Patterns Found Online for Net Cuffs

I have gathered all the patterns I located for netted cuffs from the books and magazines I found online. Since only one has an illustration, it is sometimes difficult to visualize what these cuffs looked like.

Here are the net cuff patterns I found online in books.

1. The Ladies' Knitting and Netting Book – second series (2nd ed), by Miss Watts, (published in 1840) 
1. Netted Cuffs (page 22) 
2. The Lady's Assistant in Knitting, Netting, and Crochet Work, by Mrs [Jane] Gaugain, (published in 1842) 
1. Net Cuffs, in Berlin Wool and Silk (page 307, item 194) 
3. The Handbook of Needlework, by Miss Lambert, (published in 1842) 
1. Netted Cuff with Silk and Wool (page 242)
4. The Ladies' Hand-book of Knitting, Netting, and Crochet, by the author of 'The ladies' hand-book of fancy needlework and embroidery', (published in 1843) 
1. Netted Cuff, with Silk and Wool (page 40) 
5. The Ladies' Work-table Book (2nd ed), (published in 1844) 
1. Netted Cuffs (page 172) 
6. The Illuminated Ladies' Book of Useful and Ornamental Needlework, by Mrs. Henry Owen , (published in 1844) 
1. Netted Ruffle Cuff (page 15) 
7. The Ladies' Work-table Book, (published in 1845) 
1. Netted Cuff with Silk and Wool (page 137) 
8. The Practical Companion to the Work-Table containing directions for Knitting, Netting & Crochet Work, by Elizabeth Jackson, (published in 1845) 
1. Netted Cuffs (page 147, item 100) 
2. Netted Cuffs (page 147, item 101) 
9. The Ladies' Work-table Book, (published in 1845) 
1. Netted Cuffs (page 137) 
10. The Handbook of Needlework (5th edition), by Miss Lambert, (published in 1846) 
1. Netted Cuff with Silk and Wool (page 451) 
11. Lady's Book of Useful and Ornamental Knitting and Netting Work, by Miss Ronaldson, (published in 1847) 
1. Netted Cuffs, with a Frill (page 90, item 54) 
12. A Winter Gift for Ladies being instructions in Knitting, Netting, and Crochet Work, by An American Lady, (published in 1848) 
1. Netted Cuffs (page 44) 
13. The Ladies' Self Instructor, (published in 1853) 
1. Netted Cuffs (page 186) 
14. The Ladies’ Complete Guide to Needle-work and Embroidery, by Miss Lambert, (published in 1859) 
1. Netted Cuff with Silk and Wool (page 242) 

This is the only net cuff pattern I found online in magazines.  It is also the only one that has an illustration.

1. Godey's Lady's Book (Vol. 59), published in Jul-Dec 1859
1. Crochet Undersleeve with [net]Cuff [illustration] (page 489) 
2. Crochet Undersleeve with [net]Cuff (page 543)

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Last week I showed the partial photocopy of the doily I was remaking.    When I designed it many years ago, I named it Winter.  Today I finished it, starched it, and photographed it.

Earlier this week I received this the mail.

I've almost finished proofreading it.  Once the corrections are all made, it will be available on Amazon.

Netting in Magazines - Godey's Lady's Book (1830-1849)

While looking for more magazines that had netting information, I stumbled across a wonderful website dealing with Godey's Lady's Book.  Started in 1830 by Louis Godey, this magazine continued until 1896.  A brief history of the magazine is located here.

I eagerly searched through the magazines from volume 1 (1830) through volume 28 (1844).  There was nothing on netting.  I could not find volume 19 (last half of 1839) nor volumes 29-33 (the last half of 1844 through 1846).   I was disappointed.

