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Product Description
Product Description
43 patterns inspired by the ′40s, ′50s, ′60s, and ′70s
Knitters love all things vintage–but it′s not as easy as picking up an old pattern from decades past. Oftentimes, they use obsolete yarns, aren′t sized for today′s body shapes, and are written differently than current pattern instructions.
Now, retro–minded crafters get the best of both worlds in this unique collection. Drawing from the fashion trends of the ′40s through the ′70s, Knitting it Old School offers a bold new twist on vintage–inspired knitting patterns.
- Vintage patterns feature newly created designs that flatter today′s figure and use contemporary yarns
- Fun, wearable patterns that echo styles of days gone by
- Four bonus sewing patterns to whip up complimentary vintage–themed accessories
With a balance of classic and kitsch, wardrobe basics and saucy specials, Knitting it Old School is a breath of fresh air for knitters who love "old" but want to be "new."
From the Inside Flap
43 patterns inspired by the ′40s, ′50s, ′60s, and ′70s
Love "old" but want to be "in vogue"? Welcome to Knitting It Old School, where you′ll find patterns for knitting and crocheting everything from cheeky hot pants to his–and–hers sweater sets, all drawn from the fashion trends of the ′40s, ′50s, ′60s, and ′70s. All patterns feature newly created designs that flatter today′s figure and use contemporary fibers—and that are written so modern crafters can easily follow along.
From classic to kitschy, wardrobe basics to saucy specials, get ready to start making beautiful handmade clothing the way your mother and grandmother did!
We′re knitting it old school, folks!
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
A little bit of history in knitting but dont expect any startling new patterns because you wont get them in this book, you will however find a book that offers a modern take on older designs
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'm not sure there is anything else quite like this book, its is almost the definition of "kitsch".
To begin, the title felt very misleading as I flicked through the first few patterns to discover they are all for crochet (which I do intend to learn, but this I was not expecting). There is also the odd sewing-pattern which feels more out of place.
I finally found some knitting patterns, some I love, some I like, some I don't, some are nice but doubt I'll ever knit. However the ideas in the book were excellent and some of them really imaginative. I am really taken by the sci-fi section and will definitely be knitting myself an Enterprise tunic sweater. I also look forward to trying out some of the crochet patterns when I have mastered that skill. Its also nice how toys and accessories are sprinkled within the pattern too.
A lot of inspiration draws from the 60s and 70s, I would have liked a little bit more from earlier eras and maybe a bit of early 80s retro but the book serves as a good reminder of how fun the fashions of the mid-late 20th century could be! I *think* these are all modern patterns not revamped old ones.
Its almost impossible to rate a book as unusual as this, all I know is I like it, I'm glad I bought it and I will use it. I can easily see traditionalists might not be so enamoured with it, but for the "far out" knitter, its a great idea.
To begin, the title felt very misleading as I flicked through the first few patterns to discover they are all for crochet (which I do intend to learn, but this I was not expecting). There is also the odd sewing-pattern which feels more out of place.
I finally found some knitting patterns, some I love, some I like, some I don't, some are nice but doubt I'll ever knit. However the ideas in the book were excellent and some of them really imaginative. I am really taken by the sci-fi section and will definitely be knitting myself an Enterprise tunic sweater. I also look forward to trying out some of the crochet patterns when I have mastered that skill. Its also nice how toys and accessories are sprinkled within the pattern too.
A lot of inspiration draws from the 60s and 70s, I would have liked a little bit more from earlier eras and maybe a bit of early 80s retro but the book serves as a good reminder of how fun the fashions of the mid-late 20th century could be! I *think* these are all modern patterns not revamped old ones.
Its almost impossible to rate a book as unusual as this, all I know is I like it, I'm glad I bought it and I will use it. I can easily see traditionalists might not be so enamoured with it, but for the "far out" knitter, its a great idea.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
9 reviews
48 of 48 people found the following review helpful
Strange, but I like it
27 Aug 2010
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I've been knitting for many years, and I was kind of expecting this book to be filled with some of the kind of patterns I knitted when I was a teenager or that my grandmother knitted for me - cardigans, twinsets and things like that. I didn't know anything about either of the authors other than that Stitchy McYarnypants also has a book called Museum of Kitchy Stitches and I really didn't know what kitchy meant. Well, now I do! The patterns in this book are definitely a little on the unusual side, and you might want to look at the other book or Stitchy's blog to get an idea of what these patterns will be like.
Once I got over the surprise of all the bright colors and "different" styles, I really looked closely at the photos and saw that they are all really beautifully designed. And, not all of them are "kitchy". There is a sailor sweater that is really nice; a striped turtleneck that I like a lot; a short sleeved, ribbed sweater that has two buttons at the back of the neckline. It's really gorgeous. There is a cardigan/jacket that has fabric covered buttons, and a matching hat with a strip of the same fabric woven through it in a really unique way.
