knitting crush

I'm a vintage girl at heart. I adore black and white films, mid-century glamour, stockings and heels. I leap at the chance to wear hats and like to coordinate my shoes and handbags (btw did you see Cheryl Cole on The X Factor sporting pink lipstick and red nail varnish - at the same time?! I digress....) So it follows that I've got a considerable knitting crush on my newest knitting book. It's A Stitch in Time (Vintage Knitting & Crochet Patterns 1920-1949: Vol. 1) by Jane Waller and Susan Crawford and is a re-writing, and essentially re-working of many of the patterns in currently available yarns, of this edition from the 1970's. The new version is a fabulous book, lovely, clear photographs which show the knitting detail and are also beautifully styled with vintage hairstyles, accessories and clothing. If I could only be half as polished as the lovely ladies in this book.....

I met one of the authors, Susan Crawford, at Fibrefest in the summer. Why is it that, when faced with someone really interesting, one's mouth spouts the most silly nonsense? I'm kicking myself for being unable to put together the simplest of sentences at the time - "I really admire your work" would have been suitable but apparently gabbling incoherently comes more readily. I DO admire her work tremendously and love the pictures here which show her knitting patterns teamed with Cath Kidston clothes - aren't they pretty?

I'm working on 'Such Flattering Puff Sleeves' currently, having reined in the urge to start at least twelve projects simultaneously. Just one more sleeve left to work, in 2-ply Jumper Yarn from Jamieson and Smith, and I'm knitting quickly in an effort to beat the yarn. The last sleeve ate up so much yarn and I'm crossing my fingers that I will have enough to finish although I'm sure those awfully nice people up in Lerwick would soon help me out.

Posted by Anita at October 26, 2009 05:03 PM