However, what I found after that more than made up for my initial disappointment.  Here is what I found from 1847-1849:

1847 (Vol. 34-35)

1. page 48 Netting
2. page 48 Netted Long Purse
3. page 49 Handsome Long Netted Purse
4. page 49 Round Netted Gentleman's Long Purse
5. page 49 Round Knitting Basket
6. page 49 Netted Scarf
7. page 49 Round Netted Scarf
8. page 49 Netted Cuffs
9. page 49 Netted Cuffs
10. page 49 Grecian Netting
11. page 50 A Round Netted Purse
12. page 50 Target Mat, with netted fringe
13. page 217 Netting
14. page 217 Plain Netted Gentleman's Purse
15. page 217 Plain Netted Purse with a Bead Mouth
16. page 217 Grecian Netting or Fillet Rose
17. page 218 Single Diamond Netting
18. page 218 Treble Diamond Netting
19. page 218 Diamond Netting of Five Stitches
20. page 218 Same Purse, Diamond Pattern
21. page 99 An Elegant Netted Purse with Steel Beads
22. page 99 Plain Open Netting or Filet a Baguette

1848 (Vol. 36-37)

1. page 64 Netting - Bead Purse, Diamond Pattern
2. page 186 Netted Bag
3. page 186 Netted Gauntlet - Maltese Pattern
4. page 186 Patterns for Mittens, Purses, etc. - Number 1
5. page 187 Patterns for Mittens, Purses, etc. - Number 2
6. page 187 Patterns for Mittens, Purses, etc. - For a Purse
7. page 312 Card Basket, in Crochet and Netting [illustration]
8. page 363 Card Basket, in Crochet and Netting
9. page 53 Knitted Opera Cap with Netted Border
10. page 173 Netting - Knitted Scarf for the Neck

1849 (vol. 38)   I could not find Vol. 39 (July-December) online.

1. page 361 Netting the Helen Cap

This week, instead of spending time netting, I spent my time searching through Godey's Lady's Book.  I found many patterns for darning square and diamond mesh netting as well as instructions for fancy stitches and plenty of beautiful netting.  Enjoy looking through this window to the past.

Next week I plan to list what I found between 1850 and 1859.

The Ladies’ Complete Guide to Needle-work and Embroidery by Miss Lambert

In 1859, Miss Lambert published another needlework book, The Ladies’ Complete Guide to Needle-work and Embroidery.  While items 1-28 listed below appear in her earlier books, items 29- 41 are not included in either of her other books.

1. Netting (page 15)
2. Plain Netted Gentleman's Purse (page 228)
3. A Lady's Purse (page 229)
4. A Gentleman's Purse with Ends of Different Colours (page 229)
5. A Lady's Purse with Points (page 229)
6. A Pretty Purse with Chine Silk (page 230)
7. Netting With Beads (page 230)
8. A Plain Netted Purse with a Bead Mouth (page 230)
9. A Pretty Seme purse with steel or gold beads (page 231)
10. An Elegant Netted Purse with Steel Beads (page 231)
11. Plain Netted Mittens (page 232)
12. A Knitter's Bag with Ring (page 232)
13. A Checked or Dice Pattern Purse (page 233)
14. Grecian Netting, or Filet Rose (with illustration) (page 233)
15. A Purse in Grecian Netting (page 234)
16. Mittens in Grecian Netting (page 234)
17. Netted Fringe (page 235)
18. Single Diamond Netting (with illustration) (page 235)
19. Treble Diamond Netting (page 236)
20. Diamond Netting of Five Stitches (with illustration) (page 236)
21. Seme Purse, Diamond Pattern (page 238)
22. Plain Open Netting, or Filet a Baguette (page 239)
23. Fond de Berlin (in French) (page 239)
24. Filet Rose (in French) (page 240)
25. Filet a Baton Rompu (in French) (page 240)
26. Filet Rond (in French) (page 241)
27. Netted Mittens with Silk and Wool (page 241)
28. Netted Cuff with Silk and Wool (page 242)
29. Long Net Purse for a Lady (page 301)
30. Long Net Purse for a Lady (different pattern) (page 301)
31. Round Netting for a Gentleman's Long Purse (page 302)
32. Honeycomb Netting for Veil (page 303)
33. Very Pretty Long Grecian Net Purse for a Lady (page 304)
34. Grecian Net for a Veil (page 305)
35. Single Diamond Netting (page 306)
36. Diamond of Five Stitches for a Long Purse (page 306)
37. Dotted Net (page 308)
38. French Ground Net (page 309)
39. Scollop for Borders of Veils, Collars, Caps, Etc. (page 310)
40. Another Scallop for Border (page 310)
41. Scollop (page 310)

