Review: The Art of Landscape Knitting

Nature has a lot to offer in the way of inspiration to artists, and knitters are no exception. Anne Le Brocq used textures from the sea, forest, mountains and more to develop textured stitch patterns she shares in her book The Art of Landscape Knitting.

The patterns are arranged in different themes: terrain, beach, forest, mountain and weather. Each section includes patterns that evoke different things you might find in those areas. For example the forest section includes patterns designed to look like beech, maple or oak tree trunks, as well as large, medium and small versions of the leaves of each of those trees. There are also designs with a mix of leaves. The weather chapter has designs for rain and a variety of clouds.

Each of the patterns is written out in words and shown in a chart. You can work an individual square and combine different patterns into a blanket, or work a pattern as a panel to combine with panels of other stitches and colors, or you can knit a blanket using one allover pattern. The stitches are mostly all knits and purls so they are suitable for knitters of any skill level.

In addition to the blocks themselves, there are seven blanket designs that combine elements to show you how it might be done. You can stitch them as presented or sub in your favorite designs to make a blanket all your own.

The blanket pictured on the cover is called Sunny Beach, and it uses six different designs that can be worked either as individual blocks or in panels. Other designs evoke a summer mountain, stormy beach, bluebells in the spring woods, the deciduous woodland, a snowy mountain (the only blanket shown worked in a single color) and a pebbly beach. A few of the patterns can be see on Ravelry.

The patterns as shown use DK weight yarn, but you can use heavier or lighter weight yarn and adjust your sizing accordingly to make a blanket or squares the size you want.

These patterns are pretty and are sure to get knitters thinking about how to preserve their local landscape or a treasured place in knitting. You could make a cloud-covered baby blanket, a throw covered with fall-colored leaves, or a beach scene complete with footprints, pebbles and waves.

About the book: 144 pages, paperback, 50 swatches and 7 blanket patterns. Published 2023 by David & Charles. Suggested retail price $24.99.

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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