In the heat of yesterday, our poppies began to open. I love their intense colour, their bendy stems and the 'blousiness' of their petals.It seemed appropriate, too, given their association with remembrance, that yesterday was the anniversary of 'Uncle Charles's' death. Uncle Charles was my mother-in-law's younger brother. During the Second World War, while doing air reconnaissance in the days leading up to D Day, he was shot down and killed in northern France, on 3rd June 1944. We have been several times to visit his grave in the churchyard at Poix-de-Picardie, where he and his crew were buried by local French people. Now the graves are looked after by the War Graves Commission. He was 21 when he died.
Today is equally hot and sultry, so, having done a few essential tasks in town, I took refuge among the cool book-lined shelves of Inprint the wonderful secondhand bookshop at the top of the high street. I had anticipated a gentle browse but came away with a fantastic stash of vintage knitting magazines and patterns. They range from pattern books from the pre-war 1930s, to individual wartime 'Bestway' patterns for lacey cardigans and twin sets, to Stitchcraft and Vogue Knitting Books from the 'new look' fifties and swinging sixties. Nor did I forget my 'other half'. Leach's Pullovers and Woollies for Men from 1934 ('knitted wear keeps pace with tailored fashions') should provide for all his knitted needs! The 'Golfjac' for hiking or golf is the star of this booklet. It is the stitch patterns as much as the design of the actual garments that interests me - if I ever get around to designing for myself, they could be a really useful emporium of ideas.
This Stitchcraft magazine is full of amazing 1930s designs
