Three Smart Girls
I love old books and this one has been making me chuckle all week. It's a 1940s knitting pattern book I picked up from a local vintage shop in Worcester, and it's called 'Modern Knitting Illustrated' by Jane Koster and Margaret Murray (Odhams Press, 1940s). It's full of unintentionally hilarious photos and captions. Such as:

"Three smart girls, who know the value of comfort, choose to wear knitted jumpers at informal afternoon tea parties..."
More --->

I've also got 'Knitting Illustrated ' (from 1941) as well as 'Modern Knitting Illustrated' (published 1945 I think), both by the same authors and publishers. Further investigating revealed there are more in this series so I'm definitely going to keep my eyes peeled for them to add to my newly founded collection.
Look how nice the insides are:

More from 'our three smart girls' from 'Modern Knitting Illustrated':

"These three smart girls, having achieved success in the drawing room, turn their attention to sports wear." Knitted sports wear? Yikes!

"And yet again: Three smart girls begin the day well with wool next to the skin." Don't fancy knitted undies either, especially in this weather.
I love all the cheesy posed pictures:

"Beauty and the Beast, both dressed for Autumn, Billy in his coast of tan, his mistress in a navy suit: the suit is knitted in crepe wool..."
Man reclines in knitwear with pipe:

"Lazy days call for comfortable clothes, and that is the cue for the sleeveless pullover's entry. It is an informal garment, ideal for slipping over sports shirts, yet not bulky when worn under a jacket."
These next couple are from 'Knitting Illustrated', which I think has the nicest cover illustration:

But includes not-so 'modern' knitted attire such as this austere looking collar:

And one of my favourites - the knitted bikini:

"This delightful two-piece suit comprising brassiere and shorts is slimming and most attractive."
Hmm not sure how attractive that swimsuit is going to look when soaking wet and sagging round her knees.
~Jo