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Since I  have only one of my grandmother's patterns left to make, and that one is over 38 inches in diameter, I decided to make some smaller doilies for a few weeks.  There are still many doilies I designed that need to be made again so I can photograph the entire doily instead of photocopy just a rectangular portion.

I started this one, Double Star, during the afternoon I was demonstrating at the Connecticut Sheep, Wool, and Fiber Festival.  

This doily was originally the result of two questions:

1. How would a 5-pointed star look in the center of a doily? 
2. Can I make a doily with only 5 points for its edge?

Many of my grandmother's doilies had centers with multiple points.  Those centers all had more than 5 points.  She had also made several doilies with multiple points along the edge, but none with only 5 points.  The answer was this 13 inch doily.

The Ladies' Self Instructor

There is no author listed for The Ladies' Self Instructor in Millinery and Mantua Making, Embroidery and Applique, Canvas-work, Knitting, Netting and Crochet-work.  The linked, digitized copy was published in 1853.  Even though it is "illustrated with numerous engravings," none of those engravings are included with the netting information.

1. Explanation of Terms Used in Knitting (page 152)
2. Netted Mittens (page 162)
3. A Net Purse in Points (page 167)
4. Corkscrew Netting for a Purse (page 168)
5. Netted Curtain (page 175)
6. Netted Scarf (page 175)
7. Treble Diamond Netting (page 176)
8. Single Diamond Netting (page 177)
9. Tuft Netting (page 177)
10. Double Netting for a Mitten (page 180)
11. Patterns for D'oyleys, Basket, or Fish Napkins and Purses: No. 1 (page 182)
12. Patterns for D'oyleys, Basket, or Fish Napkins and Purses: No. 2 (page 182)
13. Patterns for D'oyleys, Basket, or Fish Napkins and Purses: No. 3 (page 183)
14. Netted Lambs'-wool Shawl or Handkerchief (page 183)
15. Netted Sofa Tidy (page 183)
16. To Work the Backs of Netted Mittens (page 184)
17. Netted Cuffs (page 186)
18. Netted Bag (page 189)
19. Striped Purse (page 189)
20. Bead Netting (page 190)
21. Bead Netting, with the Bead on the Knot (page 190)

Thanks to this book I have become acquainted with some new terms:  

• Mantua - "loose gown worn by women 17c.-18c.," 1678, from Fr. manteau "cloak, mantle," from O.Fr. mantel (see mantle); form infl. in Eng. by Mantua, name of a city in Italy. Mantua-maker (1694) became the general early 19c. term for "dressmaker."Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper 

• Tidy - (used as a noun) an antimacassar

• Antimacassar - "a cloth covering the back and arms of chairs, etc, to prevent soiling or as decoration"; "coined 1852, from anti- + macassar oil, imported hair tonic from Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The cloth was laid to protect chair and sofa fabric from people leaning their oily heads back against it. Macassar is from native Mangkasara, name of a district on the island." Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper 

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A mobius or moebius strip is a continuous, one-sided surface formed by twisting one end of a rectangular strip through 180° about the longitudinal axis of the strip and attaching this end to the other.  To see how to make one click here or here.

