Today jumps forward into the war years with this 8 page booklet of knitting patterns from John Martin & Co, known to most South Australians as John Martin's - a now defunct department store. Again this isn't dated, but it's clearly a wartime publication and the front cover illustrations determine WWII rather than WWI. The last page gives "E. J. McAlister & Co., Printers, 24 Blyth Street, Adelaide." Given what it is, it is surprisingly low on the jingoistic scale, although the choice to name two of the patterns as "Crusader" feels uncomfortable to these modern ears. I don't know what to make of the knitted kneecaps, or "facile fingers". |
Patterns to knit are all intended for men (although it isn't explicitly stated, one assumes service men) and are:
- Sleeveless pullover, knitted in 4 ply. Interestingly, this patterns states "Chest, 36 inches...for every inch larger add 4st to back and 4st to the front. These extra stitches should be cast off under the arm."
- Sleeveless pullover, knitted in Front Line or Double Knitting wool.
- Scarf, knitted in 4 ply. States to knit for 48 inches, but "Scarf for navy, 60 inches long." I don't know why the navy needs their scarves a foot longer than everyone else.
- Scarf with piece in centre to form cap, aka Crusader Scarf, knitted in Front Line or Double Knitting wool. I like the look of this and am tempted to make it for myself, but quickly reading the pattern, it doesn't quite make sense. I suspect this is a work-it-out-when-you-get-there pattern. Fortunately the photography clearly shows the directions of the rows.
- "Something New and Natty" Waistcoat Muffler, knitted in 5 ply wool. Sadly, Howard from "Big Bang Theory" has ensured this style of thing will never be used again.
- Balaclava Cap, knitted in 5 ply.
- Man's Socks, knitted in 4 ply. Knitted from the top down, and looks to have a french heel (which makes sense as they are less likely to slip down and bunch up inside the boots.)
- Man's Mittens, knitted in 5 ply. Has the option for a full or fingerless mitten.
- Knee Caps, knitted in 4 ply wool. This bewilders me - it specifies it is knitted on a pair of needles, and is not sewn up, so it isn't a mini-leg warmer. Without knitting it up myself, as far as I can tell it's a shaped piece of knitting to slip down the trousers over the knees. How on earth it stayed in place is anyone's guess.
- "A Front Line Comfort" Soldier's Glove Mittens, knitted in double knitting or Front Line wool. It is described as "Pattern of Soldier's Glove Mitten with opening in front to slip fingers out.
- Man's Helmet (with or without cape pieces) aka Crusader Helmet, knitted in Patons Zinnia Knitting Wool or Patons Totem Knitting Wool. This is the only pattern to specify the brand of yarn - it also specifies the brand of knitting needles, which leads me to suspect the pattern was co-opted outright from Patons.