Vintage knitting patterns

[lily]

I've just been to see "The Edge of Love", really enjoyed the film but it was the 40s knitting that really did it for me. Have so far failed to find anything similar, despite googling til my fingers ache.Any ideas anyone?

[Healing Hands]

No but do let me know if you find anything. Was the film good as I would like to see this one?

[JG]

Sometimes, when I've been into charity shops I've seen what was obviously someones ancient collection of knitting pattern, so it might be worth looking in your local ones. I find it sad when I imagine that the previous owner might have died and the relatives have had a big clearout. Perhaps I should be more positive and imagine that the previous owner has had a clear out of their own and is now into knitting gorgeous shrugs and more modern garments!
My knitting pattern collection consists mainly of horrendous 80s style mohair things, but I also have some classics. Haven't seen the film, but hope that traditional knits are coming into vogue....
Also, have a look in libraries for classic knit books, or in the designer knitting pattern books that come out seasonally, or are themed.

[keepersdaughter]

Lily, I found these patterns from a link to a large craft store, they look like they're from the late 1950s : http://www.freevintageknitting.com/women.html . Is that the era your searching for?. I haven't heard of that movie, who's in it?.

[JG]

Keepersdaughter
What a fantastic website! I shall be on there for hours!!

[closetotheriver]

My mum was a wonderful knitter and had lots of patterns belonging to my grandmother as well as her own. When she died and I was emptying the house they all went in a charity bag apart from the odd one or two that I kept for sentimental reasons.

As a knitter myself I've often wished I hadn't been so hasty in getting rid of them, but I do know that a lot of the older patterns used 2 and 3 ply wool, which might be quite difficult to get hold of nowadays.

[keepersdaughter]

JG, I have to try and keep away from the craft store. I love the fabrics, particularly the floral ones. I keep buying pieces of Kath Kidson/Laura Ashley, english country floral type fabrics and have a large wicker basketful now. My daughter and I made a couple of lovely drawingstring bags last week - sock and tights drawer overflowing, so we found a pretty way to keep them. I'm working on making aprons, (though usually forget to wear one :) ). I signed up for a one day class in July to make pillows, I've made a couple of basic ones, but hopefully will learn how to make something a bit fancier. Vintage jumpers and cardis look lovely and cost a fortune to buy, I think I may dig my needles out :)

[JG]

keepersdaughter
I do envy you being creative with fabrics. I have some old floral Laura Ashley skirts and dresses and, as I knit, I thought I might cut them into strips and knit with them, but knit what?, and some of the prints are plain, or very faint on the wrong side, so I have not taken the plunge to cut them up yet. I wish I could sew, but I find it fiddly and am never happywith the imperfect finish, whereas, with knitting you can usually get away with it.
I'd love to make bags. Could you describe to me how get the drawstring to work please? I think that you make a channel for it to run through, but I am confused by what happens at the side seam - do you leave a gap?

Sorry, just remembered that this is not my thread and it's supposed to be a knitting one, so maybe you could send me a private message please?

[lily]

Thanks for the charity shop + website ideas.
The film is set in 1940s during the war. It focuses on a small bit in the life of Dylan Thomas/Caitlin his wife and Vera Price - friend/one time lover. Coming originally from South Wales I had to see it. The critics were not too kind about it, but I really enjoyed it, probably better than going when a film has been hyped up.

[jazzactivist]

I am really looking forward to seeing The Edge of Love, lily. Funnily enough, I was ina charity shop yesterday and saw a set of knitting patterns that appear to be from the 1950s. It was called Double Knits for Women, and caught my eye as it had one of those quirky oldfashined covers. I didn't get it, but maybe I should... If there are any 40s styles in there I am happy to copy them and send to you.

When I was a teenager I frequently wore a zip up cardigan that had been my mother's as a teenager in the late 40s. It was cherry red, knitted in rib and moss stitch, with a nice knitted collar. The style came back into fashion a bit during the 70s and I loved wearing it.

[keepersdaughter]

JG - Why not try making cushions with the Laura Ashley skirts, a mixture of the florals would be perfect, depending on colours etc. I saw some hints of ideas for reclycing houshold items I'm going to post later - got to wash the kitchen floor right now before my kids are up - talk later :).