I found this copy of Teenage Fashions at an antique mall. It was published in 1942, and has a charming wholesomeness about it. The teenage models look like actual people in their teens. The patterns are also basic enough for a teen beginning knitter. Here is one of the fancier ones, with some tasteful patterning… Continue reading Vintage Knits: Teenage Fashions from 1942
Like a lot of knitters, I first learned to knit socks with Dutch heels--the kind where you knit half of your stitches into a flat flap (usually with slipped stitches to thicken the fabric) and then pick up stitches along the sides of the flap and continue in the round--like this favorite old sock of… Continue reading Building a Better Sock
I like to print out knitting instructions to take with me, and I want my patterns to have everything I need, without having to go online looking for advice on techniques. So I'm learning to draw illustrations of any techniques in my patterns that might be new to a knitter using it. Here are the… Continue reading How to Knit “Make one” Increases
So you've found an old sweater, scarf, or blanket suitable for repurposing (see previous post). Now what do you do with it? Make sure it's clean. If the knit piece you've chosen has a tag with washing instructions, follow them. Put machine washables in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, and hand-wash if that's… Continue reading How to Repurpose Yarn from Old Knits Part 2: Washing Your Yarn
Few things make me feel more clever and all-powerful than taking a knit item that's the wrong size or is truly ugly and destroying it to make something beautiful. You find an unloved, ill-fitting waste of fiber on the thrift store rack, lovingly dismantle it, and reform it to your will. And in the process… Continue reading How to Repurpose Yarn from Old Knits Part 1: Choosing Your Victim
Looky Knits 