My Vintage Knitting Projects From Winter 2021 🧶Vintage Knitting Podcast 🧶

[@yulia___]

Love your podcast and all the knitelwear! The jumper on the photo looks like from the Patons & Baldwins 820 pattern, although very similar to the Lavender Rainbow one.

[@RetroClaude]

Oooh you're right! It does look more like the P&B one! And even better the P&B version is also available free! subversivefemme.com/free-pattern-1940s-split-neck-jumper-patons-820/

[@yulia___]

@@RetroClaude that's right, I knitted it :) www.ravelry.com/projects/beretka/patons-beehive-820-sweater-from-1940s

[@RetroClaude]

@@yulia___ it's gorgeous!!!

[@lisascenic]

@@RetroClaude May I ask where you found that photograph? I’m knitting this exact jumper and would like to be able to share this image. Thank you from a subscriber in California.

[@RetroClaude]

@@lisascenic It's from the collection of the Imperial War Museum. You can search their collection online which is how I found it originally

[@jp80a68]

Really enjoyed the show and tell. For those of us who are older and had parents who lived as adults in the 40's and 50's there are 2 things to share with you. 1. They definitely wore the make do and mend sweaters any old bit of yarn was salvaged unpicked reused, or any other way of stretching it out what you had available. 2. They tell HORROR stories about knitted swimwear, mostly to do with them absorbing so much water that they then were dragged down off the body, leaving more that should be seen on a public beach on show.

[@Tykatyk]

Hi Claude, sorry for reacting so late. I've only just recently discovered your channel. Having grown up in the sixties I had to live through the first few winters of my life wearing the most itchy woollen vests my gran would knit for us. The trick to tame itchy wool is: (drumroll...) Stick it in the freezer! Back in the dark ages before we all had freezers the way to do this was waiting for freezing winter nights and hang your itchy garments outside in the freezing cold overnight. The colder the better, but anything below 0 celcius will do. Which is also the best time to air items you'd rather not wash. 24 to 48 hours in the freezer should help. Greetings from The Netherlands 🙂.

[@rachaelhall1164]

I've no idea how to soften up an already knit garment but one tip that has stuck with me is this: if you are unsure about how a yarn might feel next to your skin, knit a swatch, pop it in your bra and go about your day. If it doesn't itch you're golden to knit whatever your heart desires. I'm particularly bad at holding something to my neck for 4 seconds and deciding that it must find so this has definitely saved my bacon once or twice.

[@RetroClaude]

This is a great idea!

[@cleverpaws9035]

The only thing I could think of is to line it with a thin muslin fabric.

[@lnnnnnnl]

Have you tried soaking it in water with extremely moisturizing hair conditioner? It probably wouldn't help much, but could maby make it feel a little bit softer.

[@maleahlock]

My nanna used to coat itchy jumpers in hair conditioner, usually a really cheap brand she liked the smell of. She would massage it in and then leave it for a few hours to a couple of days and then rinse it out in cold water. I seem to remember it working, but then my memory of it is a bit hazy.

[@RetroClaude]

You're not alone in suggesting hair conditioner so I think I shall have to give it ago 😊

[@ljnoble5171]

I have previously added a sewn-in lining to a very itchy jumper when the hair conditioner trick didn't quite do it. It was also colourwork, so had minimal stretch, and felt more like a jacket than a cardigan

[@sadiesspincraft6319]

If the wool still has the lanolin in, it will be water repellent upto a certain point, thanks for sharing and much love and light x

[@barbaramorris2409]

My mother knitted me a wool len bathing costume and it stretched enormously when swimming so that it almost reached my knees. I think that swimming costumes were knitted because there were very few clothes to buy in the shops and they were expensive whereas knitting wool was easily available. My mother and my gran were always knitting cardigans and we made frequent visits to Bellman's knitting shop. I made a jumper for myself with wool from here to go to university and I was still wearing it twenty years later. I still have the pattern!

[@RetroClaude]

That's amazing that you've still got the pattern! 💚

[@alexandrapalm8238]

I yreat all my woolens every season to a wool wax bath. 1 Tbl wool wax, 4Tbl dishwashing liquid, 1 l hot water. Stir until the wax has disolved. Use as rinse for your woolens. Industrial wool very rarely has it's natural wool wax still on. It disinfects the wool, makes it soft, stops piling and makes it more waterproof. I even used it to treat my wool carpet during the heatwave 😇💪🌞

[@EngineeringKnits]

I really enjoy listening to you speak about your knitting projects, and I just love all the patterns you've decided to use. I really am so excited you found a picture of one of the jumpers from the time! Can't wait to see more of your knitting content, and I feel you on trying to make knitting videos a bit more exciting than hours of sitting and knitting!

