Vintage Project Spotlight: 1935 Crochet Jacket, Reefer Jacket

This vintage project spotlight is on my 1935 crochet jacket, 'Reefer Jacket'*.

   I found this pattern here, and it seemed like a good first attempt at making a crochet garment since the stitch pattern is very simple, and a jacket is much more forgiving in shape than a fitted dress, for example.

   I decided to use a larger yarn than is required for the pattern, mostly since I was still fairly new to crochet and wanted this project to be challenging, but not frustrating(I started this project over a year ago!).  Using a larger yarn meant having to adjust the amount of stitches and rows, but I would have already had to do that to size up the pattern, so it almost evened out in the end.

I used size 4/medium acrylic yarn in a color that almost exactly matches my green Bakelite belt buckle, and a vintage Susan Bates size 8 aluminum crochet hook.

  I took a lot of notes while making this, and used sewing pattern pieces to give me an idea if the pieces would be the right size for me, which helped tremendously(I would highly recommend doing this if having to size up or size down a pattern).  My only major issue was my lack of knowledge - I didn't leave very long tails at knots and joins, and had a few panicked moments when the knots started to come undone.  I managed to use sewing thread to strengthen them, but the inside is atrocious because of this(luckily only I will see it!)

  And here's the finished jacket!  It's very warm, and very heavy from the double thread and the 15(!) skeins of yarn, so even though the original image makes it appear to be a spring jacket, mine is more of a winter one.  It's also not perfect.  First, if I made this again, I would forget about that back pleat - I think it would be much sleeker without it.  Also, I'm only now noticing something weird about where the sleeve is, like it looks too far forward compared to the original photo.  Still, it's very cozy, I learned a lot, and I can't wait to make another crochet garment!

*Note: 'Reefer' is not referring to what you think it is.  Reefer is an old sailor term for the peacoat-style coats they wore, presumably meaning 'reef' as in a coral reef. 

Reefer Jacket #159
Free Vintage Crochet: Patterns

Vintage Project Spotlight: 1935 Crochet Scarf, French Scarf

Welcome to the first in a new series spotlighting my vintage projects!

  Not all my projects are the type where I can show the whole process like my c. 1923 Butterick Dress , so these posts will just show the finished product, my inspiration, and how I style them.

This vintage project spotlight is on my 1935 crochet scarf, 'French Scarf'.

(source)

  I've had this icy gray size 5 acrylic crochet thread for months, and I just couldn't think what to make with it.  I bought this back when I was just starting to dip my toe into using crochet thread, and it turns out that acrylic, as soft as it is, seems to get caught on the hook much, MUCH easier than using cotton thread.  I only had one ball, so I kept putting off using it since I just wanted to use it up and not buy anymore, but most patterns need at least two.  However, I finally found a cute scarf pattern that ended up using almost all the yarn.

  The pattern would be fairly simple for most people I assume(single crochet, chain, skip a stitch, then repeat, only doing single crochets under the chain), but for some reason I just can't get the hang of it(I always mess up when it's time to turn and start a new row).  To get a similar, loose effect, I did the body in double crochet instead, and continued following the pattern for the lacy edges(minus one row since I felt it was long enough and I was terrified I'd run out of yarn).

And here's the finished scarf!  

  I love that in the original photo it's shown worn with a bar pin, which I have several of and am always thinking about new ways to wear them.  It also looks great with this pastel-toned celluloid pin that I've been trying to wear more.

The shade in these outside photos makes the scarf look very blue - the tabletop views are much more accurate.

French Scarf #2020
Free Vintage Crochet: Patterns