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Number Knitting: The New All-Way Stretch Method, Digital Scan of The Original Vintage Modular Knitting Book, Garter Stitch Knitting

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$74.99

PRODUCT INFORMATION
PRODUCT INFORMATION

This is SCAN of a rare, out-of-print knitting book: "Number Knitting: The New All-Way Stretch Method," by Virginia Woods Bellamy. The book has 275 pages and approximately 75 patterns. HISTORY The technique of Number Knitting was developed by Virginia Woods Bellamy. In the 1940s, she offered correspondence knitting courses to knitters around the world. Her book, “Number Knitting: The New All Way Stretch Method” is a compilation of those courses. Number Knitting is based on a *patented* method of handknitting. Indeed, if you do a Google search for “Number Knitting”, you’ll find the patent application, applied for in 1945, and officially patented in 1948. Only one edition of the book was ever printed, and it is the only knitting book Bellamy ever published. Over time, the book fell into obscurity. This book uses an ingenious method of charting, based on graph paper. Ms. Woods Bellamy raised her children during the depression, when money was tight and materials were precious. She developed a way to make garments using less yarn, but just as warm. This is not only an amazing study in ingenious knitting methods, but also a displays some wonderful examples of some 1940s wartime-inspired styles. Number Knitting is more of a method that just a book of patterns. Because the basic method of casting on, knitting, joining the units, and binding off, is all the same for this method, the patterns themselves are quite brief and concise. The original book is very expensive and typically retails for several hundred dollars.

DIGITAL PDF FILE

This download is more than just a black and white version of the original book. I have added modern PDF functions to it for increased ease of use. I've also added some color, where appropriate.

  • Bookmarks
  • Optical character recognition (so you can do a keyword search throughout the entire book)
  • I colorized many of the images according to the descriptions used in the introduction to each pattern.
  • The instant download is an excerpt form the book (52 Pages). Shortly after you place your order, I will send you a download link for your personalized copy of the file.
  • I have also redrawn all of the charts from the book. One you purchase the ebook, I will also provide you with any of the redrawn charts that you request.

Reviving the Book

My ultimate goal is to bring this knitting treasure back to life for the modern knitting community to enjoy. You can follow along with the progress in the Number Knitting Ravlery group.

Reknitting the Patterns

Since my goal is to revive this book, I would love for you to join me in reknitting the patterns from the book, for inclusion in the new version when it is republished. I am conducting open tests for these patterns at Yarn Pond. If you join a test knit at Yarn Pond, you will receive the new (much easier to use) charts I have created. 

This is a ....PDF KNITTING BOOK ONLY....NOT A FINISHED PRODUCT. Since digital download items (PDF Patterns) cannot be returned, no refunds will be given for any digital items. No exceptions. Please read descriptions in full before ordering to know what to expect.

*********PATTERNS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE*********

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
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E
E Payne/Knitter’s Serendipity Stitch Markers
Exciting revival of a novel concept

I have been exploring Modular knitting for a few years now. Modular projects are a relaxing break from lace projects. It is rewarding to see finished modules completed in a relatively short period of time. Virginia Woods Bellamy was ahead of her time. It is surprising that her book did not gain more notice than it did. I also purchased the Pocket Reference Guide from the KnitSwag Etsy shop. It is well written, has excellent illustrations for each type of block. It has been very useful to have on hand as a reference. I am working on designing a shawl combining lace and modular elements.

R
Rose

Very significant book at a reasonable price. Quality work to update book and patterns. Love to support this work of safeguarding important books and innovations in the craft for future generations. This is foundational to so many of the well known knitters of the 20th century. We can not forget about the predecessors of those people that we all depend on now.

G
Gudny Isachsen
Number knitting

A great book!
I need someting to use my brain on. Have knitted the "kerchief on four squares" and wonder what to try next. Hope my yarn stock can decrease a bit now. Since I knit "continental" I have to think twice when reading the patterns, but it works.

M
Merrie Carpenter
An invaluable resource

This scan of an almost impossible to find book is great. The digital toc makes using the book easy.

S
Stephanie Garza
The Best Kept Secret in Knitting

I first learned about number knitting by watching Fiberchats interview of Kelly (Discover the Fun of Modular Knitting with KnitSwag, episode 83).

After watching the video I knew in my heart of hearts that Kelly was onto something very special.

I cannot recommend this vintage knitting book enough. Discover a completely new way to knit and see for yourself what happens to the fabric as you join units as you knit. It is magic.

The stretch created in my first project made my brain spin with the possibilities and I started to say "what if?"over and over again.

Kelly Vaughn did a fantastic job turning this book into a user friendly PDF. Watch her videos at KnitSwag on YouTube. They are very informative.

If you are still undecided sign up for a test knit at yarnpond. I did and I am loving it. Kelly's updated patterns are formatted brilliantly. They are easy to understand and make sense for this type of knitting.

Thank you Kelly for your years of dedication to this project!

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
100%
(6)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
E
E Payne/Knitter’s Serendipity Stitch Markers
Exciting revival of a novel concept

I have been exploring Modular knitting for a few years now. Modular projects are a relaxing break from lace projects. It is rewarding to see finished modules completed in a relatively short period of time. Virginia Woods Bellamy was ahead of her time. It is surprising that her book did not gain more notice than it did. I also purchased the Pocket Reference Guide from the KnitSwag Etsy shop. It is well written, has excellent illustrations for each type of block. It has been very useful to have on hand as a reference. I am working on designing a shawl combining lace and modular elements.

R
Rose

Very significant book at a reasonable price. Quality work to update book and patterns. Love to support this work of safeguarding important books and innovations in the craft for future generations. This is foundational to so many of the well known knitters of the 20th century. We can not forget about the predecessors of those people that we all depend on now.

G
Gudny Isachsen
Number knitting

A great book!
I need someting to use my brain on. Have knitted the "kerchief on four squares" and wonder what to try next. Hope my yarn stock can decrease a bit now. Since I knit "continental" I have to think twice when reading the patterns, but it works.

M
Merrie Carpenter
An invaluable resource

This scan of an almost impossible to find book is great. The digital toc makes using the book easy.

S
Stephanie Garza
The Best Kept Secret in Knitting

I first learned about number knitting by watching Fiberchats interview of Kelly (Discover the Fun of Modular Knitting with KnitSwag, episode 83).

After watching the video I knew in my heart of hearts that Kelly was onto something very special.

I cannot recommend this vintage knitting book enough. Discover a completely new way to knit and see for yourself what happens to the fabric as you join units as you knit. It is magic.

The stretch created in my first project made my brain spin with the possibilities and I started to say "what if?"over and over again.

Kelly Vaughn did a fantastic job turning this book into a user friendly PDF. Watch her videos at KnitSwag on YouTube. They are very informative.

If you are still undecided sign up for a test knit at yarnpond. I did and I am loving it. Kelly's updated patterns are formatted brilliantly. They are easy to understand and make sense for this type of knitting.

Thank you Kelly for your years of dedication to this project!

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Number Knitting: The New All-Way Stretch Method, Digital Scan of The Original Vintage Modular Knitting Book, Garter Stitch Knitting

Number Knitting: The New All-Way Stretch Method, Digital Scan of The Original Vintage Modular Knitting Book, Garter Stitch Knitting

$74.99
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