[@RetroClaude]

I always find your videos very interesting and many people have recommended your channel to me so please forgive me if I end up imitating your style! 💚

[@EngineeringKnits]

@@RetroClaude Please do - I'm sure you'll make it even more interesting by adding your own style to it! I can't wait to see more of your videos, and your knitting, I love all of your makes!

[@SarcasticShrubbery]

I use a washing liquid called Eucalan which is basically a leave-in conditioner for wool. You soak your item in water with it and you don't have to rinse it, which also lowers the risk of felting. The longer you leave it to soak, the softer it gets. Not sure if it is "strong" enough for very scratchy wool, but it does make a difference! I'm sure there are other brands, too.

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you I shall look into this 😊

[@hannetvion7750]

Hello from France ! I love the not romantic way you’re looking at vintage clothes / knitting’s. It’s very interesting. Merci !

[@cadileigh9948]

as a child in the 1950s I and everyone else wore marino swimsuits. They stretched and drooped partly because parents bought large for us to grow into. Then the nylon bubbly stretch swimsuits arrived in lurid colours and we all longed to grow out of the old ones.

[@Miniver765]

Regarding that scratchy Shetland wool, since wool is actually hair, give it a proper washing with a high quality shampoo, and then **use an equally high quality hair conditioner on your garment**. Work this in gently with your hands and let it soak for at least fifteen minutes before rinsing. Two good rinses to follow with about 1/4 cup of white household vinegar in a basin of cold water.

[@sunshowers186]

That 50s jacket is such a fascinating collection of techniques, I love it! Thanks for sharing all your projects.

[@s1128p]

Seconding the conditioner recommendations, it definitely can help. If that’s not enough, you may want to consider lining the sweater, perhaps after a severe blocking. If lining the whole thing doesn’t appeal, a wide ribbon inside the cuffs and down the neck edge could help, and might also solve the rolling problems. Also ribbons are pretty :D

[@RetroClaude]

I like the idea of the ribbon! Thanks for the suggestion

[@s1128p]

@@RetroClaude You're welcome! I think Fruity Knitting talks about the ribbon thing a few times, they may have a tutorial for how exactly to do it

[@martinadeniro4606]

I actually found your channel thanks to the 2020 Knitting video! It got recommended a couple of days ago. I suppose it was successful because it combines the Year in Review format with vintage knitting (which I have never seen on YT before) and it was in general 2X more interesting and fast-paced than usual Knitting Podcasts (at least in my taste). In conclusion, I am glad you will be making more knitting videos :)

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! I too find knitting podcasts a bit slow compared to general KZbin pace, so I'm glad I'm not alone in wanting my videos to be a snappy ☺️

[@robynnedorion3900]

I love your 1950 jacket!

[@lascosasdeltejer]

Hi! Love the episode. About the itchy yarn, i haven't knitted with that particular yarn, but I have done it with rustic yarns like Finally, Hifa (Norwegian brands) and also icelandic yarns. I wash the finished garment with shampoo (any common from the shops like wella , orange bottle) and let it soak for awhile. Afterwards, i use hair conditioner and let it soak again. It really really changes the feeling of the yarn. It's game changer. I learned the trick from some "expert" Norwegian knitters. Good luck!

[@lascosasdeltejer]

I meant Finull, not finally. Rauma Finull

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! I'll give this a go ☺️

[@baileyk1989]

Love the knitting videos! Keep them coming! A KZbinr who does a great job making videos showcasing her knitting projects as she goes is Engineering Knits.

