Hand Knit Fashions in Tweed, Bernhard UllmanVol 32

This pattern book, Volume 32, is just the 4th book that I've worked through in the Bernhard Ulmann collection, and I must say, it's quite delightful .... as well as a nice deviation from the doilies and bedspreads I've mostly been working through lately.

This book takes us back to 1957; designs have not yet taken on the mod colors of the 1960's, but are not entirely the form fittings styles of the earlier 1950's.  

Hand Knit Fashions in Tweed - Volume 32

Volume 32 was created as a promotion tool for Bernhard Ulmanns Tweed brand yarns, Bear Brand Tweedmoor and Fleishers Glen Tweed, as well as Bear Brand Sport Tweed and Fleishers Sport Tweed.  That goes to say, then, that all of the patterns in this book will feature these specific yarns (a quite attractive selection!). 

No 668 Windbreaker Suit - The skirt, as is typical, is a straight design and quite standard fair.  But, what a splendid jacket.  

No 667 - Box Coat is made an above standard design with the fabulous collar and fold-back cuffs.  This loose fitting design is one that would be so comfortable. 

No 679 Ribbed Sheath Dress is an elegant design that became quite remarkable with the all over rib pattern stitch, then taken over the top with the contrast collar.  

No 672 - Ribbed Stole is a quite easy design that is simple rib stitch with long fringe ... a warm and elegant choice.  

No 673 - Lace Stole is also an 'extra easy' design perfect for beginners.   This pattern is offered as a free download. 

No 681 - Cable Cardigan gives bold and broad cables that definitely pop out on the tweed background.  The back is cabled as well.

No 676 Girls Clock Socks .... remember this term?  (Clock socks have a narrow pattern (not usually clocks) that runs up the leg and along the foot. Looks like clock hands when viewed from the side).  

No 674 - Two-Tone Weskit.  This fitted vest has the marvelous checked pattern stitch on the front and a striped motif (created by the tweed yarn), on the back.  This design yells 'Fun'. 

No 675 - Jiffy Knit Jacket:  How cute it this?   Chunky and Bulky and, well, cute!  And it's an easy design that beginners could tackle.
No 678 - Fringed Shortie - Another cute design with the subtle patterning of the tweed.  The fringed collar adds that bit of 'fun' as well.

No 677 - Men's Classic Socks - a marvelous tweed for the professional man.

No 666 - Sleeveless Pullover for our men features the grand argyle design on the tweed background with extra wide ribbing at the bottom.

No 669 - Jumper is a simple, attractive design perfect for everyday wear.  The tweed yarns give the design just a bit of texture.

And, that's the complete book.   The book cover being the same as the front.   I found it interesting the socks pattern did not contain a size, but I'm not a knitter, so perhaps it's a knitting skill that one just knows when to add on or subtract (?).    

My favorites here are the Ribbed Dress and the Jiffy Knit Jacket; either of these would be a welcome addition in my closet.   You; what are your favorites?  

These patterns, complete with listed material requirements, are listed in the shop should you be interested.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie  

Mink Stoles Knitted in Mohair, Mail Order Designs

This afternoon I was working on Design Pattern 828, when I had another one of those 'I know that pattern' moment.   (Now, I've processed close to 2800 patterns for the shop, so, believe me, these moments are starting to happen more and more frequently).    The case at hand today is a knitted stole or capelet pattern.
A quick browse through the shop quickly identified the similiarities.

Now, each of these stole are the same knit / purl pattern stitch, knit in either knitting worsted or mohair, with the emphasis being on the mohair.  When knit in mohair, you are instructed to brush briskly to duplicate a mink look.   All are knit on big needles with two strands.

Mail Order Design 584 - A simple stole wrap.

Mail Order Design 828 - This capelet has the appearance of a loop closure - it's actually a hook and eye.

Mail Order Design 7112 - This design has a lovely fold over shawl collar. 

Now, this is quite a typical thing for designers to do.  Start with a base pattern and then make a change to the closure or the collar, or the length and there you go ... a new pattern.   

Okay, my "I know that pattern" moment is over ... back to work.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

New Stoles and Cover-ups to Knit and Crochet

Let's go back to 1952.  The war is over, Harry S Truman is president, Winter Olympics were held in Oslo, the Honeymooners debut on TV and the average cost of a new car was $1700.    And while all this prosperity was happening, ladies (and some gents) continued with their knitting needles (just like in war-times) to create marvelous items for themselves.

