This is a little unusual as the pattern was offered by Woman's Own to mark the release of Johnny Belinda. The stamp on the back is for the Regent Cinema, Chatham, Kent with the date stamp of 7th March 1949. As far as I can tell neither the sweater, nor stocking cap get screen time and Jane Wyman's character in the film is a lot less glamorous.
The film was nominated for 12 Oscars with Jane Wyman winning Best Actress for her portrayal of Belinda, a deaf woman who kills her rapist. The subject of rape was taboo in films prior to this movie but the relaxation of the Hays Code meant that studios were willing to tackle such difficult subjects.
Anyway, this pattern was released to cash in on the film's success and features the novelty of little woollen dolls made into a necklace and belt.
Click on the picture for the pattern
Date: 1949
Measurements: 36" bust; length from shoulder 23”; sleeve seam 20"
Materials: 3-ply or light fingering; 2.75mm US 2 and 3.25mm US 3 needles; set of 2.75mm US 2 and 3.25mm US 3 dpns needles
Original used 10 ozs for the jumper and 2 ozs for the cap of Sirdar Majestic 3-ply
Tension: 7.5 stitches to 1 inch using 3.25mm US 3 needles
5 Pages
Dunbar & Nairn 2 - Smocked Twin Set with Gloves and Turban
This is the only pattern I have ever seen from Dunbar and Nairn. As far as I can see they were wool exporters based in Glasgow and were active in the decade from the late 1930s. There is a reference to them producing children's patterns too but I can't find any more information.
This pattern came to me in quite a bad way and it suffered water damage (possibly early in it's life). The pages had stuck together but someone in the past separated them and where the type was illegible, wrote the instructions. I added some of the words that were missing but please use caution when making the set and if you become stuck, please get in touch and I can go back to the original.
Bestway 1873 - Bonnet and Mitts with Fair Isle Bands
Just click on the picture for a copy of the pattern
This elegant jumper with plain body and lace puff sleeves comes from Stitchcraft in April-May 1944.
Date: 1944
Measurements: 32 to 34" bust; length 19"; sleeve seam 4.5"
Materials: 3-ply or light fingering; 3.25mm US 3 and 33mm US 2.5 needles; 3 press studs
Original used 4 ozs of Patons Beehive Fingering 3-ply
Tension: 8 stitches to 1 inch using 3.25mm US 3 needles
4 Pages
Just click on the pattern picture for a copy of the pattern
Dorette Designs were published for a few years between 1946 and 1949 and prided themselves on their fashionable designs and high production values
This elegant jumper has a sweet bow at the neck with a great all over texture pattern
Date: 1947
Measurements: 36" bust; length 19"; sleeve seam 19"
For 38" bust use 4mm US 6 and work at a tension of 6 stitches and 8 rows to 1 inch
Materials: 3-ply or light fingering; 3.75mm US 5 and 2.75mm US 2 needles; 3 press studs
Original used 10 ozs of Listers 3-ply Lavenda
Tension: 13 stitches and 17 rows to 2 inches using 3.75mm US 5 needles
4 Pages
Just click on the pattern picture for a copy of the pattern
Not sure that these are quite roses but these pretty flowers make for a sweet short sleeved jumper or sweater for spring and summer
The pattern is in one size but working it on larger needles should give you an extra couple of inches.
Measurement: bust 34" 86cm; length 19" 48cm; sleeve seam 7.5" 19cm
Materials: 4ply or fingering wool; 3.25mm US 3 and 2.25mm US 1 needles; 5 small buttons
Original used 6 ozs white, 1 oz rose, at least 8 yards green and 1 yard black Sirdar Crepe Wool
No tension is given
Click on the link above to access the pattern
This pattern is a classic ribbed twin set with puffed shoulders and neat double breasted cardigan. I especially like the single ribbing across the shoulders on the jumper.
It's slim fitting (which you'd expect with all that ribbing) but stretches to a 34" bust and is made from a vintage 3-ply or more 4-ply judging by the needles. .
Click on the image to download the pattern and have a go at making a classic of 1940s fashion.
I could bore you silly with my explanation of how modern sheep have been bred them to have thick fleeces but their ancient counterparts had scraggly locks that would fall naturally but that's something for another day. Instead I shall share this lovely jumper with you from the early 1930s.
The pattern says the model is Nancy Carroll who was an actor active in Hollywood from 1927 to 1938. I think this was from her most popular times so will date this from 1932 to 1934. She received the most fan mail of any actor of the early 30s (according the Wikipedia) but was 'difficult' so was released from her contract and was no longer considered an A-lister.
To get the pattern, just click on the image and it will take you to the pdf.
A Summer Day Jumper
The Lady Needlework Book No. 2
34 and 36" bust; length 20"; sleeve seam 5" - for 36" bust use 3.75mm US 5 instead of 3.25mm US 3
Original used 6ozs Beehive Fingering 3-ply in pale green
This elegant dressing jacket could easily be worn as a light summer cardigan or in the boudoir for that extra bit of glamour.
The measurements are : bust 36", length 19"; sleeve seam 19"
The original used 8 ozs William Briggs 3-ply Melody wool and used 3.75mm US 5 and 2.75mm US 2 need;es, 3 press studs and ribbon to make the bows that trim the front.
If you'd like a copy of the pattern, just click on the image and it will take you to the pdf.
They tell of houses with no central heating and austerity and form part of the 20th century (and earlier) social history of Britain. Most of the fancy old houses in Britain are still freezing as it costs a fortune to heat such a large space but it would be hasty to think that bedjackets are an item of clothing for the wealthy. Until recently most British homes were poorly heated. A small heater or open fire might warm the bedroom on the coldest nights and a fire in the living room but the rest of the house would be cold. A bedjacket was a practical solution to women of all classes to combat chilly times just before bed and first thing in the morning.
The patterns have their heyday in the 1940s and early 50s with just about every pattern company producing them. The light and airy nature of the bedjackets created a warm garment using larger than standard needles and would have also used less wool, which was rationed until the late 1940s. Many of the covers show quite a glamorous setting which I think was deliberate to give people a glimmer of pretty and feminine during a dark period of the world's history.
The patterns start to dwindle in the early 1950s which also ties into a boom in housing. Nye Bevan, the joint health and housing minister, insisted that there was a link between the health of the nation and housing. He insisted that good quality materials were used in new builds and that council built homes were linked to gas, water, and electric. Many of the council houses of this period were warmer due to better design, advancements in building technologies but also fuel prices had fallen so it was cheaper to heat the whole house for longer. The era of the bedjacket had passed and by the late 1960s they were seen as fuddy-duddy and only for old ladies.
I still have a soft spot for them though and hope that you do too.
Well that was longer than planned so here's your reward. This is a pattern from the very late 1940s or early 1950s judging from the hair styles. Click on the link below to get the pattern
Patons 578 - Bedjackets and Bedsocks
