Knittingbee

Little Maids

2011-09-09T23:07:00.001+10:00

The Little Maids Knitting Outfit and

Knitting Set are Made in England.

I first found the Little Maid's Knitting

Set about five years ago.

In this set was a "Dolly Bobbin" spool knitter

(french knitter, knitting Nancy) which I

had thought was original to the set.

Now I am not so sure.

My recent find was the Little Maids

Knitting Outfit. (note - there

is no apostrophe in "Maids"). In this box were

a pair of wooden knitting needles and

six small balls of variegated wool.

Both boxes measure 25 cms x 6 1/2 cms.

There is no other brand name on either box.

I would guess that the "Knitting Outfit" is earlier than

the "Knitting Set" going by the wording of "outfit" being an

older term.

I would love to hear from anyone who may have had one

of these when they were younger and if you have any more

information you could possibly give.... thanks!

>>>0<<<

Fuzzy Wuzzy!

2011-08-28T17:10:00.002+10:00

Who remembers Fuzzy Wuzzy Wool

made by Patons from the early years

of 1900's up 'til around 1960's?

Fuzzy Wuzzy is Angora wool.

On a recent trip to Tasmania, I found a

vintage Patons Angora

Fuzzy Wuzzy wool box (unfortunately empty)

and had to add this wonderful box to my

knitting collection.

I remember this wool was so fluffy and soft. A popular

wool for making the cute bolero style jacket for young

girls. Below is a vintage Greenock doll clothes pattern where

the Angora wool is used in the bonnet and the trim on the

dress.

I also remember my Mum getting a similar effect

with a "teazle brush" - a small wire brush to fluff up

ordinary wool. She would knit a small flat rabbit or

cat shape, sew this onto a corner of a plain bunny rug,

and then proceed to fluff up the animal shape gently using

the teazle brush, then Mum would add the little details - facial

features or a little pom pon tail if the "animal" had its back

to us, and then a little bow. It was sooo cute!

******

Viyella Wool Box

2010-12-03T15:02:00.002+11:00

Viyella Wool Box

I have now discovered that there are more

of these wonderful little Wool boxes to be found

and following on (many months later!) from the

previous post, here is a delightful wool box

from Viyella.

The graphics on this box also matches

the graphics on the Viyella knitting gauges which

are of a barrel shape.

Above and below are other views

of the box.

And the next picture shows the end of the box

where the yarn would feed through for knitting.

Now when looking up the history of Viyella,

I found some information on Wikipedia of

which the link is HERE.

What I also discovered was that there is another

interesting knitting information

page via Wikipedia on knitting

row counters - click HERE.

(not my image)

~~~~~~~~~~

A Little Look at Bairns-Wear Ltd.

2010-07-02T22:06:00.003+10:00

Bairns-wear Limited of

Haydn Road,

Nottinghamshire, UK has very

little history as far as I can find.
From the internet -

there is mention of a factory opening

in 1953 but that is in Raymoth Lane and

making hosiery and children's wear.

And another mention of Bairns-wear

(plus others)

being taken over by Courtaulds in 1963

and was producing synthetic yarns.

In the 1980's it became Meridian

Knitwear which closed in 2000.

So going by that little information,

we have about 10 years - '53 to '63

of Bairns-wear! I am a little surprised

here, in that I would have thought

the company would at least

date from the 1920's but until

any other information comes to

light, this is all we have.

I had also looked it up in

"The History of Handknitting"

by Richard Rutt but found no

mention at all of Bairns-wear.

I have managed to find some

old advertisements and I have

some patterns.

But, the main reason for trying

to find information is that I

have recently acquired the sweetest

little wool holder to add to my collection

of wool holders!

This little house wool holder

is made of cardboard. This picture shows

one end and below is the other

end of the house with the hole

for the yarn to feed through whilst

you are knitting.

I have not seen anything like this

before and would you believe that

I have not just one, but three

of these houses. They were

purchased in one lot.

They are also in varying degrees

of condition, hence I would say

they would have to be a rare find.

I just love the graphics on these houses along

with the very mischeivous gnomes pictured

on them.

Above are some vintage

Bairns-wear dolls' clothes patterns.

Above are two vintage ads for

Bairns-wear, one for rug wool and

the other for knitting wool.

..::::::::::..

Clever!

2010-05-27T22:12:00.000+10:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUFnH7KYMFE

^*^*^*^

Counting Sheep!

2010-05-06T22:53:00.003+10:00

Sheep Knitting Accessories

Because of the rise in the

popularity of

knitting, as well as companies

producing novel accessories,

we also have modern

artists creating wonderful

knitting accessories for us

to enjoy while we are knitting.

A look on the internet will

provide us with a fantastic

look at what is on offer.

I have added a few

more gauges to my collection

of knitting gauges

as you will see below ...

Brass sheep gauge at top from Goose Pond

and the knitting magazine Simply

Knitting's giveaway.

A wonderful bamboo Knitter's Rule

from Karatstix above.

Below, we have a sheepie

"wpi" (wraps per inch) by
Girl on the Rocks.

.... And when you have

finished counting all the

sheep! ...... there is even

something for the night owls.

Whoooooooo goes there!

ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz

Another Interesting Blog!

2010-02-20T12:26:00.001+11:00

Hi! .... 2010 and it is practically two months

gone already and I have been sadly

neglecting my blogs.

Only excuse is I have been busy.

I thought that you might be

interested in this blog ...

~()~ The Paper Collector ~()~

- nothing much to do with knitting

but as I love anything vintage,

I do love this blog.

It is worth checking out!

~~()~~

2009-12-17T15:23:00.003+11:00

∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆

Weaving Looms

2009-11-20T17:24:00.006+11:00

Found a great site/blog
recently.
If you are into the many forms
of fiber art, you are possibly
also into weaving Looms!
If you collect vintage
weaving looms you may have
some looms missing their
instructions/pattern
book.

Here is a great link for you -

eLoomanation

You can read all about the
looms and also download the
corresponding book!
Fantastic!

Happy Looming!

