First of all, my apologies for not blogging last week. I was getting down to the wire with the project I am about to show you, and all distractions where thoroughly being cast aside.
My sister Rabbie summarises the day brilliantly on her blog post here, but in my own telling of events, this is how it went:
Last year: My sister Rabbie: We had an amazing time at a Vikings event in Duncarron! You have got to come to the next one!
Me: Definitely!
Still last year: My sister Rabbie: We had an amazing time at a Jacobites event in Duncarron! You have got to come to the next one!
Me: Definitely! Just, more warning next time!
Still last year, again: My sister Rabbie: We had an amazing time at a Pirates event in Duncarron! You have got to come to the next one!
Me: Right, that’s it, next time for sure!
And I waited. And waited. And waited…
Finally! The first event of the year, and it was through the ages, right up until WW2 this time! Amazing! When? End of summer holidays? We’ll make it happen.
So, vikings, what do we need to make?
Only…no vikings. And with only a few weeks to go…WW2 it was! The kids were child evacuees, complete with knitted sweater vests, and myself and Engel would be homeguard. My sister joined the theme and, after a lot of coaxing, nudging and nearly pleading, she was bullied into making a full on red cross nurse propoganda outfit. If you haven’t looked at her blog yet, you must, it’s beautiful.
My fur niece also matched!
Was I to be outdone? Of course not. Much deep diving of the internet and I got hold of some scans of actual 1940s magazines, complete with knitting patterns. Then I saw it, and I knew it had to be knit.
Did you know Betty Davis was. Knitwear model in 1941? She was, and apparently this was her favourite pattern as it was ‘as warm as toast and ever so smart’.
It was actually too warm on the day to actually wear it, but seeing my two battle with knights, challenge a centurion, play the drums with a Jacobite and ask million questions and then get answers was more than worth it.
However, I would have liked to have stayed at the women’s war effort stall, with it’s beautiful handknits, photographs of original patterns and even a few actual knits knitted during the war time for maybe a few more hours…
And with that, I am going to recover for the rest of the week. Maybe start looking at some historically accurate viking clothing / costumes… Hmm… They raised sheep and made their own cloth from the wool… And they had their own form of ancient knitting…
Perhaps I shall follow that rabbit hole and see where it leads…
Until next post, keep safe!
Wool Count
Starting total – 843
Wool used – 68 (11 since last update!)
Wool bought – 23
Wool given to me – 32 (3 as birthday gifts!)
Wool gifted to others – 1
Wool handspun – 3
Total – 832 (Net difference: -11!!!)
