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. 

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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?