Can anyone recommend me some classic/vintage/plain old (and I mean pre historic) knitting books.

I've heard of the encyclopedia of needlework but I'm not sure who its by, and amazon keeps coming up with embroidery.

I'd like classic lace and stitches and would be really grateful to anyone who can suggest some bits.

Thanks :D

Hi, littleblue. Don't know if this would be any help, but i inherited "the big book of needlecraft" from my nan, published in 1935. There are 6 knitted lace patterns and some other patterns in it for babys and children. I'd be willing to let you have copies of the things in it if you want. I'd forgot i'd got it until i read this!

Oh Mrs Radish! That would be lovely! Thank you!

I'm very interested in old fashioned patterns, especially lace, at the mo!

How, do you want to go about this, do you want to see it in the flesh? Let me know what you want to do and i will try my best to help you.

I'd be grateful to get them in any shape!! I can photocopy them if you'd trust me with the book (and I assume its ok to photocopy with it as its so old and most likely out of print as I can't find it on amazon or google) or a scanned copy would be fab.

What ever is easiest for you. I"m so excited!

Is it okay for me to pm you?

How very dare you :D

Of course it is!!

Oooooooooooooooooooooh. Guess what I've found with a bit of more googling and hunting. :D

Thank you Mrs Radish for arranging a look see at yours. :D Then I might just jump in and get my own.

Victorian lace today and Artic lace are currently sat on my amazon wish list - major lace obsession!!

I was about to suggest "Victorian Lace Today", I have it and it sounds just what you are looking for. Plenty of very old patterns, all lace (of course!) and lots of explanation about the earliest knitting patterns, which apparently tended to be a bit vague/ mathematically incorrect etc. Worth knowing when checking out original victorian patterns...but this book has corrected and adapted versions of the old ones. I haven't made anything from it yet but do plan to do so.

There is also a book called "A stitch in Time" which I have read about in Yarn Forward mag. Its 1920's to 1949 era , with the patterns corrected and adapted for modern sizing etc. (the originals were usually one size fits all and small). I dont have it though I like the look of it very much. The article is in the Jan 09 issue of Yarn Forward.

I do have an original "Knit with Norbury" book, which is 1950 ish and very vintage. There are copies on ebay or you could borrow mine to see if anything in it appeals. It has lots of advice, like "Every smartly dressed woman has at least one classic twin-set in her wardrobe". This must be where I am going wrong! That, and the fact that I never clean my trainers.

Oooooooooooooooooooooh. Guess what I've found with a bit of more googling and hunting. :D

Thank you Mrs Radish for arranging a look see at yours. :D Then I might just jump in and get my own.

Victorian lace today and Artic lace are currently sat on my amazon wish list - major lace obsession!!

I'm a little obsessed with lace at the moment too. But only the kind not knitted in 2 ply.

Have you spoken to Woolforbrains about lace - I seem to remember she had some really lovely old lace books?