Voices from the past

Recently the knitting gods smiled upon me and I received a knitting fortune. Among many other treasures were vintage knitting magazines. I would like to share my fortune with you. This first article is from June, 1936 and was written by A. Kischell:

"Tips From Professional Knitters
In the pioneer days knitting was really "work". In a primitive way the wool our great grandmothers used was first shorn from the sheep, then scoured and washed and finally run through the old-fashioned spinning wheel before they could mould it into shawls, scarves, socks or stockings these being the four essentials for the cold winters.

But in these modern days the wool is purchased over the counter in a great variety of colors and weights, suitable for any garment you choose to make. In addition, the manufacturers of these wools have compiled knitting instructions books which, if followed carefully, will be of inestimable value both to the beginner and the experienced knitter.

Knitting never is and never was considered work. It is a pastime. Children love it; and it is really surprising how quickly and eagerly young fingers learn to make things worth while.

If you are using a circular needle be very careful to keep the stitches from turning on the needle, the first few rows after casting on the stitches being the only time in which they will become twisted.

Before any article is started , a sample should be worked, then pressed, and the tension compared to that given in the directions. And, remember that by increasing or decreasing the size of the needles, the tension can be adjusted to conform with the tension specified by the directions. Larger needles will give fewer stitches while smaller needles will give more stitches.

If you wish to make one of the models in a different size than the one illustrated and described you simply have to increase or decrease the number of stitches according to the size you wish to make and the tension specified in the directions.

For example, suppose you wish to change form a size 34 to a size 38. The all around underarm measurement of a size 38 is 38 inches. Therefore, you have to add sufficient number of stitches to make your garment 4 inches larger than the model illustrated.

Suppose the tension is 8 stitches to the inch. If your knitting tension is the same, you cast on 32 stitches more than given in the directions. This means 16 stitches more on the front and 16 stitches more on the back. Increasing and decreasing can be done just the same from the directions.

Knitters should always check size as they go along. This can be done by slipping the work off the needles and measuring carefully so as to be sure that the work is coming out the right size.

These details should not detract form the fun and enjoyment!"

Hope you enjoyed reading this voice from the past.