[@RetroClaude]

Oh yes I love Engineering Knits! If I can make my videos like hers I shall be very happy 😊

[@lizzaturnbull]

I remember the patterns in Woman’s Weekly when I was a little girl learning to knit! My Nana used to save them, so although I grew up in the 70’s she had patterns going back many years. Feeling very nostalgic 🥰

[@RetroClaude]

I love the women's weekly patterns! I've got a few in my collection and they're some of my favourites 🥰

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Apparently, the algorithm thinks I need to watch this now. I must say: That's an absolutely beautiful decoration at the top of your sweater. I am in awe if your knitting skills. I have just finished mustering myself to do three big meals worth of fresh chopped greens and refreshed leftover slow cooked stew. I am exhausted, but grateful that I can get the work done & have the ability to recover overnight, provided I can rest/sleep well enough (should be able to. Glad for that, too.) I hope you are able to do stuff you enjoy.

[@annesullivan1171]

Love your vintage knits. I have knitted a few from 20s era. Too scared to do 30s 40s as have no waistline much and big boobies. I suggest for your knits tutorials etc talk about pattern, cover stitches used demonstrating them and the odd snapshot of work in progress covering how you coped with difficult and hard to understand bits of pattern. Sorry for lengthy message but I am a passionate knitter, crochetier and dressmaker. Just finished my version of 1895 walking skirt following Keystone. ANNE X

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you for the suggestions!

[@Minnigirl1]

Have I thanked you yet for getting me back into knitting? It’s been so great to have a craft I can do in bed even if I have brainfog. Seriously thank you for inspiring me to get back into it ❤️❤️❤️

[@RetroClaude]

You're so welcome 🥰 knitting was my saviour when I first got sick so I'm just glad I could share the love 💚

[@mariaelenaruizrobles4865]

could you please do a video showing how you knitted the sleeves horizontally? Great videos!

[@lavieestduresansconfiture4939]

I knitted the Yell cardigan too but with a blend from alpaca and wool. One sweater in islandic wool was enough. 😂

[@ruthers251]

When I came to the university of Illinois in 1968, I swam in the Women’s pool. We were required to use the swim suits provided which were one size, dark red wool. We picked them up wash time and left them in a hamper when we left. I loved them. Not scratchy at all. I think they had been in use for decades. I wish I could have gotten one when that pool closed. Shapeless but so stretchy and comfortable!

[@ruthers251]

Forgot to say- loved this video!!

[@crazyforNarnia1]

Your hair looks super cute and I'm loving all of the makes!

[@cindyrosser2471]

Some suggestions for knitting videos; I watch many knitting channels on youtube, very few show the presenter knitting unless it is a special technique. They cover how/why they chose a particular pattern and anything interesting about that pattern, and then how/why they chose the yarn used. If they do week podcasts, they will show how much they have knitted since the last show. If it is monthly, they will just show the finished object. So, you pretty much did everything that I expect on a knitting video.

[@RetroClaude]

That's great to know! I shall have to do some more research and watch more videos about knitting. Any recommendations?

[@cindyrosser2471]

@@RetroClaude Roxanne Richardson AKA RoxKnits does vintage knitting, so does Engineering Knits. HeyBrownberry is a very rest full podcast. Katie Green AKA GreenBean does knitting, illustrations and sewing. Grocery Girls are a long running popular podcast. Les Garcons are a very new knitting channel. Lesley Arnold of Never Enough Yarn is like spending time with an old friend.

[@gartergoblin]

I'm new to vintage patterns, so I had no idea about the Lavenda Rainbow Jumper. So when you mentioned that it was in Jojo Rabbit, and that I could get the pattern to knit it for free online, I tore my headphones off and ran to go tell my partner. Now thanks to you, I'm planning my first knit from a vintage pattern, in colours inspired by one of my favourite movies :) Thank you for all the great work you put into these videos and your sewing videos.

[@RetroClaude]

This is so lovely to hear! I hope you love your Rainbow Jumper as much as I love mine 🌈

[@ShellMaky]

Love this channel! Only came across it last night. Im here for the wool projects, but now i know you do sewing videos too, I'm going to be here for the entire weekend😄 ❤

[@RoxanneRichardson]

That 1950s jacket is really interesting. I've been knitting a sweater from each decade from the 1890s to 1990s, looking for interesting construction methods, techniques, etc. in order to understand the evolution of the hand knit sweater. My 1940s sweater had those vertical waist darts (one of the reasons I knit it), as well as a folded hem. The double layer stockinette buttonholes, lapel, and collar stand are techniques I've seen a lot in sweaters of the 1900s and 1910s, particularly in sweaters with shawl collars designed for men and boys. I'm happy to see an example of a pocket that is knit-in as you go from that time period, as I often substitute that technique into my sweaters, just because I don't want to sew the edges down, later. The horizontal raglan sleeve was a new one, though!

