Retro Knits: Cool Vintage Patterns for Men, Women, and Children from the 1900s through the 1970s [Paperback]

Kari Cornell (Editor), Jean Lampe (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 2008

Everything old is new again in this collection of fun, hip knitting patterns dating from the early 1900s through the 1970s. Within the pages of this book youll find everything from the pattern for those classic embroidered mittens your grandmother knitted to the alluring mohair sweater your mother stitched during her college days.

Retro Knits collects 50 vintage patterns for items as stylish today as they were in their time. Organized by decade, these patterns have been culled from vintage pattern books published by yarn makers, and feature old photos, pattern book covers, and original instructions.

The patterns--for hats, mittens, socks, scarves, sweaters, vests, and shawls, all picked to exemplify the era of origin--also offer modern yarn and needle suggestions, new schematics, and updated sizing. 

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

This book of fifty vintage patterns gives today’s knitter the means to recreate yesterday’s style, from the classic embroidered mittens your grandmother knitted to the alluring mohair swater your mother stitched during her college days. Organized by decade from the 1910s through the 1970s, these patterns have been culled from the original pattern books published by yarn makers, and feature old photos, pattern book covers, and original instructions. 

 The patterns—for hats, mittens, socks, scarves, sweaters, vests, and shawls, all picked to exemplify the era of origin—also offer modern yarn and needle suggestions, new schematics, and updated sizing.

From the Inside Flap

Kari Cornell & Jean Lampe, Editors

Everything old is new again in this collection of fun, hip knitting patterns dating from the early 1900s through the 1970s.

Patterns for the Dolman Bolero from 1952, the Men’s Zip-up Cardigan from 1939, the Boy’s Cowboy Pullover from 1962, the 1920s Mildred Scarf, the Women’s Wolsey Swim Suit from the 1930s, and many more have been culled from a collection of vintage pattern books.

The knitting instructions, which include new schematics, updated sizing, and yarn and needle recommendations, are illustrated with the original images. The collection includes a wide variety of patterns for the beginning knitter and the veteran.

So pick up your needles and knit a little something reminiscent of days gone by today.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Voyageur Press; 1st edition (April 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076032977X
• ISBN-13: 978-0760329771
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #361,469 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Give me more!, May 17, 2008

By 

L. Hastings (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Retro Knits: Cool Vintage Patterns for Men, Women, and Children from the 1900s through the 1970s (Paperback)

This book met all of my expectations and more. This book is for the retro enthusiasts and any lover of fine knits. What I like about the old patterns is the creativity and the attention to detail. With fewer distractions, it seems to me that people had more time for their craft which resulted in intricate patterns or designs with a finer gauge. For the beginner or knitter of today who doesn't have the patience for fine knitting, as you get into the 1970's section of the book, you'll find that there are designs for bulky knitting! The original photographs for the old pattern booklets are great. You may find a photograph that features two or more designs that don't have a pattern and you'll think "Hey, I want that pattern!" The Authors have to do another book. I intend to write them and ask for more patterns. Well worth the money, every knitter needs this book in his/her collection. The book features designs for the entire family.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book for your collection, August 8, 2008

By 

Mahlers2nd "Mom of Many Interests" - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

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This review is from: Retro Knits: Cool Vintage Patterns for Men, Women, and Children from the 1900s through the 1970s (Paperback)

I'm a 45-year old mom who grew up in the preppy 80s -- so I still tend to gravitate towards "classic styles" and lines. I also believe they look best on the average figure.

This book has gorgeous projects and very classic looks. It is a refreshing change to many of the amorphous shapes that seem to be popular today... Not everyone looks good in a round bolero style shrug that just makes it look like you accidentally threw your sweater into the dryer and it shrunk.

There are classic twin sets, men's sweaters (that would look equally good on women), lacy projects, cables.

My only "quibble" with this book is that I wish they had included updated pictures in addition to the "originals". Vogue put out a "classic knits" book many years ago which were reprints from decades-old patterns. Not only did they show the original picture of the pattern but also the modern day version so you can picture the project in this day and age.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I hope you're a 38 bust., February 9, 2009

By 

Katy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Retro Knits: Cool Vintage Patterns for Men, Women, and Children from the 1900s through the 1970s (Paperback)

I love the patterns in this book however almost all of the women's items are modified to fit a 38-40 bust. I'm a scrawny girl at 5'2 100lbs. Most of the patterns only have one or two size options and only 5 or 6 out of the whole book offer patterns with a 32" bust. I have a sneaking suspicion that the author is a 38" bust. If you are too I would recommend this book. Otherwise you may as well stick with the vintage patterns because this book is useless.