Several years ago I became acquainted with moebius knitting through the delightful Cat Bordhi.  She would knit a moebius strip, thereby creating a scarf.  Sometimes she would add a hat or bag to the moebius strip.  I wondered how I could use the unique and magical techniques she had developed for knitting and apply them to netting.   Then one day I figured out how to net a moebius bag.

Since I am going through my patterns and checking out the instructions, I decided to take the pattern for the spiral net bag I made a few weeks ago, give the handle a twist when joining it, and create a moebius bag.  

The fun thing with a moebius bag is that even though it looks like the bag has an inside and an outside, it is really a one-sided surface.   There is only one surface!   All I did was stretch one portion of the moebius strip a little and put a few extra stitches in it.

The only difference between the patterns for the regular bag and the moebius bag is the twist in the handle. 

The Handbook of Needlework (5th edition) by Miss Lambert

Several weeks ago I listed the netting patterns that were in The Handbook of Needlework by Miss Lambert.  This week I decided to list the netting information found in The Handbook of Needlework (5th edition).  The digitized copy of the 5th edition of Miss Lambert's book was published in 1846.

Many of the patterns listed in the two editions appear to be the same, since the name is the same, but that is not necessarily true.  In looking closer at such patterns, I noticed a difference in the number of starting loops between the patterns in the two editions, the mesh stick size, or the number of rows.  These small changes are easy to miss and may make a difference in the way the final product looks.

There is one new pattern - #21 - Chain Pattern Netting for a Purse.

1. Netting (page 431)
2. Plain Netted Gentleman's Purse (page 435)
3. A Lady's Purse (page 436)
4. Gentleman's Purse with Ends of Different Colours (page 436)
5. A Lady's Purse with Points (page 436)
6. A Pretty Purse with Chine Silk (page 437)
7. Netting with Beads (page 437)
8. A Plain Netted Purse with a Bead Mouth (page 437)
9. A Seme purse with steel or gold beads (page 438)
10. An Elegant Netted Purse with Steel Beads (page 438)
11. Plain Netted Mittens (page 439)
12. A Knitter's Bag with Ring (page 440)
13. Grecian Netting (page 440)
14. A Checked or Dice Pattern Purse (page 441)
15. A Purse in Grecian Netting (page 442)
16. Mittens in Grecian Netting (page 442)
17. A Fringe (page 443)
18. Single Diamond Netting (page 443)
19. Treble Diamond Netting (page 443)
20. Diamond Netting, with Five Stitches (page 444)
21. Chain Pattern Netting for a Purse (page 446)
22. Seme Purse, Diamond Pattern (page 447)
23. Open Plain Netting, or Filet a Bagaette (page 448)
24. Fond de Berlin (page 448)
25. Filet Rose (page 449)
26. Filet a Baton rompu (page 450)
27. Netted Mittens with Silk and Wool (page 450)
28. Netted Cuff with Silk and Wool (page 451)

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I am gradually going back through my net doily patterns and remaking the ones that have only a partial picture - such as this one.

Here is how it looked when I finished it this week.  

I designed the pattern back in the 1980's and named it Friendship in honor of the wonderful friend to whom I gave it.  When I made it, I knew how to make only spiral netting.  In looking at the directions I discovered I needed to either increase or decrease the number of loops in the center by 16 to make the pattern work.  Since I no longer have the doily, I have no idea how I got the numbers to work the first time.  I chose to decrease the number of loops, since in my opinion it was already too full and did not show the stitches to their best advantage.

A Winter Gift for Ladies being instructions in Knitting, Netting, and Crochet Work by An American Lady

A Winter Gift for Ladies being instructions in Knitting, Netting, and Crochet Work by An American Lady was published in 1848.  I found an interesting netting note at the end of the Explanation of Terms used in Knitting.  It stated, "The netting meshes are numbered from the knitting needle gauge, as I am not aware there is any other rule for them."  If that sentence had been given in some of the first netting books I looked at, I would have been sure much earlier that my hypothesis, that numbered mesh sticks were referring to knitting needles, was correct.

