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Giveaway: Toe Up Socks by Wendy D. Johnson

by

Hang on to your socks, Wendy’s done it again!

Up for grabs I’ve got 2 books from Wendy. Now, they’re not new, they’re a bit used, because, you know, I did have to try them out to make sure they were good. Take one for the team and all that, so we have some smudges…

The reason I like toe up patterns is because I rarely buy enough yarn to complete a project. There’s all kinds of good intentions, really, but upon walking into a yarn store my ADD kicks in, the colors and textures overwhelm me and I start throwing stuff in my basket never really checking to make sure I have enough. With toe up socks, not a problem! Start at the important part and quit knitting when you run out of yarn! It’s a no brainer, and really works out well when you happen to be “pattern challenged”.

So, leave me a comment telling me why you want this set and I’ll draw from your comments next Friday, April 30, 2010. Ready, set, go!

Comments

  1. I knit and I am fairly good at it. I have been dying to try knitting socks but have been chicken. If you say these books are good that is good enough for me!

    PS I do the ADD thingy in yarn and fabric stores too.

  2. I would LOVE to win this set! I am just finishing (right now!) my first pair of toe-up socks. In fact, it’s my first pair of socks EVER! I am moving (back) overseas in just a few months and am stocking up on yarn and patterns for the next 3 years… I’d love to make these books part of my collection!

  3. I love her books. I can’t afford to buy them so I bugged my local library to purchase them. I keep checking them out but I would like my own copies to mark up with smilies and notes.

  4. I learned to knit three years ago, and have been hesitant to try socks. Knitting them from the toe up makes sense to me, and these books would be just the thing to get me started. Thank you for the giveway.

  5. I’d love to win these books as I’m just getting good with dpn’s and perhaps ready to tackle socks.

  6. I would love to get the books as I am starting into dpn’s and would love to learn new techniques, I would be the cream of my knitting group crop!

  7. Oh wow, these would be great patterns for me since I prefer knitting socks from the toe up to the cuff!

  8. I have been wanting to learn how to knit toe up socks and I think this would be a great place to start. Thanks for all the info!

  9. I think we all suffer from ADD when we’re in a yarn shop! I have never tried socks from the toe up and it sounds like the perfect solution. Thanks for the chance to win!

  10. I would love to win this set because I’ve just bought 6 skeins of sock yarn at a fabulous price and have no patterns! Wouldn’t it be great to have such a bargain as sale price yarn and winning the pattern?

  11. Toe up socks are my next challenge! I just finished my first top down sock this week(haven’t started the second yet). I’m looking forward to seeing how different the process is when starting at the other end.

  12. lol, is the fact that it’s my 40th birthday tomorrow good enough? No, i have been following wendys blog for a few years now and have yet to be able to get any of her books. I am in love with knitting socks though and love her designs, like so many others! So, just begging along with everyone else, Smile!!

  13. I’d love the set! I’ve knit one or two pairs of toe-up socks, but have never been completely sold on the fit. I’ve only done short-row heels, but I’ve realised that I need and love a proper heel gusset. I’ve heard that Wendy’s are brilliant!

  14. I have a friend who is wanting to learn to knit socks. I would love to give the book to her.

  15. Looks like I might be lucky #13! I’d love to have these books because there areen’t many patterns for men’s large sized socks out there. Going toe up means being able to adjust more easily.

  16. I love Wendy – she pointed me to your site at some point! I also love these books and would love to win them to share with my knitting group. I don’t share books I CAN’T lose, but if I had some slightly used spares?! AWESOME!!

  17. i knit socks, but have only done them top down… i have been looking for the perfect pattern to try some toe up socks with some of my handspun yarn!

  18. I’ve thought for a long time that I have adult A.D.D. or ooh how pretty syndrome. So at the moment I really need sock books for all the sock yarn I’ve been collecting…..ooh, did you see that. what was I talking about?…. uh, please pick me 🙂

  21. My favorite ways to knit socks is from the toe up. I follow Wendy’s blog and would love to see her books!

  23. My mom and I took a toe-up sock knitting class, as our first foray into knitting. It was my mom’s idea, I was just along to soak up the instruction and help her when she got stuck later. Started out great, but the instructor and the handouts left a little to be desired. We’d really like to give it another go, but I haven’t found a good toe-up book. I enjoyed socks more than I thought I would. Thanks!

  25. I would love a fun distraction…I’ve got the needles, the yarn…now I just need the inspiration!

  26. Oh, I love knitting socks toe-up! I have both of these books on my wish list since I am always looking for more fun patterns. There just aren’t enough toe-up patterns online!

  27. OK – so, I became a sock knitter when it was the furthest thing from my mind. Now I crank out a pair a week — did I mention I only started 6 weeks ago? I need something other than “plain vanilla” sock recipes or I’m going to burn out hard and fast. These books would definitely be the “Good Vanilla” I need (as Ina Garten says!).

  28. I’ve crocheted socks, but have always been intimidated by knitting socks. I read Wendy’s blog daily and would really like to try out her sock patterns 🙂

  30. I have only made cuff down socks before and would love to learn how to make toe up socks, I think that they’d fit better and I tend to run out of yarn partway through my projects too.

  31. I’ve learned top-down socks and have been dying to learn toe-up socks for the same reason — my ADD in yarn shops! Also, it’s the next big challenge that I want to take on. I follow Wendy’s blog and have been longing to get my hands on these books.

  32. I want to learn to knit socks – I’ve heard it’s easier to try toe-up, for the reason you mentioned but also because you can try them on as you go.

  33. Socks are one of the few things I’ve never tried to knit. I even have the yarn. Maybe these books would get me to pick the yarn up.

  34. Pick me! Pick me! At age 63 I’m just learning to knit socks. Bought the yarn, got the needles……really need these books!

  36. I’m moving to China in three months and amongst the very many things I need to sort out, pack up and generally organise is a good stash of yarn and patterns to help my state of mind(fulness) and sanity as I learn a new language, a new job and a new country! Toe-up socks are my favourites!

  38. Pick Me! I am 69 years young and just started sock knitting a few months ago. Old dogs can learn new tricks! Now after learning much (and ripping out much) through four pairs I am ready to tackle the “toe-up” method. Even one book would be a great help. Thanks for the give-away. Joyce

  39. Hello, you sound like a very generous knitter and my kind of gal. I just learned to knit socks, yeah!, this winter and have tried the toe-up sock several times and without success just from a written pattern. I think I can actually be successful if I had a ‘picture book’ as I’m a visual learning; being 64 doesn’t help. ha Thanks! Kay

  40. What does “Your comment is awaiting moderation” mean?
    My sister left a comment yesterday evening and it does not show. Mine showed up very quickly after I clicked Submit. Just wondered if there is a problem?

  41. I am 65 and a visual learner so could well use the book you are generousy offering to learn the art of toe-up knitting of socks. I tried a printed patterns and was not successful so know I need pictures to really learn this technique. Thanks! Kay

  42. I have been crocheting for a while. I am now starting to learn the skill of knitting. in the past couple years I have been blessed with 3 new grand babies (at the age of 44). I have been trying to learn so I can make special things for them. I have been intimidated by socks, but I am dying to learn.

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.