Knit Retro!

Amusing Approach

2005-11-03T06:36:00.000-05:00

Chartrusse and lavender?!? Chartrusse and anything? LOL It's not an ugly color, just a bit hard to match. But this isn't too bad.

I love the shaping at the center of the dress. Even though it's a bit hard to see behind the fence... It's really form-fitting! You know, taking the pic behind the fence really wasn't a good choice, not only does it hide the dress, but it creates a large shadow right accross the skirt.

Maybe the photographer didn't like this design....? LOL :)

Fascinatingly Paradoxical

2005-11-02T10:17:00.000-05:00

Oh... cute, cute, CUTE!! So Sixites and perky! The whole picture is just great :)

The dress (of course), the hair, the smile, the swing, the boyfriend, the BOOTS! Do me a favor, I know you're here for knitting but check out those boots! For heaven's sake - they're open-toed! It doesn't get more MOD than that!

The dress is crocheted in a chevron pattern - oh, to heck with it - I have to go look at those boots again!

Current Classic

2005-11-01T07:25:00.000-05:00

Vests, OK, to me, have always been pointless. Why not just put in that little extra bit and make the sweater...? I don't get it.

This one is kinda cute 'cause it reminds me of the furry vests that Sonny Bono used to wear. Well, that was the "IN" thing at the time.

Pattern is written with instructions on how to knit the vest in three different weights of yarn: Heavy (on 8's), Bulky (on 10.5's) & Extra Bulky (on 13's).

POP Fashions

2005-10-31T08:07:00.000-05:00

Well, I didn't quite have a knitted costume for a post dated October 31st, but this comes pretty close!

Matching argyle sweater and over-the-knee socks! YIKES! The book refers to them as "Stockings" like you would wear with garters... I don't even want to think about it.

The instructions call for the crosslines to be "knitted in" (yikes again) but you actually have the option of embroidering them in after the socks are completed.

Let Yourself Go

2005-10-30T09:12:00.000-05:00

When I learn cables, I am making this sweater. Just like this - in RED! I really just LOVE the XOXOXO pattern.

Although for some reason the nowhere in the book is mention made of the "Hugs & Kisses" theme - you would think that would be a "no-brainer".

Coming in Great

2005-10-29T08:12:00.000-04:00

Nice blue, deep, DEEP, V-Neck sweater. Don't try wearing this one without something underneath! LOL Although for me, it probably wouldn't be that green turtleneck...

Easy crochet (or so the pattern says) with two colors of yarn held together throughout.

Don't forget the ultimate accessory - That hat! With a chin strap no less!

Beach Mini Shift

2005-10-28T11:42:00.000-04:00

Great little cover up for cool nights on the beach by a bon fire... ...I think I watch too many movies!

Knit with A-Line shaping and a square neck. One of the shoulders is closed with buttons - "for fashion" - as the pattern states. The bullseye in the center is crocheted and then sewn on.

This would be great to throw on over a knit bikini
...which I just happen to have a picture of!

Dress Top Tunic

2005-10-27T08:35:00.000-04:00

Darling little summer tunic - (basically a long, sleeveless sweater). Although shown with shorts in this magazine cover picture, it also has a matching ribbed mini skirt.

The description states it has a ribbed yolk with rolled edging over tubing at neck and armholes. .....Tubing?? Huh?

Considering this was 1968, I'm surprised they even bothered with the shorts or the skirt. But it's nice to know that those of us who were not blessed with 'racehorse' legs would have still been able to be in fashion!.

Mexican Medallion

2005-10-26T15:10:00.000-04:00

Pretty hot pink stockinette sweater with black sunburst crochet design on the chest. The sunburst medallion is created apart from the sweater and then attached. The collar and cuffs are also crocheted, while the zig zag is embroidered.

And no, your eyes are not deceiving you - those are tassels at the bottom of the sweater.

Knit, crochet, embroidery, and tassels - you sure had to know your stitches to create a garment in the 60s!

Shells Ablaze

2005-10-25T07:13:00.000-04:00

Unique vintage color combination of blue, orange, pink, and purple light up this flared jacket.

Yes, jacket. I didn't believe it either, but apparently it closes with one button at the top of the back. I wish I had a picture of that, but alas, this is all we have. It's really quite pretty, even in this vibrant (read: loud) color combination.

It's crocheted by the way.

...I really have to learn how to crochet.

Match Mates from Finland

2005-10-24T07:02:00.000-04:00

File this under things that make you go "huh?"

Matching, though inverted, sweaters in light grey and charcoal. Apparently the patterns are derived from Finnish columns - known as pylvas. The gloves and hats (including pom poms) match each sweater as well.

Individually, each sweater is nice but, this may be taking togetherness a bit too far...!

Mexican Bell Sleeve

2005-10-23T07:15:00.000-04:00

Why is this Mexican? I have no idea, but the magazine (from 1966) says that it is, so for the time being, I'll go along with it.

All in gold and tangerine seed stitch except for the trim on the collar and sleeves which is crochet.

Far out asymetrical hair-do too, don't ya think?

Jumbo Knit

2005-10-22T06:54:00.000-04:00

I just LOVE this! It looks so quick and easy, the whole thing can probably be made in a weekend if not sooner. Of course, it requires a slip or body suit, but it's worth it! It's from a summer book, but I think it might be more appropriate for fall.

Knit with three different strands of yarn on "Reynolds aluminum Jumbo Jet Knitting Needles" - no size is given. The red stripes are reverse stockinette.

Gauge: 1 st = 1" ...Yikes!

Spring Greenery

2005-10-21T05:58:00.000-04:00

Here's a two for one photo! As fall fast approaches here in NY, it's kind of nice to take a moment to think of warm spring days and flowers growing.

These are both crocheted - The open-work, short sleeved shift to the left has scalloping on the neckline, sleeves, and hem, the A-line dress on the right is all single crochet (except the flowers!).

...just have to mention that I love the opaque, patterned stockings and long earrings on the girl on the right :) Ohhh... so sixites!

Fun in the Sun & Snow

2005-10-20T06:24:00.000-04:00

These vintage magazines seem to have a "thing" for ski sweaters - dozens of them all over the place and many with serious intarsia and fair isle patterns. This is a lightweight introduction to vintage ski sweaters with a simple pattern.

Notice this one actually has a matching headband. And don't the pants match, like, exactly? How did they manage THAT?

Here We Go!

2005-10-19T19:57:00.000-04:00

What better way to start than a Knitted Bikini from 1968!

Other than having a perfect figure, how does one wear a knitted bikini? Can you get it wet? Does it hold its shape if you do?

This one requires size 5 needles and a lining for the bottom - not the top, though...

Isn't it cute?!

About Knit Retro!

2005-10-18T19:40:00.000-04:00

A place for those who love the 1960s, knitting, or both!

Personally, I just love the 1960s! The music, the furniture, the jewelry, the CLOTHES...! Ah yes, the clothes. From demure to outrageous, "smart" to "kicky" - the 1960s had it all.

Of course, I love knitting too, and Knit Retro! was designed as a way to bring both together.

Vintage patterns are great because they were intended to be made and worn by real people - not runway models - so they give a good picture of mid-century life. Everyday fashions - fun, elegant, odd, beautiful - all in wonderful 1960s vintage grooviness. And most of them can still be worn today.

There will be both knitting and crochet patterns shown, but it will be heavy on the knitting!

Stop in every once in a while and take a look at what knitting was - and can be again!