Friday Fun: Hospice Yarn Bombing, Mr. Rogers’ Sweaters and More

It seems like I have a bunch of little things to talk about that have piled up from my vacation last week, so let’s do a bit of a lightning round, shall we?

The First Fall Knitty is out, which seems a little crazy when it’s not even officially summer yet, but I know we knitters need time to work on projects before the season hits. Lost of fun shawls and cowls, a knit tie, a really pretty hat and some sweaters and other good stuff, too. I like Bosco, and Romi’s gorgeous knit rainbow earrings. I might be making some today, even though I hardly ever wear earrings.

A tree and the lawn around Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court hospice in Gloucestershire were secretly decorated with knitting and crochet, apparently by someone who had used the hospice’s services. The tree was yarn bombed with flowers and little stitched people were set out beneath the tree having a tea party. What a lovely gesture of whimsy that brought lots of smiles to people’s faces.

All of us of a certain age probably love Mister Rogers, and as knitters we should love him even more for his cardigans (which his mom knit for him; cue the “awww”s). Owen Phillips at the Awl recently shared that Tim Lybarger at Neighborhood Archive has charted the colors of the cardigans worn by Mister Rogers in every episode of his show from 1979 to 2001. There were just three episodes in that time when he didn’t wear a sweater. His favorite colors? Green and red. I don’t know why we needed this information, but I’m still glad it’s available. Check it out!

[Photo: Gloucestershire Live.]

Looking for more knitting patterns for knitted Cardigans? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get, well, knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next.

Looking for Yarn online? Check out Lionbrand our preferred source for purchasing yarn online.

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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