Tip-toppers hats

I couldn't resist these little spring hats from Needlework Illustrated magazine. Yes, I know it's the autumn, but at this time of year I think a pretty, colourful hat is just the job to lift the spirits. So here are "Tip-Toppers to knit and crochet with that May Morning air". No date on the magazine, but I think we're in the late 1940s or early 1950s here.

From the top right, working clockwise: "Sally the teenager wears a horse's tail of tambourine bright ribbons a-swish from the top of her knitted cap."

"Helen comes to town smartly hatted... in a fetching little model of crunchy knitting made with lustrous cotton thread."

"Joanne the sophisticate suits the set of a knitted Jelly Bag to occasion and mood - here formal, informal."

"Rosemary frames pretty head in curving crochet. Easy-to-make style in wool... Good in bright, decisive colours."

Is it just me, or was Needlework Illustrated's copywriter hitting the gin by the time she got to Joanne? Isn't that just random words?

Loopy knitted hats from the 1970s

By the 1970s, we had lost the art of graceful, chic hats. This family of three may be very cosy in their Bellmans Double Knitting Snuggles, but elegance is not a word that springs to mind here.

Note how the boy on the left is being gently constrained to prevent him from running away.

Make a 1970s loop stitch hat for yourself - Buy a copy of this vintage 1970s knitting pattern for £1.50. You'll receive a link to download a high quality PDF document of this pattern upon payment.

Pattern is for Snuggle hats from ages 3 to adult. You'll need double knitting yarn, and a pair each of no7 and no 9 needles.

12 different 1950s hats to knit

Oh, they knew how to wear woolly hats in the 1950s. Pert little knitted confections that perched jauntily on the back of the head, veering between chic elegance and downright dottiness. Even a simple bobble hat oozes 1950s style and elegance when knitted on the small side and popped smartly on the back of the head like a tiny cocktail cap.

A swan-like neck and Grace Kelly profile are completely optional for the modern day hat wearer. I have knitted a drawer full of these little darlings in different colours and shapes over the years and can confirm that they are still as warm, stylish and wonderful as they were over 60 years ago.

Buy this knitting pattern for twelve delicious 1950s hats for £1.50. You'll receive a link to download a high quality PDF document of this pattern upon payment. Pattern has some creasing, a little writing on top corner, otherwise good.