~~~~~~

Novel Knitting Needle Gauges

2009-09-25T22:51:00.004+10:00

The above picture is a page from
the book called - Mercerie Au Rayon Des Fils
(Haberdasher - Thread Department)
by Frédérique Crestin-Billet.
(It is shown with kind permission from
Frédérique Crestin-Billet.)
These are great novel advertising wool
cards and bookmarks
with knitting needle gauges!

◊◊◊◊◊

The Knitting Bee!

2009-08-08T20:53:00.002+10:00

Due to ongoing house renovations
my blogs have been fewer than
normal - I have just posted on
my Spool Knitter blog an article
which I think you mind find
interesting.

CLICK HERE

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

Spear's Games Wool Winding Set

2009-07-03T19:45:00.004+10:00

I recently found this sweet

little craft box called -

Wool Winding for Wee Folks -
made by Spear's Games ..... England.
The idea behind the craft of
Wool Winding is extremely simple -
dressing the cute dolls by winding
wool around them!

Well, it didn't take the world by
storm - even back in the days
around the 1930's - 40's, but
it is still quite novel in itself with
great graphics on the lid and
inside, the "dolls" are a treat.

You might even dress up your
own knitting basket with these
little dolls and use up those odd
scraps of wool. If you felt so
inclined, you can make your own.
Cutouts from children's books or
magazines could be a good source
of characters.

The ideas suggested on the box top
are invitation cards, greeting cards,
bookmarks and decorations.

Above - inside the lid.

Below is the small assortment of
little dolls that are the remains
of what were a great
many more dolls.
This particular set has
had a lot of use.

--ooOOoo--

Wild for Tea Cosies!!!

2009-06-12T00:32:00.004+10:00

Do you love to knit tea cosies -
vintage-look, or bright, imaginative,
novel, quirky, all shapes and sizes?

Here is a fun group for you!

Wild for Tea Cosies

You can post about your collection,
what you have made, Grandma's
Tea Cosy, your favourite Tea
Cosy or anything that you want to
about Tea Cosies!

You will find tea cosy patterns here
from a previous post. They could
make a great start to your own
collection.

A quick look on the internet will
yield quite a lot of free patterns of
tea cosies to knit and crochet.

~~~~~~~~~

Vintage Children's Craft Sets

2009-05-27T10:39:00.006+10:00

I want to direct you to a post on my other
blog - crazyhaberdasher - I hope you
will enjoy reading about two vintage children's
craft sets from the 1920's.
The graphics on the box tops of
the vintage Spear's Games sets are
delightful!
You can also read about my other
children's sewing and embroidery sets
by following the links in the post.

---:::[[[]]]:::---

For the Bunny Lovers!

2009-05-02T22:39:00.008+10:00

Here is a knitting pattern for

Gladstone - a cute bunny who

likes to travel in a bag.
(Click for larger image)

Enjoy!

xoxoxox

Vintage Boxed Knitting Toy

2009-03-28T00:21:00.006+11:00

This is an oldie but a goodie!

I just love the graphics on the lid and
the sides of the box.

And below - inside the box as found.
This set is from around 1910's - 1920's.

For lots more to do with spool knitters see
- http://spoolknitter.blogspot.com - and
Flickr Spoolknitter Group.

<<<>>>

Knitting for Dolls

2009-02-27T21:11:00.011+11:00

Here is a lovely knitted

set for your baby doll.
Being from 1949, it
would be perfect for
your hard plastic Pedigree doll!

(click on picture to enlarge)
(from an Australian magazine,
you will need to adapt for US knitting)

Here are some of my collection
of dolls.

I have still have many naked babies -
in these photos and elsewhere
that need to be dressed.
One of these days I will have them
all dressed!

::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::

Knitting Basket

2009-02-15T12:18:00.004+11:00

These are vintage knitting baskets

from around the 1950's
made from paper/cards, plastic/perspex
with a wooden base.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vintage Knitting Pattern from 1930's

2009-01-25T18:28:00.005+11:00

Bestway

Useful Gifts
in Knitting and Crochet
(All worked in the Famous
"Ladyship" Wools)

Here is the tea cosy and egg cosy
for you to try!
(For the doll, try your craft store or
perhaps the toy store).

(Click on pattern to enlarge)

