The Reading Corner - Knitting Vintage

I have a small (LARGE) pattern addiction.  Sewing patterns, knitting patterns, crochet patterns, modern, vintage, doesn't matter.  I'm pretty sure I will never be able to complete all of them in my lifetime..but I just like to know they're there when inspiration strikes.  (Don't even get me started on my fabric hoard..)

So, of course, when I saw Knitting Vintage, I had to purchase it.

Amazon

It did not disappoint.  There are a number of really cute, wearable vintage inspired knitting patterns in this book (minus the headache of trying to size up or down a vintage pattern, or figure out what types of yarn are suitable.)

The book is broken down by decade from the 1920's to the 1980's and includes patterns for everything from cardigans and sweaters to collars and cloche hats.

I found the patterns really easy to follow, and the pictures are absolutely gorgeous.

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I've added the pattern for the crochet collar to the Create 365 project.  I'm making it in a really pretty lace weight pale gold yarn with tiny gold sequins.  Looking forward to sharing the end result!

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Hugs and Smooches,
D

A Few of My Favorite Things - The Roaring 20's Version

I am anxiously anticipating the release of the new Great Gatsby movie this winter (how 'bout you?!)  I already have plans to go see it with my best friend as soon as it comes out!

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I love F. Scott Fitzgerald, and have a long time fascination for his wife, Zelda, so can't wait to see this interpretation of the book!

Of course, like anything I find myself drawn to, it has suddenly bled over into my preferences for other things..A few of my outfits have taken on a decidedly "20's" feel, I'm making some new cloche hats (I've downloaded some neat knitting/felting patterns on Ravelry), some of the jewelry I've made recently has a flapper quality to it..like this piece:

So, without further ado, here are a few of my favorite "20's" pieces!

1920's Temporary Tattoo - Flapperdoodle

How adorable is this temporary tattoo from Flapperdoodle??  She also has some sweet prints and cards!

1920's Cloche Hat Pattern

This pattern from D.L. Designs Hat Patterns is stunning.  I may have to try my hand at making this one for the fall..

It's Hip to be a Square Felted Hat Pattern

Fabulous felted hat project idea from Ravelry!

Vintage 1920s Sheer Navy Blue Silk Chiffon Dress Jazz Age Elegance Size Medium Large

I LOVE a drop waist dress (even though I have to keep the length relatively short because I'm so short myself!)  This one from FancyMeetingYouHere is lovely.

1967 Low Waist Mini Dress Simplicity Pattern

There are actually a good number of really cute 1960's drop waist dress patterns that could be made up and styled to look like the 1920's as well.  This one from pienzacal is perfect :)

(In fact..I may have to buy it and try it myself ;)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Style it - You CAN wear a hat!

I LOVE hats.  They cover up a bad hair day, frame your face, add a little "something extra" to an outfit and keep your head toasty on a cold day.  A lot of people I've chatted with like the idea of a hat, but think that they can't pull it off, that it doesn't look good on them, or that they aren't a "hat person".  I think everyone can be a hat person, you just need to find the one that speaks to you!  Here are a few hats that have been in the shop and suggestions on how to wear them.

The Leopard Print Bucket - I think this hat would pair nicely with a simple tailored pea coat.  Something that doesn't detract from the hat itself.  The brim is great if you have a fuller face (like I do!) and are looking for something to make it look slimmer.

The Cloche - This hat is a summer weight hat and would be best suited to a pretty floaty sundress or a romantic lacey top with jeans.  It looks ADORABLE on gals with shorter hair (I mourn my bob everytime I come across a cloche!  I have very thick hair and when it's longer it doesn't tend to fit properly with this style of hat, as they are meant to fit close to the head.)

Headband and Pillbox hats - These are great if, like me, you have a larger head or very thick hair because they either stretch to fit (the headband hat) or sit on top and attach with an elastic that hides under the hair or little combs stitched into the hat.  Headband hats come in tons of styles and can be cute with a dress or to add a little visual interest with your winter coat.  Pillbox hats are also cute with a vintage suit or coat.

There are many other styles that I will cover in a later post.  There's the toque, the beret, the fedora, there are fascinators and tilt hats.  Hats to suit everyone's taste!  As you can see, my tastes run towards the older pre-1960's style hats, but there are some fun hats in later years as well (the floppy brimmed 70's style hat comes to mind..)

I will leave you with a few pictures of me in some of my favorite hats for ideas on how to style them.  Feel free to leave any questions you may have in the comments!

A really neat 60's red velvet hat

50's/60's Cream colored Pillbox

A gorgeous 40's/50's beaded beret

A Red Fur Felt Beret circa 1960

(I've also noticed a whole lotta fur in these photos.  I tend to wear hats more often in the winter because I never keep them on in the summer unless I'm gardening!)

Hugs and Smooches,
D