A Stitch in Time: v. 1: Vintage Knitting & Crochet Patterns 1920-1949 Paperback – November 13, 2008

This is a gorgeous book, full of olde worlde goodness that reminds me of the patterns my great, great aunt had laying around. There are a few absolute stunners in there - classic beauties that would be gorgeous in any age. I wish I could say this was true for half the patterns in there, but I honestly only found a small handful of sweaters I would actually want to knit and/or crochet. Then there are a bunch of other wildly impractical things that, while true to it's historical roots and heritage, etc. - make me cringe a bit at the thought of actually wearing them. As one fellow knitter opined, "the thought of knitted lingerie makes me itch" and I suspect the same is true for knitted bathing suits and close-fitting, dainty pant suits or any other woolen underthings. Doesn't matter if you use the softest soy or tencel in a very fine gauge - those purl bumps on the stockinette will leave a waffle pattern on your delicate behind if you try to wear any of these numbers as actual underthings.That being said - even for the sweaters that I wouldn't wear at gun point (well - maybe at gun point... but it might take that) - there were some interesting and intriguing design elements that might be nice to include in other sweaters. In many cases, I felt that one or two of the more unusual design elements would be gorgeous if worked into a more simpler sweater - it was just the combination of *all* those elements together in one sweater that made for something that seemed a little overly busy or in some cases laughable. But I probably would forgo the big sleeves that make you look as if you're either about to take off into flight or join a football league, just as a matter of personal taste. Many other interesting ruffles, edges, necklines, hems, trims, lace, etc. can be incorporated into other sweaters to make them really stand out - without being outlandish.A few stand out patterns deserve mention though:The Absolute Stunners:(These are the ones that I would love to make, even without making alterations to the pattern - they're unique, interesting and drop-dead gorgeous.)Enchanting in Black and WhiteSun Ray RibbingWith the New Cowl Neck LineA couple that I'm considering:(classic looking but still unusual enough to be eye-catching)Have You Made A Jumper(this just seems very charming... I don't know if it would look nearly so good if I did it, and I suspect that a lot would have to depend on yarn choice - but it's very nice)This One For Parties(...though I've never seen anyone less likely to be up for a party than the model wearing this sweater... Is she supposed to look consumptive and dramatic, or something? To me, she just looks rather glum and depressed, as if she just discovered that the dinner party was canceled after she already made the perfect pot roast and chocolate soufflé)Others that I might considering making, with some changes:Blue Bird (with maybe not quite as puffy of a sleeve)Frilly Jumper (without the lace....only the collar - I like the collar, especially edged with black)Knitter's Delight (with long sleeves)Such a Debonair Jumper (without the little black bows)Such Flattering Puff Sleeves (except deflating the sleeves, reducing their puffiness by half at least)The mesmerizing meshugas - charming, but highly impractical:A Dashing Little Swim Suit (...may be okay as just a tank top, but to swim?)Dark Red Pretties (You wear this under your clothes? Really?)Knit these Slimline Undies (...um...sounds itchy... but the top might be made into a nice tank, if you add real straps)See waves and sunny days ahead (another knitted bathing suit... but I like the arrow pattern on the front - again, might make a nice tank)Call of the Sea (again - cute tank potentially - but not as bathing suit material! Don't these things stretch when wet?)Kind of absurd design elements:Concentrate on the sleeves (Um... those sure are some big sleeves! Yep, sure are... For if you want everyone in the street to stare at you when you're passing by...)Any of the sweaters that incorporated a bow tie at the neck ("Accessory for your Spring Suit", "Jersey with a Soft Bow")Any of the sweaters that had ridiculously puffy sleeves ("Concentrate on the Sleeves", "Frilly Sleeves", "Embroidered with Tiny Flowers")Any combination of the two (bow tie at neck, ridiculously puffy sleeves - e.g. "Embroidered with Tiny Flowers" - not all that wild about the tiny flowers either...)Knitted ties in general - like the ties used to tie up the sweater "To Greet The New Season" - a very elegant cardigan otherwise, but the knit ties look kind of silly and sloppy.I didn't care for the rectangular panel at the chest either - the one that makes it look as if you're wearing a picture frame ("Light and Lovely", "Young and Pretty", etc.) - I know it's supposed to copy of the design of old victorian dresses, but it looks a bit awkward and is not usually all that flattering. It's the kind of design that mostly looks good on little girls...And as I said before... various interesting design elements can be borrowed from any of these sweaters and applied to a more simpler sweater. So for that reason alone, this is a great book, because there are so many small but elegant and vintage details that I can borrow and modify other simpler sweater patterns with. And it's very historically interesting too.