~~~~~~~~~~~~

KNITTY!

2009-01-15T20:39:00.005+11:00

Has anyone seen Knitty before?
It is a knitting and crocheting cotton
in 3/4 oz balls.

Astor brand - would you say it is Australian?
Well, there is a small cute Koala in its illustration
appropriately wrapped around the trunk of the "T".

I cannot say for certain at this stage (I would
have to find the proof) but I think there may also
be an Astor brand darning card lurking somewhere
in a box in my household (we have just moved house
and I will need more time to uncover the
particular darning card that I think I
might have - you will have to stay
tuned for further developments!)

oooOOOooo

The "Benbow" Knitting Pin

2008-11-29T16:48:00.003+11:00

This is a vintage ad found
in Weldon's knitting book from
the 1920's.
Has anyone ever come across
knitting needles like these?!!

***************

How many of you .............

2008-11-18T02:31:00.002+11:00

How many of you have one of these?

http://spoolknitter.blogspot.com

***************

Vintage Knits and Bits!

2008-10-16T22:25:00.010+11:00

Vintage Knitting Accessories.

Three packets of four double pointers - Jumpre,
Superfine and Stratnoid.
Three packets of Abel Morrall's Twin-Pin circular
needles.
Tortoiseshell circular needle and wool winder.
Beehive Knitting Pin Gauges Box.
Wooden wool winder and knitting pin holder.
E-Z-Knit (instead of winding the wool on your right
hand finger as if to knit continental style, simply
take the wool through this novel holder - states - "No
Experience necessary for perfect, even stitches
automatically kept at constant tension").

Inside the Beehive Knitting Pin Gauges box containing
three gauges.

Above Bucilla Daisy Knitter, instructions and box.

Above - a small selection of Daisy Winders/Knitters/Looms.

Above - the back of the Marcia Lyn Daisy Loom
packet.

LUCKY DOLL

2008-08-20T00:23:00.006+10:00

Patterns for an 8 inch doll.

(Click on instructions for larger image)

These pages are from a vintage Pins & Needles
magazine.

Crafty Yarn!

2008-08-12T17:50:00.003+10:00

Knitty Styles and Gadgets

It is interesting to see
just how many different
forms of "yarn craft" are found
aside from the standard knitting with
needles, and crochet.
I have put together a list of some
of the other styles of knitting
found -

Knitting/Weaving loom
- children's sets and for
adults, made in various shapes and
sizes by various
makers - also can be given a
novel name. One example is "Weave-it".

Daisy Wheel, Daisy-Loom,
made of metal,
produces a daisy flower, many
of these sewn together will make
afghans, blankets, scarves.
- made by various makers.
Example : Bucilla, Marcia Lynn.......

Boutique Knitter,
produces a cord just like
the spool knitter and is
used for making jewellery.
Made by Hazel's 1972

Spool Knitter,
produces a cord and
originally made using
a cotton spool with
four nails hammered into
the top. Today there
are many brand names -
included in toy sets for
children and craft sets
for both children and adults.
Refer - http://spoolknitter.blogspot.com

Knitting Nancy,
actual name for
a spool knitter made by
Spear's Games and now
also a general term for
spool knitters.
Refer - http://spoolknitter.blogspot.com

Flower Loom,
made of plastic, produces
flowers to be sewn together.
Various makers - Ronco,
Bucilla, etc.

Kwiknit (product name)
is made by Spear's Games -
produces a flat knitted fabric.
Looks much like a knitting board.

Knitting Board
produces a flat knitted fabric.
Various makers.

Pom Pon Maker
for making pom pons -
various makers.

Doodle Loom (product name)
for making pom pons -
made by Bucilla.

Winne (product name)
frame for beginning
crochet - produces a crocheted
cloth - made by
Spear's Games.

