Thursday 26 April 2012

More wonderful wartime woollies!


Well the weather has been somewhat rotten here in Suffolk and it's certainly the right weather for woollies.  I can’t remember when I last managed to dry washing on the line. 

On the plus side, because it’s not been park weather, we’ve spent more time than normal snuggled up in the house which has given me the opportunity to sew up and finish some of the jumper pieces that have festered in a bin bag for far too long!

First up is this one from a 1941 pattern. 



It’s been knitted in Stylecraft DK pale rose.  The bakelite buckle is for decoration only and the buckle flap thingy (I’m sure you know what I mean) is secured with poppers.  The buttons are modern, tut tut, I know, but they were the best I could find.  Getting buttons to match the vintage buckle was tricky but, after weeks of carrying the buckle around in a handbag, the lovely deco style buttons were found in a local craft shop for just 10p each!  So wish I’d bought more at the time!!

Second is another variation of the waffle jumper that has proved to be very popular.  Again, from a 1940’s wartime pattern, this time it was knitted in Stylecraft 4 ply cobalt, denim, midnight and silver.


Next is this one. 


I haven’t fitted it on the dummy very well which has made the diamond design look wonky!  I promise, it isn’t :o)  It’s been knitted in Stylecraft 4 ply cascade.

The bin bag is almost empty, just 4 more to go!  It has seemed like a never ending task but the pieces get put to one side because I'm always eager to move onto the next pattern - maybe it will teach me to sew them up as and when they are finished.........or maybe not ;o)   

A final one, and my favourite, is this one.



This was a commission from the lovely Bryony and will be heading to it’s new home with this jumper.  It was knitted in a beautiful Rowan yarn called folly green, so pretty and the photograph really doesn’t seem to show the colour off properly – I blame the sunless Suffolk skies we’re having!!  It needs buttons but that, so far, has proved an impossible task so Bryony will be doing the honours when she receives it.

The original pattern didn’t have any rib so, at Bryony’s request, I made a few adaptations.  When you compare it to the first one I knitted, as per the original pattern, I think it actually looks better with the rib.  What do you think??


These jumpers will be accompanying me to the 1940’s event being held at Bassingbourn Airfield in a couple of weeks time.


Hope the weather dries up before then because we're camping – pitching a tent in the rain is not a pleasant task!!

14 comments:

  1. I definitely agree- the rib really sets that pattern off a lot better!

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    1. Hi Rachel, I agree, it looks so much better with the rib :o)

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  2. Your jumpers are gorgeous.
    I have a "new" knitted vintage frock for my granddaughter over on my blog
    Julie xxxxxxx

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    1. Just took a look at the dress - it's so pretty. I love the colour you chose :o)

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  3. Oh, they are so lovely. I love the first and the fourth one!

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  4. I love them :)

    Hasn't it been just delightful here in Suffolk this past week or so - I've given up watching the weather forecast - its just too depressing.

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    1. Oh yes, it's not the weather for venturing far! Here's hoping it picks up before the weekend! :o)

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  5. ooo, the first two are on my to knit list- May I ask, just so I know for when I get around to knitting it myself, if you used the style craft DK (a wonder wool in my opinion!) to make the garment larger or because it was the right thickness for the tension? Seeing your lovely knitteds makes me want to start new patterns- I have one and a half sleeves left till I have finished my cardigan- then I'll be allowed to start anew!
    Tupney x

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    1. Hi Tupney :o)
      With the pink one, the tension with the Stylecraft DK was only slightly bigger - but I knit incredibly tightly, too tightly for my poor fingers! I love Stylecraft because it's not itchy and doesn't "fuzz"! Re the waffle, it's such an easy pattern - looking forward to seeing what colours you choose :o)
      Lucy x

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  6. I just love them all! I do like the version with ribbing better than the one without, I think there's something about having that round the waist that I really like. Although I hate knitting 1x1 rib, it's worth it in the end. ;)

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  7. Oh I love the waffle jumper so much! your very talented. I am getting ready for the Haworth 1940's weekend in May ....got my dress and seamed stockings ready!
    xxx

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  8. Oh thanks Lucy for that- I'm a fairly tight knitter too so I will fish out some of my SC DK oddments and have a go. As for the colour scheme for the other, well, I haven't allowed myself to go wool shopping yet! I have to be careful as I have inherited the trait from my great grandma of not being able to resist wool - tis dangerous!
    tupney x

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  9. Love the pink sweater - such a beautiful shade!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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