Top Ten 1940's twinsets

Last week I got an opportunity to buy some 1930's, 1940's and 1950's Stitchcraft, Needlewoman and Needlework, and Needlework Illustrated magazines. I haven't finished looking through them all yet but already I have seen many amazing pieces of knitwear. I love a vintage woollie! I am considering making a twinset for myself so I was paying particular attention to those patterns in my initial flick through. I thought it might be fun to compile a Top Ten of 1940's twinsets. It is by no means comprehensive, it is just out of my latest batch of magazines.

So, in no particular order:

From 1949.

Just look at that lovely decorative pattern. I really like the way it is repeated just along the edge and the cuffs of the cardigan.

If you think it looks good in black and white - take a look at this:

Yes please!

From 1948.

I like the way the cardigan buttons up to the top which means that the lovely pattern on the jumper is a surprise until the cardigan is undone. I like the use of two tone too. Apparently this could have been knitted for seven coupons.

From 1940.

This twinset is entitled 'for the coldest months'. It looks so cosy and warm. The stitch pattern is very pretty and the model is so glamorous. I have hair envy!

It is good to see this one in colour on the front cover. I like his casual Western style.

Isn't it pretty how the stripes peep out at the neck?! Also, the cardigan looks quite plain on the front cover but here you can see that it has a pattern and has a band of ribbing at the waist for shaping. I really like it.

It would be fun knitting all those stripes.

From 1945.

It is just possible to make out that the rib on the jumper follows a kind of sweetheart neckline which is a fabulous little detail. I do like a nice ribbed cardigan. This is entitled 'a well fitting twinset' and I would agree!

From 1949.

This uses a gorgeous honeycomb stitch pattern and I really like the look of the little collar as it pokes out over the edge of the V neck.

This is the amazing bow covered jumper of the twinset.

This is it paired with a lovely green cardigan. I feel very sorry for the model as the garment's title is 'a twinset for a plump youngster'! How offencive is that?! So I had a look to see what size this monstrous plump youngster would be. Guess what? A 36 inch chest! Yes really. So I am plumper than the plump youngster which is good to know!

From 1940.

This one has such an interesting stitch pattern, ribs and squares and bobbles. I think the light jumper, dark cardigan pairing works very well.

From 1940.

I adore this one. Deep rib at the waist and neck, puffed sleeves and a fantastic pretty stitch. It is just glorious.

Apparently this is the 'latest thing in twinsets'. 'Make yourself this delightful bolero, then knit a jumper to match. An easy rib and two strands of wool make short work of the jumper, and crochet trimmings in the colours used for the bolero add the finishing touch.Worn by itself the bolero would be delightful over summer dresses; worked in the colour scheme shown if you are dark, and in pastels if you are fair.

The bolero is made from woollen material.

This shows the lovely details on the jumper.

So many good ones to choose from. If a wardrobe full of 1940's twinsets opened up in front of you now which one would you pick?