Historic Stitch Patterns

Hi all. As you may remember I've been working on an exhibit with some folks from work to go along with the FiberPhiladelphia convention. As a part of it I am making some swatches of a couple of stitch patterns. I am attempting to modernize the language so I can make them! Hopefully you all can lend a hand.

The patterns are the Atlantic City stitch which comes from the Civil War era commonplace book of Nancy Dunlap which is held by the Library Co. The Lily Bell stitch comes from What I know: or hints on the daily duties of a housekeeper (1855).

I think I may have the Atlantic City stitch down, but the Lily Bell stitch is giving me some trouble.

Atlantic City stitch (Mrs. Grant)

Set up 20 stitches or any number divided by two.

1^st row: Take off the first without knitting, knit one, slip one off turned, knit two plain, slip it off turned and so to the end.

2^nd row: 1 stitch off without knitting, knit 2 together, put the thread forward, slip one off turned and knit two together, so on to the end.

3^rd row: Take off the first, knit 1 and slip off the looped stitch always turned knit two plain and slip the looped stitch, knit 2 plain and on to the end.

4^th row: When the wrong side will be towards you, 1^st off without knitting, put the thread forward, slip it off turned, and knit the next two together and so on to the end of the needle.

5^th row: 1^st stitch off without knitting, knit 2 plain (this is the only difference from third row and alternates with this one) slip the looped stitch, knit 2 plain. Slip and so on to the end.

6^th row: just like the 2^nd row and so on.

Atlantic City stitch (Mrs. Grant)

Modern translation

Cast on 20 stitches (or more in multiples of 2)

1^st row (RS): *slip the first stich knit wise, knit 1, slip 1 knit wise, k2*

2^nd row: *slip 1 knit wise, k2tg, move yarn to the front, slip 1 knit wise, k2tg*

3^rd row: *slip 1 knit wise, k1, slip 1 knit wise, k2*

4^th row: *slip 1 knit wise, move yarn to front, slip 1 knit wise, k2tg*

5^th row: *slip 1 knit wise, k2, slip 1 knit wise, k2*

6^th row: *slip 1 knit wise, k2tg, move yarn to the front, slip 1 knit wise, k2tg*

Lily Bell

6 plain, 4 seamed between them, go all across: begin by seaming 4; then cast on 6, knit 4, seam and so on across. Do this for 9 rows: then narrow each side of the bell till there is but 1. Begin another row of bells by seaming 4: cast on 6, as above. Go on this way till the toilet cushion is done. This is a very beautiful stitch.

Lily Bell Modern Translation

Cast on multiple of 10

1^st row: *K6, P4*

2^nd row: *P4, CO6, K4*

Repeat these rows for 9 rows.

13^th row: narrow each side of bell till there is but 1???

Repeat from 1^st row.