A few ramblings about knitting, mainly vintage stuff and other bits and bobs. You can buy digital downloads of patterns directly from the site, or head over to either my Etsy store or Payhip

Friday, 31 January 2025

Free Pattern - Emu Cardigan

 


Today's free pattern is this slimline cardigan with patterned collar from the early 1950s. Just click on the picture and it will download for you.

Measurements - 30 to 32, 34 to 36, and 38 to 40" bust; Length 19.5, 20.5 and 21.5"

Materials
3-ply yarn; 2.25mm US 1 and 3mm US 2.5 needles 7 buttons and matching ribbon

Tension 8 sts and 10 rows to 1 inch



Monday, 27 January 2025

Free Pattern - Johnny Belinda Jumper and Stocking Cap

 

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


Sunday, 26 January 2025

Bairnswear 567 - Zerline Lady's Blouse

 

Vintage knitting pattern for a blouse with a lace yoke  and a choice of long or short sleeves, designed for beginner knitters using crepe wool
Buy Now

This lovely blouse has a lace yoke and can be worked with either long or short sleeves. The overall pattern is fully written out and easy to follow.


Date: late 1940s or early 1950s


Measurements: 34" bust; length 19"; sleeve seam 6 or 18"

Materials: 4-ply or fingering; 3.75mm US 5 and 3.25mm US 3 needles; 4 buttons

Original used 6 or 8 ozs Femina Crepespun

Tension: 7 stitches 1 inch


5 Pages

Sunday, 19 January 2025

WG 139 - Man's Sweater with Polo or V Neck

Vintage 1940s sweater knitting pattern with mock cable design and a choice of polo or V neck, perfect for the outdoor person

Buy Now

This is one of those classic sweaters that will last for ages and always look smart.

Date: late 1940s
  • Measurements: 38-40", and 40-42" chest; length 24"
  • Materials: aran or worsted; 4.5mm US 7 and 4mm US 6 needles for the 38 to 40" size - for the larger size, go up an needle size
  • Original used 19 ozs of WG Ancuba all wool double knitting 3-ply
  • Tension: 5 stitches 1 inch
  • 5 Pages

Please note that you are buying a digital copy, not the original nor the finished item


Vintage 1940s sweater knitting pattern with mock cable design and a choice of polo or V neck, perfect for the outdoor person

 

Saturday, 18 January 2025

Bairnswear 498 - "Truda" Lady's Jumper

Buy Now 
This is a lovely close fitting ladies jumper with a fabulous all over butterfly stitch and puffed sleeves. The sleeves can be either long or short 

Date: early 1940s
  • Measurements: Bust 34"; length 20”; sleeve seam 18" and 6"
  • Materials: 3-ply or Light Fingering; 3.75mm US 5 and 3.25mm US 3 needles; 3 buttons
  • Original used 9 ozs (long sleeves) or 7 ozs (short sleeves) Femina Botany Fingering 3-ply 
  • Tension: 2 patterns to 1.75"
5 Pages

Friday, 17 January 2025

Bairnswear 2250 - Lili Lady's Jumper


 Buy Now
This lovely lacy sweater or jumper can be worked with either long or short sleeves. The overall pattern is fully written out and easy to follow.

Date: late 1940s
  • Measurements: 32 to 33" bust; length 19"; sleeve seam 7 or 18"
  • Materials: 3-ply or light fingering; 3.75mm US 5 and 2.75mm US 2 needles
  • Original used 7 or 8 ozs of La Laine Super Fingering 3-ply
  • Tension: 7 stitches 1 inch
5 Pages

Thursday, 16 January 2025

Bestway 2030 - Leaf Patterned Jumper



This is a lovely late 1940s short sleeve jumper with a leaf patterned design and has a shoulder fastening

Date: late 1940s
  • Measurements: Bust 34"; length 19"; sleeve seam 3.5"
  • Materials: 4-ply or fingering (maybe 2-ply or lace); 3.25mm US 3 and 2.25mm US 1 needles; crochet hook, 4 press studs
  • Original used 4 ozs Lister Lavenda 2-ply
  • Tension: 8 stitches and 10 rows to 1 inch using 3.25mm US 3 needles

Wednesday, 15 January 2025

Bestway 1318 - Lacy Jumper in Leaf Pattern




Buy Now 
This is a lovely close fitting ladies jumper with a great arrow lace pattern and a sweet turn down collar

Date: early 1940s
  • Measurements: Bust 34"; length 17”; sleeve seam 4"
  • Materials: 3-ply or Light Fingering; 3.75mm US 5 and 2.75mm US 3; 3 buttons and crochet hook
  • Original used 6 ozs (approx 170g) of Emu 3-ply Pure Botany Fingering
  • Tension: 1 pattern repeat to 1.75" after a light pressing using 3.75mm US 5 needles


Tuesday, 14 January 2025

Bestway 1161 - Fair Isle Beret and Bag


1940s knitting pattern of woman wearing Fair Isle beret and holding Fair Isle bag



Buy Now 
This is an amazing hat and bag set with a great Fair Isle pattern. The entire pattern is written so no charts to follow but the instructions are clear
Date: early 1940s
  • Measurements: Beret - 11 inches in diameter, Bag - 8 inches in diameter
  • Materials: 3-ply or light fingering in 3 colours; 3.75mm US 5, 3mm US 2.5 and 2.25mm US 1 needles
  • Original used 2 oz of grey, 1 oz in blue, and 0.5 oz of white of Emu Unshrinkable 3-ply Botany Wool
  • Tension: 17.5 stitches to 2 inches and 8 rows to 1 inch measured over the pattern


Monday, 13 January 2025

Arderns 4626 - Knitted Blouse with Scallop Lace

Buy Now 
This is such a pretty blouse and would be perfect for keeping cool in the summer 

Date: estimated early 1950s 
  • Measurements: Bust 34" 86cm; length 19" 48cm 
  • Materials: 3-ply or light fingering; 2.75mm US 2, 2.5mm US 1, and 2mm US 0 needles and 4 buttons Originals used 7 balls of No. 10 Ardern's Crochet Cotton 
  • Tension: about 8 stitches to 1 inch possible using 2.75mm US 2 needles
5 Pages