Hey Folks! Ever since the first stitchcraft magazine made its way to my apartment, I’ve been scouring the internet in search of the copyright information for this publication. For US copyright it seems that anything roughly between the late 40’s and early 60’s is kinda fuzzy. But since this publication is from the UK it’s even less clear to me what the rules are.
After lots of internet searching, I’ve found that some peeps are selling some of these individual patterns as pdf’s, while others are giving them away for free. And in reaching out to a fellow blogger, A Rarer Borealis, I found a tiny bit of info about this individual publication.
As a result, I feel at least 90% confident that I’m not violating anything by posting up free pdf’s of this little magazine. But if anyone reading by blog knows differently, please let me know. I don’t want to go to jail for posting up cute little jumper patterns, since I highly doubt they’d let me bring my sewing machine and knitting needles there.
The first pattern I’m posting up for you all, is a cute little tank top in the 1951 February edition of Stitchcraft. In seeing this online, I thought the detailing was knitted in, but it’s actually just a cool ribbon enhanced by surrounding embroidery. So even if you’re not an expert knitter, this pattern doesn’t involve any complicated color work.
But if you’re not a knitter, you could always use this image as a guide to sew on your own ribbon and embroidery to an already existing top or cardigan.
So to make this pattern your very own, all you have to do is either click on the link or the image, and it will enable you to download and print the pdf.
What do you guys think? I personally think it’s very chic and art nouveau looking.
I have a whole set of patterns I’ll be posting up over the next few weeks and months. But please feel free to let me know in the comments if you’d like anything specific (cardigan, twin-set, jumper, gloves, etc.) and I’ll do my best to post it.
Thats very cute. I’ve not quite got to the jumper stage yet with my knitting, but am trying my best! :)
Ashley x
Oh, I love this idea. I am definitely interested in seeing more of your patterns. This one, though darling, isn’t quite my style. Jumpers would be great. (And since it’s still snowing in MN, how about some hats and mitttens).
Oh my, it’s still snowing?! It’s still cold in Chicago, but I would hate to have snow built up on the ground in April; poor you!
I know I definitely have jumpers, but I’ll have to check through the fall and winter editions for some cute hats, mittens, or scarves. :)
Thanks for this, I just might have to work up to learning how to knit. I am going to be spending a lot of time in my car this summer, and remember Martha Stewart knit a poncho while she was in jail :)
Knitting is a perfect car activity!!! I even use a book-light attached to my seat belt to knit in the dark. heh
If Martha can do it so can I! I may have to bribe the guards with a hat or scarf though…
oh wow what a generous plan you have, i was rather envious upon reading of your stitchcraft purchase and the lovely sweaters they contained. the briar rose kal is my first attempt at knitting a garment and i’m totally hooked so i’ll be giving this a try and watching hopefully to see if the pretty boating sweaters pop up here, thanks for sharing :-)
I’ll definitely be putting up the cute, striped boating tops! I just don’t have them scanned yet. But stay tuned, I’ll probably get to them next month as the weather is turning nicer.
I used to knit a lot when I was 14 – 16 years old. My mum knitted a lot and so my sisters and I wanted to try. We made lots of sweaters, cardigans, summer tops and I even made a matching dress and sweater (we’re talking the 80’s here).
Well, I haven’t knitted in years but have started sewing (that is, ‘teaching myself’ to sew). I’m definitely drawn to the vintage look as it was so feminine and pretty, but sexy at the same time.
I came across your web site from a sewing site and then saw the gorgeous vintage sweater you made with the tie neck and sleeve cuffs. I’ve now purchased a pattern for a 50s cardigan from etsy and also a booklet of 40s sweaters from ebay. This is because of you! Which is a good thing. I am sooo excited to start knitting again and especially such great vintage styles.
So, thank you very much for inspiring me to pick up the needles once again. And, I don’t mind what patterns you post for us to download as I’m sure there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy.
I don’t even know what to say… This is just so terribly kind!
I’m really so pleased that I’ve helped inspire you pick up your needles again!!! I’m sure etsy helped to inspire too; the sellers have so many wonderful patterns up there, I have at least 20 marked as favorites.
The act of knitting is so old, it really makes me feel like I’m part of an ancient tradition. And how wonderful to be apart of that tradition where your mother taught you and your sister.
One wonderful website for knitting and crochet is ravelry. I’m not sure if you’ve heard of it or not, but there are many people on there who post up patterns (lots free and also for pay) there, forums for tips and techniques or help, fun groups, and much more. You should definitely join up there if you aren’t already. It’s a wonderful community of people who love to knit/crochet. Plus if you join I could see your progress on your 50’s cardigan (from your etsy purchase) or a 40’s sweater (from your ebay purchase). :)
Ooh, thank you so much for letting me know about Ravelry. I’ll definitely take a look.