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Woman Sentenced to Knitting After Road-Rage Incident (Really)

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Road rager sentenced to knitting in Britain.I usually save the fun or strange knitting news for Fridays, but this one is so good I had to post it right away.

I’m not entirely sure I understand the reports coming out of Dundee (that’s in Scotland), but it sounds like Amanda McCabe wasn’t too thrilled with the way Clare Smith was driving, so she followed her in her car for miles, eventually boxing her car in, getting out and hitting Smith on the head.

But McCabe, who admits to hitting Smith, says she wasn’t acting out of road rage, but was only going to the knitting store.

The assault happened near The Knitting Pin, a specialty wool shop, the Telegraph reports.

And because McCabe said she’s a “keen knitter,” instead of being fined for her crime she was asked by the judge to produce knit items to be sold for charity.

Sheriff John Rafferty said she must return in five months with her knitting. He said it should “not be a meagre amount. You have committed a serious offence but you have a chance to do something useful with your time.” Her sentencing has been delayed until December when the judge will, er, judge her knitting.

What do you think of this sentence?

[Photo from Cascade News, via the Telegraph.]

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Comments

  4. It’s in Scotland, not England and we do have different laws to the Scots! Saying that, magistrates or sheriffs in Scotland, can be creative with some sentences! I like it as her fine is in the cost of the wool she will have to buy, but there will be something good at the end of it all.

  5. Regardless of what country this is from, since when is it o.k. to hit someone because you are on your way to a yarn store?? The article I’m reading says it wasn’t a “road rage” thing, she was just going to her yarn store. REALLY? Wow. Never thought of doing that. Going yarn shopping (or looking or for inspiration…..) NEVER has reduced me to acts of physical violence. Interesting….

  6. Haven’t heard about this in UK yet. If it is true, the judge has a sense of humour & is practical.Perhaps she could knit a sweater or a new wig.

  8. I love that Judge! With every stitch, this woman will be reminded that she harmed another human being but is given the opportunity of restorative justice now hopefully with some warm items for the less fortunate for those cold, damp Scotland winters!!

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.