Some new books have been added to the library.
Stitches in Time by Sue Bradley.
Sue Bradley is a British knitwear designer and a graduate of the Royal College of Art in London. Stitches in Time is a survey of the costumes of the past – Ancient Egypt to the 1940s, translated into knitwear for the 1980s Modern Woman. It is a lot of fun to leaf through with each period represented by two designs with appropriate accessories.
Aussie Fair by Liz Gemmell
Aussie Fair is a handbook of instructions for making uniquely Australian jumpers using Fair Isle techniques. The cover, as you can see opposite, features Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Who could possibly resist a jersey with possums strung along the chest, or galahs perched in a line? Click on the photos below to see the knitwear more clearly.
The Gentleman’s Wardrobe by Vanessa Mooncie
This British book was republished in 2020 and includes simple instructions and patterns for making old-style wallets, jackets, dressing gowns and the like, for discerning men who enjoy dressing-up rather than down.
Sewing for Men and Boys and Let Yourself Sew, both from Simplicity
These two books were a donation to the library from a well-wisher. Thank you very much. The former is an illustrated guide to techniques, hints and tips as well as a guide as to what men and boys should have in a well-equipped wardrobe in 1978. The latter is a how-to book for teenagers and includes fashion advice and decorating ideas for clothing and rooms.
There are some great ideas in both of these books as well as being a trip down memory lane for those of us who remember the decade.