The netting patterns and stitches in this book are as follows:

1. Explanation of Terms used in Knitting (page 10)
2. Netted Mittens (page 20)
3. A Net Purse in Points (page 23)
4. Corkscrew Netting for a Purse (page 26)
5. Netted Curtain (page 33)
6. Netted Scarf (page 33)
7. Treble Diamond Netting (page 34)
8. Single Diamond Netting (page 35)
9. Tuft Netting (page 35)
10. Double Netting for a Mitten (page 38)
11. Netted Lamb's-wool Shawl or Handkerchief (page 41)
12. Netted Sofa Tidy (page 41)
13. To work the backs of Netted Mittens (page 42)
14. Netted Cuffs (page 44)
15. Netted Bag (page 47)
16. Bead Netting (page 49)
17. Diamond Netting (page 49)

No pictures today, sorry.  I spent most of my day at Novice Schola (and most of my week preparing to teach netting).  Novice Schola is an SCA event held annually in Springfield, Massachusetts.  While there, I taught three novices how to tie the netting knot.  When they left,  all three could tie a netting knot.  I hope they retain that knowledge tomorrow.  

While I was at Novice Schola, a friend shared with me a picture she had seen in Woven into the Earth: Textile finds in Norse Greenland by Else Ostergaard.  Included in the picture were two men, and each of them was wearing a net version of our modern belt bag or fanny pack tied around his waist.  One bag seemed to be in diamond-mesh and the other in square-mesh.  Amazing where netting turns up.

The Practical Companion to the Work-table by Elizabeth Jackson

The best digitized copy I could find for The Practical Companion to the Work-table Containing Directions for Knitting, Netting & Crochet Work by Elizabeth Jackson is located here.  Even though it is missing pages 14 and 15, which tell how to use the knitting needle gauge she has pictured in her book, at least it has all the netting patterns, which some online copies do not seem to have. This copy of the book was published in 1845.

These netting patterns all include the material and the mesh to be used.  Care needs to be taken, though, when selecting the mesh.  The numbering starts with the largest size at 1 and the smallest at 26.

1. Remarks on Netting (page 135)
2. Netted Mittens (page 137, item 89)
3. Netted Mittens (page 138, item 90)
4. Netted Border for a Cap (page 139, item 91)
5. Tulip Purse (page 140, item  92)
6. Purse in Points (page 141, item 93)
7. Handsome Long Netted Purse (page 143, item 94)
8. Netted Long Purse (page 144, item 95)
9. Round Netted Gentleman's Long Purse (page 144, item 96)
10. Round Netted Mat (page 145, item 97)
11. Netted Scarf (page 146, item 98)
12. Round Netted Scarf (page 146, item 99)
13. Netted Cuffs (page 147, item 100)
14. Netted Cuffs (page 147, item 101)
15. Netted Half Square Handkerchief (page 148, item 102)
16. Netted Cardinal Cape (page 149, item 103)
17. Scallop for Veil Borders, &c (page 150, item 104)
18. Scallop for Curtains, &c (page 150, item 105)
19. Single Diamond Netting (page 151, item 106)
20. Grecian Netting (page 151, item 107)
21. A Round Netted Purse (page 153, item 108)

Last week I mentioned I had received an email from Solange Oliveira.  What I did not mention was that she included in her email some net jewelry.  I wanted to get her permission to share these photos before I posted them.  These works of art are from a group of women in the city of Marechal Deodoro, in the state of Alagoas, Brazil.

Corresponding with someone who speaks a different language is a challenge.  Google Translator is fine for an overview but is poor when it comes to specifics like types of laces.

When describing what type of lace these ladies made, Solange wrote in Portuguese, "O nome de artesanato e 'clareza de Renda' e é igual ao italiano faça chamado 'ad Puntino atrás' na cidade de Latronico. O artesanato que faço chama Renda turco, mas é semelhante ao Singeleza de Renda."

