As the casinos were expected to have high standards, most of their employees would dress formally. This made it easier for visitors to distinguish what were the tasks of each of the employees. Whether the employee was security personnel or a waiter, each had to wear a particular uniform. 

Casinos and fashion over the years

In the beginning, the casinos were known only for their offerings in gambling. Things changed when bars began to operate in them. Visits to high-end casinos came to be considered as a sign of affluence. It was obvious that such customers would be dressed in expensive clothing and look their best. When the casino culture gained momentum, many of the casinos came up with a dress code for their customers. 

This started a trend of fashion in casinos, as different types of dress codes were made mandatory. Fashion and style also became crucial factors in determining the class of customers at the casinos. In recent times, visitors to casinos prefer stylish but comfortable clothing. Today, the casinos are focusing more on letting in a large number of people through their doors. As a result, formal wear is gradually on the decline.  

Dress code of dealers

While at the tables in a casino, the dealers are dressed in elegant attire. Their attires typically involve suit pants, ties or dickie bows, waistcoats and skirts. Dealers need to keep their presentation to the highest and the cleanest standards. Only then are they allowed to represent the business of these casinos. This is mostly done to win the trust of the customers. 

Players visiting such casinos place bets that involve large sums of money. They often judge the professionalism of the dealers by their appearance when placing bets. Many of the dealers have confessed that maintaining good looks is absolutely necessary. It often helps them in getting more tips at the tables.

The attire of waiters and waitresses

Some casinos provide guests with free alcohol and other drinks. This is done to keep the gamblers engaged in the act of placing bets throughout the night. In many of the casinos, you’ll enjoy the luxury of being served at your gaming table. This is done to keep your gambling activity going. It is, therefore, absolutely necessary for casinos to have their waiters and waitresses wearing the same uniform. 

This allows gamblers to spot the server and order something to drink while being seated. Waiters and waitresses are also dressed in the most attractive clothes. This is done to enhance their looks and make the gamblers come back for more.

The trend of online casinos

Online casinos have gained much popularity recently. This can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has kept gamblers from visiting the land-based casinos. You don’t have to be dressed formally or in any particular way to play online casino games. Such casinos are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

You can learn more about online casinos and online slot games by visiting a reliable casino review website. These sites have some valuable online resources on playing casino games and responsible gambling. Besides, they also help you choose the best online slot game with their reviews. 

One such website is Casinos Jungle. You’ll find the best online slots rated and reviewed by experts on this site. Besides, you can also try some online slot games for free. For further details, visit Online Casino Canada.

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Non-separating zippers are used in the case of necklines and skirts. The material of the zipper being used also makes a lot of difference. A plastic or nylon zipper must be used for knitted garments that are lighter in weight. Metal zippers are used for bulkier garments as they can withstand heavy use. You must also be clear on how you’d like to place your zipper in the garment you’re knitting. 

You may want the zipper to run from the bottom edges of the opening all the way to the top. Another option would be to have the zipper run short, allowing the knitted garment’s exposed edge to show. For calculating the length of your zipper, you must first get the length of the garment’s opening measured.

Steps for placement of the zipper

Here are the steps to have the zipper properly placed in your knitted garment:

1. Open the zipper you want to place in your knitted garment. Then, decide which side of the garment opening is to be done first.

2. Place the knit fabric’s edge close to the zipper teeth. It must not be so close that the head of the zipper catches the fabric upon sliding.

3. By using a thread of contrasting colour, tack the zipper in place. It would be a good idea to use a long-running stitch. This will help you remove it easily when you’re done. Ensure that you’re going through the knitted fabric and the zipper. Else, the zipper might slip around.

4. Backstitch the zipper from the right side by hand using hand-sewing thread to match the knitted fabric. Your stitches must be nestled along the edge of the knitted fabric so that they’re invisible. Don’t forget to test the free movement of the zipper head. Make sure that there’s no problem opening the zipper.

5. Repeat the earlier step with the other side of the zipper.

6. Turn under the zipper tape’s end and stitch into place. When the zipper is completely installed with the top ends tacked down securely, cut off the excess zipper length.

Tips on shortening your zipper

1. Both separating and non-separating zippers must be shortened at the top.

2. If you have excess zipper fabric, you can fold it back at a slight angle. It can then be tacked down by hand-stitching it into place.

3. If you’ve shortened the zipper by cutting away the excess zipper fabric, stitch across the zipper teeth. This will prevent the zipper head from being pulled off accidentally.

Important tips for zipper placement

1. Don’t sew a zipper into a hand-knitted garment using a sewing machine. The zipper may ripple owing to the difference in tension caused by the bulk of the knitted fabric. Machine sewing may also make the knitted fabric stretch out during the zipper placement.