[@RetroClaude]

That's really interesting! I've been following your through the decades series and did think this jacket was so intriguing. I have another similar pattern with a more exaggerated shape from the same company. I shall have to dig it out.

[@Natalie-hg3gh]

The solid color of your rainbow shirt is so close to your skintone, on my phones small screen it looked like you were wearing a modern rainbow crop top!!!

[@RetroClaude]

Hahahah 😂 I am unfortunately pale and a rainbow crop top sounds fabulous

[@claudiapia3103]

Hi Claudia! It’s your cousin Claudia! Love love love your channel and just barely got started subscribing to various shows…you are great at this dear cousin and we love you! Your show is our number one favorite. I’m getting Tante Tutti sewing machine ready to mail back to you. First will get it serviced. As soon as I can though Claudia …it’s costly but I plan on it this year. Hugs to all!!!

[@simsamsammie]

The construction on that jacket is fascinating! Other than my first pair of socks and my first raglan sweater, I never thought of knitting a pattern for the sake of learning techniques and understanding the process. so cool!

[@oliviabryant1701]

I've only knit with Shetland wool once and when I fully wet blocked it I managed to get it to stretch a few inches in every direction. I think it went from a 30-inch chest to a 34! I also found it quite itchy but found that it was mostly itchy on the cuffs and around the neck (it was a turtleneck too) rather than the body so I got some silky ribbon and sewed strips of it around the inside of the cuffs and neck. That might also help reinforce the collar of your Yell so it doesn't stick up.

[@RetroClaude]

Thanks for all the great advice!

[@anneostsee2764]

Hello from the Netherlands, I am a new subscriber and love your videos. already bingewatched some of them. Love the knitting videos the most. A time-lapse of your knitting would be amazing. Greetings...

[@StrongImaginationA]

Oooh so this is the OG Retro Claude knitting video huh! Been loving your stashbusting video's from this year and am working my way back in your vlog history. ;) Great research into that sweater model, so interesting to see how our vision of history is influenced by certain visual preferences.

[@stuckonstories]

I absolutely love your knitting videos! If you want to do more of them maybe it would be fun to show the entire process in the video (maybe divided into parts since knitting takes longer)? As in how do you decide what to make, how do you pick the yarn? And then the updates could just be whenever you feel like you've made a decent chunk of progress or if you run into an issue/something worth noting. Whatever you decide, I'd be happy to watch them :)!

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! I really like the sound of this style of video 😊

[@loisporte1255]

Someone has probably already said this but using hair conditioner when you wet block it helps to soften the wool, I love your knitting videos I think I watched your first one about 3 time, keep them coming xxxx

[@RetroClaude]

Oh wow! Thank you so much for your support 💚☺️

[@sparklinggrey3]

I loved that Jacket and the historic investigation of whether anyone used those ww2 patterns. I am making my first knitted garment (third knitting project overall) the minerva from fabel knitwear. My grandma has a collection of hundreds of vintage knitting patterns that I cant wait to dive into once I get more practice. And can travel again. Thanks for such a lovely video

[@RetroClaude]

Good luck with your project, I believe in you! You can do it! And your Grandma's collection sounds like a treasure trove 💚

[@cindyrosser2471]

Forgot to add, your hair cut is really cute, the shape suits your face. Love you show & especially the vintage knitting.

[@alisonallen7545]

I love seeing the clothes that you have finished. I need to finish some quilts and start a dress.

[@maryhughes6660]

The 1950s tailored jacket is really special. I hope you end up wearing it more than you think, it looks great on you.

[@RetroClaude]

I have worn it more than I thought this winter. It's cosy but I need to make a skirt to match I think 😊

[@susanmiller3863]

My mom's craft closet had incomplete knitted clothes from the 1940's. She was very 1940's without a large wardrobe. She actually made most of her clothes. Because my dad was overseas in Saipan, she was very busy taking care of me when I was born in 1944. As a return to the fold knitter, I wish I could have gone through her closet when she was still alive.

[@charlotte3033]

What I'd really enjoy seeing in a project knitting video, is the pre knitting processes like the grading, and your thought process about decisions. As well as samples/clips of some of the specific techniques which you found interesting in the project. Although I'm not sure how that might work on camera, other than maybe time lapse or stop motion, which I imagine might not be practical

[@RetroClaude]

Thanks for the ideas! I'm going to keep experimenting. I think you're right, the pre knitting process is often missed out so I'll try to include more of that!

