Friday 23 October 2015

The Jumper on the Cover - Stitchcraft October 1937

The moment I saw the cover of this Stitchcraft, I knew I wanted to knit it. I could see it was done in 'thick' wool, but it was also very flattering. Win win. Quick knitting, warm, and not too bulky. And finished in time for winter.


It is only the second long sleeved jumper I have ever knitted, so I imagine it will get lots of wear. I was so impatient to wear it, I finished sewing it up on the tube to the British Library, and changed into it while I was there. I did get a few funny looks in the loo, as there were still a couple of ends sticking out. Thankfully, I met Caroline there (The Sunny Stitcher), and she kindly sewed them in for me.

Between the rain showers this week, I got my husband to take some quick pics of the jumper in our garden.


The original yarn suggested was 'Totem' by P&B. The tension required was 16 stitches to 10cm, which meant a nice aran weight yarn. I actually had some Patons Classic Wool Worsted that I'd found in the States last year, but only 4 balls. I was sure it wouldn't be enough, but as they were 100g balls, at 192m each, I thought I'd take my chances.


And, as you can see, it was enough. I have possibly five or six metres left. I am often amazed at how economical vintage jumpers are with wool. That's why I'll keep on knitting them.


The front yoke has a very interesting diamond pattern, and is cast off straight across. The epaulettes and back yoke are knitted separately and sewn on. I have only one niggle - the sleeves are a tad too short. I should have measured them on myself before the armhole shaping. It pulls the shoulder down slightly.


I paired it with a new design called A Lacy Beret, which is an almost exact match to the shade of the jumper. I still can't tell whether it is blue or green, but I love it.

Theodora.

16 comments:

  1. Ooo lovely! Love the shade you chose, lets call it grue cause I can't tell either :D
    I just bought some slightly thicker yarn, and don't know what to do with it. I am inspired now, to make something like this. And as always, love your berets!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah Siri, thank you. I love that name for the shade - grue!

      Delete
  2. Oh its gorgeous, such a neat little pattern and looks so cozy too! and your beret is the icing on the cake what a lovely pattern and wonderful that it pairs so well with your sweater!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Wendy, it's strange how you are drawn to certain shades unconciously.

      Delete
  3. It's always such a treat to find vintage patterns for aran, worsted, or sport weight yarn. I enjoy knitting them so much more than the ever popular fingering weight. This looks just amazing on you, the color choice is spot on. I really enjoy using patons yarn, its such a great quality for the price. Wonderful job, darling.

    She Knits in Pearls

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Cherry, they are a bit quicker to knit than the finer yarns, although I so love the look of those too. Patons is great, I wish I could find more of it here.

      Delete
  4. I love it and would love to knit it myself. Why don't you bring out a book with this pattern in and the others you have knitted?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would LOVE to do that - an e-book maybe. Thank you, I'm glad you like it.

      Delete
  5. That is a super jumper. The colour really suits you.

    I wonder if vintage jumpers are economical because they're closer-fitting and shorter than later, boxier patterns? Those few inches of ease probably account for a fair bit of yarn.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You said it Mim - that must be why they use up less yarn than more modern patterns. Thank you!

      Delete
  6. Lovely jumper, it is a great pattern and nice to use thicker wool for a change. It is very pretty paired with your fab new beret pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  7. It's so pretty ~ I love that color and yay for aran weight; a thicker wool can be so nice to work with every once in awhile! :)



    xox,
    bonita of Lavender & Twill

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi , I came across your post when looking for a vintage pattern to knit for my daughter who loves vintage clothing. Do you know where I can get a copy of the pattern? It would be perfect for her. Yvonne

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...