2. To prevent your stitching from distorting the knitted fabric, sew in the zipper carefully.

3. You can consider using the grosgrain ribbon to cover the zipper edges. This will prevent wear on the stitches that hold the zipper in place.

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You’re given the gauge by the designer to achieve the intended drape and fit in the knitted fabric. A gauge can also be used to experiment with other styles and yarns. The use of a gauge ruler is also recommended for knitting swatches. It allows you to quickly and easily get a precise measurement of your swatch.

1. Choosing a yarn

After having selected a pattern, the next step is to select a yarn for your knitting project. It begins with having a good look at the label given on the yarn. Usually, a recommended needle size and a gauge are indicated by the label. Most of the yarn companies give a vertical measurement. 

Once you’ve understood the gauge listings on a pattern and on the yarn, you can explore several options. If the yarn doesn’t fit in your budget or is a different fibre, you can choose another yarn. Different types of fibres knit up differently. You just have to stay within the gauge that has been recommended.

2. The gauge swatch

It is always a good idea to do a test before you start knitting. For the success of the garment you intend to knit, a gauge swatch is extremely important. Without the gauge swatch, you may spend many hours knitting a garment of the wrong size. Upon knitting up a gauge swatch, you’ll know whether it has greater or lesser stitches per inch. 

If it has fewer or more stitches per inch than what is given on your pattern, it needs rectification. This is done by increasing or decreasing the size of the needle you’re using for knitting. It must be kept in mind that the larger your needles are, the larger your stitches will be. In this case, fewer stitches will fit into an inch.

3. Choosing the size of your needle

The patterns usually have a note next to the required needles saying ‘or size needed to obtain correct gauge’. This is a good hint as various knitters would use different needle sizes to get a specific gauge. Your needle size would depend on whether you knit tightly or loosely. 

If you knit exactly the same way as the individual who wrote the pattern, you certainly have some expertise. It is your swatch that helps you figure out your needle size.  

4. Getting the swatch done

Taking the help of the indicated gauge, cast on the stitches within the required number of inches. To keep the swatch from rolling at the edges, knit the first inch in garter stitch. This would also make it easier to measure and have greater accuracy. 

You can then change to stockinette stitch for more inches. Get back to the garter stitch and knit an inch more. You can then take your needles out of the stitches. This is done so that the needle doesn’t affect the swatch gauge.

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Despite the efficiency of machine-knitting, hand-knitting was producing excellent clothing for soldiers. This article appeared in the magazine on the 24th of November, 1941. The article also lauded the efforts of a volunteer group called ‘Citizens for the Army and Navy’. They were campaigning to get a million sweaters for the army by Christmas.

Serving a cause

The earliest knitters during World War II had knitted during the First World War as young adults or children. For them, knitting was more of a natural response to war. This activity provided warmth as well as great comfort for the soldier serving in the war. It also gave the knitter a therapeutic distraction from the grim realities of the war. 

General Dwight Eisenhower had described the ‘Knitting for Victory’ movement as a friendly hand of the nation. He also stated that it had reached across the sea to sustain the fighting soldiers. When the American households listened to war news on the radio, the idle hands of women turned to knit.

A source of great pride for women

Often photographed knitting or carrying a knitting bag was Eleanor Roosevelt, the first lady of the United States. She had launched the World War II knitting effort at an event held in New York City in 1941. At times, the question of why knitting must be done arose during the early days of the Second World War. Knitters were quite aware of the fact that hand-knits saved considerable military costs. 

An article that appeared in The New York Times in January 1942 provided the answers. It said that the effect of hand-knitting couldn’t be estimated in terms of cash, but it was significant. The sweaters and helmets made by devoted women of the country were greatly appreciated by the soldiers. On the other hand, the knitting women felt that they were playing an active part in the war.

Efforts of the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross was designated the only clearing agency for all knitting work by the War Production Board. It also granted them a priority for receiving wool. The auxiliary units to the American Red Cross also had several knitting women. When the war interrupted global wool production, the Seattle Red Cross responded promptly to the yarn shortage. 

The workers produced articles for the soldiers at much lower costs. They supplied sweaters, mufflers, socks, toe covers, fingerless mitts, stump covers, and other garments. All these garments were knitted either in olive drab or navy blue yarn. They also had labels sewn into them, indicating which Red Cross had provided the item. 

Knitters also created stretch bandages that measured 15-20 feet in length. These bandages were knit in garter stitch using pure cotton yarn. All the finished bandages were sterilized before shipping to worldwide medical units.

