Vintage Knitting, Retro Dressmaking, Make do and Mend, Original and Vintage Inspired Knitting Patterns, Vintage Inspired books

Thursday, January 20, 2011

So let me introduce to you ...

Up to now this year has been all about getting organized behind the scenes so that the countdown to publication of A Stitch in Time Vol 2 goes as smoothly as possible. Every time I cook a dinner, I'm making enough for double servings so that one half goes in the freezer ready for the next few weeks when normal life will stop and an enormous amount of work has to get done in a very short space of time.  When writing and editing A Stitch in Time Vol 1, I really didn't think about how much it would impact on day to day life, but starting work at 8am and finishing at 3am was too much and this time I am determined to be more organized. I also forgot that I would need to stop and cook dinners and just couldn't find the time, hence the plan to have at least 30 evening meals, lunches, soups, breads and cakes etc all frozen and ready to be used each day.

One of my other plans is to introduce a new design  with each blog post, so without further ado, please meet "Blouse with a Gathered Neckline" from A Stitch in Time Vol 2.



This gorgeous little sweater is from the 1950s and features those quintessential style statements of high neckline, buttons at back neck, fitted close to the body, short sleeves, nipped in waist and fine, fine yarn. It was actually knitted in a 1 ply wool and would have been lightweight enough to be worn tucked into a pencil skirt without making lumps!

copyright Arbour House Publishing 2010


With this sweater I felt it was important to get as close to the original garment weight as possible to really show how delicate these sweaters were.  I therefore used Cecilia from Posh Yarns a 50/50 silk and cashmere yarn with 1300 yards to a 100gm skein. This fabulous top takes all of one skein!

Copyright Arbour House Publishing 2010


There is a repeat pattern throughout the garment which makes it a much more interesting knit than plain stocking stitch, the sleeves are set in with the added touch of a dainty picot hem to the cuffs. The collar is knit separately and again features the picot edge as does the feminine ribbon which is cleverly knitted and folded into a bow. The only change I have made is omitting the patch pocket, which although knitted, just seems to spoil another wise perfectly elegant line.

Copyright Arbour House Publishing 2010


With being fitted, short sleeved and bodied, it actually knits up really quickly for a lace weight garment and gives you the perfect excuse to indulge in a skein of something really, really special.

Don't forget, the pre-order offer is still available on the knitonthenet shop, with an ever growing package of goodies!

for now
Ruby xxx

All images Copyright Arbour House Publishing
Photographs by Susan Crawford

13 comments :

gerry said...

Gorgeous, stunning yarn! Good food planning, hope you've got a treat planned for yourself at the end of it all - best of luck x

Tasha said...

That is absolutely gorgeous!

I need to place my pre-order already, I can't wait for the book to be released!

Donna said...

Love! I'm already glad I pre-ordered!

Mim said...

I really love that jumper. It's so dainty - definitely going on my 'to knit' list. I completely agree about the patch pocket, it does spoil the line.

Jenny said...

It is just beautiful. Could you post a link to the store where you bought the yarn? I want to be ready to knit when the book comes out. Thank you.

Ros said...

Jenny, you'll find Posh Yarn here. Sales are at 7pm on Sundays, but I don't think they've had Cecilia lately. Lots of other yummy cobweb and laceweight though. You might find some Cecilia through Ravelry.

Mary Beth said...

This pre-order is good in the US also? one thing I always loved about the old patterns was how they boasted about using one skein, as yours does. In these thrifty times it's good to know old-fashion glamour can still be achieved for pennies!

Lisa Marie Olson said...

This is just simply stunning can't wait till its out.

Lisa

flossieKNITS said...

can;t wait!!

claire montgomerie said...

Beautiful! And the loverly model of course! I love the very on trend colour, the stitch, everything, you really know how to dangle a carrot.... :)

Lauren Hairston said...

Gorgeous! I've already pre-ordered and I'm so excited for my copy to arrive!

Unraveling Sophia said...

Oh That is just wonderful!! I can't wait to get my book!

Karen said...

Gorgeous! Can't wait to get my book.