Help Make it Better with Sandy Relief Craftalong

It wouldn’t surprise anyone to know there are a lot of crafting industry types (and home crafters as well, of course) who were affected by the superstorm they called Sandy. And as crafters, we often want to get in there and help in the best way we know how: by making something.

Stitch diva Brett Bara and her crafty pal Natalie Soud, who blogs at A Dose of the Delightful, decided they wanted to help and allow other to help through crafting. Of course a winter storm is now upon that region and the weather is getting colder all the time, so what people need most is those warm things that can bring such comfort — handmade socks, scarves, hats, wraps, mittens and more.

It’s a good thing most of these are really quick projects, because warmth is needed on the double. Crafters are asked to send what they have or to make (knit, crochet or sew) and send items as quickly as possible for delivery throughout the New York City area. Donations are being accepted immediately and for the near term, though you can check the websites listed above for more information on what’s needed and where to send it.

This crafty drive is being called a craftalong because a social aspect has been added to it through a Facebook page and hashtags that will let the world see the good you’ve done. Crafters are also encouraged to spread the word through their own blogs and in their crafty circles.

About this time next week — when my book is finally done! — I’ll be going through my cache of knit objects and finding some things to donate, and I hope you’ll consider giving if you are able as well.

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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