Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Giveaway! Nicky Epstein, Knitting a Kiss In Every Stitch.

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This book was so much fun to look at. Chock full of simple, quick to knit, gift projects for everyone on your list. I know, you’ve heard that before, but seriously, Everyone! Scarves for your guy. Hats for your kids. Purses, socks, even a scarf for your dog! It’s a great book, my favorite project is the Charitible Gift Afghan done in pinks, reds and whites. Probably not a quick knit, that one, but definitely worth putting in the “gift” category.

To add to it, Nicky has given us a couple of her tips to pass along:

Tip 1:
When you plan to duplicate-stitch the motifs on your project, knit loosely to allow the duplicate stitches to settle into the fabric easier. Or, if the garment is knit on the tight side, split or pull out a strand of the yarn to make it thinner, or just use a thinner yarn to work the duplicate stitch.

Tip 2: Borrow From Baby
If you have purchased or handmade baby sweaters that no longer fit your child, you can use them to clothe their stuffed animals, as a tea cozy, or an adult hat by tying the sleeves together at the top.

This is a hard cover book with 35+ patterns. You can get the book, here: http://www.sixthandspringbooks.com/product_info.php?cPath=2&products_id=382

or, and here’s the fun part…. you can win it! Just leave me a comment telling me what my favorite color is. Come on, if you’ve been reading for awhile this is a no-brainer!

Obligatory stuff: This book comes from a smoke free, but not ever, ever, ever pet free home. Oh, and the contest ends Friday, March 26, 2010.

Comments

  2. Your favorite color is green. I know that because I have the same “problem” with green !!!! Is there any other color?

  3. I think your favorite color is green because you mentioned green for the sweater vest and the wrist warmers!

  15. I think your favorite color is green – in reverence to the beautiful Tuscany landscape you love so much!

  19. I’d love a chance to win this book – please enter me (your favorite color is green)!!

    Thanks 🙂

  20. I have been all over your blog and can’t find your favorite color. I am going to guess PURPLE.

    I’ve bookmarked your blog, though. You have great photos, even some free patterns and I think I just have to buy your knitted flowers book.

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    (Oh, wish that your blog had a “search” box.)

  24. the previous comments said green… it must be green. but I’ m sure you also love purple and why not yellow….

  28. Your favorite color is green. Thanks for the chance to win such a great book. I have my fingers crossed….there are so many patterns I would love to try!

  31. I guess green. I hope I win the book even though I don’t really like the color green. Blue is my favorite! I like anything blue!

  34. I love ALL Colors. . . . but at the moment turquoise is my favorite. Love to win and thanks for a great blog.

  36. I’m quite sure your color is green, and I will keep that in mind while I am out shopping for Ferraris. Mine is blue, should you be likewise occupied!

  37. I’m guessing your favorite color is green. The grass here in WI will soon be turning green!

  38. I would love this book. I think your fave color is green. Mine is orange. Or pink. Or blue

  42. My favorite color is that wonderful golden green that trees turn at sunset, so I bet your favorite color is green as well, its only the best color!

  43. Sounds like green is your favorite color. You’d probably love the new green paint in office. 🙂 Would love to win the book!

  45. Nicky Epstein is a knitting goddess. Her designs are always spot on.
    How about green?

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.