A few questions for fellow Crocheters

[Shannon Wolf]

So I have been working on this scarf that has made many rounds on a couple of boards but I have yet to see a completed example. I finally sourced it to a Godeys from November of 1862 I think.
https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?...15;skin=mobile
Here is my questions that I have sent into the ether.
1) This thing requires a 256 chain that turns into 256 Afghan stitch on the hook. I have a modern specialised Afghan hook with a flexible wire end, but if I ever want to start this thing over at an event or volunteering at a living history weekend I would want something period correct and honestly I know my rosewood hook is just not enough for this. Has anyone seen an example of an Afghan hook for the period? I know it has to exist because the pattern does.
2) Can someone accurately point me to an example of "chineé red"? I have used my best approximation for the pattern but have nary a clue if it's right.
3) Because of the massiveness of this thing it has to have stitch markers. Keeping the count is impossible without them. Does anyone know of examples of period correct markers aside from using yarn or fabric scraps?
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: A few questions for fellow Crocheters

I have taken the liberty of passing your questions on to some folks I know who are very knowledgeable in period crochet. Hopefully they will get back to me with a response or post a response soon. :-)

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: A few questions for fellow Crocheters

Kathleen Yurkonis translated this pattern from German for KayFig. http://shop.originals-by-kay.com/pro...&categoryId=34
This pattern gives basic stitch instructions, with photographs.
Ms. Yurkonis has appropriate hooks and yarn available, but Originals By Kay hasn't gotten them into the online store just yet. I can put you in touch with her, if you'd like.

S&S Sutler in Gettysburg also has appropriate hooks and yarn.

One lady suggests yarn scraps as markers because they are free. Another lady suggests the bone hoops one uses to cover buttons but says she has no historic basis for such. A third lady also uses the bone hoops and also hasn't found documentation for that use.
I'll pass on more as the discussion progresses.

[Shannon Wolf]

Re: A few questions for fellow Crocheters

Thank you Elaine. The hook is the biggest issue. When I get home I will post photos of the progression of this thing to now. I'm thinking of finding some dowels of the appropriate wood and making a homemade hook with a ribbon to extend the hook. I just wish there was some resource for period tools. I tried emailing the Victoria and Albert Museum to see if they have an example of an afghan hook and they don't. They did tell me that a lot of the hooks they have in their collection were handmade by someone. The more elaborate hooks would have been to dear in cost for the average woman. I'm thinking I'll try the Smithsonian next. Unlike most crochet this is worked by length not width which is where the massiveness becomes an issue. The colour I know is translated Chinese red but what that means is beyond me and I have a feeling the yarn used would have been what was available anyways. That scarf you posted is the one from Godeys that I am working on. LOL

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: A few questions for fellow Crocheters

Godey's is notorious for plagiarizing European magazines for content, in this case Der Bazaar. Kathy Yurkonis includes a great deal of information about Afghan/Tunisian crochet in her pattern that she believes will answer several of your questions. She is willing to speak with you about your project, but she is not a member here. You may contact her through Originals By Kay: https://shop.originals-by-kay.com/co...3plqscsfapp006

If you "do" FaceBook at all, there is a focus group called Living History Knits (And Crochet Too) which will put you in touch with not only Ms. Yurkonis but other well-researched folks in 19th century needlework. https://www.facebook.com/groups/176034119267057/