Thanks so much for all the comments on my Curlicute cardigan! ♥ That pattern was from 1940, which I'm going to use as a nice segue into today's post. Earlier this month I shared with you some scans from a small collection of vintage Finnish knitting booklets that a Finnish reader was gracious enough to send me. That post was from 1952, and this one is from 1942. I know I said I'd scan 1951 but the results weren't as nice, so we're jumping back to the 40s instead.
The really interesting thing about this publication is all the truly amazing drawings! It's the only vintage knitting resource I have that actually has more drawings than photos. Some of the knitting was photographed in it, but more often than not, just drawings were shown. I've kept the original color in the scans... I don't mind seeing the actual age of the old paper.
Isn't the cover fantastic?? A matching parasol, one-piece swim or play suit and purse. Yes please!
And aren't these swim suits just divine as well? I love this spread. Of course, I'll have to rely on one of my Finnish readers to explain exactly what this ad was doing in a knitting publication. lol
Here's an example of a drawing and the final sweater, too. I'm trying not to be scared off by the severe expression of the platinum blond. ;)
Lots more stripes were featured, too. (Don't you think the woman on the right looks a bit like Solanah?)
I love the entire outfit on the right below. I'll take those shoes too, thanks.
And more scenes at the beach. As we sit here with more snow on the ground, this is looking mighty nice right about now!
Don't you wish you could buy these purse kits? Check out the one with the sailor outfits. I want to make that!
But my favorite is a two-page spread of dresses. I had to piece it together, so click on it if you'd to see it a little larger! Aren't they amazing? Definitely inspiration-worthy for Sew for Victory, wouldn't you say?
Hope you've enjoyed this batch. I was so happy to hear from several Finnish readers who enjoyed the last post, so I've tried to keep more of the text in this batch. :)
Have a great weekend!
You can see how the artwork is showing the aims of femininity and body shapes of the times, really fascinating!
ReplyDeleteCaffy from Bundana x
Oh, absolutely love these!! You read my mind- I want the sailor purse too!
ReplyDeleteI would love to see the construction details for that cabled sweater. Do the cables descend from pockets, or is that ribbing just a design feature? Either way it's a fabulous detail. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteClearly the blonde is upset because there's a rabbit hiding in her breast pocket hahaha! Seriously though, these illustrations are AWESOME! I'm definitely loving the dress inspiration! Very appropriate for Sew For Victory.
ReplyDeleteSo inspirational.Love it!
ReplyDeletehttp://fashioncareofwoman.blogspot.com/
What a great collection of super cute pieces.
ReplyDeleteThat cover is so fabulously lovely! All of these images are, and boy, are they just the ticket to help make these last few dreary weeks of winter easier to get through. I can practically feel a warm winter breeze blowing through my hair once more just looking at them.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
These are wonderful! I love the third dress from the left on the dresses page. It would be amazing to see what it looks like all made up in real life! These are all so great!
ReplyDeleteOh wow!!! I'm loving all the illustrations! :) That next-to-last page with the dresses is making me drool... lol.
ReplyDeleteLOVE. That cover photo is just amazing!
ReplyDelete