Winter Knitty is Live

It’s one of the best days of the winter season today, because the new Knitty has just been released. And this one is extra special because it’s the 50th issue of the long-running online knitting magazine. Here’s to 50 more, and many more beyond that.

This time around you’ll find musings on prejudice by Donna Druchunas and a slouchy Baltic-inspired hat designed by Susan Santos; a pep talk and historic knitting pattern for gloves from Franklin Habit; and a set of super-sweet gifts using granny squares, if you happen to crochet as well.

The Dr. Quackers toy really just cannot be resisted (he’s a duck worked in textured stripes and designed by Elizabeth Collins), but I also love Becky Collins’ awesome striped dress Folie à deux. And while I say it’s a dress you can really go your own way with it, making it a sweater or a short-sleeved top, with stripes that vary or are consistent in width, worked flat or in the round. It’s all up to you!

Other great projects include the Winter Doldrums pullover by Carla Pletzer, which is a great bold circular yoke sweater sure to entertain in the knitting and keep you warm in the wearing; Laurie Osborne’s Kayak Cowl, worked in pretty double basket stitch (such a great idea for a cowl!); the double knit Giga Cowl worked in gray and bright green in a cool chain-like pattern by Kalliopi Aronis; and the Comber Shawl by Joyce Fassbender, a reversible lace triangle worked from the center out (I particularly love the self-striping version).

There’s probably something for everyone here, so I’d love to hear what you like, too.

[Photo via Knitty.com.]

Looking for knitting patterns for knitted Cardigans? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Looking for pullover and sweater patterns? Check these books out.

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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