Historical Knitting

Just returned to the library Knitting America: A Glorious Heritage from Warm Socks to High Art by Susan M. Strawn (Voyager Press, 2007) and it was a glorious read.

I didn't exactly read it from cover to cover (it is coffee table sized) but instead flipped back and forth for a couple of days.

It is loaded with beautiful photographs exploring the history of our craft in a concise format, beginning with the colonial period and ending with the present. It explores how knitting was shaped by economics, necessity, and trends.

Also included are 20 historical patterns including 1865 Civil War Union Army Socks and a 1930's Baby Soaker.

Absolutely Fascinating.

After flipping the book closed, I was motivated to do some further explorations of historical knitting...here are some interesting websites/blogs to check out:

Vintage Purls

(Vintage knitting patterns that can be downloaded for free. A sampling below...gorgeous!!  Men, women, children, and home included)

Norwegian Mitts 1953

Cobweb Stole 1953

Ladies Bobble Jumper, Early 1940's

Knitting History

(More patterns, divided by era)

Oh and one more thing, here's the Ravelry Link for the Knitting America patterns from the book (sadly not a whole lot of pictures to see, but still helpful if you plan to knit any of the patterns from the book).

Happy Knitting!