free pattern: mariner shirt

Over the last few years my sister has given me the most spectacular collection of old knitting books and magazines that she's thrifted. There's a wealth of great patterns in them, despite the sometimes-unfortunate (but amusing) styling, so look for more of these in the future.

Despite the fact that summer is almost over in a lot of places, this looks quick enough to finish before it's really fall, especially if it's done in the round up to the arms. It's from 1976, by the way. {Click on the image to enlarge.}

"shoulderette"

An easy pattern from one of the wonderful stash of vintage knitting books my sister has given me:

(Click to enlarge to readable size.)

This would be a good project for someone knitting lace for the first time but not wanting to do a scarf. The lace pattern is simple and easy to remember, but just complicated enough to not be boring. I couldn't see any reference to gauge, but I think that as long as you use the needles specified (or even one size up or down) and come up with a reasonable-looking gauge, the end product should turn out fine. A shrug is, after all, a rather forgiving garment when it comes to fit.

Here is the cover of the book it came from--look at those nice saturated mid-century colors!