Here is another pattern courtesy of Morag at VintagePurls. Sometimes we need a doily (or several) to accentuate our sitting room décor, and the Cobweb Doily fills the bill. This enchanting circular crocheted doily is pictured in bubblegum pink, but I’d make it up in sophisticated black. Doilies are perfect strewn over the armrest of your favorite overstuffed velvet reading chair.

Although this knitted tea cosy is shown in a kitcheny citrus color scheme, I want to make it in a colorway that will go with my Arzberg Silver Flight tea service, so think a black and white scheme with silver edging will gave it a très moderne look. Pour some English Breakfast tea, nibble into a warm ginger scone, and gather around for some witty banter. This vintage knitting pattern is brought to us by Morag at VintagePurls in New Zealand. (Cosy Knitted in Daffodil Stitch: from Cushions & Cosies by Madame Weigel, c. 1945)

This boyishly chic vintage double-breasted vest was originally published by Spinnerin Bulky Classics in 1962, and has been revived by Jenna from glamarama.net. We adore the vest’s deep u-shaped neckline, and how it is worn over a flowered button-down shirt. Wouldn’t this outfit look adorable with the addition of a little string tie? A word of warning: Please review this size chart – check your measurements for the proper size! A vintage size 12 is not a modern size 12.

I understand that it is sweaty and hot in the rest of the country, but I’m happy to say that here in San Francisco it is chilly enough for striped thigh-high socks. Kelly, from Knitty.com designed these circus-y winners. You can use up bits and pieces from your yarn stash and make them in a crazy mélange of colors, knit them up in your favorite color combination, or even make them in one solid swooningly luscious color. I lust for a pair in warm rust and cool French blue.

Alexa knit this bubblegum pink hat out of thick and cozy yarn from Britex’s 3rd floor. It keeps Kristin’s head warm even when the weather is spitting fog and chill. Kristin is also wearing an old-fashioned, lacy dropped-stitch cape made by her Great-grandmother Anna. Help! We want to reproduce this cape pattern; has anyone seen one like it in their knitting travels?

Who could resist this hat? This jaunty knit hat is a study in chic, urban sophistication; it goes with red lipstick and a tailored wool suit like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. This pattern was originally printed in “Knitted & Crocheted Chic Hats” (1938), and is here courtesy of the kind folks at vintageous.com.

The Art of Manliness and Du Jour believe that it is time to bring back the daily boutonnière for suit lapels, and we agree. Worn above your heart, your choice of flower can either convey a secretive message, or it can handsomely accent your attire. One can use fresh flowers, or knit hand-made ones such as these felted flowers. All you need is a suit with a lapel buttonhole. If the buttonhole is unopened, slit it open carefully with a blade and trim any loose threads. Attach the flower by carefully threading the stem through the buttonhole, and fastening it with a tiny safety pin on the lapel underside. A more debonair method is to sew a silk loop one to two inches underneath the lapel button hole to balance the flower’s stem.

Anna Hrachovec posted this free pattern for knitted miniature alligators. Don’t worry, their teeth haven’t come in yet! You can find more of her wacky animals in her new book, “Knitting Mochimochi”.

Father’s day will be here in a few weeks. Knit ties are the latest fashion for the jaunty dad in your life. A pirate blue cotton knit tie would look perfect paired with summer whites while paddle-boating in Hyde Park on Serpentine Lake. This chic knit necktie is made using a garter stitch and one skein of fingering weight cotton blend yarn.

Bethany James from Crochetme.com designed this charming kitty cat hat for all you feline lovers. Now, everyone raise your left front paw and say “Meow!”

(click picture for pattern)