Exercises in Knitting Informative Summary

Overview:

This text is a comprehensive guide to knitting from the year 1846, written by Cornelia Mee, the author of several other knitting and crochet books. The book is divided into two sections: a section dedicated to “Receipts for Twelve Chair Covers in Different Patterns”, and another containing a collection of knitting instructions for numerous garments and household items. Mee’s clear instructions, which include step-by-step instructions and diagrams, make this book a valuable resource for both novice and experienced knitters. The author clearly understood the process of knitting and provides valuable advice throughout the text, ensuring that even a novice can follow along with her instructions.

The instructions within the text are remarkably detailed, providing a glimpse into the intricate nature of hand-crafted items of the time. Mee’s guidance on color selection, thread thickness, and pin size further emphasizes the importance of meticulous craftsmanship and the desire for personalized and beautiful creations. The book also showcases a wide range of popular patterns, highlighting the creativity and skill of knitters in the Victorian era.

Key Findings:

The text highlights the meticulous nature of handcraftsmanship in the Victorian era.
The text demonstrates the wide range of knittable items in popular culture, including clothing, household items, and accessories.
The text provides detailed instructions for creating intricate knitting patterns.
The text underscores the popularity of knitting in the 19th century, as evidenced by the number of patterns and instructions provided.

Learning:

Knitting Techniques: The text teaches fundamental knitting techniques, including knitting, seaming, making stitches, and decreasing stitches. This includes the complex and unique techniques of creating holes in knit fabric and the use of multiple needles to create circular knitting.
Pattern Interpretation: The book instructs on reading and understanding knitting patterns, using written descriptions and diagrams to guide the knitter through complex projects.
Material Knowledge: Readers will learn about the various types of yarn and needles used for knitting, and how to select the appropriate materials for different projects. This includes detailed descriptions of different types of wool, like German wool, Shetland wool, and fleecy wool, as well as information on various types of linen thread and the uses for each.
Historical Knitting Trends: The text provides a window into the knitting trends of the 19th century, showcasing the popular patterns and techniques of the time. This includes a look into how knitting was integrated into everyday life and the types of items people desired to knit.

Historical Context:

This text was written in 1846, in the midst of the Victorian era. This was a time of great industrial and social change, with an increasing emphasis on domesticity and craftsmanship. Knitting was a popular pastime for women, offering a way to create practical and beautiful items for the home and personal use. The book itself reflects this trend, showcasing a variety of patterns for clothing, household items, and accessories.

Facts:

The most popular knit items at the time were chair covers, shawls, and scarves. This was because knitting was often seen as a way to create beautiful and functional items for the home.
Different types of yarn were used for different projects. For example, German wool was often used for blankets and scarves, while Shetland wool was used for shawls and finer garments.
The patterns included in the text were quite intricate and complex. This shows the level of skill and craftsmanship that was expected of knitters in the 19th century.
Knitting was a popular pastime for women. This was a way for women to express their creativity and provide for their families.
The text was written in a clear and concise style. This makes it easy for readers to understand the instructions and follow along with the patterns.
The text was published in London. This was a center of fashion and culture in the 19th century.
Knitting was used to create both functional and decorative items. For example, chair covers were used to protect furniture and add a decorative touch to the home, while shawls were worn for warmth and style.
Knitting was a way to connect with other people. Women often knit together in groups, sharing patterns and tips.
The text provides instructions for a wide range of knit items. This shows the versatility of knitting as a craft.
The text includes instructions for both basic and advanced knitting techniques. This makes it suitable for knitters of all skill levels.
Knitting was often used to create personalized items. For example, babies’ clothes were often knitted with love by their mothers.
The text includes instructions for creating fringe for knit items. Fringe was a popular decorative element on knit garments in the 19th century.
The text mentions the use of beads in knitting. This was a popular way to add a touch of elegance to knit items.
Knitting was a popular way to create gifts. Knit items were often given as gifts for special occasions.
The text provides instructions for creating a knitted bodice. This was a popular item of clothing in the 19th century.
The text includes instructions for creating a knitted penwiper. This shows how knitting was used to create practical items for everyday use.
The text mentions the use of satin in knitting. Satin was often used to line or add a decorative touch to knit items.
The text includes instructions for creating a knitted hookah carpet. This shows how knitting was used to create items for the home.
The text mentions the use of ribbon in knitting. Ribbon was often used to add a decorative touch to knit items, like scarves and bonnets.
The text includes instructions for creating a netted shawl. This shows how knitting and netting were combined to create elaborate items.

