Knitting

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The Complete Idiots Guide To Knitting Illustrated Giveaway.

by

The Complete Idiots Guide to Knitting Illustrated by Barbara Morganroth
30 fun projects—from casting on to trying on!

Here is a step-by-step instruction book for beginning to intermediate knitters featuring 30 fun projects to wear or make for friends, including hats, mittens, scarves, neck warmers, shawls, shrugs, capelets, ponchos, wraps, sweaters, and more. Each project includes variations, recommendations, types of needles and yarn required, suggested substitutions, care and completion time.

• Features an eight-page, four-color insert with photos of finished projects
• Includes more than 150 step-by-step photos and illustrations

About the Author
Barbara Morganroth is a former soap opera and television writer who now makes her living as a cookbook and craft book writer. She has published more than 14 books, includingGingerbread: Things of Make and Bake, The Weekend Chef, and The 50 Best Cherry Recipes.
WIN WIN WIN

We are giving 3 lucky readers the chance to grab a copy of this book. For your chance to win simply enter here.

Competition Open – Worldwide
Competition Closes – August 15th.

Comments

  1. This is a most beautiful book and I have my fingers crossed for the competition. Very inspirational- I would be off on a yarn!

  4. I’d love to win this book. I’m teaching my granddaughter to knit and it would be a lovely gift for her.

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.