1960s
In the 1960s thicker yarn such as Double Knitting weight was widely available – patterns and garments from this period are simple and classic.
Mary Maxim yarns, and patterns were imported from the USA. Chunky jackets with big bold motifs are typical of her designs.
Golden Hands, one of the first part works, was first published in the UK in 1970-71, following its publication in the late 1960s in Italy.
This crocheted tunic, made and donated by the late Marjorie Burns, featured on the cover of one issue.
The 1960s are best remembered for the mini skirt, and the Collection includes several mini dresses, mainly crocheted but there are one or two knitted ones.
This one was made from a kit bought through The Daily Mirror using Pingouin Crylor yarn. It has a black bodice with a dropped waist, and a flared skirt in black and silver. It could be worn today.
Do you remember tank tops? … and the random-dyed yarn they were so often made from, producing stripes in one part then big patches of colour when the number of stitches reduced to shape the armholes and neck?
1970s
From the 1970s, a trouser suit crocheted in raffene-type yarn, fully lined in white fabric.
Thought to have been made to a dressmaking pattern, as there are some odd-shaped motifs to fill in gaps.
A hand knitted suit, possibly made in Patons Fiona whose ball bands said it was 'for the Shetland Look', mixes solid with random-dyed colours very effectively.
This knitted jumper clearly shows the problems – or the exciting pattern effects – that occurred with the 'random-dyed' yarns.