Tomorrow is the first day of spring, but there will be no springtime knitting for me. I’m in my craft room wearing jeans, knitted socks, a jumper, a beanie and a parka. I’ve got a column heater parked up against my bum and I’m still freezing!
If I’ve confused anyone, I should explain that we generally don’t observe the vernal equinox as the first day of Spring in Australia. Spring is deemed to start on 1 September, although I live in a uniquely wet and freezing part of the country so it doesn’t make a jot of difference. It won’t be sandal weather for me until mid December.
Still, I can dream, and today a really nice collection of patterns from the 80’s is my inspiration.
It’s easy to think of 80’s fashion as ostentatious and bold. Shoulder pads and primary colours for power dressing, and the dress-up-box creativity of the New Romantics always come to mind. But there was another key trend that is often overlooked – a soft, almost prim look.
Pastel shades, floral prints and lace were key features of the trend. Peasant blouses, puff sleeves and pearls were worn while lounge rooms were decorated in apricot hues. Floral prints were everywhere, with big, fat flowers reminiscent of the 50’s.
The patterns in this Patons booklet reflect this trend. High necklines on cardigans were really popular, especially teamed with a pie crust collar shirt. The embroidery on the yellow cardigan picks up on folk-art motifs which were seen in both fashion and homes.
The patterns in this book are probably the closest to what I remember everyone wearing in the 80’s. Apart from the striped cardigan and the crocheted blue top, I’d happily wear any of them today (although the high necklines on the cardigans wouldn’t suit me well).
I think the freshness of the colours and the airy look of the lace are what make them springtime knitting patterns. While I can’t imagine wearing less than three layers at the moment, Spring will eventually come and I’ll want to knit for the season.
I really should start knitting for the warmer weather now, but I’m still working through a jumper for the fella – only one sleeve to go!
Maybe my next knit will be made with spring in mind, and it could even be from this book.