I have to admit, I was hesitant to spend the money on this book since I hadn't had a chance to look at it and it is a little pricier than other knitting books. However, I'd heard good things about it and I was more than blown away when I received it. I own a few old knitting patterns/leaflets - and I'm a fairly decent knitter - but the work involved in translating a vintage pattern has been thus far more than I have the time and patience for.Jane Waller and Susan Crawford did an amazing job producing this book, which I understand is a re-release of the original version published in the early '70s. Images of the original patterns as well as the modern translations are included, along with lovely vintage-styled photos of the updated versions.There are some hat, mitten and bathing costume/intimate wear patterns but the vast majority are sweaters. Perhaps I'm biased as an afficianado of vintage styles but I would happily knit and wear most of the patterns in the book - not something I can say for many of the knitting books I have bought over the years. This is a wonderful investment for any knitter's library, along with  A Stitch in Time: Vintage Knitting Patterns, 1930-1959 v. 2 .

Although some people shy away from vintage patterns, they have to be worn within the proper context....the serious knitter might find design elements they can use to create their own vintage-inspired patterns even if they don't want to knit the pattern as it is.....I found some patterns I definitely would make....I also found the lingerie patterns included in this book very charming.....Also, in order to wear vintage clothes you have to have the proper "attitude", wear them for special occasions, dates or when you want to make an unforgettable impression...strut your stuff like a diva!!!

An amazing book showcasing the hard work of the authors who researched these patterns and adapted them to modern techniques and sizing. Even if you don't knit, it is an outstanding pictorial of style. I have chosen to knit the sweater shown on the cover after the holidays, cannot wait.

This book contains lots of interesting patterns and stitches to create a stylish, personal wardrobe. Also great for the costuming work I do.

Bought as a gift, and she loves it! I have no idea about anything to do with knitting, but she's really advanced....so if she likes it, it must be good!

This book is a re-compilation of the author's original 1970's version. According to notes in the book itself, this current version was recreated from extant copies of the 70's book, the original notes/plates having been destroyed in a fire.This, I'm sure, was a huge undertaking, and great care has been lavished on the layout and printing. It's a lovingly set and printed book, and very pleasing to the eye.The patterns are an interesting step thru time. There's a historical overview of each decade's styling and construction, which are just plain interesting to read. Little notations and comments are sprinkled throughout, and these are just wonderful -- hints, tips and tricks from the era; several of which I intend to use!The patterns themselves are presented in original format, and new modern format (with new terminology, techniques and yarns. I very much appreciate this, as most similar "updated from the original" conversions use much larger yarns and lose much of the character and styling which makes the garment.I would definitely recommend this book. It's well worth the price. I'm very much looking forward to the next volume.

A fascinating book which prints the original patterns and photographs in full, followed by updated instructions and yarn suggestions, and a colour photo of the garment on a more realistically sized modern model. One of the less common attractions of the book is that most of the patterns are for finer yarns - often 4 ply. This might not appeal if you are hoping for a quick knit, but often gives a more flattering garment. The majority of the patterns are for sweaters or cardigans, with a wide range of sleeves, necklines and fastenings. Many of the patterns look quite up to date in their new styling, and most look wearable, depending on figure type. A few, such as the swimsuits, underwear and some sweaters with enormous sleeves or shoulders, seem to have been included mainly for historical interest. Warning for crochet fans: there is very little crochet in the book - a hat and some edgings are all I have found so far. Patterns are not graded for difficulty and there is no technical instruction. (I haven't knitted for a while so used the latest "Stitch and Bitch" book for more help.) It is both fun and instructive to read through the original patterns, and I like the fact that the publication date is shown for each one. I have just started a V-necked sweater from 1927 which features the more relaxed fit which has come back into fashion recently. I am enjoying speculating who else might have attempted it back then!

This book is an absolute "must have" for any knitter. It is full of beautiful patterns and is an interesting source of knitting history. I have so many of the patterns now lined up for completion...I think I'll have to free up more that 24 hours in any day to get them completed. So happy to have this book on my shelf ... need Vol. 2 now.

I love to collect original vintage patterns, the trouble is, I don't have the figure of those ladies from the past! Nice to have a book that converts vintage into modern. I don't always like the restyling of vintage clothing in these type of books because some of the elegance and sleekness is lost in the conversion, but I've knitted a couple of patterns from this book and been happy with the result.

If I'm honest I preferred volume 2 but it was interesting to read.

I have attempted two of the patterns.One was impossible to follow the other had a couple f mistakes.I am an experienced knitter but it is very irritating to ave to keep undoing and reknitting.