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Knits to Celebrate the Olympics

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olympic knitting patternsThe Winter Olympics are right around the corner, and if you’d like to celebrate with knitting there are lots of options available, from knitting the Olympic rings on a project to using your knitting to cheer on your favorite team.

DeAnza Jig knit a fun Olympic ring washcloth for the 2012 Games, but you could easily change the date or leave it off. Bolette J. Ohms also has a washcloth with the Olympic torch on it. So cute!

The Homemade Mama whipped up some adorable knit medals that are perfect for kids who want to pretend they’ve won the gold. And Kathy Murray’s Olympic Ring Necklace would be great for kids or adults who want to show their Olympic spirit.

For a slightly more subtle version of the rings, try the Olympic Bracelet from Yarn Birdy. It uses a fun sparkly yarn to evoke gold medals.

Searching on Ravelry I found lots of knits in support of Team USA and Team Canada but not much else. If you’re from another country you could use these patterns in different colors without the national symbols to make a project that will support whatever team you fancy.

Check out Marlene’s Patriotic Earflap Hat, the USA 2014 Hat by Ann Schneider or Jenni Propst’s Team USA Sochi Hat to support Team USA. The Go USA Hat by Heidi Rosin could easily be altered for another country, as could the Mitts for Medals by Jean Anderson. Oh, and there’s my USA Hat, too, which is ripe for alteration.

Canadian patterns include the O Canada Mittens from Vicky Taylor-Hood and the O Canada Toque by Candise Wilde.

Do you plan any Olympic knitting? I’d love to hear what you’re working on!

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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.