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As these sweaters mostly shared trendy designs of blouses, they were often called ‘knitted blouses’. The British women named these sweaters ‘jumpers’. Towards the end of the 1940s, it was cashmere sweaters that gained popularity. It became a favourite of the college girls and other young women. When there was a shortage of wool, synthetic blends became the obvious choice. 

Sweaters with solid colours were immensely popular in women’s fashion in the 1940s. During the brighter days of spring, sweaters with shades like powder blue and white rose were worn. Yellow and red were worn during summers. 

A common sweater design around this time was the one with wide shoulders, crew neck, and fitted waist. The sleeves were either short or long. The ladies mostly preferred larger sweaters. There were girls who chose fitted sizes that shrank. Now let’s take a look at some of the popular sweater choices among women in the 1940s:

1. Cardigan 

Heavy and long, the cardigan sweater had buttons and went down to the mid-hipline. These sweaters were either long or short-sleeved and their plastic buttons had plain or matching colours. The buttons were held in place by a ribbon from the inside. For the purpose of decoration, the ribbon could also be on the outside.

2. Fashion winter sweaters

These sweaters had a large and high neck. In chilly weather, they were worn over other tops. Fashion winter sweaters could be in a button-up or a pullover style. Their sleeves were long and had tight wrist bands for keeping away the cold air. They were available in red, blue, and green shades.

3. Sweater tops

During spring, light sweater tops were extremely popular. They could be worn with a pair of pants or light skirts. As they were made from cashmere, they provided a certain degree of warmth. They were short and usually had collars, beaded cuffs, or buttons. It was not a good idea to make them from pure cashmere as they’d be uncomfortably warm in spring. 

So, the cashmere was blended well with silk to provide adequate warmth as well as great comfort. The blend of these materials made them very expensive. As a less pricey alternative, Angora wool was used in making low-cost sweater tops instead of cashmere.

4. Sloppy Joe

Teenage girls in the 1940s loved to wear this style of sweater. They were fashionable and were long enough to cover the hip area. Sloppy Joes had long, loose sleeves and a large crew neck. These oversized sweaters were worn with a plaid skirt or rolled-up jeans. To complement the look, ankle-length socks were worn with saddle shoes. The teenage girls who wore such clothing were nicknamed bobbysoxers.

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1. Use swatches to know the yarn weight and colour

Back in the day, vintage wool was thinner. The double knit in many of the vintage patterns are closer to the 4-ply yarns used today. Even the worsted weight used in those times is not the same as the worsted weight in use today. You’ll need to have a look at the swatches. This is to make sure that you don’t pick a modern 4-ply yarn that’s too thin. 

Swatches also help you in knowing the appropriate yarn weight. You just can’t gauge the heaviness of the yarn by simply looking at the given yarn weight. This clearly shows why swatches are important for getting the right yarn for your vintage knitting work. 

The use of swatches would also help you in choosing the appropriate colours. Vintage patterns that date back to the early 1900s are not photographed. Many of the photographed ones would be in black and white. So, you won’t know the exact colour by looking at the hand-drawn images or black and white photographs.

2. Match the yarn’s fibre content

You must also try to match the fibre content of the yarn, which is used in the vintage pattern. Only natural fibres and their blends were used exclusively in the patterns of the 1940s. Their popularity declined only after the large-scale production of acrylic yarns. 

Using similar fibre content would give the same drape, texture, and other properties to the finished item. You’ll know how the finished item would look if you’re using a yarn having a different fibre content.

3. Make use of the gauge

The number of stitches that an inch of a fabric must have is called a gauge with regards to knitting. Gauge becomes extremely important when you’re making socks, sweaters, or any of the other fitted garments. It is, therefore, important that the gauge be matched as closely as possible. 

The commercial yarns usually indicate the gauge on the ball band. This makes it easier to know whether or not the yarn can be used for your vintage knitting work. While you’ll find a gauge on the pattern, some of the vintage ones only provide yarn weight and needle size.

4. Calculate the amount of yarn needed

To calculate the amount of yarn required, you must know the weight or length per skein of the yarn. For example, let’s say that the skeins of the yarn in the pattern have a length of 160 yards. Your requirement for the knitting work is 5 skeins. 

The modern yarn you’re substituting measures 200 yards per skein. The amount of yarn required would be calculated by multiplying the skein length by the number of skeins. So, it will be 160 x 5 = 800. You’ll get the total skeins available by dividing the total yarn by the length per skin of substitution yarn. In this example, it will be 800/200 = 4.

