Free Knitting Pattern - 1940's Cardigan in a Large Size - Stitchcraft 1943

Final pattern today, this time for a cardigan.  This one is from 1943, printed in the October edition of Stitchcraft. 

 

Perfect for 4 ply, this one is for a size 42"-44" bust! 

 

Click HERE for the pattern.

 

Free Knitting Pattern - 1940's Coat - Needlework Illustrated

A lovely lady asked whether I'd put this pattern on the blog, so here it is. 

The cover jumper from Needlework Illustrated issue number 164, from 1941.  The pattern gives two size options; one for a 33-34" bust, the other for a 35-36" bust.  This one is worked in cotton, and if you do knit it, I'd love to see how it turns out.

Click HERE for the pattern.

Spreading the Love – Free 1940’s Knitting Patterns!

So February is upon us.  The month where tradition dictates that we show our loved one how much he/she means to us. 

After nearly 13 years together, Mr Y and I don’t go in for all the hearts and flowers.  Back in the early years of our marriage we would celebrate, but now, come February 14^th, we will most likely be found snuggled on the sofa, tucking into a curry and watching a DVD – bliss!!  We know how to live it up!!! ;o) 

Anyway, getting into the spirit of the month, and as a thank you to all you lovelies for reading my blog, I thought I’d share some knitting love, coming to you in the form of free vintage knitting patterns! 

Every day, from now until February 28^th, I’ll be uploading a free printable knitting pattern, dating from the 1930’s to the 1950’s.  I’ll try to include a range of styles and sizes, making sure that there is something to suit all knitters, from the beginner to the most experienced among you. 

I have stored the patterns in Google Drive, so to be able to access them, I think you have to have a Google account.  If you get any problems, please just send me an email :o)

So, first up is the pattern I used for my Knit For Victory pullover. 

I received such a great response to my version of the pullover, that I thought some of you might like to give it a go. 

As far as Fair Isle pullovers go, this is one of the simpler ones.  Because you only work in two colours at once, it’s a good introduction to Fair Isle.  As with all colour work, you need to take care as you go, but this has a relatively simple pattern repeat and knitted up quite quickly. 

Click HERE for the pattern.

1940's Fabulous Felt Flowers!

Warning!  This is yet another post dedicated almost entirely to those pretty little petals of felt that make me giddy just thinking about them! :o)

I have been desperate to write this post and have been willing my hands to snip and stitch faster and wishing that boring things like cleaning and ironing didn’t get in the way!!  You see, I have bought a rather wonderful new pattern booklet.  Just take a look!

Doesn’t look much, right? But trust me when I say that it really, really, really is!!  This pattern, this coveted and much sought after pattern, was featured in one of my Needlework Illustrated magazines.  I had been trying to track it down for a long time but had never found it; until now!!!

At the Rufford 1940’s event, I was talking to a fellow trader, (the reader of my blog that I mentioned in my last post) and we were discussing felt flower patterns.  It turned out that her husband had an Etsy shop and for sale in said shop, along with an amazing collection of patterns, was the very Dryad leaflet!!  Small world, don’t you think??

Anyway, I bought the PDF pattern and as soon as it arrived, I set to work!  It’s a slow process though as the corsages are very time consuming and, let’s be realistic, home life doesn’t just stop because I have a new pattern!

There are 12 patterns in the booklet but they aren’t all to my taste so I started on those that appealed the most.

First up, a neat little bunch of “gay golden marigolds”, all in autumnal shades which, given the change in the weather, is rather fitting.

Next we have a rather large pair of chrysanthemums.  The original pattern called for all white flowers and middles, but the white felt wasn’t holding its shape very well so I used some original 1940’s felt instead.  This one is destined to adorn my winter coat!

A favourite of mine is the rather spring like bunch of little daisies.  These were tricky little blighters to do as there are 10 in the bunch and it was hard to show each one off.  It was also hard to find 5 colours that went well together and I certainly wasn’t convinced by the original suggestion of scarlet, golden yellow, primrose, royal blue and white!

The poppies are, quite simply, divine.  They were a joy to make and have already proved popular.

Next, some more red flowers, this time in the form of some larger daisies.  I stuck to the pattern this time and used the colours they suggested.

The penultimate bunch is a rather neat little trio of rosebuds. 

And finally, my absolute favourite, if somewhat large, the amazing bunch of anemones! 

