Free Pattern - 1940's A Charming Stitch Jumper

This knitwear model has an amazing hair do! And those eyebrows! I think this is such pretty jumper, perfect for under your suit for spring. It is knit in a lacy rib and has a moss stitch yoke and has typical 1940's strong shoulders. It is finished with a set of crochet buttons. The pattern is for a 32-34" bust. Remember to check your tension before you start!

I like finding a pattern with the stamp of the wool shop that sold it. This one was sold at The Readicut Wool Co Ltd, Briggate, Leeds. I managed to find a picture of it here. If you know Leeds the wool shop was where Harvey Nichols is now. Readicut was founded in 1928 in Wakefield. They supplied pre-cut wool for rug making. Prior to this crafters had to cut the wool themselves from skeins. I have some vintage rug patterns somewhere, it was a very popular activity. I will have to dig the patterns out.

So here is another pattern to add to my ever growing list!

Photographs from the past

I always enjoy a good rummage in dusty old boxes in junk/antique shops to see what I can unearth. I had a good look a few weeks ago in my local antique shop and I found these beauties. I spent quite some time deciding which to have. I couldn't afford to buy them all and I do find abandoned photos touching. I don't like to think that no one cares about the people photographed any longer and I always think that I need to rescue them. That is coupled with the fact that I love seeing fashions worn by real people in the past. So here are the choices I made:

Edith Dolan 1940's

One fantastic thing about these photos is that most of them had names written on the back and I do like to be able to put a name to a face. Many of them also had date stamps which is so very useful, especially for the starts and ends of decades where the fashions of one are merging into the new fashions the next and clothes alone aren't always enough to go on.

Isn't she just perfect?! Amazing hair, the arches on her eyebrows, glimmering pearl studs, puff sleeved jumper. I think the jumper is a hand knit and it looks to have dark thin stripes knitted in from the bust down. I think I have a similar pattern. I would love to know more about her.

Winnie Gibson and Douglas 1940's

Winnie's hat stopped me in my tracks and she went into the 'must keep' pile straight away. It is pretty amazing and so very big! Her dress is worth a good look too with those big round buttons on the shoulders and the diagonal stripes that cross at the bust. I wish I could see the rest of it. Douglas looks rather jolly and very smart in his uniform. I hope they came through the war unscathed and were happy together.

Ethel Booth 1920's

Ethel Booth 1920's

I couldn't leave Ethel behind for two reasons. One is that I found two photos of her and I wanted to keep them together. The other is her gorgeous 1920's day wear. I particularly like the first dress, the second is very pretty but a bit floaty for me. The first however, is one that I can imagine wearing. It appears to be a leaf print with a central white bib in the front and a long, pointed collar. Lovely shoes too.

I think Ethel is older in the second photo. Her face has slightly changed shape, her eyes are more defined like she may have some make up on and she has waved her hair. Her floral print dress has pointy, plain cuffs and collar. The floral fabric appears to be see through with a slip underneath, I think the slip is lace trimmed. Great shoes again. I can't quite see what she is holding but I think it is a beaded purse and so that is what it shall be.

Elsie Godard 26th October 1930

Bob and Elsie Godard 6th April 1931

I think Elsie Godard is such a glamorous beauty and I was so pleased to find two photos of her. I just love the top one; the casually knotted pearls, the big fur collar, the sparkle from the ring, the waved hair and that beret. It looks to be tweed, possibly with a bow at the back. I want it.

It is a bonus to get to see whole of her coat in the second photo; I'm sure it is the same one. I would like to know why they are in their outdoor clothes. Are they pretending that they lived in or visited the thatched cottage on the painted backdrop? Elsie looks more set for town than country to me though. Elsie still has her pearls on and I'm wondering if that is a dress clip on her cloche? Her shoes are marvellous too, with white edged bow shaped cut outs on the front.

Bob appears to be in a rather nice three piece wool suit, I can just about see his waistcoat. I like his big turn ups on his trousers. Nice tartan scarf too. I would like to know more about them.

Hilda and I 1920's

On the back of this photo it looks like the writer (I), on the left,  has written that they were 15 and a half and that Hilda is 17. I found out who was who as the next few photos are clearly labelled as Hilda. I think from their positioning that this is Hilda with her sister and I will come back to this in a couple of photos time.

