Knit a Blanket to Bring Color to Your Mornings

No matter how many blankets I am working on or have finished — knit or crochet — I feel like there’s always room for another one. Blankets can make great gifts or charity projects, and it’s also just lovely (for me, anyway) to have a handmade blanket in every room of the house.

So while I have at least three blankets “in progress” right now, I’m sorely tempted to cast on a Good Morning Blanket from Purl Soho.

If you take one look at it I’m sure you’ll feel the same way.

This luscious, colorful blanket looks so squishy in garter stitch, and it gives you practice with the log cabin technique, which you’ll want to use again and again once you learn it (this is such a fun way to use stash, for example).

The version shown here is worked in a 100 percent cotton that’s light worsted or DK weight, and the throw blanket size uses 32 colors (plus the main color, which is the large white block). Assuming you don’t want to buy all of that yarn in one go, you can use whatever yarn (and weight from DK to a heavier worsted) you have on hand for this one. The contrast color balls come in 58 yard/53 meter skeins so you can probably use a lot of little odd balls from your stash to make this one.

You can also change colors more or less frequently or use these techniques to make a blanket that is larger or smaller. The pattern includes instructions for a throw and a crib-sized baby blanket, which uses five contrasting colors along with the main color.

This looks like such a fun project, and once you get the idea down it’s smooth knitting because it’s all garter stitch. It’s a perfect TV project or for whenever you need something that doesn’t take much thought.

You can get the free pattern from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]

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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