The Old Hand Knitters of the Dales: With an Introduction to the Early History of Knitting

by Marie Hartley, Joan Ingilby

1969. No Edition Remarks. 80 pages. Paperback book with pictorial cover. Contains black and white photographs and illustrations. Binding remains firm. Pages and illustrations are lightly tanned throughout. Sticker to front reverse cover. Paper cover has mild edgewear with curling to corners. Creasing to spine. Foxing to rear cover.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction

126 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1951

Reviews

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating little jaunt into a dying cottage industry. Republished from 1951 text in 1978, this history of hand knitting in the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding countries is based on oral accounts from old folk gathered during 1948-1949, research into letters, accounts, and writings from the 1800s, and examination of artifacts such as surviving gloves and knitting sheaths. Many of the artifacts have illustrations of them drawn in.

As a modern knitter, with family from not all to far from these areas, it is very interesting to read about how hand knitting used to be a thriving industry that faded away due to the rise of machine knitting. This book talks about the overall history, puts it in context of history (e.g. how the Seven Year War affected wool sales in a particular village), and also talks about technique and fashion.

It seems well researched, and the liberal inclusion of oral accounts - some paraphrased, others transcribed in dialect - as well as a large collection of business letters from one Yorkshire mill, really lend a personal element to what could otherwise be a dry subject and bring back to life people who really died not too long ago.

The writer's themselves have the tendency to use a romantic turn of phrase, but this simple served to make me smile and emphasise the emotional element, rather than take away from any academic purpose.

This version does not contain any patterns, as it seems newer reprints do, but I found it in a charity shop so I can't complain it's a little older. Plus I think I can reverse engineer the patterns if I desire too, and I don't think their lack detracts from the book. It does seem to be missing some mentioned photographs that may have been in the original print, which is a pity, but there are plenty of illustrations elsewise.

[Emma Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating wander through the history of knitting and it’s impact on the Dales life. Probably has quite a niche market of who would find it interesting though!!

[Lynne - The Book Squirrel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but don’t blow my socks off.

[Tina Ambury · Rating 5 out of 5]

fascinating. historical treasures as none of the knitters and few of the mills exist any more. I want to visit a museum from the text to look at the sticks as I don't think the hand drawn illustrations do them justice.