I do like these dresses. You can clearly see the dropped waist of the one on the left, it is marked by several rows of small pleats. From the waist down the skirt are decorations which look rather like rosebuds. These appear to go all the way around the skirt. Hilda's dress has printed flowers and leaves which seem to reach just above waist level. There is a lace insert in the V neck. They both have lovely pearl necklaces and Hilda is spotting some very pretty, glittery star slides in her hair.

Hilda Price 11th April 1931

I would like to know what Hilda is thinking here; she has an interesting expression. I like her smartly belted coat with the big buckle and the thick fur collar with the corsage pinned on. I think her hat is woven fabric though it is hard to tell.

Florrie and Hilda Price 1930's

This was taken on 1st November but I can't read the year of the date stamp sadly. I think it is safe to assume that they are sisters. I am certain that Florrie is the I in the first photo with Hilda.  I have studied them a lot to make the connections. I like the matching huge bead necklaces and the carefully set hair. Hilda could well be wearing the same coat as in the previous photo.

Hilda 7th My 1939

Another interesting expression. What were you pondering Hilda? This photo really has something about it. Here she is a few years older, still liking a big pearl like necklace and a fur collared coat and a star shaped hair clip.

Hilda and hubby 1930's

I loved finding this and realising that I had photos of Hilda from her teenage years to her wedding. The back of the photo just said hubby, so sadly we don't know his name. I'm surprised that the writer didn't say having been so good at writing the names in the first place.

It is a perfect vintage wedding photo. Floor length veil, gigantic bouquet, beautiful full length, long sleeved dress and the groom is carrying his white gloves. I hope they were very happy.

Hilda Price and hubby

I nearly left this one when I first found it as it isn't my kind of thing and as I said I couldn't buy them all. But then I realised it was Hilda and it kind of finished her story off for me. I want this to be a honeymoon memento and I really think it could be. It was taken in a studio that has two branches, one in London and one in Blackpool. I'm so sure that Blackpool is where this was taken, it just feels right!

I think that these photos all came from one person's collection. I wish we knew the links between them all.

Top Ten his and hers knits

Last night at midnight you would have found me rummaging through my pattern collection as an idea for a post had struck at a most inconvenient moment and I had to act on it right then to find out if it was going to work out. This led me to finding the relevant patterns in my collection and then setting up a temporary photo studio in the bathroom as it had the best light I could find at night! I knew I couldn't go to sleep until I had it all sorted out so I just cracked on with it!

For some reason, the idea of matching set knits, often known as his and her knits (though they could also be his and his or hers and hers) appeared in my head as quite a vintage thing. Especially a vintage outdoor activity thing. I was sure I had quite a few his and her matching knits and it got me wondering as to why the whole matching clothes thing was a thing? How did that come about? Did people actually knit and wear the matching sets? Would you? Do you have matching outdoors wear jumpers? Is it still a thing? I would say not, except for in an ironic way, or for a specific event but what made the change? I don't know the answers to this but if anyone does do share.

Let me present the Top Ten his and her knits in my pattern collection. My choices were made purely on liking the patterns and feeling that if I were to be in a matching knit mood any one of these could make it onto my needles.

If I was knitting this I would make the one the man is wearing for me. I like the chunkiness of the knit and the shawl collar design, as well as the motifs.

I do like a yoked jumper and I am yet to make one so these have definite appeal. I like the roll neck too.

If I was going to perch a heavy old typewriter on my knee and sit on an uncomfortable stool this is the jumper I would like to do it in. A lovely look for vintage casual inspiration.

I love this one, this is what I want to look like whilst walking my dog. The matching hat is an added bonus.

My other outdoor outfit of choice would feature this lumber jacket. I like the raglan sleeve and the cable detail surrounding the zip.

You can't beat a traditional Aran cardigan. I like the fit of this one, the longer length for casual cosiness and of course, the pockets.

I prefer his button up version to her zip up one and I like the contrast of the plain body with the ribbed sleeves. Please take a minute to notice that massive saw. This one ticks both the his and hers and the worrying props categories of my pattern collection.