One thing that you don't find out until you start looking through the book is that there are quite a few crochet patterns - approx 10 of them. There are also 4 sewing patterns. The crochet patterns are probably the most unusual, and they include a pair of crocheted hot pants and a granny square dress.
Most of the patterns are meant to fit snugly, but the sizes on most of them range from Small to 1 or 2X. That is a real bonus because I bought a book of vintage type patterns once and the largest bust size was 38. They say the patterns are meant to fit the modern woman and I guess we are all a little bigger than they were in the days these styles were first worn. I also have to add that the patterns all look a little complicated, so this book probably wouldn't be good as a beginner's knitting book (unless you are just looking for inspiration). Each pattern has a very nice photo and there is a little written description of each item. The writing style is really fun and I enjoyed reading through the book.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a book to have on your shelf that you will use again and again for basic patterns, this is probably not the book for you. But, if you love knitting books like I do, and are looking for something that you don't already have - definitely get this book. You will really have a fun time with it!
Once I got over the surprise of all the bright colors and "different" styles, I really looked closely at the photos and saw that they are all really beautifully designed. And, not all of them are "kitchy". There is a sailor sweater that is really nice; a striped turtleneck that I like a lot; a short sleeved, ribbed sweater that has two buttons at the back of the neckline. It's really gorgeous. There is a cardigan/jacket that has fabric covered buttons, and a matching hat with a strip of the same fabric woven through it in a really unique way.
One thing that you don't find out until you start looking through the book is that there are quite a few crochet patterns - approx 10 of them. There are also 4 sewing patterns. The crochet patterns are probably the most unusual, and they include a pair of crocheted hot pants and a granny square dress.
Most of the patterns are meant to fit snugly, but the sizes on most of them range from Small to 1 or 2X. That is a real bonus because I bought a book of vintage type patterns once and the largest bust size was 38. They say the patterns are meant to fit the modern woman and I guess we are all a little bigger than they were in the days these styles were first worn. I also have to add that the patterns all look a little complicated, so this book probably wouldn't be good as a beginner's knitting book (unless you are just looking for inspiration). Each pattern has a very nice photo and there is a little written description of each item. The writing style is really fun and I enjoyed reading through the book.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a book to have on your shelf that you will use again and again for basic patterns, this is probably not the book for you. But, if you love knitting books like I do, and are looking for something that you don't already have - definitely get this book. You will really have a fun time with it!
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Gorgeous!
2 Sep 2010
Format:Hardcover
I love the photos, and the patterns are beautiful. It's amazing to have so vintage inspired patterns in one place. The diversity of patterns is wide which allows the indulgences' of taste from the 1920s to the 1980s. It is ambitious in its scope and every pattern won't be for every person's taste. However they give an unprecedented number of patterns 44 in all. So there will be more than enough for every person's taste. Some of my favorites are the blue cardigan (shot in front of the sports car) and the crazy poodle bottle cozy, among many others. I also love the crazy sci-fi chapter, which takes the book to another level. They may seem kind of out of this world at first, but they actually are very inventive and wearable for everyday use. I also love, love, LOVE the alien doll!
18 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Definitely retro
10 Sep 2010
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you are looking for something that is truly retro, this may be the book for you. If you are looking for classic styles that have been updated, you won't get it here which is why I've rated it 3 stars. Several of the styles are "mod" fashions right out of the mid to late '60's. If you are over 30 and/or have less than a perfect slim figure, you probably wouldn't want to be caught dead in fashions like the crocheted "hot pants" (which are super short shorts) and the body hugging Sunshine Day minidress crocheted in horizontal bands of bright primary colors. The "Watusi" is a sleevless minidress that is really cute and would look gorgeous on an age 16-something young woman.
If you are looking for something retro for the younger set, this might be for you, but I would run the patterns by any potential recipient first. There are a couple very nice classic designs that would be appropriate for a more mature woman, but that's about it for the over 40 set.
I have very mixed feelings about this book and have thought about returning it, but will probably keep it instead. If you want to get an idea of the "flavor" of the designs inside, the cover says it all. Very sassy, lots of attitude, "far out" and definitely retro, with an author named "Stitchy McYarnpants". These are not updated vintage designs but new unique designs patterned after the wilder less classic designs of the past.
If you are looking for something retro for the younger set, this might be for you, but I would run the patterns by any potential recipient first. There are a couple very nice classic designs that would be appropriate for a more mature woman, but that's about it for the over 40 set.
I have very mixed feelings about this book and have thought about returning it, but will probably keep it instead. If you want to get an idea of the "flavor" of the designs inside, the cover says it all. Very sassy, lots of attitude, "far out" and definitely retro, with an author named "Stitchy McYarnpants". These are not updated vintage designs but new unique designs patterned after the wilder less classic designs of the past.
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