Statistics:

The book includes instructions for 12 different chair covers. This shows the wide range of patterns that were available for knitters in the 19th century.
The book mentions the use of 8-threaded German wool. This was a popular type of wool used for knitting blankets and other large items.
The book provides instructions for knitting a shawl with 180 or 190 stitches. This shows how knitting could be used to create large and intricate items.
The book mentions the use of 12-threaded fleecy wool. This was a popular type of wool used for knitting blankets and other heavy items.
The book includes instructions for knitting a pelisse with 270 stitches. This shows how knitting could be used to create elaborate and elegant items.
The book provides instructions for knitting a comforter with 48 stitches. This shows how knitting could be used to create cozy and practical items.
The book mentions the use of 4-thread fleecy wool. This was a popular type of wool used for knitting garments.
The book includes instructions for knitting a counterpane with 48 stitches for each stripe. This shows how knitting could be used to create large and decorative items.
The book provides instructions for knitting a penwiper with 20 stitches. This shows how knitting could be used to create small and functional items.
The book mentions the use of 5 ounces of Shetland wool for a scarf. This shows how knitting could be used to create large and luxurious items.
The book includes instructions for knitting a scarf with 130 stitches. This shows how knitting could be used to create long and elaborate items.
The book mentions the use of 4 skeins of silk for a purse. This shows how knitting could be used to create elegant and delicate items.
The book provides instructions for knitting a collar with 10 stitches. This shows how knitting could be used to create small and intricate items.
The book mentions the use of 3-thread fleecy wool for a brioche. This was a popular type of wool used for knitting blankets and other large items.
The book includes instructions for knitting a brioche with 90 stitches. This shows how knitting could be used to create large and intricate items.
The book provides instructions for knitting gaiters with 22 stitches. This shows how knitting could be used to create practical items for everyday use.
The book mentions the use of 2-thread white fleecy wool for gaiters. This was a popular type of wool used for knitting garments.
The book includes instructions for knitting an under spencer with 40 stitches for the sleeve. This shows how knitting could be used to create delicate and feminine items.
The book provides instructions for knitting a netted shawl with 108 stitches. This shows how knitting and netting could be combined to create elaborate items.
The book mentions the use of double wool for the border of a shawl. This was a popular way to add a decorative touch to knit items.

Terms:

Seam: A knitting technique where two stitches are knit together to reduce the number of stitches on the needle.
Make 1: A knitting technique where a new stitch is created by bringing the yarn forward and knitting it as a new stitch.
Slip 1: A knitting technique where a stitch is moved from the right needle to the left needle without being knit.
Pass the slipped stitch over: A knitting technique where a slipped stitch is moved over the next knit stitch on the right needle.
Knit 2 together: A knitting technique where two stitches are knit together as one stitch.
Knit 3 together: A knitting technique where three stitches are knit together as one stitch.
Plain knitting: A knitting technique where each stitch is knit in the same way.
Double knitting: A knitting technique where two rows of knitting are worked simultaneously to create a fabric with a reversible pattern.
Ribbing: A knitting technique where alternating rows of knit and purl stitches are created to create a textured pattern.
Holes: Open spaces in knit fabric created by passing the yarn forward and knitting the stitch.

Examples:

Chair Cover: The book provides instructions for 12 different chair covers, each with its unique pattern and color combinations. The example of the “German Pattern of Open Double Knitting” showcases the use of contrasting colors and large wooden pins to create a visually appealing and textured pattern.
Shawl: The book includes multiple patterns for shawls, including the “Leaf Pattern for Half-Square Shawl” and the “Shetland Shawl.” These examples demonstrate the versatility of shawl patterns and highlight the different techniques for creating various shapes and textures.
Scarf: The book provides instructions for a “Beautiful Pattern for a Scarf” using Shetland wool or silk. This example showcases the use of intricate patterns and contrasting colors to create a stunning and unique scarf.
Baby’s Shoe: The book includes instructions for a “Pretty Pattern for a Baby’s Shoe.” This example demonstrates the delicate nature of knitting for children’s garments and the use of simple patterns and colors.
Comforter: The book provides instructions for two different comforters, one with stripes of geranium and gray wool and another with stripes of scarlet and claret wool. These examples highlight the use of contrasting colors and simple patterns to create cozy and warm comforters.
Counterpane: The book includes instructions for a counterpane with a “Raised Knitting, a kind of Bell Pattern”. This example showcases the use of intricate patterns and multiple needles to create a beautiful and textured counterpane.
Penwiper: The book provides instructions for a “Knitted Penwiper” made with three different colors of German wool. This example demonstrates how knitting can be used to create functional and practical items for everyday use.
Bodice: The book includes instructions for a “Knitted Bodice” made with 4-thread fleecy wool. This example highlights how knitting can be used to create elegant and stylish items of clothing.
Muff: The book provides instructions for a “Muff” made with five shades of sable or chinchilla colors. This example showcases the use of contrasting colors and simple patterns to create a luxurious and cozy accessory.
Mitten: The book includes instructions for a “Fan-Pattern Knitting for a Mitten” using black netting silk. This example highlights the intricate nature of knitting for gloves and the use of unique patterns to create a stylish accessory.

Conclusion:

This 1846 knitting guide provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of 19th-century knitting. The book is full of intricate patterns, detailed instructions, and valuable insights into the history of knitting. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the techniques, materials, and patterns used in knitting during the Victorian era. By following the instructions in this guide, readers can learn to create a wide range of beautiful and functional knit items, and experience the joy of this timeless craft. The text provides a comprehensive resource for those interested in learning about the history of knitting, or simply wanting to add new skills and patterns to their knitting repertoire.

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