Google translated it as, "The name of handicrafts and 'Income Plainness' and is equal to the Italian make called 'ad Puntino ago' in the city of Latronico. The crafts I make calls Income Turkish, but is similar to Income Plainness."

Hoping for some clarity, I contacted my son who lived in Brazil for about two years.  He replied with this translation, "This type of craft/art is called 'Clearness of Lace, or Lace Clarity', which is the same as the Italian art called 'ad Puntino atras' from the city of Latronico.  The craft I make is called Turkish lace, which is similar to Single Lace (or Solitary Lace)."

He also added, "The translation problem with the craft names is that I haven't really met anyone who does these in English.  If I recall correctly, Turkish lace is similar to macrame, but not identical.  Clearness of Lace could be something as simple as needlepoint, knitting, or netting, since I never met anyone who called it that while in Brazil, and don't have the photos.  Renda can mean lace, but there's a feel there of a woven (or worked) textile as well."

Whatever you call it, it is beautiful and demonstrates something else that can be made with netting.

The Ladies' Work-table Book (2nd ed)

Recently I discussed the netting patterns and instructions found in The Ladies' Work-table Book.  The on-line copy was published in 1845.  Today I picked up the second edition of The Ladies' Work-table Book to list the netting information it contained.  I was surprised to notice that the online version of the second edition was published in 1844.

The netting information found in the two books is not identical.  Some of the information and patterns are worded differently.  Some patterns included in the first edition are not in the second edition, and there are some new patterns in the second edition.  Here is what the second edition contains for netting:

1. Netting (page 158) [this introduction contains a brief history of netting]
2. Plain Netting (page 160)
3. Bead Stitch (page 162)
4. Diamond Netting  (page 163)
5. Diamond Netting, of Five Stitches (page 163)
6. Grecian Netting (page 164)
7. Shaded Silk Netting (page 164)
8. Dotted Netting  (page 165)
9. French Ground Net (page 165)
10. Honeycomb Netting (page 166)
11. Honeycomb Netting, with Two Meshes (page 166)
12. Another Kind of Honeycomb Netting (page 167)
13. Leaf Netting (page 167)
14. Maltese Netting, in Spots (page 168)
15. Plain Open Netting (page 169)
16. Round Netting (page 169)
17. Shaded Silk Netting (page 170)
18. Honeycomb Mittens (page 171)
19. Netted Cuffs (page 172)
20. Netted Opera Cap (page 173)
21. Netted Scollop Edging (page 174)
22. A Plain Scollop (page 175)
23. Cap Border Scollop (page 175)
24. Net Cravat (page 175)
25. A Net Scarf (page 176)
26. A Long Purse, in Points (page 176)
27. Netted Wool Scarf (page 177)
28. Small Half Neckerchief (page 177)
29. Square Wool Neckerchief (page 177)
30. Netted Mittens (page 178)
31. Netted Fringe (page 179)
32. Striped Netted Purse (page 179)
33. Round Netting Purse (page 180)
34. A Purse, in Points (page 180)
35. Netted Curtain (page 180)
36. Curtain for a French Bed (page 181)

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This week I got an email from Solange Oliveira. She lives in Brazil and has a website devoted to netting.  As I looked at her website again, I was reminded that many of her decorations are made with a stitch I have named Tufts.  She is very creative with that stitch, and I really liked one of her variations.  To be able to refer to it easily, I have called it Tufts Eyelet Decorative Stitch.  This week I decided I would try to make that stitch using a #3 size knitting needle, which is equivalent to a 1/8" flat mesh stick.

It did not look like this before it was starched.  The hole in the middle of the Tufts did not appear.  So, I made another sample.  This time I used a #8 knitting needle, which is the same as a 1/4" flat mesh stick.

Once I starched the stitch, I could see the hole in both of the samples, though I like the first one better.  Solange Oliveira has several patterns on her website which use this stitch.

