It’s my four-year blogiversary, and even though I an swamped with work, I can’t forgot my annual tradition of sharing WWI era knitting patterns! Since I started this blog on 11/11/11, which is Veteran’s Day in the US and Remembrance Day in Canada and the UK, I have been sharing patterns from my 1918 copy of Fleisher’s Knitting and Crocheting Manual (16th edition).
For previously posted free patterns and instructions on needle size, yarn, and gauge, please see the posts from 2012, 2013, and 2014. And now onto the pattern book!
(things I love about this introduction: all service wear has been “approved by competent authorities”; scarves are apparently “growing in favor,” and US knitters and crocheters are collectively known as “yarn users of America.”)
First, up: The Red Cross Afghan.
This is a crochet pattern, which I suppose makes sense, given the heft of blankets. But note that cross here is done in “khaki” yarn, not white!
Somerset Afghan
Another crochet afghan, but this one has an intriguing colorwork design. Is it some sort of leaf or vine? I’m not sure, but part of me wonders if it could be adapted into a nice knitting colorwork pattern as well.
Woman’s Glove
I love the little details on this glove, especially the cable. Of course I doubt I’d attempt these, as I’ve never made gloves and these patterns are often a bit vague on the details.
Savoy Sweater
Look at this long full coat! I don’t even want to imagine how long with would take me. I’d at least ditch the belt. I do like the pleats though.
Pauline Sweater
This is a child’s crochet sweater, but I’d rather like it in a grown up size. I think the off center buttons are such a nice touch.
Bernadetta Scarf
I think this might be more accurately labeled a shawl due to its size, but it’s hard to see the full shape from this photo. Nevertheless: what a lovely chevron piece!
Miscellaneous stitches
I complain a lot about the vague directions and unclear photos in this book, but it reality these is a little section that’s part stitch dictionary and part closeups of stitches used in the patterns. (I still don’t know what “narrow” means as a stitch though…)
Hope these World War I era patterns are useful to you!
p.s. I still wear the red crochet poppy I shared in my very first post:
knitbyahenshop 
I have found a reference to a neckless sweater and a sleeveless neckless sweater in my great uncle’s WWI letters home from France where he was killed in the Army. Would you have any pictures of what such a sweater looked like? He was writing in 1918. Many thanks! Patty from Austin, Texas