Whatever styles are in this season, one trend that will never go out of fashion is for vintage clothing. The cyclical nature of fashion means that designers are always borrowing from the past – which is good news if you’re a compulsive hoarder of old knitting and crochet patterns, like I am!
When I embarked on this issue, I discovered that lots of our designers are also retro lovers, too. They’ve produced a plethora of fabulously chic and stylish patterns, such as Bee Clinch’s delicately pretty driving gloves and Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby’s glamorous coat.
Enjoy!
Marlene Beret by Megan Marshall
“This classic beret is perfect for that special, precious skein of solid, semi-solid or tonal hand-dyed yarn.”
Yarn used: The Thylacine ‘Zeehan’ * 50% soy, 50% alpaca * 115g/270m/296yds * WPI 12
Notions: 4mm hook, 4.5mm hook and tapestry needle.
Some like it hottie by Aoibhe Ní Shúilleabháin
“Studio Donegal yarn is my go-to yarn for things that need to be strong and cosy, and it just begs to be cabled! When warm, this yarn smells lovely and sheepy, which is perfect for a snuggly cover!”
Yarn used: Studio Donegal Aran Tweed * 100% wool * 50g/80m/88yds * WPI 8
Notions: 4mmhook, tapestry needle, ribbon.
Grace gloves by Bee Clinch
“This design is based on a good friend’s tried-and-tested vintage recipe for pretty gloves. I’ve adapted this pattern using a modern yarn to make it the ultimate practical and luxurious one-skein project – perfect for using up your stash!”
Yarn used: Skein Queen Wisp * 55% silk, 45% cashmere * 55g/366m/400yds * WPI 20
Notions: 3mm hook, tapestry needle.
Hepburn cable sweater by Claire Montgomerie
“Audrey Hepburn always managed to make even the simplest outfit look high fashion. This sweater is inspired by her elegant style, with bracelet-length sleeves for prettiness and a fiddly yet satisfying cable panel for added interest.”
Yarn used: JC Rennie & Co. Chunky Lambswool Aran * 100% wool * 50g/95m/104yds * WPI 8
Notions: 5mm hook, 4.5mm hook, tapestry needle
Hayworth Bag by Zoé Clements
“Vintage beauty, practicality and thrift comine to make this wonderful updated version of a 1940s clutch.”
Yarn used: Texere Picasso Whipped Vicose Gimp * 100% vicose with cotton core * 200g/280m/306yds * WPI 14
Notions: 3.5mm metal crochet hook, popper fastener, large tapestry needle, sewing needle and thread, brooch
Monroe wrap coat by Shannon Mullet-Bowlsby
“Chic and stylish, this is a coat for the extroverts among us! Wear with attitude for a touch of Marilyn’s elusive glamour.”
Yarn used: MalabrigoSilky Merino * 51% silk, 49% merino wool * 50g/137m/150yds * WPI 11 and Malabrigo Gruesa * 100% wool * 100g/59m/65yds
Notions: 3.5mm hook, 9mm hook, 3 buttons (4cm in diameter), tapestry needle, nylon thread
Auntie Burrow rabbit by Beverly Campbell
“This little rabbit started off as a pencil sketch and she burrowed around in my imagination for a while, wondering how she could ger herself made into a toy. She’s perfect for a spring gift!”
Yarn used: King Cole Bounty DK * 100% acrylic * 250g/732m/800yds * WPI 11
Notions: 3.5mm hook, 4.5mm hook, tapestry needle, embroidery thread, toy stuffing
Crawford necklace by Shelby Allaho
“As a collector of vintage jewellery, I adore delicate 1950s rhinestone necklace. The use of metallic yarn gives the effect of a fine jewelery piece that can be worn on many occasions.”
Yarn used: King Cole Merino Blend DK * 100% superwash wool * 50g/112m/123yds * WPI 11 and Twilleys Goldfingering * 20% metallised polyester, 80% vicose * 25g/100m/109yds * WPI 25
Notions: 2.75mm hook, tapestry needle
Bette hairpin gown by Claire Montgomerie
“This delicate dress is inspired by vintage patterns of my own from the 1940s and 1950s. I wanted to design something just as beautiful but also more wearable.”
Yarn used: Colinette Giotto * 50% cotton, 40% rayon, 10% nylon * 100g/140m/153yds * WPI 5-6
Notions: 5mm hook, 6mm hook, hairpin loom set 6cm wide (or 6mm hairpin), tapestry needle, zip arrox 36cm
Temple Vest by Shweta Shankar Khatri
“Crocheted from the top down in one piece with raglan shaping, this vest is suitable for both girls and boys alike!”
Yarn used: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran * 55% merino, 33% microfibre, 12% cashmere * 50g/91m/100yds * WPI8
Notions: 5.5mm hook, set of four 3.25mm DPNs, four buttons, safety pins
Keaton Vest by Robyn Chachula
“There’s nothing more fun than taking a classic and adding a modern twist. This stylish tweed vest is brought to life with a pop of colour in the edging.”
Yarn used: Mission Falls 136 Merino Superwash * 100% merino wool * 50g/124m/136yds * WPI 12
Notions: 5mm hook, small hook and eye closures, 74cm grosgain tape, tapestry needle, needle and thread
Brando Gloves by Maggie Vassie
“It can be hard to find patterns for the men in your life that aren’t scarves or hats. These fingerless gloves will keep the chill away on cool spring days.”
Yarn used: Rico Design Essentials Merino DK * 100% merino * 50g/120m/131yds * WPI 11
Notions: 4mm hook, tapestry needle, 2 buttons (2cm in diameter)
Leigh Fascinator by Linda Lunn
“Inspired by 1920s fashion and the Art Deco movement, this fascinator will add glamour to any occassion!”
Yarn used: Cascade 22 * 100% wool * 100g/200m/220yds * WPI 9
Notions: 3.5mm hook, 10cm long plainhair comb, tapestry needle
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