Also other types of yarn
craft can include -
broomstick
hairpin
afghan hook
rake knitting
Knit Wit
K Tel knitter
Looping tools - Grant's
K Tel Fringe maker
Knitty Knottie (fringe maker)
Spinster Rope Cord Maker
Knifty Knitter
Apple Pie Knitter

So you see that even if you don't knit or
crochet, there are still a lot of ways you can use
wool.

>>>>>>XXXX<<<<<<

Sobritto?

2008-06-21T15:24:00.004+10:00

I thought I had a good knowledge of many
types of needlework, knitting, crochet etc.,
but I have never heard of "Sobritto".
I was wondering if anyone might be able to
tell me what this is?
A quick look on the internet came up
empty.
The above vintage advertisement for
WM Briggs & Co. shows three books
published on the subject.
Added later - well, on further seeking,
I have now discovered that "Sobritto"
is the name of a type of rayon yarn with
which to crochet. Not so much of a technique
but a brand name.

>>\\\///<<

Cute Knitted Cat Pattern

2008-04-23T17:27:00.010+10:00

I was looking through my vintage magazines

and came upon this cute knitted Felix pattern.
I thought that you might like to try this one.
It comes from the vintage magazine pictured
above - "The New Idea" November 22, 1935.

(Click for larger image)

I would love to see your finished Felix!

TEA COSY PATTERNS

2008-03-23T13:57:00.007+11:00

Here is a vintage Bestway knitting

pattern leaflet for five knitted
tea cosies.

I hope you enjoy knitting these.

(click for larger image)

Vintage Little Girl's Knitting Book

2008-02-21T22:45:00.009+11:00

Here is a delightful vintage book -
The Little Girl's Knitting & Crochet Book
edited by Flora Klickmann
Instead of showing a lot of the patterns
found in the book, I thought that I
would show you a lot of the lovely
images of little girls knitting.

KNITTED ANIMATION

2008-02-15T14:17:00.003+11:00

You should check this out!
(Over 700 knitted pieces created this)
Turn on the sound too.

I am speechless!

A Little Look at Wool Ads

2008-02-01T11:39:00.000+11:00

The advertisements shown here all appear
in the Weldon's Practical Needlwork
publications - such as -

Outdoor Wear for Children
ABC of Knitting
Hats & Bonnets for Babies
Bootees
First Woollies for Baby
Knitted Laces
Woollies for the First Two Years
Shawls
....etc.

They are from the 1930's.

><:><:><:><:><:><

WOOLLY NAMES

2008-01-23T21:37:00.004+11:00

..............

Vintage PB Knitting Books

2008-01-14T21:35:00.001+11:00

For a collector of vintage knitting books, there are still

are great variety of Patons & Baldwins knitting books to be found.

These three below, from around the 30's - 40's,
were found recently and for a great price of $2 each.
They are Specialty Knitting Books 40, 47, and 66.

What I found very interesting with these patterns,
are those for collars and cuffs. What a thrifty idea!
It's a great way to use up small amounts of leftovers.
You can have a plain jumper/sweater/cardigan and
dress it up differently each time!
I wonder if this idea will find its way into the 21st Century!

WILL BE BACK SOON!

2007-12-30T15:26:00.001+11:00

Hi Everyone!

I will be back soon with what I hope is some interesting

knittng topic for you, till then

I would like to say -

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

May 2008 hold all that you wish for

and much more!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

2007-12-23T14:02:00.001+11:00

White Christmas

2007-12-16T14:05:00.001+11:00

Add Glitter to your Photos

Knit 2 Together

2007-12-15T14:58:00.000+11:00

Knit 2 Together

Tracy Ullman and friend Mel Clark have a book - Knit 2 Together
published in 2006, and yes, I am a little behind with this news.
However, I came across this website with an interview with Tracy on her
knitting. Fun to check out - click on "Listen Now" and there
is also a free pattern for a knitted apron! from the book.

Blog Number Four!

2007-12-15T13:36:00.000+11:00

INTRODUCTION

I am a collector of vintage sewing, knitting, crochet, etc.
I also sew, knit, crochet, and paint.

First blog - http://crazyhaberdasher.blogspot.com takes care of the vintage sewing collection
and my sewing projects, usually pincushions.
Second blog - http://spoolknitter.blogspot.com takes care of my crazy obsession with
spoolknitters and any related projects, usually my painted spoolknitters.
Third blog - http://haveanotion.blogspot.com takes care of any handmade wooden
sewing items for sale, such as sewing stands, pincushions, thimble holders, etc.
Fourth blog - Knittingbee - http://knitsandbits.blogspot.com - this will be where
I will post anything to do with knitting, crochet, tatting, etc., vintage or
modern, whatever takes my fancy!