Guest Post: Lazy Daisy Jones Vintage Pattern Picks!

Vintage patterns are fascinating on so many levels for me.  

First up, there's nostalgia - you never know when you may recognise something your Nan or your Mum made for you when you were young!  

I also love the social history - the photography styling and the home accessories in the pictures tell a story of how we all used to live.  

They're also pretty humorous at times. Some of the poses, expressions and pattern descriptions can often be hilarious to the modern crochet girl!  

But of course, I also appreciate the technical side of things. As a keen crocheter, you may find the stitch combinations unusual and be intrigued as to how to hook them up - I've been inspired by vintage stitch patterns more than once or twice!

On closer inspection, the stitches are the same as we know and love today. However, depending on the age of the pattern, the instructions may take a little longer to get used to. Our grandmothers were expert knitters and crocheters, they did not need all the instructions spelt out for them as we're used to in today's patterns. Very often the turn instruction will not be included in vintage patterns, so for beginners vintage patterns may appear to be unworkable.

This stitch combination on this Sirdar vintage shawl pattern caught my eye and I decided to hook up a small swatch. I do have to admit to loving the Perspex and rose bracelet she is wearing! I think I had a similar style in a ring when I was younger, and this pattern looks to be early 70s. Nostalgia at work again!

The pattern was fiddly and I undid it twice, my third attempt at this swatch still has mistakes, but I can see the final pattern appearing. It might just prove the perfect pattern for me in cotton for summer. The original pattern requirements call for Sirdar Prelude - a yarn I imagine is long since gone.

Talking of accessories there appears to be a subliminal promotional message to eat healthily in a couple of these patterns - what's with the apples?!