Kestrel Makes: Vintage Knitting Bonanza

I made a great charity shop score yesterday lunchtime:

Vintage knitting patterns!

I went for a quick walk via a charity shop I often visit, and spied a box of vintage patterns. After wading through the usual 1980s baby patterns I found quite a few gems. I only bought about a third of what I originally picked out, as they were 49p each and I didn't want to spend a fortune. In the end, I made out very well for £5, trying to select ones which were different from patterns I already had, or ones which I thought I had a reasonable chance of making one day.

Here's a few highlights:

A 1930s pattern book - I don't have any patterns as early as this, so I was so happy to find it. I love the sweater on the left.

Turban and gloves set - I think Bestway patterns are my absolute favourite

Sweet sweaters

Swimwear....OK, I will never make a knitted swimsuit. But come on, how could you not buy these?!

I think this is the best vintage knitting pattern find I have ever made. I could have bought more but resisted, so I hope some other vintage knitting fan appreciates my generosity - ha!

K x

17 comments:

Elise6 July 2012 at 13:09
Ooh great finds! Love the gloves one, its v pretty. My fave local charity shop always has tons of patterns, I'll keep an eye out for you! :)
Anonymous6 July 2012 at 14:15
Those are wonderful, and I love the butter-wouldn't-melt expressions!
Lenora Jane6 July 2012 at 17:31
Awesome finds! I had a recent freak treasure trove turn up at my local Sally Am recently...feels good, huh?
The Vintage Knitter6 July 2012 at 20:27
A brilliant find Kestrel. I have the fair isle set also and I too like the swimming cossies, but I think my boobs might slip out of the racy one on the left!
Lynne6 July 2012 at 20:43
What a find!! I like the fair isle jumper and cardigan in the first photo, and aren't the hair dos amazing!
ohsewfantastic6 July 2012 at 20:55
Great find! the fair isle twinset looks very like the twinset in A Stitch In Time Vol2! look forward to seeing future makes!
Marie6 July 2012 at 22:03
What a fabulous loot...and well done on being so restrained!!!
Anonymous8 July 2012 at 16:49
Gloves! Fair Isle twinsets! Swimsuits?! WTF. I could only imagine what an anchor that wet knitted swimsuit would turn into after a dip in the ocean. It's cute, but lethal!
Anonymous8 July 2012 at 19:43
Wow - what a great vintage knitting pattern haul!
BusyLizzie9 July 2012 at 04:50
Gorgeous - I collect vintage knitting patterns too - I particularly love the poses they use to advertise the garments.
Witchcrafted Life9 July 2012 at 23:56
Ooooohhh, talk about one heck of a seriously marvelous haul. Awesome finds, dear gal!

♥ Jessica
Anonymous10 July 2012 at 16:12
Oh, these are so fab! Even if you don't get to make some of them, that's a great find and just think of the therapy that they bring, just looking at them! :-)
Annabelle11 July 2012 at 03:24
These are some great finds! I must admit I am a bit jealous, but I am really looking forward to your future knitting projects now.
Kate20 July 2012 at 23:09
What fabulous patterns!