Aug 10 Look around and you'll see influences from the 40s, 50s and 60s in much of today's fashion. The classic styles are timeless, so it's no surprise they've held their appeal for so long. But while the look is still desirable, some of the fitting and fabrics are not! These patterns are from leading knitwear designers who have drawn on old knitting patterns, photographs and films, and adapted the designs to make them easy to wear, while still true to the spirit of the age. You'll find loads of top names in there including Kaffe Fassett, Kim Hargreaves, Martin Storey and Lucinda Guy. The garments are worked in vintage shades, but to bring them bang up-to-date work them in something brighter or more sparkly! Knit Today Mar 10 Vintage Knits is a Rowan title which I knew I wanted to own from the moment I saw a picture of the cover. I have always liked the 'feel' of the Rowan publications, the styling is nice, whenever I have pushed the boat out to buy Rowan yarn I have enjoyed working with it. There are 30+ patterns in this book, and as the name suggests they all have a vintage feel. There are some designs for the boys in some ace Kaffe fair isle, some pretty fitted cardigans, longer line jackets, a little scarflet, even some crochet. I think there is probably something for everyone and any age. These are classic garment shapes, I know sometimes Rowan yarn is of an idiosyncratic gauge and it can take some work to find a suitable substitute yarn but I think that if a more contemporary feel is required knitting these in a brighter colour or something a bit sparkly would extend their appeal. The book is very nicely laid out, with lots of gorgeous images, and I think is very good value at GBP14.99. As it contains designs from eight designers it gives a variety of style which I do think makes for an exciting and appealing selection. Watch this space for how I get on with a teal mohair cardigan- I have never before knitted a garment for myself which I have been prepared to wear in polite company so this is a test indeed! Jennyflowerblue.blogspot.com June 10 This is a gorgeous collection of vintage-inspired knits by top designers Kaffe Fassett, Kim Hargreaves, Sarah Dallas, Martin Storey, Sharon Peake, Louisa Harding, Brandon Mably and Lucinda Guy. It's to the post-war period of the late 40s, 50s and 60s that we often look for fashion inspiration. The designers, whose work is featured in this book, have updated and adapted classic designs. They've made them easy to wear and been true to the spirit of the age by drawing on old photographs, films and archives of knitting patterns to bring this period alive. The collection encapsulates the feel for quality materials, classic looks, lasting craftsmanship and a real sense of style. The knitwear found here won't date in the passing of a season; it will improve with time and become a treasure in its own right. The book includes designs for women and men with coloured charts and diagrams, blocking diagrams of the body width and length plus clear hand knitting instructions. Beautiful photographs throughout capture the spirit of the post-war era and places it in a contemporary framework. Machine Knitting Monthly
