Modernizing 6 Vintage Knitting Patterns | Picking a Rhinebeck Sweater

[@nadia_makes]

girlll this thumbnail is sending me! choosing colour palettes based on renaissance paintings is such a flex, too, I'm in awe. I'm a sucker for Molly Goddard so my vote is for the Marie Wallen. I love love your inspo vibe, keep it up!

[@whatsmilimaking]

Thank you!! It's crazy how knitting color inspo can come from anywhere and everywhere 🤭 I currently have several dozen photos of the changing color leaves on my phone cause I am convinced I should make a sweater with that color palette lol

[@nadia_makes]

@@whatsmilimaking ooh if you do end up making that sweater, may I be so bold as to hazard a yarn recommendation - I recently picked up some West Yorkshire Spinners Fleece in Fellside, and it is the most perfect autumnal yellow-green colour I ever did see and I cannot stop squishing it!!!

[@whatsmilimaking]

@@nadia_makes ooh that is a very pretty shade of green 😍

[@katywuste9054]

I really like the maple but all your choices are good. Can’t wait to see which one you choose. I have never watched your videos and enjoyed this very much

[@whatsmilimaking]

The maple is totally a dream knit! Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed 😌

[@MKJulia1]

I recently found your videos and I’m having a blast watching while I knit. Currently I have 3 sweaters on the needles all at different stages. The Sabai, the Tolsta Vest & the Plain Yoke Tee 20 Solo. I live in a warming climate so my knits are usually light weight or layering pieces. Thank you for your inspirations and color combos! Happy Knitting!

[@whatsmilimaking]

Thank you-- it warms my hear to know someone is also enjoying all the knitting chat 🥹 There's something so refined and elegant about lighter weight knits! I have only heard good things about the tolsta tee/vest so hope you enjoy yours 💕

[@ClayCraftCoffee]

I bought a Kaffe Fasset book awhile back. Glorious colorwork. It has a “jug coat” which has this ridiculous pattern of tea pots and vases and as a potter, it calls to me so much! I want to change it to a sweater or cardigan, and this video is giving me some of that inspo. Maybe Ill cast it on soon. 😅

[@whatsmilimaking]

That one is on my never-ending dream knits list too!! It seems like the perfect scrappy/ stash busting project. It would be really cute as a cardigan!

[@kk2tog]

This video is soooooooooo for me

[@whatsmilimaking]

Hoping & praying it gets done by then 🤪

[@rebeccalarosa7346]

On an Anne Ventzel kick; just finished the spot sweater now WIPing the tanne top… my vintage pattern I’m going for soon is Kaffe’s “Outlined star Jacket” from the book Glorious knits … this was the first vintage knitting book I found and immediately fell in love with everything in the book … talk about timeless , these knits are so 80’s and so modern at the same time , the carpet pattern , the small steps, Persian poppy and damask flower patterns are all amazing too… these will all be on my needles at one point over the next year or two… I’m obsessed with this vintage knitting book.

[@whatsmilimaking]

Omg I love that pattern too! I checked out that book (and a few other Kaffe Fassett books) from my local library for 2 months last year. I did not make any of the patterns but regularly flipped through them for inspiration. I hope you end up sharing your project on ravelry!! I would love to see it Also major props to finishing your spot sweater-- that is a lot of colorwork too!

[@AdrienneBlaine]

I just read Kaffe Fassett in the Studio, which is a visual tour of the home/art studio he shares with his husband/creative partner. So inspiring! I got it from my local library. He’s a color master! His autobiography is also really interesting: Dreaming in Color

[@ChociMilki]

beautiful lighting in this vid! i also loved hearing about your references, thank you for the pictures videos and source material! it really couples well with your presentation and makes this so interesting to watch! ps you’re gorgeous! new sub! I think the drummer would look sick!

[@whatsmilimaking]

Thank you-- one of these days I will have to record before 6 PM on a Friday to get less moody lighting 😂 The drummer would be such a cool pattern! Even if I don't knit it for Rhinebeck, I still think I would love to knit it in the future!

