So this week finds me still knitting the back of my cardigan. It is a lot of knitting in a very fine yarn, but I am plugging along. I am almost at the point where I decrease for the set in sleeves, so I am getting rather excited!
See the fabric in the background? That will one day be a beautiful blouse. Vintage style of course. I fell in love with the fabric at Hobby Lobby this weekend ;) There was a sister to this fabric, with tiny orange flowers on it that I also picked up!
The books there are Mandy's Legacy by Barbara Blanchard Coley. The author is a personal friend of ours, and her husband (who has known mine for years) helped her with the book. She is a lovely lady, I hope some of you are intrigued enough to want to get her book :) They sent us this copy, signed.
The other book dates from 1961 and was found in a local antique shop... for $3! I am hoping to learn a lot from it- it has all kinds of dressmaking techniques!
Then there are these. I found these this weekend at the same antique store. It can be a lot of fun to go digging through the old paper ephemera in shops when you find such gems! They date from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s and have some gorgeous patterns in them. I'll try to remember to get some pictures of the insides next week- this week I almost forgot and had to photograph it at night (hence the flash glare on the front!).
But although it looks like I haven't done much in the way of knitting this week... I can explain.
I used these instructions from Mother Earth News. Click on the image gallery link for the photos- but you have to click 'next' to see the pattern images.
I think 1970s bags must have been bigger though, because it would not quite fit onto my paper bags, and I had to tape the pattern together!
LOOOOOOOOOVE the bonnett.
ReplyDeletei've been escaping into the jane austen bbc videos lately..
I was just going to say I think I had a bonnet similar to that when I was younger-- it was a Holly Hobby one! Oh how I loved Holly Hobby! Still do. What great treasures you found. Your book sounds like a wonderful read! And your sewing is absolutely wonderful! Your bonnet is a delight and your model is adorable!
ReplyDeleteYou found some wonderful treasures Rachel! I am looking forward to seeing what you make next. The bonnet is adorable!
ReplyDeleteHappy yarn along day.
I love the bonnet. I didn't know Mother Earth news had printed a pattern for it...I only discovered that magazine 3 years ago. I have a grey bonnet that I made (from a costume pattern as it was all I could find) and wear it all the time in the garden (and, much to the dismay of my family...I have worn it to the beach...once).
ReplyDeletewonderful looking patterns.
ReplyDeleteThe bonnet is adorable. I was thinking Holly Hobbie too. Those patterns look fascinating and so pretty.
ReplyDeleteAngelina: I love Jane Austen too. The BBC always does a superb job!
ReplyDeleteConservative Knit Mom: I had a toy Holly Hobbie as a child. She disappeared though :( And thank you for the compliments :)
Tracey: Thank you :)
Natalie: Well it was back in the 70's, so a while back now ;)
Charlotte: thank you :)
Angela: Great minds! Thank you :)
I've only ever knitted one cardigan in fine yarn....and no more. My daughter still has it and the finish is lovely, but it takes so long. I absolutely love the bonnet. Your little friend is very sweet in it. Your pattern finds are fun. I have a handful of similar patterns from my Grandmother. Some have her notes in the margins. I love looking at them.
ReplyDeleteVery cute! I love the pattern of the bonnet fabric.
ReplyDeleteWow you've been busy! I always love what you make. My Emma would love that bonnet to go along with the colonial dress I just made her.
ReplyDelete