 To keep those needles clicking, and yarn sales in action, Bernhard Ullman continues to publish several pattern books.  One of which is New Stoles and Cover-ups -- To Knit and Crochet.   It's volume 27, and sold for 20 cents (the same as a tank of gas).

No 650 - Crocheted Stole is attractively stitched in two complimentary colors graces the front cover.  

No 649 - Knitted Stole (on left) in thick and thin yarn

No 646 - Hairpin Lace Stole (on right) is made in strips on a 3 inch loom and highlighted with metallic thread.

No 655 Knitted Shrug (middle top) with three quarter sleeves and ribbed banding.

No 647 - Old Fashioned Feather Fan Pattern Stitch with long fringed ends.

No 652 - Triangle Shawl knit in jumbo yarns.

No 653 - Ribbed Stole dotted with Pearls measures 20 x 68 inches.

No 648 - Quick Knit Stole in Jumbo Yarn or Knitting Worsted

No 651 - Evening Camisole and Cover-up (center top); perfect evening attire. 

No 645 - Crazy Daisy Stole is crocheted with 365 crazy daisies. 

No 644 - Crocheted Triangle Stole with randomly placed sequins

No 654 - Angora Cape Stole - wraps you like luxury itself.

And that's it.  Twelve patterns in all; 8 knitted and 4 crochet.  Stoles and Cover-ups were coveted accessories in this time period, and Bernhard did a very job indeed.   

These patterns are listed in my shop individually, should you be interested.   Either way, I hope that you enjoyed the photo journal of this vintage book. 

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie  

Knit Stoles Pattern, Botanette Vol 1 from Botany Mills

This little pattern book from Botany is titled Botanette, Vol 1 - Hand Knit Stoles.   Why Botanette?  Well, this book is about 4 x 6 inches in size.  There concept was a booklet for women on the go.   Compact enough to tuck into your bag.     The booklet contains just 5, quite great, patterns; four knit and one crochet.

Their official write-up:   "Why not bring new glamour to your everyday and party dresses by teaming them with stoles -- elegant accessories, so popular with today's fashions ... so wonderful for heightening the effect of the figure .. so marvelous for accenting your face".

Let me show you.

BBM-100 Botany Lassie :  This pretty shawl is knit and then color strands are woven through, giving it an almost plaid affect.   

BBM-101 Commuter :  This knit piece is both functional and decorative.  Extra wide width keeps you warm down to your elbows, and those marvelous pockets are buttoned. 

BBM-102 Splendor is more than a suitable name for this lovely crocheted stole.   A lacy striped pattern stich with rounded, slightly scalloped edges. 

BBM-103 Charm :  This garment is vest like, with open sides and held with a belt.   It features patch pockets made extra fun with button adornment. 

BBM-104 Carmen :  This triangular shawl has a lovely pattern stitch and just the right amount of fringe all the way around.  

And, for just a bit of added Whimsy, we have this little sketch that went along with the booklet introduction.   And, to go along with the theme of traveling with a small, easy to carry booklet, our fiber artist is obviously knitting on a train or bus.

And, that is it.   Five patterns, all quite wonderful, in one little mini book.  I've reworked these patterns into PDF files, which are available in my shop should you be interested in giving one a travel.

Thanks for dropping by,

Aran Knitting Patterns

One of the most viewed items in my shop is an Aran Knitting Pattern.   Interestingly enough, it is also a pattern that does not often sell.  I can absolutely understand why on both counts.

Knitted Aran Afghan & Pillows

This is indeed a fabulous design,  Patterns containing the 'Aran' name will contain any number of different stitches - cables, moss, honeycomb, braid, diamonds, etc.   It is made in panels that are stitched together.  They do not bear fringe or pompoms as they would just be too much.   But, what does this mean ... well ... it's a fair amount of detail work with an over changing pattern stitch.    I have heard some say that it is a good beginner to intermediate pattern though, in that is gives one practice on may different stitches.  

Aran Pullover 

This lovely Aran is on the 'simpler' side - featuring diamonds and seed stitch.  The entire design concept is reported to date back to the early 1900s in Ireland with the knitting of sweaters.

Aran Mini Dress

And this Mother / Daughter Dress is a beauty.  

Socks

And hundreds of variations of socks, I'm sure.  

The complexity of design, texture, dimension will continue to be a draw for knitters forever, I'm sure.  There are a number of other Aran designs in the shop, should you care to browse further.    I'm sure there will be many more in the three dresser drawers of patterns I've yet to complete.

Thanks for dropping by. 

