Warm & Cozy Afghans from 1918 to Crochet eBook

In this PieceWork eBook, we have compiled the patterns for 8 crocheted afghans, including many for baby, using the instructions from our copy of the 1918 Fleischer's Knitting & Crocheting Manual. We made no alterations to the patterns other than substituting a stitch name for a figure number.

Plus, these patterns make use of a variety of crochet stitches such as the afghan stitch, pineapple stitch, devon stitch, and a shell and picot stitch.

Welcome to 1918. World War I has been raging for three years; America entered the conflict last year. It won't be over until this November. Throughout the war, needleworkers have been extremely busy making socks, sweaters, balaclavas, mittens, gloves, and blankets to be sent to the troops.

But needleworkers also are carving out some time to make "comforts" for the home, especially as the end of the war nears. They are seeking more and more patterns, and the yarn and thread companies, along with contemporary needlecraft magazines, are supplying them. Among them is the 16th edition of Fleischer's Knitting & Crocheting Manual, published in 1918 by S.B. & B.W. Fleisher in Philadelphia. Priced at 25 cents, the 208-page book includes more than 125 patterns for knitting and crochet, including one section devoted to knitting for the troops. All of the patterns in the book call for Fleisher's yarns, which were produced in the company's mill in Philadelphia.

Samuel died in 1944; he left his estate in trust to provide for the perpetuation of the club. Now the Fleisher Art Memorial at 719 Catharine Street in Philadelphia, this nonprofit organization is a community arts center, offering free and low-cost classes and workshops for adults and children. What a legacy.

We hope you enjoy crocheting your 21st-century versions of these early 20th-century patterns with this unique eBook. And that you can snuggle up with one when you've finished!