Some more ponchos to crochet…

WZ00976 is good for crochet practice or just for when you want a bit of simple and quick crochet fun. This is a nice variation of a “normal” traditional granny square. You could make a fab retro poncho from this pattern-complete with hippy fringe and bright colours… or just use your squares for a blanket or cushion maybe.

 

WonkyZebra 976

WonkyZebra 976

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Otherwise I have a plethora of poncho patterns on my website and pinterest boards; not all as mad as this one – but some are if it is your thing!

 

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WZ749 Crochet Venetian Lace Motif JACKET Vintage Pattern PDF 00749 from WonkyZebra

Venetian square lace, reworked

WonkyZebra 749

 

CROCHET: A wonderfully gothic looking long vest or waistcoat to crochet. This stunning vest/waistcoat pattern is from the late sixties… but before then this motif was usually used for tablecloths etc. The motif is called a “Venetian square” and it has an almost tatted look to it, especially with the lattice work borders and picot loop corners.

Especially if made in white….

WonkyZebra 749

WonkyZebra 749

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…in this supersized large trellis, it looks so unusual; but chose a yarn with lots of body so it stays crisp. Cotton would be good, although the pattern is written for yarn. The motif would also be usable for other projects- fab cushions, pillows, or blankets… or even wall art pieces… just with a variation in the thread used.

Fab chevron top and long vest for summer, festivals and parties.

A crochet pattern for a “waistcoat /vest and sleeveless coat”  in glittering gold and silver, straight from the 70s.

WonkyZebra 00361

WonkyZebra 00361

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love crochet waistcoats and vests-as I may have mentioned in an earlier post LOL.

The WZ 361 is a particularly nice pattern; a long, fairly plain (apart from the bling gold thread!) “sleeveless coat”  and a really fab little top. Perfect for festivals, parties and for summertime in a cotton yarn.

WonkyZebra 361

The buttoned top is reversible back to front; technically a waistcoat (or vest in USA) if worn with the buttons at the front, but either way it looks stunning. (Particularly stunning if worn in this 70s braless mode-rather brave even in then! The beautiful model does look a tad unsure about it herself! )

I love the detail of stripes and chevron patterning at the hem, which is also left without button, emphasizing it even more. The top would be very easy to make as a solid fabric instead of the open “granny stitch” mesh, if you wanted to make this in regular yarn for daywear. You could do without buttons altogether, if a tank top effect is preferred; or …how about a silky ribbon threaded through the start of the stripes and tied in a bow…?

WonkyZebra 361

 

Retro Sixties Shift Dress PDF Pattern

Retro Sixties Shift Dress PDF Pattern WZ 00974 just listed; super stylish, easy & quick crochet. A perfect project for summer days and practically any occasion.

Here is one of the latest crochet dress listings; another I have from the Sirdar “Summer Breeze” range (see also WZ 709 and WZ 710).

Sixties style crochet shift dresses; still completely fresh and wearable even after all these years. This style is SO useful in one’s wardrobe; elegant and quick to crochet too!

 

WonkyZebra 974 709 710

“Summer Breeze” was a bouclé cotton – worked with a 3.00mm or 3.5mm hook. Aptly named in this case, as these styles are, indeed,  a breeze to crochet! The cotton yarn has lots of texture so the stitch patterns are simple-but look very effective.

I have so many crochet patterns for these dresses (and also some knitted ones too) and they make lovey first garment projects too.

 

MonoChrome

Black and white, always eye catching and in clothing usually chic; or smart at the very least. Hence a ubiquitous combo in workwear of all kinds (and understandably a favourite of WonkyZebra).

   

WZ157                                                    WZ001

The late sixties took it to a new level fashion wise, with an explosion of Op Art looks in shiny new textiles. Courreges took it space with his futuristic shapes and outrageous plastic and metal textures; but Mary Quant was our local heroine using it to great advantage with her signature daisy motif, simple mini dresses and lots of wearable looks. And yes, she even endorsed some crochet and knitting patterns! Anyone with needles or hooks could easily make these fashions for themselves.

Crochet patterns had been quite vague by modern standards, but pattern writers began to produce really usable patterns aimed at fashion conscious women who wanted “the look”. For me, some of the best crochet patterns were from Twilleys, as the “Barbara Warner couture crochet” range. These were always super stylish, really pushing the boundaries for homemade fashion, yet written in a clear, easy to follow format aimed at newbie fashionista crocheters. The patterns are written in a logical way, really embracing the 3D possibilities of crochet compared to the standard knitting pattern format of the time. They are usually worked top, or waist, down and often in the round, without side seams etc.