[@inherskein]

I'm obsessed with this! I vote for the Maple, but I'm sure whichever pattern you will choose will turn out amazing! I cannot wait to see what you will cast on :)

[@whatsmilimaking]

The Maple is a stunner! But then again they all are 😍😅

[@SageReads]

The maple sweater!!! Ahh so precious

[@whatsmilimaking]

It's such a beautiful pattern 😍

[@ida.och.garnet]

Wow such an inspiring episode!!! First of all, I of course love everything and I think you should knit it all 😍 because it’s just stunning! The way you describe your creative process and how you analyze things just fills me with so much happiness and energy, sooooo good knittingvibes 🧶🥰 But… I think you should go with the Drummer, just because it’s so different with the mix of design elements and anything tartan is always a winner to me. 🥳🥰🤗

[@whatsmilimaking]

In my dream world, I would be able to knit them all 😍 In reality, I think it would take me a year to do it all and then my knitting mojo would probably disappear for good lol. Glad you enjoyed hearing more about my process! It was fun/ interesting to try to articulate how projects comes to life! Totally agreed that the Drummer is a standout. The juxtaposition of patterns is perfection 👌

[@moi3chats]

I'm glad you made this video. All the patterns are beautiful. I vote that you make the Maple cardigan. I completed mine yesterday. It wasn't for Rhinebeck, I just love the colors, and all designs by Marie Wallin. The Maple was a labor of love, the intarsias management was the most difficult with some rows of 3 yarns color work instead of the usual 2. I didn't mind knitting the color work flat instead of in the round. The seaming and weaving in the ends took a few days with lots of frustration. It took me over a year to complete, I put it away for months and picked it up off and on. Was it worth it? Yes! It's beautiful 😅

[@whatsmilimaking]

Oh my gosh, congratulations on finishing up that project! 👏 It must have been so much work, but the beautiful finished product is so worth all the complications! Totally agreed re Marie Wallin patterns. I have so many in my favorites but have yet to knit any. She has such a unique eye for colorwork and cables!

[@sandramoran-sx5sf]

Great inspiration, I had to pause your video to go and pull out my Rowan 50 book to find ‘Maple’ ! That would be my choice but I shall enjoy watching what you decide. As I’m watching I’m knitting ‘modest’ an all over cabled sweater by Kim Hargreaves from her Pale book. Enjoy your Autumn knitting and thanks for sharing your inspiration 😊

[@whatsmilimaking]

Kim Hargreaves is another designer whose vintage patterns I really want to knit! I just looked up the Pale book and love all the cabled patterns featured. Hope you are enjoying yours 🥰

[@adelaideisbooked6600]

The Maple by Marie Wallin is literally my dream cardigan, so my vote has to go for that. I also adore your color combination and think that the darker brown tones complement the pink and yellow ones so well. I just started knitting (I'm literally making my first sweater) and my goal is to make that cardigan one day, I'm just that obsessed.

[@whatsmilimaking]

Can totally relate to having those dream projects from when you first start sweater knitting! Maybe I will take this as a reminder that I should revisit some of those patterns Good luck with your first sweater, and hope you get to create your own Maple cardi soon

[@PurpleAlipineFlower]

I am knitting the Stripe Hype sweater. I think a cute vintage sweater to make to wear to a sheep and wool festival would be the Diana Black Sheep Sweater by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne But in neutral or pastel color pallet.

[@whatsmilimaking]

That is such a classic sweater!! Now that you mention it, I don't think I have ever seen one in pastel but it would be so cute 😍

[@autochick123]

I would knit the Maple by Marie Wallin. I’m loving the colors. ❤

[@whatsmilimaking]

That seems to be the front runner so it just may happen !!

[@annalina-we]

i loved this video!! really got me to think about the yarn combinations i can make with what i have in a new way :)

[@whatsmilimaking]

That makes me so happy to hear 😇 I'm glad that my exploration of color can help others to do the same!

[@sleepknitting]

I love the Brocade sm!! my second choice would be the Florentino, but in all honesty this is such an excellent pattern roundup that I’d have trouble deciding too. and it got me really hyped to plan a colorwork vest!

[@whatsmilimaking]

Yay-- that makes me so happy to hear! The possibilities with colorwork are endless I am heavily leaning towards the brocade as it was my initial pick

[@BlazeTheDemidragon]

i am so so glad to see more sort of renaissance/medieval patterns becoming more popular since i recently fell down a small rabbit hole when it comes to heraldry! im currently working on a colorwork shawl called Between the Dragon and His Wrap which is going to require steeking at some point. its got the vibes of something youd find in a fantasy series and thus far proving to be very interesting to make :) im almost done knitting it

[@whatsmilimaking]

Oh my gosh, I've just looked it up, and that is truly a work of art pattern !! Honestly I think it could double as a wall hanging (very reminiscent of a medieval tapestry 😉). The fact that is steeked is such clever construction and makes the colorwork seem more manageable!

