It’s not often I buy a 1980’s pattern where every single design is a winner. Usually there are a few knits I would tweak a bit to suit my taste but the rest are a parade of mohair and dropped shoulders.
Today’s pattern book is different – every single pattern is just wonderful. Seriously – I want to knit EVERYTHING from this booklet of Patons Aran Knits.
I might be just a teeny bit influenced by the fact that I seem to have moved to Antarctica. Ok, that might be an overstatement but it’s pretty bloody cold here.
Gordon is cold and wet for Australia. While it’s not exactly Vladivostok, we get Edinburgh-style winters and then dry summers with weeks of 35C plus. Its a great place to be a knitter.
I’m in love with every single pattern from this booklet. All of these jumpers, cardigans and vests look very warm but also quite smart. The 1980’s gave us boxy jumpers with dropped shoulders or batwing sleeves. The set-in sleeves of these patterns are not quite as neat as you’d see in something from the 60’s or earlier, but they aren’t what you’d call boxy. If you look at the blue jumper in the second picture, you can see that the armscye is quite large and the seam under the arm is a few inches below the underarm.
I think I’ll knit one of these designs soon. My favourites are both of the adult styles in the first picture and unisex vest; style 15. The cardigan, style 10, is also very appealing and I really like its front pockets.
Although I want to knit everything, I think I’ll start with the vest. It’s knit in Patons Totem and I do have some in my stash. Also, it will be practical for layering to deal with Melbourne’s overheated offices and trains. I’ve just finished a jumper so I think it’s time to cast on for my next winter knit.
(Please note that I do not own the copyright to any patterns featured in Retro Monday. Unfortunately this means I can’t make or send out copies).
