Book review - A Stitich In Time by Jane Waller & Susan Crawford

This book is a republication of the 1972 Stitch in time by Jane Welllar.  This book covers knitting and crochet patterns from 1920's to the 1940's.  The patterns have been reworked using modern yarns and each pattern has been adapted to include a wider range of modern sizes.  The orginal patterns and pictures are also included as well as an overview of the style and social context of each decade.
I would recommend this book.  Not only is it beautifully presented with great photos (perfect for the coffee table) but also a great source of information on which modern yarns would work with vintage patterns -  even if you don't knit any of the patterns in the book.

Click here to buy this book at Amazon. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stitch-Time-Knitting-Patterns-1920-1949/dp/0955620627/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259507789&sr=8-1

Another pair of Childrens socks

Here is another pair of childrens socks to fit a child age 6-8.  This vintage pattern is available for free.
Made to order £25.00

Cross Bookmark

Use crochet to make structural objects such as this lovely Latin Bridal / Cross bookmark.
Made to order £12.00

1940's Pattern - Socks for Children

I knitted these cute little socks for my almost 2yr old this week using a 1940's pattern. Using 2 needles (yes not the fiddly 4 needle method) it was very quick to make even though I was using very fine yarn (4ply) and size 2mm needles.

The socks are made in 3 sections so if the heel or toe wore out it would be easy to replace without unravelling the whole sock (as would happen in the 4 needle method). During the war years many genius ideas where developed to repair and preserve clothes as materials were scarce. I will be exploring these methods in the coming weeks and months.

My 6 year old also wants a pair but with blue stripes, so I am off to make another pair.
 If you would like to knit a pair (sizes are from 2-8yrs) click here for a free copy of the patern.
Made to order £20.00

Finished Vintage Pattern

I made this poncho from one of my 1960's patterns. This project was a labour of love as it took ages to finish (using the fidily intarsia method). However it was worth the effort, as it feels beautiful to wear and always receives loads of compliments. This pattern is called a BEACH PONCHO but I wear mine in the city. You can buy this pattern in my shop under knitting pattern - poncho's.

Book Review

Jane Wallers book Fashions of the 1940's  is great in showing how the historical factors of the 1940's played a huge role on knitwear design.  The innovative figure hugging and intricate creative stitch designs (which are so synonymous with this period) were developed as a result of wool and dye shortages.
This book however, has been let down by the patterns which have all been redesigned for the "modern user". This has resulting in baggy shapless garments totally at odds with the orginal tight fitting patterns.  Also if you are smaller than a size 12-14 most of these patterns won't fit.
I would recommend vintage lovers to borrow this book from the library for the historic read as the patterns are not authentic enough for making.