
CLARK’S O.N.T. · J. & P. COATS · BOOK No. 259 · 10¢
The book opens with a vivid invitation to brighten a home with intricate crochet and tatting, promising jewel‑like lace made by “agile fingertips.” Drawing on mid‑century American thread brands, it supplies clear material lists and a glossary of stitches that feel both nostalgic and practical. Readers are guided through the fundamental techniques of forming delicate motifs—seed pearls, simple rounds, and graceful corners—before moving on to larger compositions. The layout balances concise written directions with helpful diagrams, making it approachable for beginners while still offering depth for seasoned hands.
As the patterns unfold, the book presents a series of interconnected projects, from a modest 7‑inch doily to an elaborate 12‑by‑18‑inch centerpiece, each stitched in fine mercerized cotton. Step‑by‑step instructions walk the crafter through each round, join, and edging, emphasizing timing, tension, and the subtle art of thread selection. By the end, listeners will feel equipped to create their own heirloom‑quality lace pieces that add a quiet elegance to any setting.
Language
en
Duration
~54 minutes (52K characters)
Series
Coats & Clark's book ; no. 259.
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
New York: The Spool Cotton Company, 1949.
Credits
Bob Taylor, Lisa Corcoran, Charlene Taylor and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
Aug 18, 2023
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Known for publishing practical sewing, knitting, and crochet booklets, this company helped bring handmade projects into everyday homes. Its pattern books were especially popular in the early to mid-20th century and are still collected by crafters and vintage-pattern fans today.
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