Synopses & Reviews
(back cover)
Beautifully illustrated and conveying a mood of nostalgia, Knitting Vintage presents 30 retro-inspired knitting patterns that visibly reflect today's fashion trends. Each of the book's chapters is inspired by a different decade from the past century with projects of various skill levels and complexities, ranging from a 1920s flapper-style tasseled top and cloche hat and a 1950s beaded cardigan to a 1960s handbag and 1980s legwarmers. Each project uses modern yarns but draws on key fashion looks from bygone eras and encourages knitters to use vintage accessories and notions. The author gives historical background on each decade's fashion themes, and mood boards feature illustrations, photos, materials, and colorways that inspired the book's projects. Knitting Vintage concludes with a directory on sourcing vintage haberdashery, as well as instruction on the care and handling of home-knitted items.
Claire Montgomerie, a graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, is a textile designer who has worked in both the British and U.S. fashion markets. She has written several books on knitting, and has designed her own collection of knitted accessories, toys, and garments using the trade name Monty.
Review
"This beautifully illustrated book for knitting enthusiasts presents retro-inspired patterns that fit today's fashion trends. . . . Unlike knitting books that simply copy vintage patterns, this one reinvents retro patterns by adding details that reflect today's tastes in fashion."
--Decorating Digest, Craft and Home Projects
". . . a top pick for needle-hobbyists who want something old in their something new."
--The Midwest Book Review
Synopsis
The art and craft of knitting has become popular once again, and this beautifully illustrated book for knitting enthusiasts presents more than 30 retro-inspired knitting patterns that fit today's fashion trends. Patterns range from a 1920s-style cloche hat revamped for the twenty-first century to a 1970s-style poncho-style wrap, updated for today with a tweed-style stitch. Unlike knitting books that simply copy vintage patterns, Vintage Knitting aims to reinvent retro patterns by adding details that reflect today's tastes and developments in fashion. Each project uses modern yarns, but encourages knitters to seek out vintage accessories if they can find them, and suggests sources where such items can be obtained. Most of this book's patterns are for more experienced knitters, but several are easy enough for newcomers to master before they go on to more challenging projects. The book is divided into separate chapters, with each chapter focusing on a different decade from the past century and presenting knitting patterns for garments of that era. More than 250 illustrations in color and black and white enhance this handsome and practical volume.
About the Author
Claire Montgomerie, a graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, is a textile designer who has worked in both the British and U.S. fashion markets. She has designed her own collection of knitted accessories, toys, and garments using the trade name Monty.