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Giveaway! New England Knits

by

What do you think of when someone says “New England”? Myself I think of storm swept beaches and rocks jutting out into the ocean, snowy landscapes, rolling hills in every color imaginable, big red barns, and of course cozy fisherman sweaters.

This book has all of that and more.  And not just sweaters but  vests, hats, bags and mittens too.

Cecily Glowik MacDonald and Melissa La Barre have teamed up to bring us 25 patterns with classic wearability and contemporary style for knitters of all skill levels.

This book is available over at Interweave Press on July 1, so you’ll be one of the first to get this. To enter, tell me what you think of when someone mentions a “New England Knit“. What’s the first thing that pops into your mind?

Leave me a comment! This giveaway is good until next Friday, July 2, 2010 (yes, I know, July already… deal with it!), when I will, with the help of my 65 lb lap-puppy pick a winner.

Ready, set, go……

Comments

  1. i can’t wait until this book comes out, i’ve been stalking the photos on ravelry and everything in it looks so gorgeous!

  2. Your description of “New England” is exactly what I picture in my mind’s eye. I think the sweaters would also look delightful with my high mountain desert as a backdrop!

  3. Well, the FIRST thing that pops into my mind is heavy and scratchy, but the second thing is classic styling.

  4. Having lived in New England my whole life, a New England knit is cozy and warm for wearing to November football games or light and airy for wearing for an evening walk on the beach.

  5. I think of sailboats, fishing boats, rugged waters and windswept cheeks. And the wool sweaters to keep everyone warm and dry. Thanks for the great giveaway!

  6. First thing that popped into my head was a big, cuddly fisherman’s sweater, with a turtleneck! Yum.

  7. I think of woolly natural yarns and fisherman sweaters, the book looks amazing btw…

  8. I think of fall back in New Hampshire curling up with blankets made by my Great Grandmother and my Grandmother. I also think of my daughter’s first fall in Maine, snuggled up with those same blankets!! I moved away from New England 2 1/2 years ago, and seeing the patterns in this book reminded me of some of the things I miss most about home! Thank you for such a great giveaway!!!

    Cheers!
    Sharon

  12. “New England Knits”? I think of bulky cable sweaters in cream colored wool, photographed near the shore.

    The projects in this book look wonderful. I’d love to win a copy.

  15. I think of chill winds outside while I am warm with hot chocolate and cozy sweater inside. I would knit everything in this book.

  27. Definitely some cozy sweaters, knit in fall colours with lots of detail. This book looks fantastic!

  32. When I think New England Knits, I think classical and warm outfits. I think of a cup of tea/coffee and knitting my the fire on a brisk fall evening. I think wool and alpaca cuddled softly against my hands as I knit something for my mother, boyfriend, or (selfishly) for me!

  35. I have been drooling over this book ever since the previews were released!

    The title makes me think of stormy ocean waves crashing on beaches. Same as you, I guess!

  38. new england knits brings soft, cozy sweaters and hot tea in the snow to mind 🙂

  44. To be honest, I think of thick, warm, gansey sweaters. Or maybe a novelty sweater with an intarsia lobster.

    …I hope this book really sincerely changes my mind, since I think a New England knit could be quite chic!

  46. Big thick wonderful sweaters for walking by the ocean – that’s what New England sweaters says to me! The patterns are so individual with great lines and design.

  47. Big thick wonderful sweaters for walking by the ocean – that’s what New England sweaters says to me! The patterns are so individual with great lines and design.

  48. When I think of a New England Knit I think of the ocean waves and pretty shades of blues and greens:)

  49. I am really excited about the New England Knits book! There are some awesome sweaters in there!

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.