Crochet Blisss!

Here are two garments at different ends of the crochet spectrum but both would be great for creating your own vintage fashion. A great example for some easy-super wearable class is “Barbara Warner” WZ157 monochrome “mod” dress…

  WZ157

This simple but stunning dress is made in stripes of bog standard trebles. Sounds boring, but is anything but; by using big, bold, blocky bands, across the skimming a line shape it has instant fashion cred. They have separated the bands with a little bobble row, in a glint of silver “Goldfingering” thread; well, they were a yarn company so you can’t blame them for promoting the product! I like that for a quite subtle hint of evening glam – but for daytime I think it is not needed, the black and white is stylish enough. To change the pattern up you could just contrast the yoke and do a single solid body colour, still a truly vintage look. However the concept would work in other colours such as chalky summer pastels; just think of those retro Neapolitan ice cream blocks… or a layered angel cake. Yum! Here is a slightly wonky concept image:-

WZ157

And another dress with a similar idea, the “vintage Paris  chic” WZ395 in bands of “spider web”stitch lace. I love the white one with black velvet ribbons- but this is a good example of how the other versions change the look considerably.

WZ395

Lots of other pattern houses also produced stylish crochet patterns; Lister developed their own distinctive look in their “Crochet Festival Set” range (appropriately named for us now with all the music festivals; but the name inspiration was the new, brutalist, South Bank Festival Hall, as shown in this image). They had stitches and weren’t afraid to use them – creating dresses, tops and even trousers, in fab lace textures. These are great if you really like the lacier possibilities of crochet.

                      

WZ755

At the full on crochet glam end of the spectrum this “festival” evening outfit has it all”! Crochet lace, crochet flowers and crochet trousers – with more crochet flowers… yup – she crochets! This looks intricate but is surprisingly simple crochet work – very clever! The tunic over trousers look goes on and on as it’s always so wearable; but either of these pieces would work on their own too. Of course you would need a crop top, to wear with the the trousers; which is still a very retro style! You could even just make the flowers for a fab festival head band!

WZ755

The flowers are made then crocheted together along one edge (after which the marathon of the trouser leg continues). If you crocheted around the other side instead… instant headband.

 

Party On

Continuing on from my last post… here are some pretty dresses for more of an evening party. Perfect for “evening reception” wedding invites,  or just for a night out! Some are already in full on sparkle mode; others partyfied by style rather than yarn. Most of my chosen crochet dresses will work as crossover pieces with a little judicious yarn choice. Like these;

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ630

I was recently sent this made in many colours of stash busting cotton; it looked completely different-and just as stunning.

So, they will work for daytime in good old plain cotton, but if made in a glittery thread – pow ! Party mode 🙂 .

This wonderful trouser, palazzo or pantsuit – depending where you are- looks stunning in this metallic thread. It is made in Twilleys “Goldfingering” thread which is beautiful… and still available! Maybe I should put that in capitals, as substituting for a vintage thread seems to cause such angst. I do send my own notes to help with all my pattern sales… but people’s access to yarn varies so much, so it is impossible to give a definitive alternative for each pattern or yarn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ336

It is thin (thinner than 4 ply) but very dense; it has wonderful drape as a fabric once made, although it is a little springy and scratchy to work for the first few rows. It is also quite heavy to wear, but wonderfully swishy.

Here are some more made in this lovely thread. A gaucho suit (yes, really-their words not mine! The mind boggles as I thought Gauchos were a kind of cowboy… so not very suitable gear for them!) They do offer the alternative “culotte” which is a little closer…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ616

The girl on the right is wearing a copper tone Goldfingering which ( IMHO is even more gorgeous than gold ). So is the set below

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ372

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ372

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ607

( WZ398 is a similar dress in plain yarn – if you need help to visualize the difference.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ398

Or,  to wear over any plain evening dress, this delicate “Irish crochet” jacket.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ620

Here is a little find from a family circle magazine; a dainty dropped waist dress… and a bonus gold suit with it!

 

 

 

 

WZ178

“Other metallic yarns are available”. As they say on telly!

