No Yarn Left Behind

Straight from the 1930s, the decade that wrote the handbook for austerity comes the envelope gift. A little something that can be packed into an ordinary envelope and posted domestically or overseas for the cost of a stamp.

What lovely little 1930s person wouldn't want to wake up to a new dolly under the tree? Or wrapped in lovely paper on their birthday? Or a lovely new handknit holiday outfit for their tiny treasure?

A free vintage pattern from the 1940 publication of Knitcraft, an Australian knitting magazine. It features a deep U-shaped neckline and some clever but simple waist shaping, and is perfect for dressing up in true vintage style or just throwing on over a pair of jeans.

This free 1947 pattern for simple quick knit bed socks are perfect to keep your toes cosy.

We're hitting the Handknit Holiday Decor ground running this December with a handknit paper chains. Add some colour to your holiday decor with handknit paper chain bunting Paper chains seem to have made an appearance as holiday decor around the mid-19th Century in England. The idea likely snuck over from Germany in the Victorian era where a lot of our Australian holiday traditions have filtered down from. During more austere times ( think Great Depression and war rationing )

Behold, the simple way to whip up an I-cord (or rope, cable, string—whatever tickles your fancy). Use it to make a drawstring to keep your britches up or a squishy soft tie for a baby bonnet, or anything else to suit your I-cordy needs.

Recreating a favourite knitted toy from the 1990s.

Replacing some very sad sorry two needle hand knit socks using a 1945 Australian Woman's Weekly pattern.

My workroom gave to meeeeeeee..........! Why has this little gem been hiding in the cupboard like it's in witness protection? I'm totally...

and a free 1940s beanie pattern Apparently, the online knitting crowd has gone full-on Vlogmas crazy on YouTube this year. It seems like...

Notes on knitting the 3 hour sweater from the original 1930s pattern. Can I do it in just 3 hours? How long does it actually take?

I took some sneaky time off from my day job yesterday. My latest pair of Stinky Shearer's Socks and the February volume of the CWA...

Woohoo! Move over Jamie Lee and Jane Fonda! Legwarmers are back baby!!! Retro 80s Leg Warmers. Ahhhh... the 80s when Smash Hits and Mix...

Well that's my weekend sorted. I have been waiting ever so (un) patiently for this to arrive so I can start my "As You Like It" project ...

Spoiler alert: this is the completed vest she never finished "Do you have a good pattern for a plain men's vest" asked Mum. She had come...

Newly knitted, soft and squishy or rough and scratchy for those stubborn bits of leftover lunch Freshly laundered, new and shiny or old...

Frugal knitting nostalgia, vintage pattern books and a little family history.

Not sure when or how to wash your handknitted jumper?  You are not alone. I often get questions regarding how to care for handknits. ...