[@charlotte3033]

@@RetroClaude look forward to seeing what you come up with 😊

[@Michael-if6my]

So gorgeous all of them! I really really like the ribbing on the first jerkin. Ribbing is always so fun to do.

[@actual-spinster]

love hearing about your vintage knitting!! in terms of videos about knitting i personally find longer videos about more than one project like this one and your 2020 wrap up really great!! i think it's fun because there's a wide range of things you show us with different techniques and yarns and so forth! but that is obvs just my preference :)

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! That's good to know, I like to have longer videos on in the background as I sew so I'm glad I'm not alone ☺️

[@alshirley3444]

Silk under the wool would help with the itching. Line the sweater or wear silk layering top. I am very very sensitive to wool (of most kinds) so I tend to stay away. Alpaca, yak, lama and angora I can wear. But silk (mulberry silk is extremely beautiful and better price) is always your best bet to help with the itch.

[@RetroClaude]

Thanks for the information!

[@rebeccacuthbertson1271]

I'm so excited for the swimming costume!! The pattern looks adorable and I can't wait to see it when it's all done. I enjoy these sit down and chat videos about your knitting. But if you wanted to change it up, maybe a vlog-style (similar to Costuming Drama, but doesn't have to be weekly) where you show us what you're working on (either sewing or knitting or both) and take us a long a bit as you work through different things, especially if you're working on multiple projects at once? I don't know if that's the kind of video you want to make but I think it's an option without the hours of knitting while watching TV sort of thing (though that footage could be included if you wanted).

[@RetroClaude]

Yes I think a vlog could work. I'm nervous to commit to weekly though as I'm not sure I could stick to it? Maybe monthly?

[@rebeccacuthbertson1271]

@@RetroClaude I think that's much more manageable and less intimidating. I don't know how Noelle does weekly!! That's so much!! But monthly would also give you time to show significant progress on a piece or pieces and how you worked through different problems.

[@pamshaw8523]

I always soak my Shetland wools in a thick solution of hair conditioner, don't rinse it out. Works for me, and I have a supersensitive skin x

[@alisjose]

Oh wow, I’m also making a basket weave patterned sweater. No pattern, but my inspiration comes from “crows eye production” video on Suffragettes. I think I also have this Claudette Colbert pattern on my Pinterest list. I love your videos and the notes you give.

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@chantalsnelder2423]

I can't knit, have no time to get involved in another creative hobby but I will watch every knitting vid you put out because I really like listening to your voice and the way you talk 💜

[@RetroClaude]

Awww thank you! 💚

[@dianegordon4410]

Love your videos: especially your attitude and plainspeak! You could try lining the cardi with a thin/ltwt fabric (silk if you're lucky at the used clothing shops ie a garment of silk/rayon that would "go" with some colour in cardi): there'd be no added bulk.😊

[@jackroberts8336]

Thank you so much for your knitting videos. I just love them. The knitting is beautiful and I appreciate your research. Always puts me in a great mood when I watch you.

[@ptty44]

I watched another podcast ee use a capful of white spirit vinegar + a few drops of essential oil you like the smell of in to warm water to soak for 15 mins. I tried this on Shetland wool and it bloomed and softened up beautifully.

[@VioletMagpie]

Hmm curious and curiouser! Wool swimwear! i read the some of the top comments and i wonder...if that perhaps those funny one piece earlier swimsuits that covered so much more maybe didn't expose as much when wet and they used wool perhaps because of it's ability to keep you warm while wet? I just remember going back country camping and wool clothing being recommended because it still keeps you warm when wet. I just imagine being by the sea and in a onesie navy swimsuit with white stripes and it being knit and keeping me warm lolol! You're cute and well spoken and good at what you do. i am glad you are a content creator on youtube :)

[@claudiapia3103]

Claud, one more thing, just watched your knit video. TT knitted an evening dress for my Barbie with a little jacket and it was so awesome, long gone however, she also knitted fantastic Barbie clothes FYI

[@RetroClaude]

So lovely to hear from you! It's so lovely to know more about Tutti

[@claudiapia3103]

Dearest Claude, The evening gown she made was a bright pink long gown, sleevelessly elegant and there was a little jacket that she had either crochet or knitted….I recall it was so tightly and tiny stitch made and it was a teal blue…the combo was elegance and such a pint sized elegance it was truly magnificent Claude🥰

[@PopcornEmma]

I love fair isle and I love the way it looks in proper wool like Shetland but I have the same problem with scratchiness, definitely hunting for a solution to that!

