Thanks to the handwritten dedication to a family member on the title page, I know that this book dates from before Christmas 1939 …
It contains tips and techniques for new and experienced knitters, as well as a range of contemporary knitting patterns – I imagine today’s fashions will seem equally strange in 80 years’ time!
One or two have stood the test of time and could be worn today – although we might not call this a ‘blouse’ …
It struck me that all the photos are in black and white, something we aren’t used to today. Although my initial reaction was negative, wanting to see the colours of the yarn, I then realised that the lack of colour was freeing up my imagination, allowing me to play with different colour combinations without being influenced by the editor’s choice. I’m going to test out this theory when planning my next projects – a quick photo, in black and white, may help me choose my colours!
As if they were aware of the lack of colour on the inside pages, the publishers made a splash on the inside front and back covers …
A very festive red, don’t you think? It makes the book feel very special!
Have you come across any vintage knitting books lately? I’d love to hear about them!
🙂
yarnsmithery 
I would need to check when I get home but I am almost certain I have that book, bought secondhand a few years ago – I have a number of vintage knitting books and magazines but those front and back covers clinch it, I’m 90% sure it’s the same one! What a coincidence – and lucky you having it as an heirloom, no less :).
Now I need to do a complementary blog post lol!
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What a coincidence! The vintage books have a special vibe about them, don’t they – they were so substantial, and intended to be well-loved. Yes, we are lucky to have had them come our way! 🙂
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Reminds me of the knitting patterns from my childhood – not my patterns, but those my mother and her friends were using.
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Yes, they are classic staples, aren’t they? I think the patterns stayed in use for a couple of generations, and didn’t change much. Did your mother have a favourite pattern that she kept making for you?
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No, she didn’t knit much, more dressmaking. But there we had a dress pattern that we used over and over again.
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