Narkissa gloves

The fabulous winter issue of Clotheshorse Magazine is out now and I am delighted to have one of my designs included, the Narkissa gloves. Clotheshorse is a trendy webzine published three times a year, featuring knitting and crochet patterns in several themed collections with each issue.

© Clotheshorse Magazine

These are opera length fingerless gloves in wide ribbing (for a perfect fit), decorated with lace insertions at both ends. The gloves are knitted starting from the fingers' end, so it is very convenient to try them on while working.

© Clotheshorse Magazine

19th century craft books

There are some old craft books to be found among Project Gutenberg free ebooks. Unfortunately, most of these are available without images, so one could practice a lot of blind knitting, for example, and wait for the surprise outcome.
Here are a couple of books that have many inspiring pictures along with instructions, though.




Beeton's Book of Needlework by Isabella Beeton, 1870

This book contains patterns for tatting, crochet, knitting, netting, embroidery, point lace, guipure d'art, Berlin work, monograms, initials and names, pillow lace, and lace stitches. And 600 engraved illustrations.




The knitting chapter looks very interesting. Some patterns, e.g. this knitted neckerchief(!) in black Shetland wool, have been added to Ravelry and the project notes can be very helpful for working the shawl.




Another lovely example, a knitted border with pleats:





Cycling and Shooting Knickerbocker Stockings by H. P. Ryder, 1896



The stockings are worked in ribbing for the most part and decorated with fancy tops. There are many options to choose from for making the top and the stitch patterns come with photos.