This week I thought I’d show you something from my collection of old patterns that I actually want to knit.
It’s from a Patons Australia pattern leaflet. There are five patterns all designed for a yarn called 8ply Herdwick – which is now discontinued.
The front cover features a cardigan knit in a cabled wasp-nest stitch. It’s knit in one piece up to the armholes and then split from there.
Based on the styling of the photos, I think the patterns are from the mid to late-1980s.
As with many patterns from the 80s, this one is quite brief. The whole pattern takes up less than an A4 page. A far higher level of skill was assumed from the average knitter compared to many of today’s patterns.
I really like the deeply ribbed shawl collar and the deep rib along the bottom and button bands. I’m not usually into shawl collars, but I like the way this one sits.
If I knit it, I’d like to use Jo Sharp Classic DK Wool in Lichen which is on sale at the moment for $4.95 a ball. I really don’t have any room in my stash for more yarn and I’m going to the sheep show in just six weeks so I’ll have to resist. I’ll bet they discontinue the colour while I exercise restraint.
So unlike last week’s offering, not all my vintage patterns are just for giggles. It pays to spend time searching through op shops and looking beyond the dodgy “catalogue model” poses. Sometimes you’ll find something special
(Please note that I do not own the copyright to any patterns featured in Retro Monday. Unfortunately this means I make or send out copies).
