It's not often that hobos and doilies come to mind at the same time. Doilies remind us of impeccable homes and equally impeccable hospitality; silver tea sets, petit fours, and company manners. In sharp contrast, the classic American "Hobo", a character who emerged during the Great Depression, was a wandering traveler who hopped the rails from place to place. He traveled with only the clothes on his back, living off the land and the kindness of strangers.  As you can imagine, these fellows were not always welcome. To that end, they developed their own "language" of signs and symbols that they used to leave messages and warnings for each other. One of the most well-known hobo signs is the cat. A cat carved on a fencepost or drawn on a mailbox meant that a kindly and hospitable woman lived there, while a pair of interlocking circles warned that hobos were arrested on sight.

Show your hospitality and good taste with this timeless home accessory. Maisy the kitten is created in classic filet crochet, and is sure to add just the right whimsical touch to a special spot in your home. The adorable design is simple enough for someone new to thread crochet, and will work up quickly and easily in the hands of those with more experience. 

Edited By:Maggie Weldon

Skill Level: Intermediate

Size:approx 16" square

Materials:Size 10 cotton crochet thread   

435 yards

Crochet Hook: Steel # 7 (1.65 mm); or size hook needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge:10 squares = 2.3"; 10 rows = 2.5"