Joan McGowan-Michael

eBooks available as Ravelry Downloads

eBook : 1 pattern

This ebook contains patterns for knitted edgings taken from a found, handwritten notebook c. 1899. These have been translated into modern knitting terms and are portrayed in both chart and written form.

eBook : 3 patterns

This Ebook features three beautiful styles of warm-weather footwear, all in lacy stitch patterns. All are worked from the toe-up to provide ample opportunity to try on as you knit. Feel free to extend the taller socks higher or stop knitting right at the ankle for lacy footies.

eBook : 3 patterns

Our new Ebook, Sweet Dreams, contains three pretty styles to add to your sleepwear wardrobe!

eBook : 3 patterns

Using vintage patterns to knit authentic retro styles can be such fun and adds such spice to your wardrobe!

Patterns available as Ravelry Downloads

Knitting: Cowl
The brocade-like stitch pattern on this plush Fairisle cashmere cowl is taken from an antique book of Russian embroidery motifs found in a favorite used book store.
Knitting: Headband
This pretty headband is worked in the Fair-Isle method and comes in sized for girls or ladies.
Knitting: Tee
This cute Asian-inspired tee features beautiful vintage bead embroidery in a floral motif. Simple stockinette provides a perfect canvas for your bead art.
Knitting: Applique / Embellishment
Start this project with your own tee shirt.
Knitting: Cardigan
Bring on the drama with Joan McGowan-Michael’s lacy bat winged cocoon wrap,
Knitting: Cardigan
This pretty cardigan is a lovely way to top off your favorite jeans or dress slacks. It’s lacy panels and feminine sleeve treatment render it fancy enough for a dinner out or for entertaining at home. Short row shaping instructions are included for a variety of bust sizes.
Knitting: Dress
This stunning serape striped set conjures images of the American Southwest and the beauty of New Mexico and it’s people. Get out your turquoise, silver and cowgirl boots and enjoy the flattery and romance of this lovely set.
Knitting: Intimate Apparel - Other
Knitting is sexy?!
Knitting: Coat / Jacket
Carly is a dramatic, long lace duster in a very easy lace stitch pattern suitable for beginning lace knitters.
Knitting: Scarf
This lovely cashmere scarf will take you into Spring and Summer with it’s light weight and lacy stitches.
Knitting: Vest
This airy lace vest follows feminine curves prettily without clinging and dresses up any top and skirt or pant combo.
Knitting: Coat / Jacket
The 70’s is one of my favorite fashion eras with it’s bohemian styling and gypsy/rock star aesthetic.
Knitting: Pullover
Knitting: Tee
This lovely top is a surefire way to get noticed while staying cool and pretty.
Knitting: Pullover
This pretty pullover has all the charming details you’ve come to expect from White Lies Designs. Wear it over your prettiest camisole and a floaty skirt for any special occasion.
Knitting: Underwear, Sleeveless Top
Knitting: Thigh-high
Knitting: Pullover
Knitting: Cardigan
This feminine wrap is an elegantly antique way to top jeans or a bare dress. Light, lofty, hand-dyed cotton yarn give the deep shawl collar and cutaway hemline a luxurious drape. Worn open and loose or wrapped and curvy (closed with our pretty shawl pin), anything you wear it over will be sure to thank you!
Knitting: Cardigan
The Leticia cardigan is the perfect foil for your prettiest camisole and favorite necklace.
Knitting: Dress
Worn together or as separates, Julianne makes the most of your womanly form.
Knitting: Vest
This lacy vest is an attractive layering piece for cooler weather. The lace panelled front ends in a weskit bottom formed with short rows, the body has slight waistline shaping and is buttoned at the front.
Knitting: Pullover
Knitting: Pullover
From the pattern notes:
Knitting: Cardigan
Our curvy retro-styled jacket features plenty of feminine wiles!
Knitting: Coat / Jacket
Pattern combines knitting and crochet. Size G crochet hook.
Knitting: Sleeveless Top
Hemline on the rise? Big bust and tiny ribcage?
Knitting: Cardigan
We’ve taken a classic cardigan shape, sprinkled it liberally front, back and sleeves with eyelets and bobbles, nipped the waist with some deep ribbing and scooped out the neckline for just a touch of decollette’.
Knitting: Tee
My Frida blouse is a nod to the amazing boho fashion sense of 20th century artist Frida Kahlo.
Knitting: Pullover
This unusually styled top features a fan-shaped bodice, a deep-V neckline, and 1940’s pin-up styling!
Knitting: Cardigan
A gorgeous heirloom quality lace jacket that is worth the investment of time. Hem and sleeves flare to reveal embossed leaves hidden in the godets. The leaves are echoed on the shawl collar.
Knitting: Coat / Jacket
This curvy cardigan is a pretty, tailored style that gives you an hourglass shape whether you have one or not!
Knitting: Pullover
This vintage-inspired design makes the most of feminine assets with a bustier-like body and an illusion bodice and sleeves.
Knitting: Coat / Jacket
This is a re-interpretation of a 1940’s bedjacket, with updated details for a modern yarn gauge and in an extended size range.
Knitting: Cardigan
Flattery will get you everywhere in this elegant Victorian-inspired cardigan. Lace trimmed 3/4 length sleeves make every charming gesture worthy of a second look whether sipping tea or hailing a cab.
Knitting: Pullover
Gillian is a pretty tee that features undulating cables, duplicate stitch embroidery, and a cool mesh stitch for the sides and sleeves.
Knitting: Feet / Legs - Other