Jaeger had “Astral-spun” used for the 630 above and this fab set.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ314

The outfit is such a useful one in any combo; but she is another one who looks a little worse for party wear, like her mate from the previous post.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ613

Another pantsuit – this one from Ladyship wools; very on trend for a retro seventies look… the chain belt is option, they helpfully point out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ181

Robin had a yarn called Moonlite… very glittery and with some interesting evening garments that are both knitted and crocheted. The logo had a curlicue outline which some bright spark took delight in placing on the models features -with varying degrees of weirdness!

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ636

This one has amazing sleeves and square neckline… and an unfortunate dripping nose logo placement!

The other is a short outfit with a crochet textured skirt and detailing (and only a “teardrop” of  logo thankfully!) I can hardly bear to mention the pathetic attempt to theme the styling with a naff silver paper “moon”; they didn’t even have enough for a whole moon LOL… It is hardly noticeable on the dark background, so I don’t know why they bothered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ487

Or how about this scrumptious full on “dolly bird” dress from the sixties.  It has the fitted bodice, slightly high waistline and short flirty skirt that was such a flattering combo. It is from Emu, in “Candlelite” yarn.

 

 

 

 

WZ711

Actually I have several with this thread; all from the same styling set (which is a tad tacky to be honest ). Another themed link ( the “Candlelite” /romantic one ) they obviously went on location to romantic France, but only had one hat between them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ656

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ 484

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ699

I do like those shapes; neat bodices and nice skirts!

The next one is also neat but moving into the seventies with a midi length and deep scoop neckline. The candlelite is used as a bobble band edging and insert trim, like braid, on this one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ641

The Emu team must have liked a good party; now I look, lots of the dresses I am thinking of this time are from Emu. Here is another one in a different yarn, beaded and “20’s flapper” inspired. ( I would leave off the headband unless  its  for fancy dress).

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ117

Then there are these dresses with the iconic-and briefly trendy, jabot neckline. This is a home based styling set, posed around some even more vintage cars. I have a lot of patterns taken with this setting, so it is easy to date them all together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ192

 

 

 

 

 

WZ192

This is worth a close up as it is, unusually, a clear photo. Just look at the statement rings and the change of decade hairdos!

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ461

Now this charming dress is moving back to the crossover day to night kind of dress… maybe even Emus get tired of full on party mode!

And here is Jaegar getting back in on that style with this neat dress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WZ619

I will let you have a little drool over these-they speak for themselves really!

Just bear in mind they are completely customisable… you can lengthen – or shorten… go for pastel, moody dark colours, sultry black… or even neon if you like!

PS just a sad note to add; you may see some of these on sold elsewhere on Etsy. Some by other bona fide pattern sellers, but a few are in the shop of a Kiwi seller, being sold with my logo partially erased and no permission from [or payment to] me. She was given them, to make on commission, from one of my customers 😦 A bit cross about that; I would happily have shared if asked!

 

A Grand Day Out…

Well – the weather is better here in WonkyZebra land… lots of pretty spring flowers and sunshine… all very uplifting and happy making.
Time for some pretty dresses; maybe with a little jacket to keep the chill out though!
  WZ147
Also time to think of the wedding season coming around soon.

 WZ244  WZ244

Here is a lovely wedding dress WZ244. It would have been -still is – quite a good one for a cool weather wedding-and is very demure by today’s standards, where bare shoulders and mostly bare bosoms are commonplace. I would stop short of the full look with the sixties Juliette cap and go for one of those on trend floral headbands…. maybe a even crocheted one… This was originally made in “Kismet“ yarn. An unusual mohair / synthetic mix but with a surprisingly silky texture, with just a little fuzz to soften the stitches. Something like a very fine angora or a lace weight yarn! I still have some stashed… here is a photo for you as it is hard to describe.

More to see in the bridal line here

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/wonkyzebra?section_id=6989036

Or on pinterest  https://www.pinterest.com/wonkyzebra/

If it’s not your year as a bride… you may well be going to someone else’s wedding. So… could be time for a serious frock ( such an old fashioned word for best dress… does anyone actually use it nowadays? LOL ).

  WZ341

This really is a dressed up sort of dress… very “Alice in Wonderland pretty”. Perfect for looking lovely, while discreetly using the wall to remain upright during photos.

Or maybe you prefer a suit for a more formal affaire. So how about one of these cheeky little numbers…

What about this Barbara Warner couture one, C52… with its neat little “Peter Pan” collar and cuffs? Might be better with just the collar for a more modern look (although those cuffs are kind of cute ).

