Jane Koster

My copy's definitely post-WW2 - the entry on Yarn describes all sorts of fancy yarns that wouldn't have been available during the war - but probably not as late as 1950 judging by the hairstyles and square shoulders (though there's a very New Look skirt on p 33). I have quite a few of these books from the late 1930s on and each one has something different and interesting.

I particularly like the lace camiknickers that `defeat winter charmingly'. This book belonged to my Mum and some of the patterns look like the stuff I was forced to wear as a child.

Another wide range of patterns and wonderful illustration of wartime home life. Includes a very young Roger Moore modelling the 'useful polo-neck sweater' and 'fair isle scarf and gloves'. I had difficulty with one of the patterns, couldn't seem to make it work out so I'm not sure how reliable the instructions are, hence the lower rating.

I love this book - so evocative of wartime life, although it doesn't include patterns for the forces. I think mine must be a later publication because the fashions and 'Ringing the Changes' chapter are definitely more 1940's. The patterns I have used have been easy to follow. I especially like the pattern for a 'Dutch Cap'!