Recently, I have been totally enthralled with the look of vintage knitting from a historical aspect, especially the lace, hats and gloves. I’ve been really drawn towards the “romantic” appeal of the Victorian time period and the true simplicity of their lives. I think that’s one reason I’m so excited about the 4th annual issue of Piecework. This issue is featuring many gorgeous patterns to try, especially the Offering Mitts by Nancy Bush (photo to the left and courtesy of Interweave Press), which is just the thing I need to try a little bit of lace work. I was tickled to see a KAL on Ravelry start up for these mitts and I joined into the fun. I’ve also joined a few new groups on Ravelry, including the Victorians, Historical Knitting, Crafting From the Past and the Knitter’s Book of Wool. These groups are great and I really like the threads ~ full of good information and ideas.
So, as mentioned, I’m really on a vintage, Victorian and historical kick, which has gone into movies and books. I just purchased the entire Tudor series by Jean Plaidy to read (9 novels in all) and just finished I, Elizabeth. Hubby and I are working on season 3 of the Tudors, which is just as awesome as season 1 and 2. I’m also very excited about the new movie that was just released into theaters here in Phoenix called The Young Victoria . It looks fantastic and my sweet hubby has promised me a trip to the theater very soon! I’m also watching Cranford and Return to Cranford, which can be watched online at Masterpiece Theater, and anyone who loves Jane Austen, Masterpiece Theater is introducing a new production of Emma airing on Sunday, January 24th ~ the trailer looks good.
This year I plan to do a wee bit more of vintage style knitting and use many aspects of historical knitting into my projects. I’m looking forward to a really exciting year of “mixed elements” and “mixed designs”.
I just bought that issue of Piecework! And I just found Return to Cranford on Masterpiece Theatre. I missed Cranford online. Shoot. I’m going to check out the Ravelry groups you mentioned.
Hi Sherry… isn’t Piecework great! I love Judi Dench in both of the Cranfords…. it is on Netflix, but not has an instant download. Do check out the Rav groups ~ they’re great!
Those mittens are beautiful! I can’t wait to see what else you make! I’ve studied older patterns before, and it makes my head spin that the directions were clear to someone! But if you think about it, the knitting symbols and directions are changing all the time- I’ve only been knitting for four years now, and I’ve seen symbols change very recently!
Take care!
Kate you are so right about knitting symbols and directions changing over the years ~ I can’t wait to knit the mittens !!!
Nice Post, esp. since I personally feel that Piecework magazine jsut doesn’t get the PR that it deserves. I have had a subscription FOR YEARS LOL. This particular issue is great though, but now that I want to find another copy to send to a friend I’m having a hard time … will have to try another bookstore.
I had to REALLY restrain myself not to join all the Rav groups you mentioned LOL — I’m really trying to “cut down” my groups there. I am only active in a few, but “stay” in the others for all the good project info. But the search function there gets better and better every day, so one can just about search for anything and you will find it. What a gift Ravelry is …
But keep posting about your vintage knitting finds please!
Lovely mittens! Thanks for the heads up about Piecework Magazine and those Ravelry groups! Looking forward to seeing your finished projects.
[...] annual historical knitting issue while reading this Peacefully Knitting blog post about vintage knitting, which convinced me to subscribe. I called first to be sure they were still offering the historical [...]