An archive of wonder part two - 1960's-1980's

I talked about my visit to the Knitting and Crochet Guild archive in this post; I explained about the Guild, our day and the items that we saw from the 1920's-1950's. This post picks up where that one left off, from the 1960's-1980's. Yep - bright, highly patterned 1980's knitwear coming up!

This is a 1960's dress which is a brighter pink in real life! It is made from Bri-Nylon. The central back strap meets the two front straps to form a part halter neck. They are held together by a large crochet covered button.

It is just about possible to see in the first picture that the dress has a thicker panel of stitches over the bust area to prevent it being completely see through!

The next series of pictures are of a 1970's wedding dress.

This is an image form the original pattern which was published in June 1970 in Woman's Realm magazine.

The dress is crocheted in 3-ply yarn and is floor length. The dress looks a creamy yellow now but apparently it was originally white.

The bottom panel of the dress is trimmed with velvet ribbon.

It fasteners with these small, sparkly buttons.

This shows some more velvet ribbon trim and the decorative yoke of the dress.

The dress was given to the collection with it's veil - made from a net curtain.

Now we move to the 1980's!

This is a Patricia Roberts design called Harold and Maude. The design features bunches of grapes and cherries and is knitted in mohair. The cardigan was knitted by the donor's mother.

This jumper is also a Patricia Roberts design. It is not knitted in the recommended yarn and the inexperienced maker used two methods of colour work, firstly floats across the back and then intarsia. It was obviously well loved and worn as it has some stains on the neck from sun tan oil!

This beautiful grey tunic is a Jean Moss design who, as a patron of the Guild, donated it. It features lots of knots, bobbles, cables and colour work and is very intricate.

Kaffe Fassett is also a patron of the Guild and he donated this cardigan which is his design - The Three Virgins. It is knitted in cotton and is very vibrant and incredibly detailed. It fastens up the front with clasps.

That brings us to the end of the large selection of knitted and crocheted item that we saw to begin with. I think there might well be a part three to this as there are some tools, gadgets and some interesting household pieces yet to be covered!