Categories / Books, Women's Fashion

The Ohio Knitting Mills Knitting Book: Patterns Celebrating Four Decades of American Sweater Style by Steven Tatar

Ohio

A US book, but one that should be of interest to retro fashion fashions – and knitters – around the world, The Ohio Knitting Mills Knitting Book: Patterns Celebrating Four Decades of American Sweater Style by Steven Tatar.

Here's the story: The Ohio Knittings Mills, has for decades, created knitwear designs for leading department stores, with author Steven Tatar discovering an endless amount of mint-condition knitwear and patterns when he acquired the mill's archives in 2004. Using that source, he has picked out 26 original designs from the '40s to the '70s for the 'home knitter'.

Clear instructions apparently let everyone from beginner to more advanced knitters create the likes of the American gentleman, Rebel Rouser, wavy Gravy, and Soul Sister. It also includes vintage photographs and interviews with Ohio Knitting Mills employees to offer up some history alongside the designs. Want a copy? You can pick one up online, priced at £10.79.

Find out more at the Amazon website

Categories / Homeware

John Lewis Connections-patterned craft accessories

JL connections
John Lewis has got some great retro prints at the moment, not least the 1950s-influenced Connections pattern. Keen crafters will be pleased to know that they've used the print across a range of craft accessories

The bold pattern makes a nice change from the chintzy designs that are often used such traditional items such as the sewing basket pictured. The range also includes a sewing case, pin cushion, craft bag and knitting needle roll. In fact, all that's needed to inspire a spot of making over the winter months. 

Prices range from £6 up to £35, with the basket pictured costing £20. 

Buy them online

Categories / Books, Men's Fashion, Women's Fashion

Vintage Knitwear book by Marnie Fogg

Knitwear

Following on the heels of her books on Vintage Handbags, vintage furniture and vintage shoes, Marnie Fogg's latest title looks at Vintage Knitwear

It takes a chronological approach over its 224 pages to explore the knitwear of the last century, moving from hand-knitting to technological innovations. Key moments in knitwear style are explored, such as Jazz and the jumper craze of the 1920s or the designer decade of the 80s. It's sure to inspire you to pick up your needles, or at least have a look in the shops – handy then that the book also contains a shopping guide. 

As you'd expect, the title features the designs of John Smedley and, as part of the Fashion's Night Out event on the evening of 8 September, Marnie Fogg will be in the London John Smedley store to promote the book. 

The book is priced at £25 but it's currently available for £16.25 on Amazon. 

Buy it online