Dawn ‘o Day Bedspread was published in 1941 by the Spool Cotton Co. in the United States.
This pattern is not difficult to read or make if sticking with the motif. Published by an American cotton company, it is a good pattern for a crocheter who wishes to dip their toes into the world of doilies and thread work. The terms are all as we would read them today in US crochet terminology. The pattern is not repetitive, but does not use complex stitches. The stitches used are chain, single crochet, double crochet, and slip stitch.
Each bedspread motif is able to be connected to the previously made motif, labeled as “first motif” and “second motif” (the connecting ones). There are instructions for a “fill-in lace” which is a small motif in itself. The filling lace adds stability to the structure of the piece by adding extra connection points, and beauty by filling what would be a dead space with a star-like motif that adds cohesion to the finished look.
I would suggest that the crocheter is intermediate in their understanding and experience in order to figure out the filling motif and connect it to the main motifs. I would also suggest the crocheter have some experience, even limited experience is okay, in reading patterns. The layout of the pattern can be overwhelming, as the rounds are not spaced as modern patterns are written. Each round is written right after the previous round with only “3rd rnd” or “4th rnd” in bold as an indicator.
The pattern is from the Bedspreads to Knit and Crochet no. 166 booklet, but is not available in print anymore unless you come across it on ebay or accidentally at an antique store. You can find this pattern on Antique Pattern Library or Free Vintage Crochet. You can also purchase an ebook of this booklet on purplekittyyarns.com or purplekitty.biz .
*When I was starting to work with thread in college, this is one of the first patterns I made. I made it as a doily because of the simplicity of it and my lack of confidence in following a vintage pattern. It was enjoyable to make, and I ended up making three of them to put around my apartment.
Unfortunately I cannot share a picture with you as I have given them to my young daughters to decorate their room. Many of my failed crochet experiments have also ended up there. They love anything I make and always find a use for it.
Resource Links for Dawn ‘o Day
Dogwood Mountain Arts 
Leave a comment