Knitting

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Knitting and the Olympics

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hannah kearneyThere’s no question that knitters love the Olympics, if for no other reason than that they allow us to sit for hours in front of the television, knitting, in the name of patriotism. But knitting and the Games are connected in other ways.

One of the most shared images from the first full day of the Games (for fiber lovers, anyway) was the picture of the Finnish snowboard slopeside coach knitting at the top of the course. Word has it the coach and players are working on a scarf that will be handed off to Finland’s Summer Olympic team when it heads to Rio in 2016. How cool is that?

I’ve been told there are a few knitters among the contenders for Team USA (and no doubt for other countries as well. Figure skater Gracie Gold knits and snowboarder Jamie Anderson crochets (check out a piece with her from Interweave Crochet), as well as 2010 Olympics gold medal winner in women’s moguls, Hannah Kearney, who I actually interviewed before the Games last time around.

Another fun knitting and sport connection comes through Jimmy Beans Wool and Coats & Clark, which are the official yarn suppliers to the U.S. snowboarding and freeskiing teams, which means they get yarn, needles and patterns. At some ski events there’s even a tent where spectators and competitors alike can learn to knit.

And of course there’s the Ravellenic Winter Games, a challenge that has competitors knitting (or crocheting, spinning, whatever) a project between the time the Opening Ceremony happens and the end of the Games. I always want to participate and then have a million other things going on at the time, but I’m doing book knitting right now so the odds are good I’ll start and finish a project or two in this time frame.

How are you celebrating the Olympics? Do you watch and knit? I’d love to know what you’re working on!

Comments

  1. My Ravellenics event is Finishing — as in, getting the WIPs out of hibernation and doing whatever it takes to get them done, and as many of them as I can! I’ve washed & blocked two pieces, and woven in the ends, and completed the first of a pair of armwarmers (elbow length — what was I thinking?) and started the second. Tonite I’ll wash & block a wrap, so I can get the buttons on it before the Closing. And I’ll get out the sewing machine (!!!) to apply a ribbon facing to a cardigan so I can put snaps on it. Whew!

Have you read?

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.