And if you haven’t had enough already, here is one last snap, all 7 pretty posies clustered together!

Aren’t they pretty?!  Unlike so many of the corsage patterns from the 1940’s, the instructions in the Dryad leaflet are actually clear, and the pattern pieces neatly worked out and easy, if rather time consuming, to assemble. 

If any of you crafting lovelies want to give these felt fancies a go, you will find the leaflet here, on LittleJohn2003's Etsy shop.  The service they provide is A1!!  The pattern has been digitally enhanced and is as clean and crisp as the day it was made.  Great time and effort has been put in by the seller to ensure that the pattern is in tip top condition and I received my pattern within an hour of placing the order (if you are overseas, please allow additional time due to time zone differences). 

If you don’t craft, but would still like to own such a pretty piece, then please head over to my Etsy shop, here, where you can place an order :o)

Third Time Lucky - 1940's Jumper Without a Mistake!!

I hope this post finds you well.  I’m so pleased it’s almost the weekend, and a bank holiday weekend no less!!

Today’s post is all about the knitting!! 

If you saw my previous posts about the two most recent jumpers that hadn’t gone entirely to plan, then I’m sure you’ll understand why I’d somewhat lost my enthusiasm for knitting. 

After my previous failures, I was uninspired by the knitting patterns in my own collection and decided I needed something new.  Turning to Etsy, as you do, I stumbled across Bex’s rather fine collection of PDF patterns. 

There are some beautiful patterns in Bex’s Etsy shop but in the end, I went for a simple jumper which was predominantly stocking stitch, but that had the iconic 1940’s style.

 

I’m trying to be sensible and use up some of the 20+ Kgs of wool that is threatening to break out of the various suitcases under my bed.  Although I would have loved to have gone shopping for some pretty wool for the new woolly, I instead went to my stash and picked out some Stylecraft 4 ply in cardinal, which is a lovely rich red.

The jumper was easy to knit and came along quite quickly.  The loop detail across the front was really simple and the instructions were nice a clear, which isn’t always the case with vintage patterns.  I made an alteration to the pattern which was to change the ties across the front from knitted ties to satin ribbon.  There was no collar, just a row of double crochet, the only kind of crochet I can manage, round the neckline.  Simple black buttons and a snapper closed the back and voila, the jumper was done!

I did a happy dance when I slipped it onto Doris, for a photo shoot in the sunny garden, and found that is was all as it was meant to be!  No mistakes this time!

The jumper was sewn up just in time to be taken along to the 1940’s weekend at Ramsey and I’m pleased to say it found a new home.  Ramsey was brilliant this year, lots of displays and stalls.  I have added some pictures to my Facebook page which you can see here :o)

Back to the knitting!  I find knitting a real pleasure; you’ve probably already guessed that by the number of posts about my woollies that you’ll find on this old blog.  However, recently, I’ve found that knitting for other people puts me under great pressure.  In my very busy little life, homeschooling my little ladies etc, etc, etc, something’s gotta give and after great thought, I have decided to stop offering commission pieces.  I’ll still be knitting, of course I will, just try and stop me, and my jumpers will still be offered for sale either at the various events and fairs I go to or on my Facebook page, but the pressure will be off and a weight lifted :o) 

All the Fun of the Fair

Yesterday I thought I'd successfully published this post but it turns out it went out with no content, only a title, so I'm back to try again :o)

- x -

I hope this post finds you well and you have been out enjoying some glorious weather.  I have to say that I’m pleased the temperature has dropped a little here.  32c at 7pm is not comfortable for winter loving me :o)

Things have been madly busy here with sewing and stitching and long days spent out and about enjoying the best of the British countryside.  My corsages are now being sold in a little shop so every spare waking hour is spent replenishing stock! :o)  Exciting stuff!

 

We are almost half way through the summer holidays now.  Mr Y is home which is wonderful, but with someone else under foot, productivity is very much below normal on the knitting front but we did pull our stock together for a rather fantabulous fair! 

Sunday saw us hauling our wares across the border and into Norfolk for the Little Vintage Lover Fair, Heydon.

 

We love this event and it is, by far, our favourite fair of the year.  Stalls are set up in and around a WW1 hut which is set in a privately owned rural village, what could be better?!

The weather was glorious and the sun kindly shone throughout the entire day.  The fair was really busy with lots of customers stopping by to add a piece of forties finery to their wardrobes.