[@TheDivabird1]

I discovered your 2020 knitting finished projects and immediately went to your Etsy and bought two vintage patterns! I love reading all books about WWII, actually a little obsessed. Look forward to knitting these! Love all your knits this episode!! Can't wait until your next podcast ❤️

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it

[@charliewiseri]

I’m so glad you’re making more knitting videos! I always like to put on a video when I’m knitting and this and your other video have been a highlight! I’m currently knitting a modern jumper for my 3 year old daughter from the Bellish app. I’m excited to see the finished swimming costume, agreed on itchy wool 100%... cotton should feel much nicer 😊😊

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you and enjoy knitting your jumper. Children's things are always so fun because they're so cute ☺️

[@mellamilla1873]

This video popped up in my recommended selection from KZbin. What a joy to find you, looking forward to watching more! I'm very much a beginner knitter so your projects are out of my reach, at least for now. People like you really encourage me to branch out & try more adventurous projects, so who knows what I may achieve? ! I probably could manage the 1940s jerkin/vest ...

[@TheKnittingHobbit]

Hi! If you havent yet, soak the yell cardi in a wool wash with lanolin like Eucalan. It Will still be scratchy but it does soften the wool up!

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! I'll give it a try ☺️

[@kaytiej8311]

Fantastic research, so interesting. Love your enthusiasm. And what wonderful work. I can't believe you got all that done amongst everything else you've done! Love the haircut! Very flattering. My mum (born 1924) used to talk about wearing wool swim costumes; how heavy they were.

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! That's so interesting about your mum, it's nice to know that ☺️

[@chileanchinch]

I'm really enjoying watching your vintage knjtting patterns. I'm currently knitting the Whitehorse pattern by Caitlin Hunter but in a smaller size since this pattern has a lot of positive ease. Kind of looks 1940s. I like the video layout which feels like you're talking to me and inserting the videos of you modelling your knits. Simply fabulous. I'm from Canberra Australia.

[@MNic13]

1940s Lavenda Rainbow Jumper is breathtaking!!

[@janehollander1934]

Beautiful knit 🧶wear😍...and such a cute new 💇🏻‍♀️🧑🏻👌🏻

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you!

[@emmaRBC]

I dabble in knitting occasionally. I made one cardigan and it's tremendously wonky and oversized 😆 May stick to the hats and scarves! I'm impressed by how much you've made in just a few months! Your hair looks cute 😊

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you ☺️ and knit what makes you happy. Who cares if it's wonky 💚

[@emmaRBC]

@@RetroClaude true ☺️

[@the_dirac_field6519]

My Granny was from 1917 :-), I think I have some pics of her while she was in her '50 dresses! And definitely I have one of her in swim suit! She sent the pic to Granpa during the WII ( how to warm a man's heart during war). However I can say that, as far as she told me, women didn't wear much sweaters, but rather white shirt and an open cardigan on (she changed cardigan and shirt twice a day to go to office, she didn't have much clothes, but rotating them gave them a longer life). From when I can remember until her 92 years she always wore a brown skirt and a pastel cardigan on (light peach, light pink, red, light blu, light yellow, light mint, white, begie) but all lace, very thin yarn or cotton! she refuse all dark or bulky stuff yarn, most of the time she didn't wear collant too, if yes, natural color only.

[@GwensShenanigans]

I love everything you made, but the rainbow 1940s sweater especially! What a lovely knit🥰 And thanks so much for mentioning #vintagepoolparty I can't wait to see your finished bikini, it's looking soooo good already 💙

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! I can't wait to join the party! 💚

[@Diniecita]

I love knit items and I wish I had a knitting teacher and knew where to get vintage knitting patterns and also know how to adjust them to fit me like I do for clothing.

