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One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about learning to knit has that it has forced me to sit down, be still and not do anything else for decent chunks of time - something, like so many people, I struggle to do and make time for usually - there's aways something else I tell myself I could, or should, be doing. As a result, I’ve had lots of time to catch up on series that I've been meaning to get to - and most recently, that’s been everyone’s favourite Super Stylish Pill Poppin' Retro Chess Romp- The Queen's Gambit.  As a lover of vintage clothing and fashion history, the 1950’s and 1960’s styles sported by Beth were a huge draw to the show - much more so than the idea of watching 7 hours of chess, that's for sure. I’d already read a lot about the clothes before I’d even begun watching - but what I didn’t account for was how great the knitwear would be, and how this would be fuel for my own knitting inspiration! If, like me, you came away from the Queen’s Gambit asking yourself YES CHESS IS COOL BUT HOW CAN I MAKE MY OWN BETH KNITWEAR!?!? I’ve done the hard work and scoured the internet for the best lookalike patterns, so that you can replicate some of the iconic looks seen on Beth Harmon though the series. Below are my favourite four garments from the show, along with knitting patterns that are very similar so that you can get busy living out you wildest 1960's Competitive Chess Fantasies. And whilst these are not exact replicas (most of the knitwear was designed and made exclusively for the show) their timeless vintage shapes and styles will have you rocking your inner-chess-Queen in no time! THE CARDIGAN The colour blocked sepia hued cardigan seemed to be the fan favourite online, and with good reason. It makes several appearances in the show and seems to be something of a signature piece.  Those with knitting know-how, I’m sure could adapt this pattern to incorporate the buttons as seen on the show (or why not just add mock buttons for the visual appeal). Either way the simplicity of this No Frills cardigan is peak preppy 60’s, and will be such a versatile addition to your wardrobe worn as a cardigan or jacket. Bonus points - it has pockets!!! Pattern: No Frills Cardigan - Petite Knits Recommended Yarn: Bandit DK or Bohemia Worsted by Outlaw Yarn THE SLOUCHY TURTLENECK SWEATER This slouchy, dreamy sweater is such a romantic swoonfest. Comfortable, classic and effortlessly chic, it’s like something the angelic and precious baby of Nicole Kidman and Audrey Hepburn would wear for simply kicking about the house.  I’m obsessed with the sleeves on this Balloon Sweater...though I do wonder - wouldn’t there be a risk of sleeves so poofy knocking over the chess pieces?! Pattern: Balloon Sweater - Petite Knits Recommended Yarn: Bandit DK or Bohemia Worsted by Outlaw Yarn THE GREEN CLOCHE This green cloche hat appears as we hit the full swing of the late 60’s as can be seen in Beth’s wild eye make-up and eccentric selection of hat (is the colour of the hat coincidental when we consider Beth’s state at this point? I think not!) . This is such a versatile style of headwear - not quite a beanie, nor a cap, or even a beret…it's a hybrid of all three! It would look amazing with a sweeping coat, when you need something a little dressier than a beanie, but still need to keep the noggin’ warm!  This vintage pattern is darling and can be either knitted or crocheted, which gives it further flexibility and options for us crafters. Pattern: Cloche #8177 - Mary Maxim Recommended Yarn: Bandit DK or Bohemia Worsted by Outlaw Yarn THE POM POM HAT I’m in love with the drama of this poofy, mushroom-like, pom pom topped hat, which we have decided is actually more of a beret, poofed up into a dome. Pop a pom pom on top, like an olive in one of Beth’s Gibson cocktails and you’ve got yourself a simple dupe of this Mod Girl aesthetic.   Outlaw Yarn have a beautiful selection of yarns for all of these projects, in shades that reflect the colour palette of The Queen's Gambit and Beth perfectly - think Autumnal hues of burnt oranges, rust, marigold, red, greens and fawn browns. Pop in today, or visit their online store and get your Queen's Gambit collection underway.
Have you got your own Queen's Gambit inspired project or piece? Share it with us! We love to see what you're working on! Lou x
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AuthorI'm Lou, an Ōtautahi based personal stylist and craft-lover, and this is Never Been Knit - my journey from complete knitting virgin to...well, let's find out together! Archives
June 2021
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