Knitting

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My Last Project of 2012

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slip stitch scarfI’ve been meaning to share this project for a while because it was so fun and the yarn is so lovely that I wanted to talk about it.

Back in early December I went to the Arkansas Fiber Arts Extravaganza (which you can read more about on my blog, and see a video of all my luscious yarn purchases, too!) and one of the yarns I bought — the first one, actually — was this colorful skein of merino, silk and sparkle from Magic and Moonshine. The yarn is called Fairy Dust, colorway Sunday Kind of Love.

I was so attracted to it that I really wanted to start knitting with it right away. But I was knitting these mitts (over and over and over) so it wasn’t until the evening of the last night that I finally cast on with this yarn.

I wanted something simple, a scarf that I could wear on dreary days that would make me smile, and also something quick to knit.

I settled on Christine Vogel’s Drop Stitch Scarf, which is actually shown worked in a similar yarn to mine. The stitch is called seafoam stitch, and it almost couldn’t be easier.

Because of that, I did get a little bored the last day or two, but I love this scarf and I’m sure I’ll keep wearing it even after the weather warms up. You can check out my project on Ravelry, and why not friend me while you’re over there?

What was your last finished project of the old year? I’d love to hear about it!

Comments

  1. I love the bright colors in that yarn. It certainly will brighten up any old dreary, gray day. I think you picked a perfect pattern to show off the colors in that yarn. I think the last project I finished in 2012 was my Advent scarf or a pair of fingerless mitts.

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.