[@RetroClaude]

Well perhaps I could talk about these things in a future video? Although I find it's much easier to learn to knit in person because someone can show you what you've done when you go wrong! 💚

[@katherinemorelle7115]

I’m always fascinated by knitting. I tried to pick it up a couple of times, thinking it would be something that would be doable in bed, but I just didn’t get into it. Which is sad, because I love the look of knitted garments. Your haircut looks adorable. I’m currently working on trying to bind my stays. But I was silly and decided that saying bias binding was “pretty”, and now I’m paying for it. I really should have just been happy to stick with twill tape or something not as slippery. Too late now!

[@RetroClaude]

Thanks 😊 good luck with your stays. I believe in you, you can do it!

[@cindyrosser2471]

A small amount of a gentle hair conditioner added to the soaking water will help with the itchiness, rinse thouroughly, then follow regular blocking methods.

[@RetroClaude]

Thanks for the tip! 💚

[@branf100]

Love the yell cardigan and the refreshers jumper. Going home to make a yell myself but I’m going off piste with the colours, jus to need to cast on!

[@RetroClaude]

I'm sure it will look great in different colours! 💚

[@timestreel4384]

Yes, more vintage knitting videos! I think there's a ton of vintage/historical knitting nerds out there, we're just underrepresented in KZbin content, haha. (Possibly because producing a finished knit often take a lot longer than machine sewing a garment of the same size?)

[@RetroClaude]

I hope to give we vintage knitters a place here on KZbin! Even if it does take a long time it's so worth it 😊

[@levivankeulen2104]

I myself have used hair masks with makuna honey for scratchy wool/yarn before and it works wonders! if you're looking for a store bought version I'd go for the one by shae moisture because there's no silicones in it but you could probably diy a simple mask too. just leave it in for about one-two hours and it'll be fixed :), best of luck! love the hair by the way

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you for the suggestions!! ☺️💚

[@beatriceboyd4799]

I like your hair cut

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you ☺️

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

They did it again! 😂🌞 Hello Claude Hello Algorithm

[@michellepretorius484]

I realise that I am a bit late to the party, but what are you wearing? I absolutely love it!

[@RetroClaude]

It's the is vintage pattern I have for sale. ko-fi.com/s/b6bdbb91d2

[@mokanger97]

Hey Claude, have you bought a hem marker yet? Great video, as always!

[@RetroClaude]

I have! Thank you for the reminder! ☺️

[@EdenYell]

50's jacket looks so much like someone took a sewing pattern and tried to directly translate it to knitting. Shetland wool cardigan I would just wear a long sleeved undershirt and hope for the best.

[@maryhurd963]

Shetland wool is not itchy in the winter. in the warm season many would itch. cold weather makes wool easy to wear.

[@rainfire632]

I know other people are going to have much better ideas than I might suggest... I have sensitive skin too and i was so sad to hear that the second knit you showed which was a favorite was so itchy! I don't know if this is possible or practical but maybe you could line it? I have done this for some of my wool things because I have very sensitive skin but really enjoy the warmth that they can provide. I've used a super sheer lightweight cotton or even a very thin silk before [much harder to work with]. It might work better than having a full normal shirt on under? also if you did do this you could possibly stiffen up the collar if you don't mind there being a lining so that it wouldn't roll??? I don't have any specific ideas on how that would work though... I don’t know if this is helpful or a bother. I hope the first in at least it might be an interesting idea. I saw someone else mentioned some sort of conditioning treatment too. That sounds like a very interesting process and idea as well. Hope this finds you in a good day. Thank you for sharing your makes!

[@RetroClaude]

I might try and line the sleeves so that I can at least wear short sleeves underneath. Great idea ☺️

[@susanrussell8195]

That 1950’s jacket is fabulous. I hope you’ve gotten quite a bit Wear out of it. It looks fabulous on you.

[@AftonGroveKnitter]

In regards to the “itchy” cardigan, try soaking it in some hair conditioner. It just might be all that is needed!

[@Rugiada1035]

I'm in love with that jacket/cardigan with the odd construction and the swimsuit you were making! How did that turn out? Isn't cotton quite heavy when wet?

[@RetroClaude]

Yes 😅 I haven't been brave enough to go for more than a paddle in it 😂

[@betsyprigg5276]

Just found your vlog - very interesting. I love to knit vintage patterns (and have done since I was a teenager: I'm now 67) for myself and my grandchildren. Re the 'classic' 40s jumper - I have photographs of my mother in similar versions, as I'm sure many people have too. BTW, I love the jumper you're wearing - do you have a link for that pattern please?