 

I didn’t take very many photographs, too busy gabbing I suppose, but I did manage to get a few of our stall.

 

 

 

And someone else got some cracking ones of the event which you can see here.

“Doris” did a sterling job modelling a little hand knitted 1940’s style tank top covered in my felt anemone corsages.  They were a hit and I only brought 4 home with me.  Better get stitching I suppose :o) 

 
There were lots of stalls selling tempting wares, Dead Mens Spex, Worn Out Shop and Wake Up Little Susie, to name a few, but favourite stall at the Little Vintage Lover Fairs is that of a lady called Diane who always has the most amazing 1930’s and 1940’s knitting patterns and magazines.  I only bought 2 this time, both for young girls, but at the fair at Greshams in July, I picked up quite a few more.  I can’t wait to get the needles clicking!

Over a number of weeks of knitting a little bit here and a little bit there, I have managed to finish a jumper!  I finished stitching it up the other day and here is a sneak peek of the detail across the front. 

I have taken lots of photographs of it so I shall be back soon, or maybe not so soon if I get distracted by my felt mountain, to show you how it has turned out :o) 

 

 

 

A Frilly Forties Affair - 1942 jumper

Well, what’s this then?  Could it be yet another jumper?  I know, I’ve surprised myself too.  No regular jumper postings for weeks and then two come along within days of each other.  I wouldn’t get too used to it though :o)!!

In truth, this one was actually completed in 2012 but it is such a fiddly little beastie to sew up that I’ve been trying to ignore it.  Out of sight, out of mind and all that!  You see, there are 12 pieces to the jumper and the 240 stitch long frills are tricky to attach.  Also, being such a dark brown, it wasn't something I could sew up in the evenings as I needed daylight.  As it is currently raining, snowing and hailing (how does that happen all at once?) light is somewhat of a problem and so I apologise for the poor quality of the shots that are coming up.

The pattern comes from a 1942 Stitchcraft magazine.  It was featured on the front cover which means we get to see the original in all its colourful glory.  I’d love to find just the right shades of green to replicate the original.

I chose Stylecraft double knit using dark brown as the main and copper as the contrast – a nice combination I think.  From a wool usage point of view, it didn’t use as much as I thought it would and only took 330g of dark brown and 140g of copper which leaves me plenty to make a two colour turban to match! :o)

The stitch is more simple than it looks.  The pattern is basically stocking stitch with a row of slip stitches that you carry over 3 rows before shifting them forwards or backwards on the 4^th row depending whether you want a zig or zag!

The neckline called for a row of double crochet, something I can just about manage, and the back opening is finished neatly with 3 original vintage buttons.

I do have an admission to make.  The frilly bits should have been cast off in the contrast yarn to give an added bit of detail.  I can’t remember the reason why they weren’t but I don’t think it really matters, they still look lovely.

The design is one of my wartime favourites, which is why it's been done 5 times before! :o)  This is a lovely lady wearing my favourite green colourway :o)

It never hangs around long and I'm hoping that this new colourway will be snapped up just as quickly!  With the weather taking a turn for the worse, it could be your perfect winter warmer :o)

In response to a couple of questions I got on my previous jumper post;  Yes I do actually sell my jumpers.  Primarily, I sell genuine 1940’s civilian clothing, shoes, hats etc but as a sideline, and a very popular one at that, I do sell the jumpers either at 1940’s events or occasionally on my Facebook page which you can find HERE. 

Knit Yourself a 1940's Turban - Free Knitting Pattern

Fancy something fashionable from the forties to keep your head warm this winter?  Well, this turban could be just the thing!

While flicking through my patterns to find something to knit for Wendy for the Christmas Swap, I came cross a long forgotten about edition of Home Chat.  It's the only copy of the magazine I have and I don't know anything about the history of the publication but it's an interesting little magazine and worth a read, should you spot any about.   

Anyway, the pattern comes from the July 1940 issue and is really easy to work which makes it perfect for a beginner.  Also, as it's so simple and only across 40 stitches, it's a perfect project to pick up and do a few rows in between other things.  You'll be surprised how quickly it grows.

The work of one evening.

The original pattern called for 4 ply.  I chose Stylecraft 4 ply because it is nice and soft and not at all heavy so won't feel too weighty on your head.

