Vintage cardigans

No sewing projects to show this time, because I'm not working on anything new at the moment.
Lately I've been hand quilting on and off for a quilt I've already shown in a previous post, and I've been busy knitting socks as well.
But as I don't want to stop blogging I thought I'd show you some gorgeous knitting patterns that I found on Etsy.com. Granted they're knitting patterns, but they're vintage so at least they're somewhat related to the focus of my blog.

So enough explanations already, here's the first cardigan:

Isn't it lovely?
The stitches are pretty straightforward: twisted ribbing, knit and purl, and a simple cable. The challenge lies in accomplishing a good fit.
The instructions provide a list of measurements you need to take to determine your size. I'm sure my sister will be happy to assist me taking them.
Next step is finding the right yarn. I'll have to try and match the gauge as accurately as I can, because it's a fitted cardigan. Besides if the chosen yarn has the correct gauge, all I need to do is follow the instructions to the letter and end up with a perfect cardigan *wishful thinking* :-))

In that respect I find sewing garments easier. My preferred method to make clothes is tacking the entire garment and put it on. Any fitting issue becomes apparent instantly and can be dealt with right away.

So, because the lovely fifties cardigan will be challenging, I treated myself  to an easier to make cardigan as well.  This one is called a 'Car coat' and was published in 1960, which is the year I was born.

Just look at that gorgeous collar:

I'm going to make this cardigan first, because I don't foresee any fitting problems. Of course I don't want to end up with a too over sized cardigan, but if the finished size is slightly bigger or smaller it wouldn't be that big of a deal really.
The cardigan is knitted in ribbing stitch entirely, combined with some crochet ribbing.

In Holland the most common way to knit is to tuck one needle under your right arm, and to hold the yarn in your right hand.
So you can imagine what it was like for me when I decided to knit socks. The only sock needles on the market are 7"!  You can't tuck those under your arm, so what was I to do?
Well, I found the answer on  a website called KnittingHelp. I had to learn what they refer to as the 'Continental method'. I believe it's quite common in the UK. Anyway, you hold the needles in your hands and you hold the yarn in your left hand.
It took me 7 weeks to master, but it was definitely worth the trouble, especially when you need to alternate between purl and knit stitches a lot. 

Amsterdam shopping spree

Yesterday was wonderful. Sis and I went to Amsterdam on a shopping spree!
It was a huge success.

First stop was Birdblocks, my favorite quilt shop, to show them my wall hanging.

After that we took a streetcar to the Albert Cuyp area, where several fabric shops are located.
The first one was the most promising, online at least. According to their website they were supposed to have 3 stories stocked with fabrics and notions. 
Unfortunately they were relocating to another building. Due to limited space they didn't have much available, so we left and decided to visit the store another time.

I was more successful at the next fabric store, where I bought this lovely pink fabric with matching lining.

Next stop was Nanucci, where they have the most wonderful fabrics. Their lace fabrics were to die for. Here at Nanucci's I purchased my most exciting fabric: a floral by Liberty of London.

Now, I've uses plenty of cotton fabrics throughout my sewing life, but I had never encountered a Liberty cotton before. Good heavens, it was quite a thrill, let me tell you. The cotton is ever so smooth and soft to the touch. Imagine what it will feel like to wear it.

Then, with a much thinner wallet but ever so happy, we headed back to the Dam Square area. When we visit Amsterdam we always go to a tiny yarn shop, which also has a quite extended range of embroidery kits. 
The last time we were there I had seen this gorgeous needlework on display, depicting a spotted sow and piglets, by Elizabeth Bradley. I loved it right away, but couldn't afford it.
However, this time around the kit was on sale, so how could I resist?
And here it is:

It coordinates beautifully with the color of my living room wall.

At the same shop I also bought some sock yarn. I've been knitting socks for several years. Nowadays you have so much yummy yarns to choose from. Multicolor yarns are my favorite. It's always a surprise how they turn out, I love that.

Last but not least we went to another quilt shop, Den Haan en Wagenmakers, where I made my final purchase of the day: these cute elephant fabrics with matching border fabric.

Aren't they adorable?  I might turn them into small quilts for my cats to lounge on.