[@BlazeTheDemidragon]

its very cool!! i recommend using jacquard ladderback to control the floats and to be mindful of your scissors if you end up making it :D i finished mine yesterday and while it still needs to be blocked, it came out mostly perfect. definitely one of the most beautiful patterns ive found in awhile :)

[@movingstitches]

Ok I vote for you making your Molly Goddard cardi! As a fellow person inspired by cinema, art and high fashion I have LOVED this video❤

[@whatsmilimaking]

Ahh thank you! It's interesting to reflect how much our world influences something as simple a knit sweater. We exist in the context !!

[@DH-pw6jj]

I love your unique knitting and color choices! Also, feel free to share more about your rabbit hole findings, for instance about connections to imperialism; sounds very interesting!

[@whatsmilimaking]

I will keep that in mind the next time I fall down the rabbit hole 😅 Off the top of my head, I remember watching a few videos here on youtube about Dkaha muslin which is essentially lost to time, largely in part to English interference.

[@CreatingHannah]

I am currently working on my light fingering weight Nichi Nichi cardigan in Holst Garn coast and I am finally on the sleeves! I just recently found your channel and I love your vibe

[@whatsmilimaking]

Ooh wow I love the subtle texture on that pattern 😍 it looks very elegant! Thanks for watching 🤗

[@LoneWolf_Knits]

I totally get what you mean about wanting something all to yourself for Rhinebeck! But also wanting the community aspect of a yearly KAL. Honestly ALL of these patterns you found are so bomb, you really can't go wrong!

[@whatsmilimaking]

Exactly! I really thought I could get both this year, but I lost all interest in the Framed after I knit the colorwork body 😂 Maybe next year I will accomplish my goal of knitting two Rhinebeck sweaters

[@jimmydoesknitting]

I really appreciate this type of pattern video. Thanks!

[@whatsmilimaking]

Thanks for watching ☺

[@maddietaylorknits]

Love this! Inspiring me to knit some vintage patterns this winter ❤ I’m currently working on the Ninfea by Knitting for Breakfast !!

[@whatsmilimaking]

Ooh the lace yoke on that is so pretty! And yes, go for the vintage patterns 😌 They are so underrated imo! I feel like the more popular vintage patterns are from the 20s-50s, but the crazy colorwork from the 80s-2000s does not get the appreciation it deserves.

[@slow_knits]

I love vintage colorwork designs!! they are just so creative and unique. Love your picks! def added a few to my list

[@whatsmilimaking]

Agreed!! I really hope there is a colorwork renaissance so we get more of these types of patterns in a wider size range

[@knotamachine]

duuuuuuuuuuuuuude maple maple maple maple!!!!! i want to make it!!!!!! loved this video mili! can't wait to see what you pick

[@whatsmilimaking]

The maple is a true work of art 😭 One of these days I will work up the courage to tackle all that intarsia lol

[@Breigenwijs]

Marie Wallin or Kaffe for sure! 🥰❤️

[@whatsmilimaking]

Both are such iconic designers 😍

[@AdrienneBlaine]

These are the kinds of Ravelry rabbit holes I’m down as well. I feel seen. Love your textile knowledge and references! Truly all of these ideas are top notch. The Fair Isle inspiration + Scotland trip would tip the scales for me. I am knitting the Mega Solar Blouse by Spektakelstrik x Galaxy Glow while watching 💜

[@whatsmilimaking]

Ooh that pattern is so cool! Then again, everything Spektakelstrik designs is cool 😎 That tartan pattern is still living in my head rent free. Maybe this is a reminder that I should go to ebay to buy the pattern book 😝

[@fathomstars]

I was knitting the Scout Shawl while watching this - very cute vintage inspired fair isle, and a nice alternative to sweater knitting for Rhinebeck!