This 1940's knit is very similar in style to the 1950's one above except for the shawl collar and the tighter, shorter fit. This one is a double pattern category entry (men smoking) too as the man has a pipe.

Not only do they have matching jumpers they have matching hats. Fabulous yokes and the pattern continue round above the cuffs and the bottom of the jumper. All good.

Karaoke and motif knitwear? Go on then. I like both designs.

Which would you choose?

2017 knitting wish list - 1930's-1950's

I have recently been looking through my knitting pattern collection, (one of my favourite pastimes!), and I have come up with a wish list of makes for this year.

It is very much a wish list, not a plan or a schedule, for several reasons. Given that it is already the end of January it is highly unlikely that I could make all 12 garments this year, even if I knitted like the wind and didn't knit anything for anyone else, commissions, presents etc. Secondly, whilst my neck and shoulder have improved and keep on doing so I still can't knit as much as I would like to do. Sadly. I want to do all the knitting!! All the time! Finally, I know a plan would make me feel under pressure, which my head wouldn't deal with at all well and I would feel like a failure if I didn't do everything. So for me, that is best avoided and instead I will go to these patterns first when I want to start a new project and hopefully complete at least a couple of them this year.

Let's look at the patterns!

I love this twinset. Love her make up too. In fact I'm hoping that her look will transfer itself to me if I knit the garments. It is hard to see but the heart panels cover the front of the jumper too. I don't know if I would make both items to wear together as I'm not sure it is ever really cold enough here for that but I can see both working well in my wardrobe and a twinset has been a long held wish of mine.

The pattern states 'Collar - NEW; Buttoning - New; Back - NEW' making it very clear that this was a really up to the minute make. I do indeed like the collar and the button positioning and the back has a kind of vent in it which looks good and would be interesting to knit. I do have the yarn lined up for this one, it was a Christmas present and is two shades of Fyberspates Scrumptious 4ply in a rich deep purple and dark grey. This is quite near the top of the making list.

This is such a lovely image and I'm impressed that she looks so glamorous when she is poorly enough to be in bed and need a house call from the doctor. I do like a bed jacket pattern and I would really like to make one. Whilst I am not adverse to wearing a bed jacket to lounge about at home and for reading in bed I would also be totally happy to wear this one out and about over a summer frock. It seems a shame to restrict the wear of good knitwear!

Apparently this jumper can be knitted in 12 hours. I'm not sure I believe that. I knit at a reasonable speed but I think you would have to be properly speedy to achieve that. However, I am intrigued to know how long it would take me and it is a neat little jumper so maybe I will give it a go.

I really want a sleeveless pullover and have many pullover patterns that I really like. I'm not sure why I want one so much as I never wear blouses but I'm sure other tops would work just as well. Hopefully. I have the yarn for this one too, it is Fyberspates again, in gold and slate (hello grellow!)  and I bought it at Yarndale last September.

This 1930's pattern was a surprise find, it was tucked inside some other patterns I bought and I didn't know it was there until I got it home. Many knitters seem to dislike knitting rib but I actually really, really like it, I find it ever so soothing to my head to do so a whole jumper in rib is very much a 'good thing' in my book. Plus, I like the collar and the fit so this is definitely a winner.

It is a bit wrinkled and folded but I really like this pattern cover, as well as really liking the jacket. I like the interesting buckled fastening and waist detail and the shawl collar patterning which is repeated on the cuffs. I think it is super stylish and it looks great over a full skirt as we can see.

I have been hankering after a Tyrolean style cardigan for some time and this is one of the loveliest patterns in that style that I have found. There are plenty to choose from as this style was very popular for a period. This cardigan has the pattern panel repeated up the centre back too which is a really pretty touch. It would take a lot of knitting and embroidering but it would definitely be worth it.

This just amazes me and ticks so many boxes - the v shaped deep rib, the stripes, the v neck, the dolman sleeves. It is gorgeous. It is also knitted in 2 ply which is super fine so in knitting maths fine wool plus thin needles equals a long time until your jumper is ready to wear. But, I love it. So it is a definitely maybe project.

