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Rubber, celluloid, can collect patterns through the years, including wartime “Knitting for
and casein needles Victory” examples. During World War II, women were encouraged by
appeared on the market advertising such as “England expects – knit your bit,” and patterns were
in the late 1800s, and freely distributed to housewives and schoolchildren. The Victoria and
Bakelite examples joined Albert Museum offers free patterns for “The Fatigue Cap” and “When
them in 1909. Wood You’re Off-Duty Jumper” among others. Early patterns are more
was also an option difficult to track down and may lead a dedicated collector on a bit of
through the ages. If nee- an ephemera treasure hunt.
dle collecting interests Knitting is rapidly developing a following and this arena may not
you, but sure to check remain quiet for long. With young people and trendsetters picking up
out Webster’s Knitting the needles and events such as the 2006 Knitting Olympics with over
Needle Notions online 4,000 participants, the recognition that knitting is an ancient and still
(click here) for a list of well-loved craft may drive an increasing interest in vintage knitting
brands and styles collectibles. There is still much to learn, but don’t let that stop you!
through the years and Why not learn to use a knitting sheath, or hunt down the perfect pair
photographs to guide of Victorian needles? A craft can be extra satisfying when you have a
you in finding the right complete set of tools, and with centuries of options to choose from, you
vintage pair (or several!). can’t go wrong.
Knitting sheaths are
no longer commonly Practiced antique
Knitting Sheaths can come in a variety of used but were very dealers know how often
shapes and sizes and were often indispensable to people today assume
master knitters. The resemblance to wizards wands helpful when craftsmen that this item is related
is a fun bonus for modern knitters. needed to speed knit to laundry, when in
This collection of rare late 18th/early 19th century while standing up. They fact, it was a cherished
English and Welsh hand-carved wood knitting were traditionally carved knitting tool. The swift,
sheaths, nine (9) pieces total, tallest 11". from wood and would be also called a niddy
This collection sold for $475 at Kaminski Auctions worn on the belt on the noddy, or yarn skein
right side to support a winder in its
right-handed knitting needle. The knitter would work with the differing forms, is a
mounted needle and pass stitches off of the left needle down onto the wooden tool that was
right. Wealthy women in the 17th century and later also adopted designed to wind yarn
sheaths. You can find them in ivory, scrimshaw, and from silver to wood, by hand around the
some with decorations or messages. frame that can
expand or
Do you prefer the fashion side of knitting? Knitting patterns and contract as needed.
“recipes” first appeared for public consumption in the early 1800s. You
Courtesy of Next Stage Vintage.

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