Wild Knitting

I've got a penchant for the geriatric craft tome. No, they're not craft references for the elderly! This is just a Linoleumism for the craft books of yesteryear. There's nothing better than a tattered tome of the trade that was once lavished with love, used loads, then left at the altar when the proposition of a long term commitment reared its ugly head. Yep, just call me a rebounder for the bound! Or not...

At any rate, my latest mildew-y scented acquisition comes directly to me from an era where shoulders were not shoulders unless heavily padded, hair was better coiffed with knots and Aqua Net....oh, and multi-hued (anyone remember Manic Panic?)...and the safety pin was a standard fashion accessory. Oh yes, the 80's! Ahhhh, takes me back to the days when my entire wardrobe was a variation of black, the rips and tears always strategically placed and the pursuit of fuschia hair was preeminent. Yes, I am THAT old. However, I did get carded this afternoon at my lunch hour booze restocking fest, so all is not lost. I digress.

Where was I? Oh yes, craft books from the 80's. Enter Wild Knitting...



Circa 1979, this fantastic example of new wave chic is replete with clear and concise stitch guides and techniques, needle measurement deconstructed, the 411 on yarn types as well as two whole 9" x 12" pages devoted to tension. Also found amidst the informative leaves of my new favorite manual of knits for those who seek to have the shoulders of linebackers, sections on basic shapes, blocking, finishing touches, edges and insertions, the renovation or reclamation of yarn from sweaters whose time has passed and paying homage to the pompon, not the pompom. And as if this was not enough to make your Lady drop to the Linoleum at rapid speed, there is an entire section dedicated to the design and adaptation of patterns followed up by another titled, "Coping with Disasters". Fer sure.

The projects? Equally stylish and stylized, modeled on the heavily made, triumphant haired dames of the day. The photographs are seriously saturated with both color and mood exaggerating wearables that are sometimes strange, always inventive and not at all vague in their vagaries.

Part peasant frock, part lacey, mohair-y homage to the Pirates of Penzance, this dress is sure to freak your friends out at the next communal gathering. (Warning, if wearing this dress to an outdoor event, stay clear of open flame.)





Hint, hint...daytime party at the lake. No bonfires to endanger the wearer.



Clown couture. Very underrated.



Which clothing item says investment-banking-cum-a-day-at-the-cube-farm-apropos to moi? Methinks poofy rainbow dungarees.



However, I find that anything modeled after a hot air balloon with cuffs is difficult to beat as an answer to the trials of daily rigour.



Knitted cigs. Knough said.



Holy moly! Okay, so it's a hackneyed phrase. Whateva!



A jumper for Andy Goldsworthy...



Armadillos all around! You know I bought this book specifically for this roadkill wrap pattern.



I plan to finish off the ensemble with a pair of these socks...Duck feet are always in season.



Potential allies of the VLA. They just need some eyeballs and weapons and they'll be good to go.



What a find, no?

Angela Jeffs, where are you now?