Here is another speed knit. Again I'm not convinced. But I am intrigued and I like it lots and it would work well in my wardrobe and if it did only take 5 hours I could have one in every colour so, actually, yep, better give it a go.

This is a 'Lady's Lumberjacket' and it is a beauty. The fit is great, those sleeves and that big ribbed welt. I like the colour work and the collar. I have yet to knit anything that needs a zip sewing into it so that would be a new skill to learn. Plus who doesn't want to be a lumberjack when they look this glamorous? Perfect red nail varnish and tree chopping?! No problem. In the interests of full disclosure I have helped to chop down some trees and have swung an axe before. I did not do it in wonderful knitwear, with coiffured hair or in nail varnish. I feel I maybe need to up my game.

It is hard to see the details of this 'smart sweater' from 1954. The bottom black half is all knitted in rib (yay) with this fabulous colour work top half. The original is done in monochrome which I like and I also think it could look very pretty in other colour combinations. Choices!

So, will I make any of them this year? All of them? None of them? Who knows? I will report back and in the meantime I will be leaving the patterns, needles and yarn lying about in case any Elves and the Shoemaker type situations should occur.

A sneak peek and a free pattern!

Ta Da!

This is the first glimpse of the swimming costume that I am knitting for the Swimsuit Knitalong. I am using the suggested colours from the original pattern and I like the look of it so far. I am making this:

This is from the July 1945 Stitchcraft and is a top and bathing trunks. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

I thought that it would be fitting to finish my journey through vintage knitted swimwear, see here, here and here, with a free pattern incase anyone else has an urge to knit along.

This is the front cover of the magazine that I have taken the pattern from, The Needlewoman July 1938.

This is the pattern, I featured it in my 1930's swimwear round up. It is a plain, well fitting swimsuit with trunk legs that also come with a cute detachable skirt. I nearly decided to knit this one, it was beaten by the one I have chosen as I wanted to knit in two colours.

Here is the pattern.

Do let me see the result if you knit one!

Knitted trunks are best - 1940's & 1950's knitted swimwear

I did a tour of my 1930's swimwear patterns in my last post and I'm finishing up my pattern tour today by travelling through the 1940's and 1950's.

July 1945. 'Bathing trunks and top'. A two colour halter neck top and bathing trunks with a solid colour trim. The top cleverly buttons onto the trunks.

July 1946.  'There's still time'. An all in one swimsuit with a contrast trim around the legs and neck. This is a super stylish yet plain option.

July 1946. A two colour swimsuit and bolero for an 8 year old. These were often referred to as sun suits and seemed to be very popular as I have quite a few patterns for them. They always consist of a swimsuit or trunks with a cardigan or bolero to match.

May/June 1947.

'Sunbathe or swim'. A brassiere top and briefs with contrast colour rope details and straps. Very nautical!

'Swimsuit with a tailored look'. A colour work swimsuit with a fitted mid panel and contrast trim. I wish the picture was in colour.

April 1948. 'Knit for your holidays'. Trunks and a bra top with a zig zag centre panel and twisted rope details and straps. Love that contrast panel.

April 1948. A child's colour work sun suit with a swimsuit and cardigan.

May/June 1948. 'Going to the sea'. A firm halter neck swimsuit in a three colour stitch. I think this one is lovely though I'm not convinced that those straps are up to much.

May/June 1948. Striped trunks with a contrast waist and leg trim.

June 1949. 'Going swimming'. A halter neck, blue and white diagonal stripe swimsuit. This one is very glamorous.

May 1950. 'Beachwear for the family'. Women's trunks and halter neck top. I think this is lovely, again, simple and stylish.

Men's trunks with a contrast trim.

Child's sun suits. Gorgeous picture knits featuring anchors, boats, ducks and fish set within a wave pattern.

June 1950. 'Your swim set'. A top and trunks in a lovely blue and white diamond pattern. This is just fabulous!

June 1951. 'Knitted trunks are best'. Men's trunks, plain colour with a contrast belt.

I couldn't find any more knitted swimsuits for adults past this date in my pattern collection. I am assuming that this coincides with the development and wider availability of manmade fabrics and their use in swimwear. I think these lovely woolly numbers have a distinct style and glamour!