 WZ692 

Love these crochet patterns; they are so well written!

You can easily date them too as they were in old and new currency from when UK “went metric”! Around the end of the 60’s /start of 70’s the patterns are marked in both “old money” shillings and pence and “new money” New Pence. Simple ( only it SO wasn’t!  ) Plus they did the same with imperial to metric on the fabric and wool measurements; trying it out on us needlewomen first… which was rather mean of them, but we soon learned 4”= 10cm… good old tension squares handy for that! )

The  lovely lace suit modeled by Twiggy, would also work very well

  WZ359

and for more suits just search here or for “suit” anywhere on the blog.

Maybe you need a dressy mother of the bride outfit; this suit is something unusual.

 WZ273

She looks like she is in a vintage version of the “PhotoBooth” all ready!

Classy, pretty without being too fussy,  and oh so comfortable while looking fresh all day long. The 3/4 sleeve and bold buttons are very stylish and the bands of lace look great in the slight boucle yarn. It is not mentioned in the pattern but you would need a lining, for the skirt at least. In those days ladies wore slips as a matter of course! A pretty camisole instead, or shell top in plain silk, would give an evening option of removing the jacket….

Or this very informal take on “suit” from Jaeger; so modern despite being vintage!

 WZ167

( Which reminds me… here is a very casual one WZ416 featured in “Simply Crochet” magazine recently. )

For an alternative what about this set from Lee Target.

 WZ125 

A fab coat and dress, with a retro sixties, very  “Jackie O”, look… but still so fresh and wearable and dead easy to make in double crochet (US SC). The textured yarn does all the work for this set; although there is a neat yoke detail on the dress and optional beading. (“Topaz” was all the rage.) The stitch variation adds interest on the coat, as do the sweet frilled elbow length sleeves; just enough girlyness creeping in!..

Going back to a more informal look, I have patterns for some nice dresses you can wear without being too “dolled up”. Just add a hat and dainty shoes… and you are all set. However, dressed down, these work all summer and all day long too. ( Digressing on shoes for a moment, the 60’s sling backs on the WZ125 lady are fab ! ). I often wish I could go back in time to get a better crop of some of my pattern images, sigh.

  WZ125

But here are the dresses…

A few lovely simple sheath dresses; two in fine boucle cotton for a great texture with only basic crocheting. The first one has a very unusual neck detail that is so 60s.

 WZ710 

She is another one who looks like she is in a photo booth, with that clearly fake background! Does it remind anyone else of that movie line “under the big W” ?

Or this one from the same set, but even simpler with a dainty shell edging to the neck and sleeve as the only detail.

  WZ709

Despite its plain finish it actually works as a very wearable (and easy to make) summer dress. Once again the fake background, but the church is appropriate for a wedding theme (and so the lovely ladies at Simply Crochet thought – they will be featuring it soon…)

I will do a two for one offer on these dresses, as well as my usual sale freebies I always add to purchases.  Just type GDO  in your message when you buy either.

For a slightly dressier sheath dress, with a more complex lace, how about this beauty. Make it for daytime colour or white; but how about in sultry black for evening? (I will do an evening party set next – pop back soon!)

 WZ411

So continuing with the lace theme, there is always the beautiful WZ059. This is so popular and all over the place online; there must have been lots of these patterns published-or  maybe a high percentage are saved , as it is such a timeless style. For those who don’t like motifs WZ177 is a good alternative; I usually tend send them together when one is purchased, so just remind me LOL.

 WZ059    WZ177

For those who do like a good motif this is cute

  WZ626

As is this one; almost identical but made with a totally different method.

   WZ617

They both look like “daisy loom” creations but they are actually crocheted. One is made with long stitches worked into a ring, the other actually mimics the loops of the daisy loom. Again I generally send these two together; I would love to know which technique is preferred. For myself I would use the Lister pattern; Mon Tricot ones are lovely but more work to decode. I almost always have to re-write them for modern use, and have even made photo tutorials for some.

But both are as fresh as a daisy… unlike the lady in this neat suit I am ending on. The suit is classy and sixties elegant, unlike the lady in it who looks like she has had had one too many and given up; just sitting on the floor in a state of oblivion!

  WZ613

Well, if you are going to do that, you may as well do it in the stylish “Rocco meets  Alice in Wonderland” surroundings which epitomised sixties set design!