Sunday 24 March 2013

Warming Wartime Woollies


My word hasn’t it gone cold again?!  Much of the UK has been blanketed with yet more of the white stuff and here in snowy Suffolk, more than 3 inches fell.  We should be thinking about bright floral frocks for spring but instead, snugly woollies have been the order of the day.  My girls love it though and have certainly made the most of it.

  
During my blogging absence, (where have those 2 weeks gone?) my fingers have been busy.  I’ve being doing a spot felt flower making, a post on that to follow shortly, and I’ve finally managed to finish and sew up the red and black waffle jumper that I was working on. 

Knitted in trusty Stylecraft 4 ply, using black and cardinal, it’s superbly soft and rather pretty, even if it does have a certain “Dennis the Menace” look about it!




For anyone considering giving the waffle jumper a go, I highly recommend it.  It’s a simple pattern to follow so is nicely suited to a beginner, and worked in 2 colours, rather than the 4 suggested, it’s an easy jumper to do.

With the waffle finished, I’ve swiftly moved onto my next commission and am working from another Needlewoman Needlecraft pattern, again from 1943.  This time I’m working with Stylecraft luxury DK in shades ecru and autumn glow. 

I’ve never used the yarn before and I’m not far enough into the pattern to know whether I like it or not.  It’s a 51% wool, 49% premium acrylic mix and it’s not as soft as I expected it to be.  That probably has something to do with the fact that I’m not a great wool fan but it’s knitting up nicely, in terms of shape, and I’m looking forward to seeing the two colours worked together.



On the buying front, I've been doing more than a little pattern shopping.  Due to the chilly weather, I've been reluctant to poke my nose outside the door and have therefore spent more time than usual on eBay.  Good for increasing my pattern collection, not so good on my purse!  I also made my first ever Etsy purchase.  I'd never looked properly at what is on offer on Etsy but was pleasantly surprised at what you can get.

Ebay has plenty of patterns to choose from at the moment but I have been restrained and only bought ones that I really liked and those that didn't go for a small fortune!  

First up, a couple more Stitchcraft magazines, one in very good condition, the other in slightly tatty, sticky tape mended condition.  I also bought my first ever knitted skirt pattern!  Don't misunderstand me, I have no intention of ever knitting a skirt, but it's nice to have it in my collection :o)


Many of the second lot feature one of my most favourite knitting models.  I find it hard to resist such patterns when they come up for sale.


Very much saving the best until last, a much coveted and searched for knitting booklet that I am super duper happy to have added to my collection.  It’s a booklet called Knitting for the RAF.  I’m not going to go into too much detail because the lovely TicketyBoo Tupney has done a fabulous post about it on her blog, you can check it out here. 

My copy of this beautifully illustrated knitting book has “COMPLIMENTARY COPY” stamped on the front in purple ink with W.V.S pencilled on the top right corner.  I find the thought that this booklet was originally in the hands of a W.V.S group rather exciting!  Illustrated by Laurie Tayler, it's a delight to flick through for the images alone.  The pattern book was bought for an unbelievable £2.40 plus postage!  Bargain I think!


My new knitting booklet and my treasured Laurie Tayler wartime postcard.

Right, I'm off.  I already have my evening’s entertainment planned.  I shall be tucking into a rather indulgent slice of homemade Guinness cake before picking up the needles and watching of with the return of Foyles War – thank you ITV – it’s been too long! 

I hope you enjoy your evening too :o)

14 comments:

  1. The waffle jumper is beautiful! Love the red and black colour combo - one of my favourites.

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    1. Thank you Nicole, it has turned out rather nicely. I really like working red and black together too :o)

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  2. Well done you clever thing! I shall start knitting soon. Really. I'll just have to you tube Foyles War!

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    1. Thank you. I recommend knitting, it's great fun but beware, it can become addictive :o) Foyle's War was brilliant, well worth cathing it if you can.

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  3. Lovely jumpers. Mine are coming on a treat too, I will let you see them, but I am not the worlds quickest knitter! But these cold evening I will practice to get quicker. We don't have any snow just the easterly wind so is is freeeeeeezing! You did well on ebay. I went on there two and picked up a few magazines too recently so I shall be busy too!
    Julie xxxxxxx

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    1. Thank you Julie :o) I am looking forward to seeing your jumpers, I always love to see what other people have created and the colours they choose. Ebay has been brilliant for patterns lately, although some are still going for silly money. Would love to see the magazines you have picked up.
      Stay warm xxx :o)

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  4. Love Foyle's War. I keep meaning to treat myself to the boxset of series 1-6. That waffle jumper is lovely. I must knit one for myself, but I need to size up the pattern and I'm a bit scared of doing that!

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    1. I just love Foyle's War, it's well worth the investment :o) The waffle jumper is so easy to knit. If you'd like me to help you size up the pattern, just drop me an email to lucyjyeo@yahoo.co.uk :o)

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  5. I love your style.
    Well done!!!
    Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  6. Lucy

    Hope you don't take this the wrong way, but you are a depraved corrupter and enabler. Not only have you introduced me to Stitchcraft magazine (and inspired me to collect them) but you've enticed me into buying a copy of Knitting For The RAF off ebay! Now, if only I could work out how to find out about the re-enactment days, your work as Corrupter-in-Chief would be complete. :o)

    Love your blog and your style.

    - Pam (a fellow 1930's-1940's vintage knitter)

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    1. Ha :-). No offence taken at all. I'm pleased you have fallen for the Stitchcraft magazines, they are truly wonderful. As to the RAF booklet, cute isn't it?? Re 1940/ events, if you look on http://www.40s-events.co.uk/calendar.php you should find a list of the 1940s events for the coming year. Hope you find some near you x

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