Knitted Mitten but no Bracelet

Calligraphy, which I do just for fun and relaxation, is an off shoot of my interest in paleography in the fields of historical manuscripts, letters, journals, etc. Like knitting and needlework, unfortunately, it takes its toll on my hands, wrists and arms. These gloves, however, help the muscles keep warm.

The pattern is from Godey’s Lady’s Book, Knitted Mitten and Bracelet, Godey’s Lady’s Book and Magazine, Volume 51, August, 1855, pp. 169-170. I have made several pairs of this pattern and have written about them elsewhere in this blog (see links below.)

This version does not have the bracelet as it would get in the way of my hand placement when writing.  I also did not knit in the eyelet pattern on the back of the hand, making that part solid knitting so I could do duplicate stitches for the letters over it.

The lettering, stitched in an ancient nameless gold thread from my stash, was scratchy so I knit fine flaps on the inside with KnitPicks Palette in Ivy. 

The gloves were knit in Paton’s Kroy Socks 4 ply in Coal on 2.00 mm/US 1 and 2.25mm/US 0.

http://historyknits.blogspot.com/2011/04/another-pair-of-mitts-from-1855.html

http://historyknits.blogspot.com/2009/11/1855-mitt-revisited.html

http://historyknits.blogspot.com/2008/03/muffatees-or-wrist-warmers-in-upper.html

Famous Knitters – Grace Coolidge

Grace Coolidge (January 3, 1879 – July 8, 1957)

First Lady of the United States from 1923 to 1929 and an avid needlewoman, skilled in many techniques and known for her knitting.

There are many images of her in elegant clothing from different eras and a few ones of her knitting.

The magazine, Piecework, ran an article about her in the July/August 1999 issue. There was mention and photograph of a thread can which Mrs Coolidge gave a young girl as a gift.

I have the same thread can, given to me some years ago by a friend from New York along with a vintage mid-20^th century collection of crochet and tatting threads. 

Mine came a little worse for wear but I love it.

I have no exact date for the thread can, which I had received before the article from 1999 was published. I will have to find out, if possible, exactly when Mrs. Coolidge gave one as a gift.

18th Century Sewing Box

An Interesting Story (Miss Ray)

1806

Wood, William (1769-1810)

British

1806

Miniatures

Ivory

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Credit Line:

The Moses Lazarus Collection, Gift of Josephine and Sarah Lazarus, in memory of their father, 1888–95

Accession Number:

95.14.95

I spent the first day of the new year catching up with (electronic) reading. This was the find of the day, combining my love of dolls' houses and needlework:

http://joyfulmolly.wordpress.com/2013/05/19/extraordinary-18th-century-sewing-box-sew-cute/#comment-3413

Thank'ee, Joyful Molly!