A Shawl to Knit to Get through the Current Calamity

I generally write most posts for Craft Gossip several weeks in advance of when they go live, so I’m writing this not knowing what calamitous events might be happening in the world or in your life when you read it. But I can pretty safely assume, given the current timeline, that something will be happening to stress you out, and you might just need the calm of some straightforward knitting and a super pretty project that doesn’t take a whole lot of thought.

Corin Purifoyis here for you in the form of their Calamity Shawl, a simple triangle worked in Andalusian stitch (a simple knit and purl combo that I don’t think gets used enough) along with some eyelets, mesh and it looks like a bit of garter stitch, too.

It’s meant to be worked holding two strands of super fine yarn together, but you can also use a worsted weight yarn by itself, or really whatever weight you want since it’s a triangle, you can just make it whatever size you want or work until you’re about to run out of yarn.

The pattern starts with a garter tab, which is a fun little technique that’s super clever.

The original includes tassels at the points of the triangle, which adds a bit of weight that might help it stay in place, but they’re totally optional. You could also add fringe, or just leave it plain.

This great little bit of comfort knitting will also wrap you up in warmth and comfort when the knitting is done, so you’ll be able to face whatever the world throws at you next with a little more ease. And you can wear it with anything, as a shawl or a scarf, so you’re sure to grab it on your way out of the house again and again.

You can find this pattern on Ravelry.

[Photo: Corin Purifoyis]

Another Great Simple Shawl to Stitch

Knit a Lace Shawl for Cooler Weather

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.

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