Jiffy Knit Patterns, Book 158

In 1965 Coats and Clarks put out their Book 158, which they called Jiffy Knits.   There are 18 patterns in the book, all, just like the title implies, Knitted.  It's one of those family pattern type books .. a few things for mom, a few for dad, a couple kid garments or accessories and a couple toys.  Here, let me show you.

Jiffy Knits, Book 158

The front page gives us a preview of the first three patterns in the book.

.  B485 - Womans Raglan Cable Pullover is a quick knit garment worked from the neck down.   It sized small, medium and large. 

B486 Mans V-Neck Raglan Pullover - This piece is also worked from the neck down, with cales emphasizing the easy-fit raglan sleeves.  Sized Small, Medium and Large - fitting chest sizes 36 to 46. 

B-487 Child's Jiffy Petal Cardigan - Girls knit sweater with a petal motif across the yoke and shoulders.   Coats & Clarks put out the exact design in a misses sized pattern in their Book 185, Quick Knits

 B488 - Jiffy Spiral Knit Shell - This shell is knit on the diagonal - called a spiral knit.  It is sized small, medium and large.

B489 Mother & Daughter Berets - This colorful beret of multi-color yarn is sized Small and Large, thus the mother/daughter designation.   I have to admit, the hanging tassel is cute.

B490 One Skein Boot Socks - These pretties are knitted and feature lace up ties that end with pompons.   I would think these would especially be loved by the tween set!

B491 Big Bulky Stole is both attractive and super easy.   Knitted; when finished measures 24 x 75 inches.  Attractive in pictured in a 'wear-out' piece, this would also be a good wrap to sit on the couch with.

B492 - Sir Robinson Rabbit - Quick to knit in simple garter and stockinette stitches.

B493 - Two Skein Chanel Jacket - This beautiful jacket, chanel in every way, is sized 10 to 18.  

B494 - Tissue Topper :  Pretty toppers, just like this, used to be the standards in our bathrooms.   Perhaps they deserve a return !   Just in case you'd like to start the revolution.  This pattern is available for free in my shop.

 

B495 Baby Sweater - Officially called a Baby Sweater, this one is size 1, 2 and 3 - making it more applicable for the toddler.   Pair it up with pants or a skirt --- Cute !

B492 - Mans Half or Whole Mitten - Perhaps an early version of the Fingerless Gloves ! The pattern includes the direction to finish the gloves to whole mittens. 

B497 - Childs Scarf - A perfect pattern for the true beginner - measures 8 x 34 inches. 

B498 - Fair Isle Hood and Mittens - Knit this set to be not only warm and toasty in winter,

 but fashionable as well.  

B500 Cable Scarf - Fast, and quite easy, worked in a reversible cable pattern.   This pattern is available for free in my shop.

B501 - Womens Stretch Slippers - Sized small, medium and large, would also make great bed socks with the touch of elastic to hold them in place.

B502 Gingerbread Man Toy - This cute guy sports a buttoned vest of baby rick-rack, making it not suitable for very small children.  This pattern is available for free in my shop.

And, the back page gives us a colorful review of 6 of the patterns we've already seen.

So, something for everyone ... you think?   I have to say, that I like the knitted slippers the best.   Although, they might not look that cute when stretched to fit my feet !   Most of these patterns are available in the shop; just follow the link below the pictures.

I hope you enjoyed the preview.   Thanks for dropping by.  

Knitted Gloves Mittens for the Family Bernhard Vol 19

It's been awhile since I've worked through a pattern book. This one was next in the stack, and it was just right for the amount of time that I had available.   This book was issued by Bernhard Ulmann, back in 1944. The patterns, mostly knitted, include something for the whole family, infant to adult.    It is a straight forward black and white book; just as one should expect for 1944.   I like their use of backgrounds.

 The front cover

Followed up with 8 functional, and attractive patterns for her and 3 for him. 

Along with one more for him. 

And patterns for infants to Toddler size 4. 

And, I have to say, my favorite page - the back cover - is actually an advertisement for the Fleishers Brand thread.   Adorable babies indeed with a touch of the subliminal going on.   The happy baby on the right is wearing a sweater made with Fleishers Yarn.  The unhappy baby on the left has a sweater of 'another' company yarns.   Poor baby!

Overall, some nice vintage patterns that are just as applicable for today as they were in 1944.  Truly, do glove or mitten designs every go out of style?     I've listed a few of the designs in my shop, should you be interested.

Thanks for dropping by.