No 64 The Golden Treasury

Bernat issued their Golden Treasury, Book 64, Afghans to Knit and Crochet in 1958.   The book contains 24 patterns.   There are a fair sprinkling for different experience levels.  The majority of the patterns are crocheted or afghan stitch; with just a three for knitting.  And, there are a couple exceptional beauties that require medium to extensive embroidery that are, in my opinion, in the heirloom category.  The pattern book was issued as a promotion to their Nylo Germantown Yarn, and Sports Yarn.

 

I particularly like part of their opening statement, and I quote "What makes an afghan masterpiece?  To begin with, an Afghan is much more than a patterned robe or comforter.  An Afghan is a work of art - a work of home-making art that can light up an entire room with its particular beauty.  Lake a painting, an Afghan can create a mood.  Like a statue, it adds grace and form.  Like sunlight through stained glass, it softly glows with color.  An Afghan stands out as something special in an age of standardized decoration; an Afghan is always the unmistakable personal touch of the woman who made it".

 Since 28 pictures is a lot of load, I've consolidated most of them in a two afghan per slide type format without cropping down the original pictures ... they are a delightful display of late 1950s fashion that I think you might enjoy.

The front cover previews 4 of the afghans in full color.  The rest of the book is in classic black and white - consistent with the time period.  

 

3798-64 (on left) - Crochet Afghan Stitch - 50 x 62 inches.

3985-64 (on right) - Crochet Afghan, floral piece featuring the puff stitch has rounded edges.  Approx. 48 x 63 inches.

 

3797-64 (on left) - Crochet afghan measuring 50 x 72 inches.  It's a fun starfish pattern, 7 inch squares, placed diagonally.   There is a matching 11 inch pillow.

3922-64 (on right) - This leaf embroidered beauty is first worked in Afghan Stitch.  It measures 57 x 70 inches.  

3982-64 (on left) - This afghan has a flower motif (a daisy perhaps?) that is added to certain blocks before connecting it all together.   It measures 50 x 65 inches.

3835-64 (on right) - Here's an attractive wheel pattern that you can match up with a larger wheel for throw pillows.  The finished afghan is 54 x 72 inches and the pillow is 14 inches in diameter.  

 3813-64 (on left) - a large geometric design on blocks and stripes set on a diagonal, creating diamond shaped ends.   This afghan is crocheted and measures 54 x 70 inches. 

3043-64 (on right) - Here we have a crocheted afghan made up of hexagon blocks with a lovely rose motif cross stitched onto specific blocks.  There are also small tufts of fringe at the side points.   This afghan is 56 x 84 inches.  

 

3183-43 (on left)  - This piece is one of those, that when completed, should become a family heirloom.   It is crocheted in afghan stitch and then has rose floral motifs sauntering down the panel rows.   The finished afghan measures 52 x 86

3191-64 (on right) - Here's is another afghan this tops the scale of heirloom quality.   The piece is worked in afghan stitch and then extensive embroidery work is done.   There is so much embroidery work, that the charts were not printed with the pattern.    If this one becomes a must have, I found a link that you can get the charts through, and then, if you'd let me know, I could work the pattern up.  

 

3059-64 (on left) - This manly piece is subtle and wonderful.   It is worked with an afghan stitch and the plaid striping is embroidered.   The finished piece is 58 x 72.  

3323-64 (on right) - Here a bold and proud cable, that alternates rows.   It will present both a sense of style and elegance to any room.   It is knitted, with crochet edges.  The finished piece is 66 x 72

3921-64 (on left) - A marvelous panel, afghan stitched, made up of thin solid and patterned panels as well as the large tulip motif panel int he middle and a small scallop border.   There is a fair amount of embroidery work here on this 46 x 58 inch piece.

3812-64 (on right) - Here's a classic Popcorn Stitch Block Motif Afghan.  Simple and lovely; it measures 42 x 68 inches. 

 

3979-64 (On left) - Wide color panels with lush fringe make up the 50 x 65 inch beauty. 

3984-64 (On right) - A bold motif (wagon wheel, helm?) makes up this afghan.  It takes 95 - 6 inch motifs to create the 48 x 66 inch masterpiece.

 

3983-64 (on left) - Horizontal and vertical panels, in multi-colors make up the pleasing design in this knit / crochet afghan.   The finished piece measures 50 x 70 inches.   And, there is a matching pillow as well.  

3981-64 (on right) - A crochet afghan with in a solid color with thin colorful stripes running through. 

 

3811-64 (on left) - It's a block checkerboard afghan; one set of blocks solid and the other set patterned.   It's a nice effect for this 56 x 80 inch afghan.

3803-64 (on right) - 9 crocheted panels in 4 shades with a faux cable look going on.   The finished piece is 50 x 62 inches.

 

3802-64 (on left) - Geometric flags make up this crochet afghan, measuring 54 x 76

3804-64 (on right) - This Cluster crochet afghan almost resembles a braided rug.   It employs 4 colors and measures 50 x 72 inches.

Crochet and Knitted Afghans Pattern Book, Bernat 64

And, then, the back cover.

 I process these books very carefully, which is an absolute must when creating PDF files.  But, still, I see that I've skipped two of the patterns, which I've made note of and will come back and add.   

 Did you enjoy the show; or were there just too many?   Did you take the opportunity to enjoy the late 1950's furniture styles, as well as the afghans?  My personal favorite has to be the leaf embroidered afghan, 3922-64.  It is on my dream list to make one (but, I have to learn how first!)

 Most of these are listed in my shop (links under the pictures) should you want more information. 

 Thanks for dropping by,  Lorrie