Double Dyed Designer

Vintage Inspiration Photos

I never tire of looking at vintage photos. I love looking at clothes and hairstyles, but public domain photos such as these are rich in design inspiration as well.

Of course all these were photos from knitting or crochet patterns, but studying styles and gaining inspiration for designing can come from other types of vintage clothing in photos as well.

The only problem with black and white photos is you don't see the retro color combinations!

I love how a plain suit and a lacy touch like this hat set each other off so well.

~<>~

I adore the way the neckline is done with the side ruffles! Definitely an inspiration there.

~<>~

I like the way the clutch is formed, with the structured bottom, bars at the top, and a thick wrist strap. It's interesting to see how many fashion elements that are popular now are really vintage-inspired.

~<>~

I'm not big on fitted-at-the-waist blousy sweaters, but I love the solid shoulders versus lacy stitch pattern, and the way the sleeves are gathered at the cuffs.

~<>~

Narrow stripes! All the pizzazz needed for a simple outfit.

 

Now I have some ideas. Time to do some sketching!

 

My Cadet Vest - Coming Soon in Crochet!'s Winter Issue

My fun and stylish vest design is featured in the upcoming winter issue of Crochet! The e-magazine is currently on sale and the print version is on sale 10/8 - available on the Crochet! website.

It's a unique design, military inspired, with no side seams. Easy to make in a gorgeous superwash yarn, and fun to wear!

~<>~

Yarn Giveaway at Cascade Yarns

My friends at Cascade Yarns are giving away the yarn needed to make my Take-a-Bow Neckwarmer, featured in Crochet World's October issue. 2 lucky people will win gorgeous yarn! Read more about it on their blog. 

Guest Blogging at Crochet Queen

I had the privilege of writing an article for Gwen Blakely-Kinser about using vintage crochet patterns, vintage crochet in general and its inspiration for today. The article is live now at her blog, Crochet Queen.

 

New Pattern Download - Swing Time Tilt Hat

 

Just Released - a brand new pattern PDF download in my Etsy shop: Swing Time Tilt Hat. 

Patterned from real vintage 1940s hats and inspired by vintage hat patterns, I designed this hat for a make-your-own Swing Time Tilt Hat in perfect Victory Era style. Only taking a few hours to make, you can whip it up to match a costume, or just for fun. Chic WWII period correct style, it is crocheted in the round with an added tilt edge in the back to fit the head and use as a base for a hat pin for the perfect tilt; also a curlicue embellishment. Enjoy the benefits of a modern-written pattern with the period correct look of a real vintage pattern!

Buy the pattern here for $4.

New Pattern Download - Heather on the Hill Circle Vest Version

My "Heather on the Hill Circle Bolero" is a bestseller in my Etsy shop. But it is very heavy and warm with long Dolman sleeves and worsted weight yarn, so when I received a request for a pattern for a lighter version, I had fun using the same basic pattern to make a lighter, sleeveless version in a DK weight yarn; also with color changes and an optional fancy closure. The pattern just went up today at $7.

Latest News: Interview

I had an enjoyable interview with Gwen Blakely-Kinsler about my designing and vintage interests for the "Talking Crochet" newsletter, which is now live here.

One of my favorite aspects of designing is meeting new people I never would have met except through the common thread of crochet. (pun intended!)

Visit Gwen's blog here. Later this month I have the privilege of writing a guest post for her, so stay tuned.

 

Coming Soon - Take-a-Bow Neckwarmer in Crochet World's October Issue

My Take-a-Bow Neckwarmer is featured in the upcoming Crochet World's October 2013 issue, on sale 9/3 in both e-book and print versions.

It's a gorgeous neckwarmer, crocheted in fantastic thick-and-thin handpainted yarn. It has a plain edge and a scalloped edge, and when you weave a silk scarf through the center of it, you can wear it in so many ways.