Victorian knitwear

I do adore this style - so ladylike, so feminine with the leg o'mutton sleeves, the high collar and nipped in waist ... but I never thought that I would knit such a thing !! It is a commission for the stage. This photo is pre-blocking and the hem is rolling .... hope it won't after blocking.

.civil war era fashion outerwear

Late Victorian Receipt book of Knitting and Crochet Designs and patterns 1899 with numerous photographs and detailed instructions for knitting such garments as Ladies’ Knickerbocker Drawers Bo...from 7764005

One of hundreds of thousands of free digital items from The New York Public Library.

Knitted Rigolette, or Winter Headdress. Godey's Lady's Book, Feb. 1860. via Flickr user Clotho98

A commission - part of a costume for a musical. this shows some of the details - the waist section is shaped and has knitting-in elastic to ensure a snug fit. You can also see the snap studs and the lovely decorative buttons. Some photos post blocking and now the hem isn't rolling.

American Cardigan sweater * wool 1900–1903