[@whatsmilimaking]

The scout shawl is a dream knit for me!! I hope you love yours 🥰

[@fathomstars]

@ it was honestly so rewarding to finish, it took forever but it’s really beautiful :)

[@Nicole-pg3mr]

I’m currently working on the Ladies Round Neck Jumper from the vintage book Fair Isle Knitting by Sarah Don. A not very fancy name for a really cool piece! There are a few projects on ravelry. I took pics of the pattern from a library book 😂 I vote for the brocade 👍🏻

[@whatsmilimaking]

Ooh I love the motifs on that sweater-- feels so perfect for winter ❄️ I didn't end up knitting the brocade pattern this time around, but I am so tempted to cast it on this winter!

[@wendyltwice4156]

For your consideration - I knit Drops 63-8 Ancient Roses in "that green" and lilac and it's gorgeous. The pattern is available and free. I omitted the colour changes and just used the 2 colours throughout.

[@whatsmilimaking]

Oooh that pattern is beautiful! I have always been too afraid to knit any of the Drops pattern cause I've heard they are difficult to follow. But looks like there are some patterns worth the challenge! Thanks for sharing the rec 🥰

[@cupcakenormajean9974]

Another vote for Marie Wallin ❤ I think you should knit the orkney with striped sleeves. The brocade is also gorgeous and I think will really stand out in a crowd, though!

[@whatsmilimaking]

Both are too good-- if only I had time to knit them both 😆

[@sofiabennett5212]

My vote is either the Olympic one or the faire isle sweater, they are amazing!!

[@whatsmilimaking]

Both excellent choices 🤭

[@yas24586]

stopppp it right now, doing the sapporo in that green vibes combo would be so fire!!!

[@whatsmilimaking]

That combo has been in my mind all summer long 🥹

[@SylviasStuff]

I think my fave is the Brocade sweater and purple all day erry daaaay!! And that last fruity one is amazing too

[@whatsmilimaking]

The brocade didn't get knit this time around but it is still on the list for the future !!

[@McKaylasCrafts]

I loved this video and I had no idea the sweater I’m knitting would be featured 😂😂 I didn’t even know when I started knitting the Dale of Norway Lillehammer 94 sweater that it was for the Norwegian Olympic team. I stalked this sweater and finally HAD to make it 😍

[@whatsmilimaking]

Sometimes there's a pattern that just gets you, and you must cast it on ASAP!! Hope you're having fun knitting it 🥰

[@christybrown6404]

Where can I find an English pattern for this gorgeous sweater?

[@McKaylasCrafts]

@@whatsmilimaking it has honestly been sooo fun. I’m a beginner at knitting but I love watching the color work work up 😍

[@whatsmilimaking]

@@christybrown6404 This blog post has a link to the scanned book which has the pattern in English ☺ spider-spun.com/blogs/back-of-work/the-lillehammer-sweater

[@whatsmilimaking]

@@McKaylasCrafts it's like watching a work of art reveal itself 😍

[@nuraitheodora]

my vote is for the maple sweater, i think it's so cute and the colours you chose would look so great! i'm knitting the petra bag by aegyo knit for a friend's birthday :)

[@whatsmilimaking]

Awww that's such a sweet birthday present. Happy (early?) birthday to your friend! The Maple sweater seems to be a top contender & for good reason

[@fraukeswollke]

Do you know Patricia Roberts? She has awesome (!!!) vintage designs as well and I love her!😌

[@whatsmilimaking]

I do not but I am gonna go look her up!! Thank you for the rec-- I always love learning about new to me designers 😍

[@Bethene0317]

I vote brocade and what ever color combination using the noro with it….the first one with the pale lavender or use the second deeper burgundy/purpley…….of all the patterns best chance of getting it finished also….

[@whatsmilimaking]

hat is true-- hopefully the larger gauge helps it go by more quickly! I hope that with swatching one of the purples end up working with the noro. It really would be so stunning in colorwork!

[@BoggyStitches]

my vote is for the drummer!

[@whatsmilimaking]

Yesss-- so glad to see someone pick that one! 🤭 It's perhaps the most unique of the bunch

[@carolyncode815]

I vote for Sapporo by Dale of Norway!

[@whatsmilimaking]

I would love to cast that one on next year! It seems like a colorwork pattern with a nice rhythm to it

[@ryankurth8080]

Welp, I'm going to be no help in picking. I'm obsessed with all of these!

