Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Sockupied – Spring 2011!

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Sockupied Spring 2011 is here. It’s great, even better than the last one. Along with the product reviews – all aimed at sock knitting, there are interviews and of course the patterns. But this emag is different. Along with the interviews there are videos. Interaction all over the place.

Little bits and pieces about the designers and editors, lots of links to references. Tutorials and videos of tips and techniques as well as ground breaking new ideas in sock knitting.

This emag, priced at $14.95 is different from the rest of the emags on the market. You won’t find any ads for cars, or laundry soap or even Trident gum. Nothing but knitting. All knitting all the time.

Read along as needles and yarns are compared and contrasted. Learn different ways to construct your heel, as well as the confidence to tackle your own ideas. The different cast ons and bind off tutorials are worth the price alone. There are 5 patterns, all with interactive links, tutorials, videos, slide shows, and designer info. There are reviews of the Knitting Workshop DVDs as well as Knitting Daily DVDs and video previews of the same.

Pretty enticing stuff, you can’t even imagine interactive features that these emags from Interweave don’t have. Of course, the heart and sole of any pattern book. 5 different patterns, with variations. One men’s sock pattern, one that could swing either way, and the rest for women.

My favorite? The Latvian Inspired socks, but I also had fun with the interactive argyle designing section. Did I forget to mention that? Do you like to mix and match colors? Yeah… that’s in there too!

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.