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)

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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' 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 Lady's Book of Useful and Ornamental Knitting and Netting Work by Miss Ronaldson

The digitized netting book for this week comes to us through Google Books.  I really appreciate the efforts that are being made to put these older books on-line for all to access.  Years ago, when I was trying to find netting patterns, if the book was not in your local library, you were unable to see it.  Now, with a few key strokes I can view so many.  The version of The Lady's Book of Useful and Ornamental Knitting and Netting Work by Miss Ronaldson that is on-line was published in 1847.

The netting patterns she includes are:

1. Netted Flower-Stand with a Frill (page 80, item #43)
2. Small Netted Stand for a Glass of Flowers (page 81, item #44)
3. Another Small Netted Stand  (page 82, item #45)
4. Netted Ribbon for the Neck (page 83, item #46)
5. Very Pretty Netted Scarf (page 84, item #47)
6. Netted Cover for a Salver (page 85, item #48)
7. Netted Window Curtain (page 86, item #49)
8. Netted Pie Napkin (page 87, item #50)
9. Round Netted Wine Rubber (page 88, item #51)
10. Netted Wine Rubbers (page 89, item # 520)
11. Handsome Netted Shawl (page 90, item #53)
12. Netted Cuffs, with a Frill (page 90, item #54)
13. A Very Pretty Netted Scarf (page 91, item #55)
14. Handsome Netted Tippet (page 164, item #98)
15. Long Netted Window Curtains for a Drawing Room (page 165, item #99)
16. Netted Victorine (page 174, item #104)

Miss Ronaldson used several different names for items we would probably call a doily.  They included a stand, cover, napkin, and rubber.  She had patterns for a tippet, which is a narrow stole or scarf, and a victorine, which is a tippet with long narrow ends.  She did include an illustration of the Netted Victorine in the book.

This week I finished a beaded snood or hairnet, the one on the left.  

Unlike the other beaded snoods I have made recently, this one is supposed to cover all the hair.

The one on the left uses 6mm beads, while the one on the right uses 4mm beads.

(See more information about this snood.)

The Lady's Assistant in Knitting, Netting, and Crochet Work

In hunting for netting books online, I found several by Mrs. Gaugain.  The Lady's Assistant in Knitting, Netting, and Crochet Work, second volume, is a sequel to the one I mentioned last week.  It was originally published in 1842.  Apparently in 1842 she published both books.

Besides knitting and crochet patterns, it contains the following netting patterns:

• Long Net Purse, called Double Netting (item 121, page 252)
• Small Net Neckkerchief (item 122, page 253)
• Very Beautiful Long Net Purse, with Gold Beads (item 136, page 290)
• Another Very Beautiful Long Net Purse (item 137, page 292)
• Diced Net Purse, in Twist and Beads (item 142, page 295)
• Net Cuffs, in Berlin Wool and Silk (item 194, page 307)
• Very Light and Elegant Square Net Dress Shawl (item 166, page 365)
• Simple and Pretty Black Net Scarf (item 170, page 371)

This book also contains:

• Directions for guiding the proper sizes of Silks and Meshes used for Purses in Net Work (page 415)
• Remarks on Netting (page 416) 
• [comments on the direction (lengthwise or widthwise) to make curtains for the best result when they are hung and how to block finished netting]
• Make a Stitch in Netting
• To Take-in or Diminish
• Bead Stitch [how to add beads to netting]
• Netting with Shade Silk

In the process of creating the videos for my Circular Netting Class, I needed to make more hot pads.  This one was a revision of a pattern I had already made for this class.

Flower - Hot Pad

This was a new one.  I realized that I had not made any simple hot pads that demonstrated how to decrease.  So this one fills that need. 

Tops - Hot Pad

I finished the taping done for several of the videos.  Now I just need to pull the pieces together to make coherent videos that teach the skills needed in circular netting.  At least progress is finally being made on the videos.