[@whatsmilimaking]

I totally get it cause I'm on the same boat 😂

[@juliao9146]

I saw an old interview with him and he said Kaffe is pronounced like safe! I love Brocade with the shades of purple, but also the Sapporo! I am knitting the Eva Cardigan in Sewrella Cashmere DK and a Shift cowl for a Christmas gift in Spincycle (with oranges and turquoises, mostly).

[@whatsmilimaking]

Ooh yay, I am glad to know how to pronounce his name properly from now on! An all purple brocade sweater really is calling my name. Both your projects sound so soft and cozy!! I hope whoever gets the cowl appreciates the beautiful combo of yarns and pattern 😍

[@iamrahaf]

i don’t know if it’s possible, if you wanna share your trade secrets haha but I would love a video of how you source and look for these vintage patterns on ebay, ravelry and such. i am also obsessed with vintage patterns and looks and sometimes struggle not running into the same ones over and over again

[@whatsmilimaking]

Hmm it usually starts with me looking at a specific pattern that I had in my mind, and then just following the clicks through ravelry. Sometimes I will click on the designer and see what other patterns they published. Maybe they published in a vintage pattern book with other designers, then I will click through to those. Maybe they published in a vintage magazine, then I will look at other issues. Also, I like looking at the project pages of people who have knit the vintage patterns. Cause maybe they have other project pages for other vintage patterns. Idk if there is a method to my madness beyond clicking through ravelry 😅

[@danib6570]

I'm knitting solely patterns from like 2010/2011 when I had money to drop on knitting books and mags. The current sweater is from knitscene called the Bandha sweater, but I'm not doing the belt loops or belt because I feel like that'll just draw attention to my stomach

[@whatsmilimaking]

I think knitting patterns that you have is excellent responsible knitting 👏 I've looked that pattern up and really love the hood it. It's a beautiful design feature 😍 Hope you enjoy your new sweater!

[@emmaw_e]

Would you mind linking your beautiful dream vintage sweater ? Not that I have the time or skill to knit it up right away but I can't pass up on saving such a beautiful knit ! And I think the mapple sweater especially in the color palette you have chosen would be perfect and a really fun and engaging knit !

[@whatsmilimaking]

Ofc!! It is a pattern from a vintage rowan magazine, called Henri in Pennsylvania. Here's the ravelry link: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/15-henri-in-pennsylvania The maple seems to be the strong front runner 😍

[@emmaw_e]

@@whatsmilimaking Thanks so much !

[@zumocrafty]

An interesting assortment! I’m working on some hot pink monkey socks by the designer cookie a, they are very fun :)

[@whatsmilimaking]

OOh the stitch pattern looks so pretty on those socks! Happy knitting 🧦

[@fvidder2210]

Kaffe Fassett did an interview in recent years, and the interviewer asked about his name. He said a friend had a joke that would help you remember the pronunciation: "You've got a safe asset with Kaffe Fassett!"

[@whatsmilimaking]

Now I'm gonna say safe asset in my head before pronouncing his name in the future 😂 Thanks for the tip!

[@Kera.S.]

I think 2 months is not much time, maybe weed out your list to the ones you could actually do in the time frame allowed and those you can't. Pick 1 from each to do. 1 now and 1 after Rhinebeck. Just a thought to save your sanity and so you still get to knit the extra exciting one but not pressured for it. I personally don't enjoy timeline crunches, but that's just me. Good luck, all are fantastic choices!

[@whatsmilimaking]

That is fair! I did end up picking the most manageable project (imo) 😌 Sometimes I don't mind the time crunch, because without it I might let the project linger forever lol

[@Kera.S.]

@@whatsmilimaking that is true! But somehow I will still put off the last finishing parts till the last minute. Why do I do this to myself lol ahhhh

[@adrienneschmidt2053]

Interesting....you, as a millennial, think the same as me, as a baby boomer. I will not make the Ranunculus because 'everyone else' is making one. I likely won't be making the Framed, for the same reason. Currently, I'm working on "Gelid" designed by Evelyn Siatra.

[@whatsmilimaking]

Sometimes we can appreciate beautiful things from others, while also not wanting to join in ourselves 😌 The Gelid pattern looks gorgeous! I love the combo of colorwork and cables

[@Spoomie02]

What's the sweater mentioned at 2:36? It's wonderful

[@whatsmilimaking]

It's my dream knit 😭 Here's the link to the ravelry pattern page! It's from a back edition of Rowan magazine www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/15-henri-in-pennsylvania