knit.purl Replaces knit.wear, and a Giveaway

Interweave/F+W has had a special issue magazine called knit.wear for a few years, and the magazine has evolved with its latest issue to have a new name and design with the same editorial team. knit.purl is what the magazine is called now, and it is edited by Lisa Shroyer, who also edits Interweave Knits.

“We’re updating some older elements, and keeping the most important ones,” she said in a news release about the change. “The packaging has changed a bit, but at the end of the day, this magazine is all about clean, contemporary, intriguing knitwear.”

I really enjoyed looking through the new issue, on newsstands now. It includes a roundup of great bulky knitting yarns, which are completely on-trend this season. There’s also a story about Jasmine Gonzalez, a student at San Francisco’s Academy of Art University, who presented a collection of hugely chunky sweaters and sewn pieces at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. And you’ll learn about a Navajo plying method that allows you to make a three-ply yarn as you’re knitting, so you can turn a lightweight yarn into something bulkier with ease, and go back and forth between chunky and thin in the same project with the same yarn. That one’s going to be cool to play with.

In addition there are 23 patterns for sweaters, hats, mitts and cowls to get you through the cold season. I love the Spiral Pullover, pictured on the cover and designed by Cathy Carron. The Ply List Sweater by Michelle Hunter plays with that plying technique, making bulkier stripes mixed in with single-ply stripes. Ashley Rao’s Plumage Pullover is a pretty tunic with cascading feather patterns, while the Pintuck Cardigan by Bristol Ivy uses a tiny detail to make a sophisticated design that much more interesting.

I may need to knit Alice Tang’s Asymmetric Hem Pullover right away; it combines ribbing and garter stitch with uneven row gauges and a pointed hem to make a bold look. On the accessory front I love the Tilting Fair Isle Mitts and Hat by Mary Gehling, which have short rows that tilt the bands of colrowork. Check out all the patterns for yourself on Ravelry.

I happen to have an extra copy of this magazine to give away, so if you’d like it, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, October 12. Tell me which pattern you’d love to knit or what you’re most looking forward to knitting this fall and winter. (Congrats to winner Claire!)

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing and good luck!

Looking for knitting patterns for knitted Cardigans? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Looking for pullover and sweater patterns? Check these books out.

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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