Before you start:
I recommend that you measure your head!  The original works on the basis that the knitted piece will end up being 31" in length but as all of us is different, you will want to make sure you have a big enough piece to be able to either tie into a bow or tuck in the ends.  Remember that the knitting will be slightly stretchy.

You will need:
A pair of number 9 knitting needles (a short pair will be easier to work with)
Approximately 50 grams of Stylecraft (or equivalent) 4 ply wool

Tension:
With the above needles and yarn, your test square should measure 8 stitches to the inch and 12 rows to the inch.  As the pattern is worked over 4 stitches, if your tension is a bit off, it's easy to adjust.

The pattern:
Cast on 40 stitches (personally, I use the thumb method of casting on because it gives a neater finish)
Pearl one row (if you have used the thumb method, remember to pearl into the backs of this first row of stitches or the first row will be loose and baggy).

1st row - slip one stitch (knitwise), P1, K1, P1 - repeat these 4 stitches to the end of the row
2nd row - P1 *K1, P3; repeat from *, ending row with K1, P2

These two rows form the entire pattern and should be repeated until the work measures 31" or your required length.

When you have reached the required length, cast off, run in the two threads and, voila, you're done.  All that's left to do is tie it round your noggin!

Wendy, from The Butterfly Balcony, loved the turban I did and was happy to send me some photographs to share with you.  I hope you'll agree that Wendy looks lovely in hers :o)

If you do give the turban a go, I'd love to see the results.

1, 2, 3 Wartime Woollies!

It's decidedly nippy here this evening, it has been all day actually, with the mercury staying firmly below zero.  We've reached the half way mark on our advent calendars - how can that be??  December the 12th already yet there is still so much to do!

Things have been moving at a snails pace here.  Some kind and very generous sole (the finger of suspicion is pointed firmly in Mr Y's direction) has shared their germs with me so I've been feeling rather under the weather and haven't felt like doing anything very productive.
In a bid to cheer myself up (and because I've been having a little play with the immensely frustrating Photoshop) I've done a little collage of what I've been up these past few days!

1. A "must" at Christmas     2. A paper snowflake decoration (although we still don't have the tree up!!!!!)         3. Finally got round to writing my Christmas cards     4. Tiny Christmas cupcakes which were enjoyed at the home education party     5. Our sweet smelling Christmas wreath   6. Mini gingerbread men (they were tasty)

  Taking an enforced rest, I've spent a lot of time knitting and crafting and have almost put together my parcel for the Christmas Swap! 

Snuggled in the warm I've also finally been able to bring some kind of order to the snaps I took of my most recently completed woollies and so I have not 1, not 2 but 3 to share with you!!

First up is one from a 1943 pattern featured in one of my beloved Stitchcraft magazines. 

I've knitted it before in Stylecraft melon and a beautiful, unbranded, pale pink cashmere so you might think that it would have been easy.  Well, so did I and so I motored through the front and both sleeves before tackling the back.  Having reached the shoulders, I discovered that I'd gone 2 stitches out of sync which meant the nice neat "square" design was wonky!  Argh, I can't tell you how I swore.  Disheartened is an understatement, furious and frustrated with myself is closer to the mark. 

However, not to be defeated, I pulled it back and started again and am pleased to say that it "turned out nice again" ;o)  The yarn chosen for this one was Stylecraft 4 ply in pale rose and I used little clear patterned buttons.  It's a really pretty little cardigan jumper which I think, and hope, will be perfect for spring, although I know it's had a little outing already! :o)

Next up is another of the ever popular waffle jumpers which was originally featured in a Needlewoman and Needlecraft magazine.

Again, Stylecraft yarn was used, this time in shades cardinal, fern, cobalt and silver grey.  I really like Stylecraft for both quality and value.  You get good yardage and the 100% acrylic isn't at all itchy, which from my point of view, is a very good thing.

The waffle is quite a time consuming jumper to knit because the colour of the wool has to be changed every 4 rows.  It's also quite a time consuming one to sew up because the stripes get sewn together in the corresponding thread so lots of needle threading and snipping of wool.  It really is worth it though because it's such a pretty jumper in a really easy stitch - well worth a try :o)

Last, but by no means least, was a cardigan knitted from this Bestway pattern.

Knitted with King Cole DK in a shade called petrol, this cardigan actually ended up being my favourite.  The yarn is good quality, isn't itchy, gives a lovely finish and is wonderfully snugly - perfect for this chill we're currently experiencing. 