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There are many different types of yarn. They can be from an animal or a plant. Besides, the textures of each yarn and the style of knitting associated with it may vary. Here are some of the popular types of yarn used for knitting:

1. Cotton

This type of yarn comes from the cotton plant. India, United States, and China are the biggest producers of cotton. The cotton yarn can either be fine or heavy. As it is light and breathable, cotton yarn is a perfect choice for summer knits. It can also be used to produce potholders, dishcloths, and scrubbies.

2. Organic wool

Organic wool is obtained from sheep and is free from chemicals. It is sourced from livestock that has not been through drenches, dips, or antibiotics. Only hot water and detergent is used in the cleaning process of this wool. It is good for the environment. Another important aspect of the yarn made from organic wool is that it comes from healthy sheep.

3. Cashmere

One of the softest wool and yarn types, it comes from the Cashmere goats. The word Cashmere is the old spelling of the Kashmir state located in northern India. It is quite expensive and for a big reason. Once in a year, the Cashmere goats shed their undercoat. It is closer to the skin and needs to be separated from the outer hair. 

Unlike the wool from the sheep that is obtained by shearing, the undercoat of this goat is combed and collected. It is a labour-intensive process. Once processed, the yield of yarn from one goat is only about 4 ounces. To make a sweater, it would take yarns collected from four Cashmere goats. 

4. Merino Wool

The yarn from this type of wool is quite popular in knitting big chunky items. It comes from a distinct breed called the Merino Sheep. The wool obtained from this breed of sheep is special. It’s quite soft and doesn’t cause any allergic reactions. When blocked, the fabric knitted using this wool keeps its shape well. The yarn made using this wool is great for knitting special winter woollies. 

5. Silk

Silk yarn can be of two types, spun silk yarn and reeled silk yarn. Although the silk yarn is easy to work with, it can be slippery. Utmost care must be taken while knitting with a yarn made from silk. It gives a lovely feel to the skin and is relatively cool. The silk yarn, therefore, is perfect for knitting summer items.

6. Acrylic

Acrylic yarn is synthetic and cheaper than most natural fibres. It can be washed easily and is an excellent choice for those who’ve just got started in knitting. Sashay and Caron are the two types of acrylic yarns. They are ideal for beginners attempting to knit scarves.

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Many of the women who were earlier on the home front entered the workforce in great numbers. This created new demands for their wardrobes. While elite fashion was still in demand among the wealthy, new demands of working-class women were also accommodated.

1. Ivy Vintage Faux Headwrap

In the 1940s, women working in factories and the ones doing manual labour used headbands and bandannas. They were used to tie back their hair as they always run the risk of getting entangled in the machinery. There’s a secret to this headwrap. It is actually a hat, which can be pinned in place with the help of hairpins. So, it isn’t really a wrap.

2. Pleated A-line skirts

The pleated skirt goes well with nearly any top. Such skirts were practical, flattering, and extremely comfortable. This is why they were a popular choice during the times of the Second World War. Today, they’re available in a variety of colours. However, in the 1940s, the popular choices were black and navy. In recent times, many women choose turquoise or pale lavender for a bolder feel.

3. Zelda Vintage Blouse

This blouse has been designed after the knitted blouses that women used to wear in the 1940s. It would be the best choice to wear to work or to go for an outing. This blouse has a beautiful, intricate pattern in columns highlighting the shaping. It also has shaped shoulders and short sleeves.

4. Midnight Blazer

The structured and emphasized shoulders of this blazer can be associated with 1980s fashion. In the 1940s, the accented shoulders were big. Today, such blazers are knit up fast in bulky yarn. A midnight blazer worn over a delicate blouse makes for a perfect eye-catching layer.

5. Voe Vest

Voe Vest uses the Fair Isle stranded knitting pattern, one of the simple styles used in the 1940s. This form of knitting allowed the use and reuse of yarn with varying colours. The vest looks charming with a classic V-neck and geometric stranded pattern. Choices of colours include rose, sage green, dusty blue, and grey. They are also available in colours with contrast and heathered tones. This gives Voe Vest a picture-perfect look. 

6. Bonny Garter Tam

A popular hat choice in hats during the Second World War was the tams. They kept the head warm during winters and were simple to knit. The Bonny Garter Tam comes in a solid colour of worsted yarn, which would give that 1940s look. An updated version of this classic favourite uses a tonal or speckled yarn. Another great feature of this tam is that it can suit most of the head types.

7. A-Line Skirt

The A-line skirt has a lovely lace detail at the edging. The pattern makes use of an Aran-weight acrylic or mohair blend, but it also gives scope for experimentation. Different yarns can be used to know which of the texture is best suited to the one wearing it. As the yarn is heavy, it adds heft to the wheat-sheaf motif on the edge of the lace.

