I have been carrying this book back and forth from my work area to my study table for a month, going over the immense amount of information it contains. Crochet Novelties is a combination of the best from several out-of-print books from the 1880's to 1918. The introduction is short and moves right into directions for Filet Crochet, then on pages 4-5 are explanations of several stitches with illustrations and an abbreviation of terms. The black and white images of stitch examples could easily be made into necklaces, bracelets, belts and other items. Beads of course could be added to any of these stitches. It is fascinating to see an ad about making crochet wash cloths and sponge bags for the soldiers. It really takes you to another time in our history. Every page offers instructions and black and white images of the item, from tassels, balls, purses, pillows, suspenders, garters, socks, hats, lamp shades, fringes, table runners, bedspreads, baskets, doilies, laundry bags, bottle covers and scarves to jewelry. Projects include many techniques and styles. There are purses with medallions on fabric, filet crochet medallions, Irish rose motifs, popcorn stitch, ribbon and crochet and more. Each item, whether it is a purse or bedspread, includes projects in many techniques and additional embellishment choices. Complete instructions are included for hundreds of projects, written exactly as they were back at that time.

I have read through a few of the purse instructions and find them more understandable than some of the instructions written today. The Luxura Taffe Bag on page 29 is a need to make project. The instructions call for artificial silk crochet and I have no idea how thick this thread is but who cares? I am seeing making this bag in miniature with silk twist, very thin thread, and adding size 20-22 seed beads in the chevron patterned area of the purse middle, dynamite, oh yes! Or, you could make the top and bottom of the purse in a slick rayon and use a textured linen or silk for the the chevron patterned area and it would be a larger purse. This purse also has a fiber tassel that could be metallic threads or bead crocheted. I already made a portion of this purse using pearl cotton. After I have finished this purse, I will make another and add beads. I am finding the instructions easy to follow. Simple Purse on page 37 is a very easy bag to make in the round and then you switch to rows at the top and add a pair of bars and chain for closure. Unfortunately, no one makes these purse findings anymore, but it is my hope that they will make a come back, especially in smaller sizes for miniature and small purses that can be crocheted in less time than full size purses. Page 36 has a purse made of crocheted rings and other stitches, pages 135 and 136 have purse patterns that can be attached to purse frames and page 135 also has two tiny coin purse patterns that look netted.

Page 93 has an electric shade, I am guessing that is a lamp shade to go over a lamp stand with a light bulb. It is circular pieces of cardboard with crochet over them. I could see using buckram inside, then covering the buckram circles with two pieces of ultrasuede, then crocheting around the pieces to make a variety of items; bracelet, earring and necklace pieces, with or without beads. Page 50 includes cross-stitch embroidery with crochet edging. There are several pages with edging stitches and fringes, each with complete instructions. Several are listed as Lambrequin Design and include an identifying number. Knot-Stitch Bag on page 52 is cross-stitch pieces with crochet between each cross-stitch section. There are a variety of basket patterns; hanging baskets, nut bowl baskets and table baskets are just a few. There are charted graphs that could be used for bead loom weaving and a lovely charted piece is on page 104, a filet motif of two children or cherubs and floral pieces that was from the center of a bedspread. Wouldn't this look great as a purse panel?

There is something here for all crocheters, no matter what your choice of subject matter. I am so pleased that LACIS is editing these books from the past and all this information has not been lost. Material listings are not always applicable since some of the fibers are no longer manufactured, however, you can always use new fibers on the market now.This is a book of ideas, patterns and designs to make as written or create your own versions. Thank you LACIS.