Vintage Craft Book Feature: Australian Designer Knits (Australia, 1986)

Another of my many needlework hobbies is the collection of vintage craft books.  Found in dusty corners of second hand shops, in pride of place in used book stores, these old tomes often contain beautiful nuggets of crafting wisdom, and a heaping helping of vintage charm.  Reviving the techniques, tips and retro projects is just one more way for us to bring back the wonders of the handmade.

Australian Designer Knits - Australia 1986

I found this retro gem at the same time and place as a previous feature book:  The Sweater Book.  While I was fairly certain there was nothing I wanted to actually knit within, the price was right to pick it up to share with you all.  Surely there would be some giggle and cringe worthy 80's fashions in it worth the 50 cents.  I was not disappointed.

                           

I''m not sure anything else needs to be said after that sweater :)  In all fairness, the book does start out with some helpful knitting how-to.  It's not extensive, but it's enough to get a beginner started.  They also have nice blurbs about each designer and pattern that give a bit more depth to what would otherwise be just a book full of silly retro patterns.

                  

That said, it is still full of silly retro patterns.  I guess if you ever want some practice on intricate color work and following charts, this is the book for you.  Otherwise, there isn't much here outside of novelty value.  The pictures are large and colorful, it might make a nice conversation piece on a coffee table.