Retro Knit Friday!

This summer is speeding by without much knitting going on. I did finish the first blue Opal sock yesterday and cast on for the second, but I have spent the summer sewing instead of knitting. So far I have made curtains for the back bath window, a large drapery to hide the MBR closet, several blouses for the younger daughter, three tops for myself, and lots of mending. I haven't even sewn the buttons on the cafe cardigan. Fall is on the way, though, and maybe cooler weather will spark the urge to knit. Somehow I don't feel like having yarn in my lap when it is 110 degrees out there.

Since the weather is still very hot, we will keep looking over the designs from the 1939 booklet, Cotton Flash. The two tops below are both crocheted. The top on the left uses small crochet hooks (sizes 8 and 10) and size 20 crochet thread. It is a simple, close-fitting kimono-sleeved top in white or ecru worked in 'knot stitch', and trimmed at the neck with crocheted flowers in yellow, blue, and green. The blouse on the right is crocheted from Pearl Cotton in a shell stitch. The instructions are for only one size, a size 16. There isn't any chart or info on sizing in the whole booklet to explain what a size 16 is, but there are blocking measurements for each design.

A crocheted evening gown! Here's the description: 'As romantic as the new moon- this lacy frock with moulded bodice and a skirt that swings out to yards of waltzing width. The shoulder-line drops demurely to reveal a glimpse of shoulders.' It is crocheted of Knit-Cro-Sheen and trimmed with velvet ribbon.

The dress (called a 'frock') below has an openwork crocheted pattern with diagonal lines. The description says that this outfit 'has a classic chic that will see you smartly through the day.' The neckline has a cord drawstring that ties in a bow in the front.

Two more tops are shown below. The top on the left has the typical late-30's look of fitted bodice and pleated-top sleeves. The sleeves are a precursor of the big 40's shoulders yet to appear. It is crocheted of Knit-Cro-Sheen. The top on the right is very stylish with a draped, cowl neckline, an openwork stitch, and solid bands at the arms and lower edge. The bottom band has an interesting line of openwork to add interest.

I worked on the second blue sock last night while watching the new Survivor season start. This time there is an evil manipulator among the contestants, which makes the whole thing more fun.