These pretty, cabled stockings are knitted from the toe up on two straight needles, then seamed up the back and across the underside of the toe.
Knitting: Sleeveless Top
The Amanda Pullover is a lacy confection of a top, guaranteed to revitalize your warm weather wardrobe.
Knitting: Skirt
We at White Lies believe that any time you get dressed is a great time to show off curves.
Knitting: Shrug / Bolero
Error:My Grandmother’s Knitting Book Page 87
Knitting: Christmas Stocking
This elegant Christmas stocking is knitted flat on two needles, embroidered in duplicate stitch and then seamed up the back.
Knitting: Skirt
This is the perfect basic skirt for every wardrobe.
Knitting: Intimate Apparel - Other
This sultry two-piece set will twist him all up just like the pretty cables that nip your waistline.
Knitting: Tee
This pretty tee is a perfect welcome to warmer weather.
Knitting: Coat / Jacket, Cardigan
This extremely cozy jacket is one you’ll reach for all winter long.
Knitting: Cardigan
Prosecco is a flattering, romantically styled jacket pattern that features a slightly shaped body, bracelet length sleeves, and a beautiful wide lace edging and collar.
Knitting: Coat / Jacket
This romantically styled sweater jacket is a fine cover up for Fall and beyond.
Knitting: Cardigan
This little cardigan is a great cover for a bare top or dress, or a sweet topping just by itself. Its shaped body and flattering vertical lace panels show off some feminine curves. Tiny front pockets provide a place to put that handsome gentleman’s business card.
Knitting: Underwear, Intimate Apparel - Other
Stockinette and lace meet in the middle of this sweet and sexy camisole. Wear it with its matching lace trimmed boy-short for lounging, or pull it on over jeans for a sunny summer look.
Knitting: Underwear
This pretty little thong makes a great gift for both he and you!
Knitting: Pullover
Zelda is a pretty vintage-styled pullover with all the shape a pinup princess needs!
Knitting: Pullover
This romantic top includes a sweetheart neckline, empire shaping and plus- sizing.
Knitting: Thigh-high
These pretty Victorian-inspired stockings are a lovely way to show off a well-turned ankle.
Knitting: Cardigan
Get your bobble groove-on with the dramatically curvaceous Ruby!
Knitting: Pullover
Join the Evangeline Knitalong here!
Knitting: Underwear
This sinfully sexy fitted cami shows off not only your devastating curves, but your knitting prowess as well!
Knitting: Sleeveless Top
Wear this sexy little top for lounging, sleeping, or with jeans over a snug T shirt or tank
Knitting: Tee
This quick and easy top is a suitable knit for advanced beginners. It features a pretty sweetheart neckline with bust gathering, side shaping and tiny knit-in cap sleeves.
Knitting: Scarf
This lovely lace scarf is an elegant way to stay cozy through cold weather.
Knitting: Vest
WLD’s retro waistcoat is a new interpretation of a 1940’s design. The shapely fit and deeply scooped neckline give any outfit that sexy secretary style. 3-D grapevine embellishments and a tiny watch pocket complete the fine vintage look.
Knitting: Bra
From Knitting Lingerie Style:
Knitting: Coat / Jacket
From Knitting Lingerie Style:
Knitting: Underwear
These flirty boyshorts will keep you cool, covered and sexy!
Knitting: Sleeveless Top, Shrug / Bolero
Retro-Ribby Twinset
Knitting: Tee
Pattern Krista is sold as a leaflet on the White Lies Designs website.
Knitting: Tee
This pretty fitted tee shows off your curves as well as your knitting prowess.
Knitting: Sleepwear
Knitting: Cardigan
This flirty top is shaped to fit your hourglass curves.
Knitting: Thigh-high
Even the knitter who is double pointed needle or lace impaired can bang out these sexy, seamed, lacy stockings in a weekend.
Knitting: Sleeveless Top
The shaping in the simple tank will make it a great layering piece. The deep square neckline shows some skin to keep your boobs visually separated and elongates your neck.  It’s nipped in at the waist and the short-row enhanced chest reduces the bulk so it’s a great layering piece.  But if you wear it alone, no worries - it’s designed to cover ...
Knitting: Thigh-high
Elevate your fashion quotient thigh-high with these stretch beauties! Layer them over colored tights or bare skin for the most glamorous gams around.Worked from the toe up.
Knitting: Intimate Apparel - Other
Please note that the Etsy downloadable version contains instructions for extra sizing to fit up to a 33” waist, not offered previously in the Knitty version.
Knitting: Coat / Jacket
Straight out of a Currier and Ives print, this romantic swing-cut jacket begs to cuddle you on a cold winter’s night.
Knitting: Tote
Finished bag size 13-14” wide x 3.5” deep.
Knitting: Cardigan
We offer two charming views of this lacy, crochet-look style.
Knitting: Intimate Apparel - Other
Knitting: Cardigan
What to wear when Winter is fading but Spring has yet to warm the mornings and evenings?
Knitting: Pullover
Finished Sizes:
Knitting: Pullover
From Interweave Knits: Joan McGowan-Michael turned to her husband for design inspiration for this handsome pullover. Based on his description of the ideal sweater for woodworking on a cool summer morning, she chose a cotton/linen yarn for comfort; side slits, notched neckline, and raglan styling for ease of movement; and a simple stitch pattern...
Knitting: Dress
This darling girl’s dress comes with a knitted pair of shorts to wear underneath.
Knitting: Backpack
Size: 7” wide x 7” high x 15” deep.
Knitting: Coat / Jacket
Feminine cable detailing and form flattering shaping make this 40’s inspired suit a must have for any special occasion.