The pattern, again, was quite easy, just 5 rows of 3, 1 rib divided by a knit row.  The band was knitted separately and proved to be the trickiest piece of the entire thing because achieving the scalloped edge in the thicker wool was somewhat of a challenge!

From a button point of view, it was impossible to find vintage ones to match but luckily there were these 4 plastic faceted buttons in the stash which matched perfectly - result!

I have to admit that I felt somewhat relieved when I ran in the last thread because it meant I could finally get them posted to the incredibly patient customer.  The order had been going on for many months, far longer than I would have liked, and I was very frustrated with myself that I hadn't been able to get through them more quickly as I try so hard not to disappoint people . 

This was the jumpers, packed and ready to go.

Sending a jumper to the new owner is something I find really nerve wracking.  Silly as it might sound, I always worry that I've not got the fit right or the jumper won't have turned out as the customer had envisaged. 

Thankfully, this time, I needn't have worried because the knitteds have found a happy new home with the lovely Hen and if you take a peek at her lovely blog, HenHouse, you'll see that the pink cardi has already had an outing and looks amazing! :o)

That's it for orders for me now until January 2013.  I'm giving my fingers a much needed rest for the next few weeks so I can concentrate on getting rid of this blasted bug and can then focus on all things festive!!

If you haven't already entered, there are still a few days left to be in with a chance of winning the Christmas Give Away for the Daniela Turudich 1940's Hairstyles book, just click here for more details :o)

Christmas Giveaway

Hope you're all staying warm.  We've had another sprinkling of the white stuff overnight so a day snuggled in the warm is in order.

As a thank you to followers, old and new, for sticking around for my wafflings, and because it's Christmas, my favourite time of year, I'm doing a little giveaway.

Up for grabs is a shiny new copy of the incredibly popular, and once ridiculously expensive, Daniela Turudich book "1940's Hairstyles".  I adore this book.  It's jam packed with helpful and clear instructions to help you on your way to the perfect 1940's barnet!  A must for anyone who wants to achieve an authentic '40s look :o).  You'll also get one of my felt anemone corsages and, because Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without Cadbury's, a little box of Roses:o)

To make sure the book reaches it's lucky recipient in time for the impending festivities, I'm sorry to say that this is a UK only giveaway.  Fear not though lovely overseas followers, I'm planning another giveaway when my Facebook followers reach 1,000!

To be in with a chance of winning, you must be a follower of my blog via GFC or Bloglovin' or a follower of my Facebook page. 

To enter, you can;

1. Leave a comment below telling me what your favourite Christmas song/carol is.  Please make sure you leave me a means of contacting you in case you're the lucky winner!! 

2. For a second entry, simply share this giveaway on your own blog and then place a separate comment below to let me know you have  :o)
3. For a third entry, pop over to my Facebook page and tell me your favourite carol/song on the giveaway photograph.

Entry will close at 10pm on Sunday December 16th (Mr Y's birthday!) and the winner will be picked at random and announced on Monday December 17th (M's birthday!).

Good luck :o)

1940's Christmas cards

Well, this is the scene that greeted us this morning from our toasty warm home.

It was quite a surprise, I can tell you.  Granted, it was only a small smattering, but it was enough of a covering to turn the girls into bounding bundles of excitement! 

This first dusting of the winter coincides very nicely with the post that I had written up for today :o)

A number of years ago, Mr Y presented me with some vintage Christmas cards.  They were produced by a company called Novo Laugh and date to the late 1940's or the early 1950's.  They are all in perfect condition, unwritten on and with their original envelopes.  Where they had been all these years, I don't know!  They came from America and I remember the slightly concerned look on Mr Y's face when he handed me the parcel.

When he bought them on eBay, he'd only seen the front view with the colourful illustrations.  They are bright and quirky and he thought I'd like them.  However, once they arrived and he'd opened them, they were not entirely what he'd expected.

You see, they are what, in their day, would probably have been called saucy!  Compared to some of the positively offensive cards you can buy now (yes, I know I sound like an old prude) these little lovelies are tame, to say the least. 

At the time of their printing, I imagine they may have raised a few eyebrows but not today.  A few have mild innuendo but nothing offensive, shows how times have changed, I suppose.

Enjoy! :o)