blow off.

The Handbook of Needlework by Miss Lambert

Published in 1842, Miss Lambert's book The Handbook of Needlework can be found online in two different places.  Click here to see it at one location and here to find it at the other location.  She includes information on the tools used in netting, some information on the history of netting, a description of how to tie the netting knot, some stitches (with illustrations of the finished stitch), and some patterns.  Four of the instructions are in French, and, since I don't read French, I can't say what she is describing in those four portions.

1. Implements: Netting Needles and Meshes (page 92)
2. Antiquity of the Art (page 224)
3. Plain Netted Gentleman's Purse (page 228)
4. A Lady's Purse (page 229)
5. Gentleman's Purse with Ends of Different Colours (page 229)
6. A Lady's Purse with Points (page 229)
7. A Pretty Purse with Chinè Silk (page 230)
8. Netting with Beads (page 230)
9. A Plain Netted Purse with a Bead Mouth (page 230)
10. A Pretty Sème Purse with Steel or Gold Beads (page 231)
11. An Elegant Netted Purse with Steel Beads (page 231)
12. Plain Netted Mittens (page 232)
13. A Knitter's Bag with Ring (page 232)
14. A Checked or Dice Pattern Purse (page 233)
15. Grecian Netting or Filet Rose (page 233)
16. A Purse in Grecian Netting (page 234)
17. Mittens in Grecian Netting (page 234)
18. Netted Fringe (page 235)
19. Single Diamond Netting (page 235)
20. Treble Diamond Netting (page 236)
21. Diamond Netting, with Five Stitches (page 236)
22. Sème Purse, Diamond Pattern (page 238)
23. Open Plain Netting, or Filet a Bagaette (page 239)
24. Fond de Berlin (page 239, written in French only)
25. Filet Rose (page 240, written in French only)
26. Filet a Baton Rompu (page 240, written in French only)
27. Filet Rond (page 241, written in French only)
28. Netted Mittens with Silk and Wool (page 241)
29. Netted Cuff with Silk and Wool (page 242)

I have been asked to teach a beginning netting class for Novice Schola this coming Saturday.  I have been trying to come up with a pattern that teaches the basic skills, uses the sizes of the inexpensive mesh sticks I got, can be finished within 2-3 hours, and is something that might have been used several centuries ago.  I decided on a net bag.

In trying to create a pattern that would fit my needs I felt a bit like Goldilocks.



The first bag had way too many knots - 618.

The second bag was better, but still had too many knots - 558.

Finally, the third bag looked just right - 360 knots.

I can finish it in under an hour.  I hope the students can get close to being done within two to three.

The Ladies' Knitting and Netting Book – second series (2nd ed) by Miss Watts

Miss Watts must have been very busy in 1840.  She published the 5th edition of The ladies' knitting and netting book – first series, which was discussed last week, and the 2nd edition of The ladies' knitting and netting book – second series.  I would love to see the first edition of both of those books, but they are not available on-line.

There are over twice as many entries for netting in her second series as there were in her first series. While some of the patterns may be the same, many are not.

1. Netted Gloves (page 3)
2. Plain Open Mittens (page 8)
3. Another Plain Mitten (page 10)
4. Annet Mittens (page 11)
5. Honey-comb Mittens (page 13)
6. Matrimony Mittens (page 15)
7. Lambs'-wool Mittens (page 15)
8. Mitten in Round Netting (page 17)
9. Netted Cuffs (page 22)
10. Netted Mat (page 30)
11. Netted Bag (page 40)
12. Netted Fringe (page 41)
13. Striped Purse (page 44)
14. Chequered Purse (page 45)
15. Purse in Round Netting (page 45)
16. Matrimony - For a Purse (page 46)
17. Another (page 46)
18. Annet Purse (page 47)
19. Honey-comb Purse (page 48)
20. Another Honey-comb (page 48)
21. Netted Purse - in two colors (page 49)
22. Single Diamond Netting (page 49)
23. Treble Diamond Netting (page 50)
24. Bead Netting (page 57)
25. Bead Netting - with the bead on the knot (page 58)
26. Netted Scarf (page 76)
27. Cephaline (to be worn in the head on leaving heated rooms) (page 84)
28. Netted Curtain (page 103)
29. Netted Lace (page 106)
30. Puff Netting (page 107)
31. A Cool Night-cap (page 107)
32. Netting Mesh Sizing (page 122) 

I have no idea what the term "Annet" means.  In both cases, the pattern using "Annet" in its name follows a pattern with "Another" in its title.  As for "Cephaline," I'll accept her explanation and assume it's some kind of head covering. 

  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In January of 2011, I started thinking about a netting class that would teach increases and decreases.  One of the first things to do when preparing for a new class is to figure out what patterns I will use for the class.  I decided to use the Lantern Stitch since it has both increases and decreases.  After making a dishcloth using that stitch, I started making what I thought would be a quick shawl.

I soon decided it was not a quick pattern and was therefore unsuitable for my class.  I didn't entirely quit working on the Lantern Stitch Shawl; it just went on the back burner (for those times that I didn't have anything else to net).

 

Recently I finished it.  Today I took a couple of photos of the back of the shawl.  

While making the shawl, I discovered this stitch stretches more from side to side than from top to bottom.  If I were making it again, I would not start with 358 knots in the netting chain.  This rectangular shawl is about 2 yards long.

The Ladies' Knitting and Netting Book – first series by Miss Watts

Miss Watts, the author of The Ladies' Knitting and Netting Book – first series, wrote or compiled several knitting and netting books.  This book was published in 1840.

