A Striped Shawl to Celebrate Progress

Admittedly this project might be a little large to stitch up to wear to Pride this year (especially since celebrations may have already happened where you live). But it’s a good reminder that Pride not just for June, so I still wanted to share the Follow Your Path Shawl from STEPHMADETHAT.

This arrow shaped triangular shawl is worked in light fingering/lace weight yarn (though of course you can use heavier yarn and it will come out a different size) in stripes in the color order of the progress flag, which includes black and brown, the blue, pink and white of the trans flag and the rainbow colors of the original pride flag.

The long side of the shawl has a divot in it that should make it easier to wear than a traditional triangular shawl, and it makes it a little more fun to knit, too.

The original was worked with mini skeins, or you can use leftovers from other projects if you happen to have the colors on hand. You can also alter the width of the stripes as needed depending on the yarn you have or how deep you want it to be.

Speaking of mini skeins, you can find more ideas for using advent calendar yarn or other mini skeins here. And there’s plenty more pride knitting patterns, too!

The pattern is worked in garter stitch so the stripes really are the highlight, and it should be pretty quick and easy to knit even with the lighter weight yarn. It would make a great TV or travel knitting project that you can wear throughout the year or save it for next year’s pride events. It would also make a great gift any time of year for someone in the LBGTQ+ community or an ally who supports them.

You can find the pattern on Ravelry.

[Photo: STEPHMADETHAT]

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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