Knitting

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Boost Your Knitting Skills with this Collection

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knitting skill booksI’m really trying to clear out a bunch of knitting books because I’m not sure I’m going to keep doing giveaways (at least weekly ones) in the new year, so this week is a big one.

It includes four books:

Beginner’s Guide to Lace Knitting by Rita Weiss

Beginner’s Guide to Knitting in the Round by Kristin Omdahl

I Can’t Believe I’m Entrelac Knitting by Marly Bird

Take the Fear Out of Cables by Jill Wright

That should keep you going with new skills and fun patterns for a while.

If you’d like to win these, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, Nov. 19. I’d love to know which of these particular skills you most want to learn, or, if you know them already, who you’d like to teach them to.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

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Comments

  1. I’d like to win these, and me and my mum could spend hours of quality time together knitting

  7. I would like to learn all of it!!! I can do basic stiches but thats it, so this is awsome for me!! fingers crossed!!

  10. These are some great books. I love the lacy patterns. I am an elementary school counselor and have began to teach a few of my students. I am on a mission to teach a whole new generation love of knitting. I do not have much experience with entrelac or cables and would love the opportunity to get better. This is one big giveaway I would be excited to win!!

  11. Cables and lace knitting are both on my list for learning this next year. Would love to win!

  12. The Entrelac looks very interesting! Would like to learn that and do a refresher on the cable stitch. Love the headband ear warmers, too!

  14. My Mom and MIL were fantastic knitters during their lives. I can barely knit above the knot stage. The lace knitting looks like a great book

  16. I am teaching myself to knit and these books would be a great boon especially the knitting in the round book.

  21. I REALLY want to learn Enterlac! I am knitting hats for my granddaughters on round needles … I probably should have researched this technique a little better before I tried it. I’m also teaching my oldest granddaughter and her best friend how to Knit. Then I can learn lace …

Have you read?

Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern – A Cozy Little Gift Project With Old-Fashioned Charm

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.