A Treat for Your Feet ~ Vintage Socks!

Sock knitting mojo has returned! Do you believe in love at first sight? The minute I saw these socks I was in love. Vintage style? check. Knee highs? Check. Glitz and Glam? Check. This was the sock pattern I had been waiting for. Don't tell Steve.


I'll get to the socks in a minute. First, a little down time for all of us. It's been a tough start to 2010 for so many. When going through tough times it is more important than ever to take care of yourself so that you are better able to weather the storm with good grace.

For me 2010 has been difficult because I lost Mr Puffy and I'm having to work especially long hours. I miss that Mr Puffy always knew when it was time for a break. He would periodically insist that I get up from the computer and go for a walk or play. He brought fun into my life, and I miss him. We shared so much together, even bath time. Mr Puffy was a great one for bathing. He loved to sit by the tub keeping me company or on occasion having his own spa treatments.



It's not the same without him. But I do carry on. Since I have some new socks, I thought what a great time for a home pedicure! I really ought to do this more often. It's so relaxing. I turn on soothing music (usually a Sarah Brightman CD) and soak my feet for about 10 minutes in bath salts. I then give them a good rub a dub dub and apply various lotions and potions and I'm done. I don't make a big production of it. Keep it simple is my motto. You will agree, I am nothing if not a practical woman!

In the picture above you'll notice one of my hand knit washcloths. I love how soft these have become with time. You can find a post on knitting washcloths here. Knitting touches virtually every aspect of my life and brings comfort to me in countless ways. But I digress. Back to pedicures. After a nice soak your toes are ready for a cheerful polish. Nothing says "cheerful" quite like the color "Making Whoopie" (Lippmann Collection). At least, it always makes me smile.


Now that you've pampered your feet it's nice to finish up with some cozy socks! These socks are based on a vintage pattern originally published in Weldon's Practical Needlework, Volume 15 England, 1900. Nancy Bush (well known for her vintage sock designs) reworked this pattern to change it from an over the knee style to a traditional knee high. If you are concerned about keeping your handknit socks up (knee highs in particular) follow the advice of Murielle of Murielle Knitwear (link to her Etsy shop). She has recently launched a knitting blog "Murielle Handmade Knitwear." Murielle has generously shared some of her designer Tips and Tricks here on this blog over the years and before you knit knee high socks you should read her article, Keep Your Socks On! The Many Uses of Lycra.

Particulars: Evening Stockings by Nancy Bush; Piecework Magazine; US 1 Double pointed needles; 3 skeins Glimmer (black) by The Alpaca Yarn Company (97% baby alpaca/3% polyester). Modifications: None. However, if I were to knit these socks again I would not make the heel flap so long. I would probably reduce it by 4 or 5 rows. Further, if you are not an experienced sock knitter you probably should pick a light colored yarn for this project. I found that the dark colored yarn combined with the flecks of gold thread made it difficult to see the stitch definition for this lace pattern, which might be frustrating for a new sock knitter. The pattern was designed for the colorway "White House" and that is probably a better choice if you have any doubt.

Until next time, be well and love well. No matter how busy your life is, find 15 minutes to relax and give yourself a pedicure. We all need down time and you will feel better for it.