This book begins with some quotes and this is my fave:
"... a letter or a book distracts a woman more than four pair of stockings
knit by herself."
The oddest knitting information is in the section on washing knitted items.
"For the first cleaning of wool knitted articles in white or light colors, a "dry wash" is recommended. This is done with flour, meal or cornstarch, the article being dipped into either and rubbed gently with the hands until it looks clean and fresh. Then shake out.
When it becomes necessary to use soap and water, select castile for the former and have the latter luke-warm. Make a suds of the soap and add a little ammonia or borax - preferably the latter - to the suds..." Flour??? Ammonia????
I was surprised to see that they had chenille back in 1897 and that they recommend felting your wool underwear. Doesn't sound too comfy to me but what do I know?
The book includes several patterns for knitted suspenders, a pattern for Ladies' Knitted Evening Mittens which are worn to protect your delicate evening gloves and a wool knitted "Over-Shoe" which is intended to be worn over boots in cold or frosty weather.
The pattern for knitted reins for a child states, "There is no amusement that little children are so fond of as that of "playing horse," and for this purpose they are always asking mothers, sisters, etc., to buy or make reins for them.
The book also includes patterns for a simple garter stitch knitted cloth for polishing floors and possibly the most wacky knitting pattern of all time - a knitted coffee strainer.
