Knit a Cozy Pencil Skirt

If you live in a part of the world that’s going into cold weather, this one is for you. And even if it’s getting warmer where you live right now, this is a great pattern to keep in mind or make ahead for the cold season that will be back before you know it.

The Julia Slit Pencil Skirt by Kunbi Ayo-Okanlawon is a simple project in the best possible way.

It’s worked from the bottom up, starting with a flat panel to allow for the slit on one side, which is required for ease in walking in such a long skirt.

After that the piece is joined in the round for the rest of the body, and a slip stitch pattern adds interest to the field of stockinette.

It has an elastic waistband and some waist shaping and negative ease for a sleek fit.

The reason this is for the folks experiencing colder weather is that it’s knit with chunky yarn, which is great because it makes a big project like this go a lot faster. And I for one love the idea of a chunky wool skirt over a pair of leggings (maybe even knit leggings?) with a chunky sweater when it’s cold outside. Though it’s also super cute styled with a T-shirt and jacket like Kunbi did.

The skirt has nine sizes available, ranging from a waist circumference of 21 to 47.5 inches (that’s 53 to 121 centimeters) and a hip circumference of 29 to 57 inches (74 to 145 cm). Those are garment measurements, not body measurements; the Ravelry description says it has negative ease but I’m not sure how much. (I’m very interested in this one so if I knit it I’ll update to let you know!)

You can find this pattern on Etsy. And if you like the idea of knitting skirts I’ve shared another of this designer’s patterns before that might be better for folks heading into the warmer seasons, so check out the Hopeful Skirt too!

[Photo: Kunbi Ayo-Okanlawon]

Knit a Pretty, Lacy Skirt

Knit Yourself a Skirt with the Hopeful Skirt Pattern

Book Review – All-Year-Round Knitting for Little Sweethearts

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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