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I Made a … 1930s Knitted Cardigan
This 1930s knitted cardigan pattern was a the top of my Knitting Wishlist and came from Subversive Femme on Etsy*. Bex has a wonderful selection of vintage knitting patterns from the 1920s to 50s. She also has an amazing blog with lots of free knitting patterns. It’s well worth checking out!
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Etsy Christmas Gift Guide for Knitters – UK
I am afraid that it is officially that time of year. Now don’t get me wrong I LOVE Christmas. The music, the food, the Christmas-y smells. But even in my lifetime I have seen Christmas morph into this mass consumerist event where we buy each other stuff we don’t really want or need on a scale that is CATASTROPHIC for our planet and for our greater well-being. Christmas has become stressful, and that is not the way it is meant to be.
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My Vintage Knitting Pattern Wishlist
I am a huge lover of vintage knitting patterns. I am always on the look out in charity shops to see if I can snag an amazing vintage pattern, sometimes for as little as 10p!
But sometimes the easiest place to find a specific pattern or style that you want is via Pinterest. In fact I have a whole board of vintage knitting patterns that’s how much I love them. But I can get a little bit overwhelmed and distracted by all the amazing patterns and of course I don’t have time to knit them all.
So here is my vintage knitting pattern wish list. Hopefully this will give me some focus so I stop getting distracted and actually do some knitting!
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2018 Retro Round Up
As the end of December approaches, as do my university deadlines, I thought I would make a little round up of my sewing year. I usually take time out of the online world during the Christmas period to enjoy time with friends and family, but before I do enjoy this final post of 2018.
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I Made a … Pair of Hand Knitted Gloves
Hand knitted gloves are one of life’s little pleasures in my opinion. I’ve never had gloves fit my small hands properly but making them myself has solved this issue completely. Also being able to make them in something as soft and luxurious as the Rowan Fine Silk is a real treat for the hands.
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The Rizzo Blouse – Poison Grrls Test Knit
I recently had the opportunity to be a test knitter for the latest pattern from Poison Grrls, The Rizzo Blouse. Being a test knitter is something I have always wanted to try, and it was such a pleasure to work with Amy.
The pattern is GORGEOUS. I love to knit vintage patterns but they can be so crazy. Literally, scratching your head, turning things around. Constant WTF.
But the Rizzo Blouse is knitted in one piece, top down. No funny yokes, no side ways construction. Yes please.
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1940s Joan Crawford Knitted Jumper
My usual posting, and making, schedule has been interrupted by the arrival of some work. I’ve been working on a local outdoor Shakespeare festival as a wardrobe assistant. So far I’ve mostly been working on Henry V, however this production is set in a WW1 field hospital, making it my 6th WW1 production in 4 years. I’m hoping to update my portfolio with some production shots once they become available but in the mean time enjoy this photo of some of the adorable company I’ve been keeping.
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I Made a … 1940s Crochet Hat, Again
Back to crochet hats! After the success of my first 1940s crochet hat, I decided to try out another pattern. This one is more of a bonnet or Juliet style and had a large frill around the front.
Having learnt from my previous mistakes this hat went much smoother. However, when I came to the frill around the front I decided to make a few changes.
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I Made a … 1940s Crochet Hat
I am very fortunate in that I suit every type of hat I have ever tried on. However, I am also incredibly unfortunate in that I have an enormous head and lots of hair meaning I can never find hats that fit. So I thought I would give making my own crochet vintage hat a go.
As part of my Costume Production degree, I was lucky enough to undertake a week of basic millinery. We looked at 19th century hats and bonnets and I ended up making a 1880s style riding hat. Here it is in all its feathery glory:
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On Staying Sane and Knitting
I have been umming and ahhing about whether to talk about this on my blog but have come to the decision that it is worth sharing. This post is about knitting, but also about something very personal.
I have a chronic illness, and although I have lived many years with little to no symptoms at all, all of a sudden I am back to a very bleak place with my health. I am incredibly lucky that I have a very loving family who are looking after me as I take some time out to rest and recover. But I must admit the shock of complete inactivity has taken a heavy toll on my mental health.