Included in this book are netting instructions for mittens, purses, curtains, scarves, a baby's cap, a shawl, some stitches, and some patterns.

It was interesting to see that what she calls a pattern is different from what I call a pattern.  To me a pattern is usually a set of instructions that tell how many stitches to start with and what to do for each row, such as a pattern for a sweater or a shrug.  They lead me through the creation of a project step by step.

Her "patterns" tell what to do for each row, but they do not tell how many stitches to start with or even what size mesh stick to use.  She leaves that up to the person making the pattern.  They could make a large curtain or tablecloth, a small purse, or something in between.

She also includes some of what I would call a pattern, although she does not always tell the exact size mesh stick to use.

1. Netted Mittens (page 19)
2. A Net Purse in Points (page 44)
3. Corkscrew Netting for a Purse (page 44)
4. Netted Curtain (page 72)
5. Pattern of a Net Scarf (page 73)
6. Another Scarf (page 73)
7. Table Diamond Netting (page 74)
8. Single Diamond Netting (page 75)
9. Tuft Netting (page 75)
10. Netted Baby's Cap (page 110)
11. Double Netting for a Mitten (page 120)
12. Patterns for D'Oyleys, Basket, or Fish Napkins, and Purses - No. 1 (page 122)
13. Patterns for D'Oyleys, Basket, or Fish Napkins, and Purses - No. 2 (page 123)
14. Patterns for D'Oyleys, Basket, or Fish Napkins, and Purses - No. 3 (page 123)
15. Netted Lamb's-wool Shawl or Handkerchief (page 124)

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  

It is very frustrating to have to cut off large amounts of netting when there is no way to fudge around a mistake.  Today I learned I can use that netting to decorate.  

I made a lacy votive candle holder.

I took some netting I removed from a doily when I had not found the mistake early enough to untie it.  I cut a piece big enough to put around a clear, glass votive candle holder.  

After that I applied some Mod Podge to the outside of the glass.

While it was still sticky I pressed the netting onto the glass.

Once it was in place I brushed more Mod Podge over the netting.

Then I just needed to let it dry.

The Mod Podge dries clear with just a hint of frosted glass and the tiny candle at the bottom shines through the lace.

P. S.  Does anyone know anything about Miss Watts except for the books she created?

The Ladies' Work-Table Book

The book I chose for today, The Ladies' Work-table Book; Containing Clear and Practical Instructions in Plain and Fancy Needlework, Embroidery, Knitting, Netting, and Crochet, was published in 1845 in Philadelphia by G. B. Zeiber & Co.  There is no author listed.

Chapter 14, which includes an "Explanation of Stitches" on page 125, contains instructions for and a picture of the following stitches:

1. Plain Netting (page 126)
2. Bead Stitch (page 127)
3. Diamond Netting (page 128)
4. Diamond Netting, of Five Stitches (page 128)
5. Dotted Netting (page 129)
6. Shaded Silk Netting (page 129)
7. Grecian Netting (page 130)
8. French Ground Net (page 130)
9. Another Kind of Honeycomb Netting (page 130)
10. Honeycomb Netting (page 131)
11. Honeycomb Netting, with Two Meshes (page 131)
12. Leaf Netting (page 132)
13. Net with Points (page 132)
14. Maltese Netting, in Spots (page 133)
15. Plain Open Netting (page 133)
16. Round Netting (page 133)

Chapter 15, "Netting," contains the following different examples in netting:

1. A Purse, with China Silk (page 135)
2. A Seam Purse, with Beads (page 135)
3. A Netted Bag, with a Ring (page 135)
4. Dice Pattern Purse (page 135)
5. Honeycomb Mittens (page 136)
6. Netted Cuffs (page 137)
7. Netted Cuff with Silk and Wool (page 137)
8. Netted Fringe (page 138)
9. Netted Opera Cap (page 138)
10. Netted Scollop Edging (page 139)
11. Plain Netted Gentleman’s Purse (139)
12. A Lady’s Purse (page 139)
13. Plain Netted Mittens (page 139)
14. A Plain Scollop (page 140)
15. Cap Border Scollop (page 140)
16. Net Cravat (page 141)
17. A Net Scarf (page 141)
18. A Long Purse, in Points (page 141)

It's been a few months since I attended a baby shower.  The shower I went to this week was the first one I've attended for a new little girl in over a year.  I celebrated by making pink and red bibs to go into a small circular net bag.

The Ladies' Knitting and Netting Book (2nd edition)

There is no author listed for The Ladies' Knitting and Netting Book (2nd edition).  The book was published in 1838.  This makes it one of the oldest knitting and netting books I've seen digitized.

There are six netting patterns included in the book.

1. Netted Curtain (page 66)
2. A Net Purse in Points (page 67)
3. Pattern of a Net Scarf (page 67)
4. Another Scarf (page 68)
5. Netted Baby's Cap (page 98)
6. Corkscrew Netting for a Purse (page 107)

There are also three netting stitches described.

1. Diamond Netting (page 68)
2. Single Diamond Netting (page 69)
3. Tuft Netting (page 70)

I finished one more net laundry bag.  

This time I made it of #24 cotton cord.  

Because it was made of cotton, there was no problem tying the knots - and keeping them tied.  

bottom of the bag

top of the bag

This bag also has cord locks attached to both the top and bottom of the bag.

The meshes are smaller than the ones for the pink laundry bag, but bigger than the ones for the brown bag.  One of these days I will have to see which bag holds more.  They are all the same length when pulled from end to end.

Even though I'm really not sure what I'm going to do with all these bags, at least I know that my instructions are written down correctly.