Knitting

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Get Ready for Fall and Winter with Handknits from Norway

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handknits from norway

The winner is Connie.

If you’re a fan of classic Norwegian knitting motifs — snowflakes, stars, geometric patterns and the like — but would also like to use those designs in less-than-traditional ways, you’ll love Handknits from Norway: Classic Norwegian Motifs in Modern Knitting Patterns for Men and Women compiled by Karen Marie Vinje.

The book includes classic patterns for ski sweaters, hats and gloves, but you’ll also find some more unusual designs like the short sweater with puff sleeves, which uses classic patterning on the cropped top of a sweater finished out in lace. There are tunics and dresses, bags and berets, and a few projects for men as well. (You can see the patterns on Ravelry, though this version of the book is not in English.)

If you’d like a chance to knit some of these patterns, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, Sept. 24. I’d love to know what you most look forward to about fall. Me? I love breaking out all the handknits again and snuggling under blankets with my daughter.

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

Comments

  1. I love how the nights draw in and even though it is too warm for heating, it’s cold enough for candlelight. The nights seem cosier and conducive to knitting.

  3. Since I live in the South, I most look forward to days below 90 degrees. Cool fall nights are the best and being able to knit projects without sweaty lap

  4. Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the return of cool, dry air, the intense colors of the forests here in Maine, and being able to wear the knitted items I have made. This is the time of year my knitting energy comes up, and it usually stays with me till hot weather arrives again.

  5. Waiting for the cooler weather and the beautiful fall trees. And SAFF! A little over a month and we will be headed to Asheville.

  6. Curling up on the couch covered in a crocheted afghan, knitting a hat, and having a cup of hot tea on the table next to me. Yummy!

  7. I love getting those handmade knits out in the cooler weather too! The sweater on the cover is fabulous!! I bet there are a lot of nice projects in this book! thank you!

  8. Autumn is my favorite season, too. I like to watch the leaves fall in my backyard. And I like to light my candles in the evening when it gets dark.

  9. I’m not crazy about fall – the days get short, grey and rainy here in Oregon while I crave the sun. But I do look forward to the crisp apples and fresh-pressed cider at the farmer’s market.

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.