This rather plain book is one of my special treasures. The blue slipcover was made by someone in the past, I guess they also realised what an interesting book this one is.
It is full, cover to cover, but not just with recipes. About half of the book is dedicated to knitting patterns, written out in longhand and without the modern abbreviations. Practically double Dutch to me. Pot holders were about the limit of my abilities, which is a shame because my mother was an extremely good knitter.
I wondered whether there could be a knitter out there, someone who would enjoy the challenge of trying out one of the patterns and seeing how it knits. Just out of historical interest and for fun, no pressure.
Patterns include:
Baby's Night Cap
Ladies Under Cap
Opera Cap
Knitted Cuffs
Open Knit Cuffs
Siberian Cuffs
Baby's Bonnet
Gothic Pattern for ? quilt
Border for Shetland Shawl
Leaf Pattern
Frill for Neck
Gentleman's Mittens for under Gloves...
and so on.
I have no idea whether they would work, but they do sound interesting.
So, if anyone who knows a knitter/knitting blogger who may be interested in trying one of them out could you message me here?
Many thanks.
What a treasure! Look at that script!!!! I am so glad you have it, and are lovingly keeping it.
ReplyDeleteCan't knit though. So I am of no help. But I am sure there are knitters, in your Commenters.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend,
Luna Crone
Thank you, Luna. Enjoy your weekend too.
DeleteI'd love to have a go at the Knitting. Maybe something small and baby related as my nephew and wife are expecting a baby mid April.
ReplyDeleteThank you Catherine, that is splendid! I have emailed you.
DeleteJust look how writing has changed! What a wonderful book to have! I'm not a knitter, but even I would love to have this book!
ReplyDeleteMargaret P
Hello Margaret, My small collection of ms books includes a couple of Commmonplace Books and they are equally fascinating, in their own way. There is something special about old handwriting.
DeleteOh I wish so much that I could knit. Just wasn't meant to be. Don't you love the writing on that page! Wish I could do that too!
ReplyDeleteHello Henny Penny, The funny thing is that I am no great shakes as a cook (never desired to be one either) and yet I really enjoy using those old recipes and thinking about who collected them. As for knitting - I've always enjoyed looking at beautiful yarns, colours, textures - just never got beyond the knitted square really. I'm pretty good at pom poms though..
DeleteI cant knit, but the hand writing is beautiful!!! what a treasure
ReplyDeleteHello Sol, I feel very lucky to be able to handle these books and to preserve them for the future.
ReplyDeleteNo use me doing it, I can't knit
ReplyDeleteCrochet? Oh, well, never mind Bill. The response has been brilliant and I now have a number of lovely knitters who are gong to choose a pattern and have a go!
DeleteSome very interesting patterns. The person obviously knitted a lot of them to have them written down!!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week Elaine and it is never too late to learn to knit:)
Hello Prunella, You are absolutely right - one of my friends in the village has just been on a crochet course and had a great time. The trouble is that I have so many interests and time is at a premium, much better to farm these things out and let other people share the fun!
DeleteI hope you enjoy the rest of your week.
Elaine, spoke to my friend the knitter and between us we will try deciphering a pattern or two. I'll be the reader and she'll be the knitter. How are you sending the patterns out? pdf?
ReplyDeleteI know this thread was a while back, so not sure if comments are still current. If you'll scan and email, I'll look at it, perhaps type out the items, and email back to you. You might also connect with your local library to see about them scanning and keeping in their local collections. Many local libraries digitize these items as a piece of local history and to make them more widely available. Hope this helps. Doraine B.
ReplyDeleteHello Doraine B. My apologies, I have only just found your comment. I'd be happy to send you some scans, see what you make of the writing and instructions. If you are still interested, my email address is flissandmax @ gmail.com (close the gaps!) Many thanks.
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