[@RetroClaude]

That's amazing that you've got photo of this jumper being worn. I'm sure there are lots more out there if only I could peak at all the family albums for knitting inspiration! The jumper I'm wearing is a vintage pattern that I have a digital copy of in my Etsy shop link here: www.etsy.com/uk/RetroClaude/listing/744534667/1940s-lace-and-fair-isle-blouse-2-ply?Copy&ListingManager&Share&.lmsm&share_time=1619803986727

[@Kazberhaf]

Hi Claude… Really enjoying seeing your knitting projects even though I’m not a knitter myself, I do quite a bit of sewing (or at least I used to when I was younger) I was just wondering if you haven’t had any success with fabric conditioning your itchy cardigan whether you might consider lining it with a thin T-shirt fabric the same colour? I bought my husband a beautiful hand knitted Jacket when we visited A wonderful mountain village one year in Spain, which was lined with fleece. This not only added to the warmth, but made it cosy and wearable and not itchy. I can’t stand itchy jumpers so I completely sympathise... but I’ve suggested thin cotton T-shirt fabric as you mentioned that the sleeves are a little neat. I’m probably a bit late to the party to say the least, and you’ve either given it to charity, or completely solved the problem by now 🤷‍♀️

[@RetroClaude]

I'll definitely look into this! Having soaked it the cardigan got a bit bigger so a lining would now fit in there. It was a bit tight before 😊

[@florenna]

Ah, I find basically *all* wool itchy & very uncomfortable to wear, especially next to skin ;) Can so relate to that. Also know so well the dilemma of choosing knits that you know you're actually going to wear vs those that are just interesting and/or fun to knit! :D (As much as I love the look of vintage styles, vintage knits for me are mainly in the latter category, alas.)

[@streakyj2]

sorry i'm 'late to the party' :-) . about the itchy yarn, has anyone mentioned white vinegar? i have a wool scarf that was very itchy [not handknit], and creme rinse helped, but soaking it in a small amount of white vinegar was revelatory. and it didn't smell like a salad after just a quick rinse! good luck with that--the sweater is spectacular, like many of Marie Wallin's designs.

[@jacquelinerobert3648]

Lovely Shetland wool cardigan. Why don't you line it?

[@Michael-if6my]

For the shetland wool could you toss it in the dryer on cold with a dryer sheet to soften up some of the itchiness? I know some wools can handle that no problem but I dunno what the shetland is like.

[@RetroClaude]

I will do a test swatch and see what happens!

[@coreygilles847]

So cool!

[@christinav2868]

I love the jumper you are wearing! Which pattern did you use?

[@RetroClaude]

It's this one! Available in my Ko-fi shop ko-fi.com/s/b6bdbb91d2

[@sophroniel]

Wool conditioner? Helps make my knits softer... also iron it very flat?

[@Ompe8]

so sad about the itcy sweater - it's so cute. but the swimsuit looks adorable.

[@suecaseysuecquilts4301]

Your podcast is so informative. I've recently developed an interest in vintage knitting. The Lavender Rainbow jumper caught my attention on JoJo Rabbit movie. Can you recommend a modern day yarn that would suit this pattern? I'm in Canada so hopefully I can find something here. Are vintage patterns conducive to adjusting to a larger size? II saw this pattern says 32 - 34. Looking forward to catching up with all your podcasts.

[@RetroClaude]

Hi! If you're in Canada I believe it's probably easier to find the right kind of yarn. Anything labelled as 'light fingering' should be right but if that's hard to find look at the metreage. For 3 ply you should get 600m per 100g. As for sizing up, the Rainbow Jumper should be quite straightforward as it's not got a lot of shaping. I'm hoping to make a video on the topic at some point so stay tuned. I hope that helps 💚

[@suecaseysuecquilts4301]

@@RetroClaude Thanks so much. I’ll look forward to that video.

[@Michael-if6my]

You should stream the knitting, just hang out live and talk with chat and whatnot.

[@RetroClaude]

Well I never thought of that one but I do like that idea!

[@EmergingNow577]

Lining the sweater might help prevent the itchiness. Silk or satin.

[@eiszapfenkobold]

Can you try to line the cardigan with fine cotton, fiddly but could work.

[@RetroClaude]

I might see if I have something in my stash I could use. Thanks for the suggestion 😊