By Request - Classic Sweater Set from 'Sweaters are Fashion News', c.1955

Today's free vintage knitting pattern is a request from the lovely Ambra - and I finally found it after digging through a dozen boxes last night!

Who couldnt love a classic 1950's twin-set, plus it comes in chest sizes 22 inch to 44 inch!

Hope you enjoy!

Teardrop Angora Beret, c. 1950s

I love the way 1950s knitting patterns are styled - everyone looks like a high-fashion model, and you can too if you just knit this jumper/cardigan/dress/beret.

This some-what bizarre beret pattern is from Woman's Illustrated Gift Booklet No. 2 (Autumn Knitting), and would only need 2 balls of Patons Fuzzy Wuzzy Angora - thats about 30 grams of a fingering weight angora.

What a cheap yet luxurious present for someone - its nearly time to start Christmas knitting...

Guest posting at Andi B. Goode

Hi guys,

The lovely Andi asked me to guest post over at her blog, and its finally up!

I've posted about easy vintage hair-dos with scarves (perfect for travelling), and here's some sneak peeks of the photos.

How to tie the Rosie the Rivetor Head Scarf

Andi (another Aussie vintage/fashion blogger, from Adelaide) is featuring quite a few guest posts about vintage and travelling, so be sure to check her blog.
xxx

Love Vintage Fair Sydney Spring 2012

Want a blog post full of pretty pictures of the Love Vintage Fair?

Sorry to disappoint (again) but the lighting was terrible!
I took so many photos (including some with Jen from Barnhouse - hello and thanks for the free tickets!) and they all came out dingy and dark.

I only just remembered to get Jakk to snap some photos of my outfit when we got home - so please excuse the messy hair from trying on hats.































The dress is a woolen 'Cirilo', that I nabbed in Chicago back in April for $50. I've been waiting on a cold enough occasion to wear it as its pretty warm.

Normally I find most late 40s dresses too tight to wear across my hips (pear shaped), but the contrast taffeta pleat gives an extra inch or two which is perfect. The top rever also folds up and fastens with the diamante brooch.


Monty wants his photo taken too!



I feel like I didn't buy much this time, but my wallet would beg to differ.

From the left - a Mid Century wall shelf for Jakk (for the lounge room), pink crystal clutch with diamante trim, a 1940's quilted bed jacket and an Art-Deco novelty glass necklace.

I went through the whole Fair searching for a 1940's silk or rayon dressing gown with no luck. When I found the bed jacket I knew it had to come home with me instead.

I love the Love Vintage Fairs, as you can spend hours admiring punter's outfits or chatting with people you only see once every 6 months.

Did anyone else go? And did you buy anything fabulous?

Book Review: Knit Vintage

"Knit Vintage - more than 20 patterns from starlet sweaters & other knitwear from the 1930s, 1940s & 1950s"
by Madeline Weston and Rita Taylor

 I pre-ordered this book on a whim (looking for vintage knitting books on Book Depository), even though I couldn't find any reviews or photographs online.

And it was a pleasant suprise when it arrived in the mail yesterday!
The designs are a mix of vintage-inpsired styles, and re-sized vintage designs from the late 1930s to the mid 1950s.

Marlene Lacy Sweater with Collar - on the 'Must Knit' list!

I think this book would be great for knitters who are just getting interested in knitting vintage designs, as the patterns range in complexity from very easy to intermediate lace knitting. Nothing too tricky I think.

So if you're intimidated by A Stitch in Time or actual vintage patterns this could be the book to help you get your confidence up.

I can't wait to share some photos of my favourites with you!

Hedy Tyrolean-Pattern Cardigan

I love the simplicity of this fair-isle cardigan, with a moss stitch yoke across the shoulders

Wallis Pleated Cardigan

This design is really similar to what Wallis Simpson wore to marry the Duke of Windsor in 1937, and its very unusual. I dont think it was photographed very well in the book, and i'm tempted to knit it up just to confirm my belief that it would be flattering on a bigger busted person.

Clara Bow-Panel Sweater

What can I say about this jumper - its pure perfection! The colour, the fit, its a perfect 1940's style.

Grace Lacy Puff-Sleve Sweater

Again, I don't think this design was photographed as well as it could be. The shoulders look very floppy on the model, but there's a small picture of the original 1940's pattern that shows the sleeves are meant to be more fitted. I'd probably investigate that if I was going to knit this one.

Kim Fair Isle Beret

I love the colour combination they've used, its lovely.

Marilyn Magyar Top

This design is meant to be reminiscent of the late 1950s - and it looks really easy too.

Vivien Fair-Isle Style Sweater

Not sure about the yarn choice (alpaca) but the colours are nice.

Kate Lace-Panel Blouse

A vintage-inspired jumper, and I like the solid ribbed panel at the waist - very flattering.

***********

The book contains 24 patterns in all, ranging from jumpers and pullovers, twin-sets, a blouse and skirt combination, and a few accessories like stockings and hand warmers.

While the range of sizes isn't fabulous (most designs have three sizes at most), I am glad they've stuck to the vintage feel and used 4-ply fingering weight for most of the patterns. I'm not so keen on the vintage-inspired patterns, but I think the re-sized originals are quite nice (maybe we've just been spoilt by Susan Crawford and Jane Waller?).

Who this book is good for: novice/intermediate knitters, knitters who want to get a taste of vintage or vintage style.
Who this book probably isnt the best for: knitters who want to knit 100% period-accurate reproductions, anyone with a bust size over 40-42 inches.

Has anyone else seen this book? And what did you think?

A Bolero Bedjacket is Very Charming, c. late 1940s

There's just something irresistable about this bolero.

Maybe it's the colour?
Maybe its the ribbon?
It says 'gay' in the pattern?

I don't know, I only know that I really want to knit it!

I would think it would fit a 34-36 inch bust nicely, using 2.75mm and 3mm needles.