New book alert!
-This morning my pre-ordered copy of A Stitch in Time, Vol 2, arrived by courier. I love it!
It's a large hardback book with adapted vintage knitting patterns covering the thirties, forties and fifties. The patterns are arranged in decade order, using standard weight yarns, which I'm pleased about. So many patterns out there use yarns with non standard tensions, a real pain when trying to substitue. The majority of the patterns use 4ply weight. Yes, it's fine yarn with small needles, but well worth it, judging by some of the photos. An aran weight just wouldn't work in most of these patterns!
There's a short section on knitting know how, followed by a Fit and Finish section, which describes the overall styles for each of the three decades, interesting reading to someone like me who has no knowledge of vintage knitting patterns. Then there's a section on how to adjust patterns according to your shape and the vintage style. Perfecting the Vintage Finish explores finishing techniques which are beneficial to vintage garments from this era, such as sewing in gathered sleeves, shoulder padding, knitted buttons, well fitting gloves.
Most of the garments are worked in pieces, though a few have been adapted to in the round knitting.
It's lovely to see the reduced copy of the original vintage pattern alongside the adapted pattern. Sizing goes up to larger sizes., I haven't looked through all of the patterns yet - later - but at first glance they go up to 48 inches. It's nice to see some British yarn choices too, although I love using yarns form abroad, sometimes they just aren't available over here, and I always get stung on customs!
I've looked through the 1930s patterns. Roughly, yarn used is from Fyberspates, Knitshop (the Exelana yarn), Baby Rooster, Shilasdair and J&S. Eighteen patterns use 4ply/sportweight, one uses DK and two use aran weight yarn. One shawl, three hats, a scarf, seventeen garments. Sizing for the garments ranges from 30 to 60 inches (for a shrug). The vast majority are in the range 32-48 range, with about four going up to 52 inches. Some stop at 40-42, just a few though. Love some of the pattern names too. 'Quick Work in Thick Wool' (aran!), 'Dainty and Useful', 'One Never Tires of Ribbing'. Can't beat 'em! I thought this section would be my least favourite, but I find that I've earmarked seven garments and a beret (and the scarf isn't bad either).
I've just done a quick count on the contents page, and there's 68 patterns, not bad for a book which costs under £30 on Amazon UK. I'm going to have a good read of the book later today, but here's a link to Susan Crawford's blog, and A Stitch in Time on ravelry, for more photos of the designs.
There's a few knitting friends out there who should rush out and buy this book, now! You know who you are!