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Wool was sent to schools so that the students could knit gloves, balaclava helmets, and scarves for the troops. Several knitting patterns were also given away for free. Here are some of the knitting patterns that were popular during those times:

1. Victory Jumper

This was one of the most popular patterns during the Second World War. It looked beautiful and was perfectly suited for the ‘Knit for Victory’ movement. Although the wavy lace pattern looked quite intricate, it was amazingly easy. 

Once the person knitting got the hang of it, the work was no more taxing. It consisted of only two rows, which made it easy to learn and quick to work. The yarn for this was the ‘Sirdar’ Super Shetland wool. The colours of yarn were navy, red, and white.

2. Knitted Turbans

This pattern of knitting is great for beginners. This was yet another beautiful pattern that held the shape beautifully. It could handle the bad hair moments and keep the pin curls in place. There was nothing to worry about, as one could easily go about his or her day wearing it. It also offered strong protection, especially for the ears during the chilly winters. The yarn for this was Patons UK Beehive.

3. Fair Isle Pullover

This was a pattern for men. It was a simple one, which didn’t have more than two colours at one time. It was considered to be an essential garment for the colder days. The yarn for this pattern was Jaeger ‘Feather-Fleck’ with an approximate weight of 9 ounces. 

4. Date-Maker Cardigan

This pattern had a lot of good lines and was similar to the Twisted Rib Sweater, which used thicker yarns. It could be knitted with great ease and speed. Many versions of this pattern were made available later.

5. Economy Jumper

This vintage pattern comprised a panel made from strips of Lace squares and Moss Stitch. For continuity, one of the colours in the squares was to be used for the yoke, sleeves, and side panels. It is designed to use up reclaimed yarns or the yarns leftover from other knits. 

This provided great value during the days of the Second World War. Copley’s 2-Ply Excelsior Shetland Wool was the yarn that was mostly used for this pattern.

6. Counterpane

Counterpane has retained its beauty even after a period of more than a century. The use of this pattern dates back a couple of centuries. This made it a vintage pattern even during the Second World War. It was quicker to knit up once the knitter got into its rhythm. The pattern can be used for cushions, a cot quilt, or for a blanket.

7. Coloured Snood

The coloured snood was knitted in blackberry stitch on extra-large needles. Upon using the needles of appropriate size it would knit up quickly. The hair-protecting snood was extremely helpful during the war efforts.

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Then came the Second World War, which began in 1939. As a result, fashion took a new turn. 

As most of the men were serving in uniforms, men’s fashion stopped progressing until the end of the war. Women’s fashion included man-tailored dresses, hats, and coats. Through fashion, they tried to support the war efforts. During the war, a woman took care of the home front and did the work previously done by men. Jobs that men held earlier were taken up by women. 

So, the clothes worn during those times were a reflection of the circumstances where limited materials were available. This continued even after the end of the Second World War. Only at the end of the 1940s did women return to the ultra-feminine silhouette. Men also took it easy and adopted a more relaxed fit.

Fashion before the Second World War

Before the beginning of the Second World War, Paris was considered the epicentre of fashion. All the new styles originated in the French capital and the unknown American designers copied their looks. This was done for their clients as well as for stores. 

Despite the economic depression, the 1930s was a period of glamour. Most of the Hollywood stars wore long, draping, and flowing gowns of silk, velvet, satin or crepe. The day suit was brought into fashion by Coco Chanel with a long skirt and fitted jacket. Fur was in great demand as it was considered a luxury item. 

In 1940, many designers had to shut down their fashion houses after Germany took over Paris. Some even escaped from France. The rest of the world had to come up with their own styles as a result. During this period, the focus was on New York. It created a look that was influenced largely by the war being fought at distant places. 

The use of new materials in clothing

Owing to the widespread war, the materials generally used for clothing became scarce. Coats and uniforms for the soldiers were made using wool. Their boots were made of leather. Silks used to make stockings and undergarments were now used for making waterproof maps and parachutes.

New materials had to be used for civilian clothing. DuPont introduced Nylon in 1938, which was a great replacement for silk. Gradually, it began to be used for the war as it served the same purpose as silk. American cotton became a preferred option for casual fabric. When the wool blends were introduced, they saved plenty of wool to be used for military purposes. 

Around this time, synthetic fabric rayon was widely popular. Its thicker version was used for suits and coats instead of wool. Day dresses were made using the softer and silkier version. Shirts and jackets became plain and practical, while skirts were shorter and tighter.

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