Crocheting in the 1860's

[Cfarrell]

Gents,

I have been wondering for some time if any of you have any information regarding crocheting during the war. I've done some research on this topic but have come up short when it comes to the 1860's. I know that in the 1830's they called it the poor mans lace. At some point in time some news papers ran some articles regarding the fact that the "rich" didn't think that the "poor" should have the right to crochet. Which the "poor" folks responded with another article about their right to do what ever they wanted including crocheting. I don't know what happen to the hobby after that. I've found a women pattern for a cap during the 1860's but thats it. If any of you have any information that can point me in the right direction or at least help me out a little in my research that would help. Thanks for your time.

[markj]

Re: Crocheting in the 1860's

Hi Cody,

I would suggest you look in the people "home" and "ladies" magazines of the day (e.g., "Godey's," "Arthur's," and "Peterson's"). They often show patterns (many of them illustrated) for crocheted items. For example, the April 1864 "Godey's" (page 300) carried a pattern for "Gentleman's Crochet Silk Braces." These periodicals also occasionally published articles providing practical tips for knitting, crocheting, sewing, etc.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger