Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Knitting Stuff Giveaway!

by

Part of cleaning out my various knitting baskets/boxes/rooms/stashes… involves finding things that I currently have no use for. A lot of these things are new, some slightly used, none will be damaged. They may or may not include books, patterns, needles, yarn, gadgets, whatever I find and throw in the box by Dec. 31, 2008 will be shipped off to a lucky commenter!

So comment away, just be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!

Slipper/boot update. I felted the first part last night. Something went wrong, part of it felted beautifully, part of it  not. Remembered I changed yarns halfway through the foot, so tonight, I’ll cut that part out, and sew in another piece, knitted and felted from the same yarn as the rest. Also the fuzzy white yarn at the top? Yeah, not so good. So I’ll maybe spin some white yarn to replace that, or maybe not, depends on how ambitious I get. Stay tuned for more updates!

Don’t forget to comment!

Comments

  3. Good luck with the felting! I’ve been wet felting some dreadlocks for a project and the merino wool isn’t cooperating.

    I hope I win the stash – I gave most of mine away in the move out and I’m just barely starting over.

  5. I love knitting.
    I don’t care for felting. I hate seeing all the hard work and beautiful stitches get smooshed.

    I am working on my own stitch design for a baby – car seat afghan. I like reversible stitches – where both sides of the item looks nice.
    Sheryl

  8. Win or lose, I’ve really enjoyed the posts you’ve given us since taking over this little gem on the Internet.

    Felting. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. They should call it animal fleece-based karma experience, don’t you think?

  11. I always find that getting rid of things I no longer use always energizes me, for some reason. Count me in for the giveaway. I’m not a knitter…yet, so if you have anything that could get a beginner started…pick me.

  15. I use so many leftover pieces of yarn as I do picture knitting (intarsia) and make up cushions and wallhangings. At times you really only need a small amount of a colour to finish up a project but have to go out and buy a full ball to do it. I would love to take up your leftovers and they would be put to good use.

  17. A mystery giveaway – involving fiber goodness – what better way to start the new year? Thanks!

  18. I sympathize with the felting not working! I just ripped out (3rd time) a cowl/hood for my mother-im-law! This time it will not be twisted, too tight, or too stiff!
    I’d love to get some of your excess knitting stuff- please enter me.
    Thanks and luck.

  19. yippee! yay for fluff! our family has moved cross country 3 times in the last6 months (lotsa. moving. yep, military.), and i have not been able to find a good yarn shop yet. i would LOVE to get what you don’t need, as i am currently suffering from new yarn withdrawal. thanks for the chance at this!

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.