Sunday, February 21, 2010

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.

34 comments:

subliminalrabbit said...

what spectacular socks and adorable photo of mr puffy in his showercap. it is always important to keep the ears clean and dry!

foot spa treatments and tea... with some nice biscuits... take care of yourself. mr puffy would want that.

raining sheep said...

Claudia, I love your knee socks....I should make some. I have made lots of socks, but no knee socks! And pedicures are so much fun. Because I run so much, my feet always look icky!! I always seem to lose a toenail after really long runs - lost one after my marathon. Right now they are all there :) so maybe I should do a pedicure.

Kathleen said...

I love 'em. The socks are gorgeous! So glad you're moving on. Mr. Puffy will always be with you no matter what you do ;0)

Monika said...

I love your knee high socks! They look great in black with glitter! Awe, Mr. Puffy! Makes me tear up every time I see his picture.
Nice pedicure, the name of the nail polish made me laugh. I don't even own nail polish, maybe I should get some and follow your advise.

Anonymous said...

So nice to see Mr. Puffy again! On him, a shower cap is actually becoming. Our kitty is getting to the age where we have to spend $1000 to jump start her system to keep her going for another year. It is hard to just let nature take its course.

I think that color of nail polish really suits you. I used to wash my feet after work before going to my night job as a waitress when I was working for extra money. It made all the difference for some reason!
Ursula

Allie said...

Goodness those are pretty - I have a thing for socks. I love the pic of Mr. Puffy with his shower cap! I've never done a pedicure.....my feet aren't so pretty after surgeries, lol. Maybe that's why I like socks so much, keep them covered up.

Anita said...

Love, love, love the socks! And your foot spa sounds like a lovely idea. I should pamper myself more, I'm way too busy. And spend too much time on this computer! LOL

Such a cute photo of Mr. Puffy. :)

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

I'm so glad you guys like the idea of a pedicure ~ I wish we all lived close enough to have a spa day together!

Ursula, I'm sorry to hear that your Kitty is getting older (aren't we all - dang it all!*!). I hope that the treatment will give your kitty a new lease on life :)

Willow said...

Ahhh. A pedicure. That sounds lovely! Those knee socks look very inviting to knit. I agree that a lighter yarn would be easier to use. Thinking about your need to have regular breaks, I would suggest a timer. A Mr Puffy timer that barks at you instead of dinging. OK, off to gather stuff for a pedicure...

Rainey Day Knitter said...

I am so happy seeing Mr. Puffy with his bathing cap on there. Such a sweetie he was. Your pedicure and new socks are such a nice treat for your feet.

betty said...

Nice socks! I wish I could get into knitting socks, but other than running socks, I just don't like to wear them.

I don't do pedicures, but I do love my nightly bath! I think great thoughts in the tub.

Sue said...

Those socks look gorgeous on you. Very elegant indeed. Oh Mr. Puffy looks so cute in the shower cap, I can only imagine how lonely you must be without him. I am sure he is watching over you somewhere and smiling in his doggy heaven!

SissySees said...

What a fun post! I love Mr Puffy in the shower cap. I can't "do" my own feet though. The Knight used to, and I'd planned a pedi Saturday afternoon, but I was literally too tired from set-up, and went straight home for a quick nap before the gala. I still owe me a pedicure!

And those socks are perfect.

amanda said...

Pedicures make me think of warm weather....ahhhh. Glad to see you post to your blog. Mr. Puffy would be so happy that you're still writing and sharing your knitting with us. Hope every day is a little easiest than the last.

Kate (KnitsInClass) said...

Beautiful socks! Hand knit socks are always such a pampering treat for the feet, aren't they?

Saw a cutie-pie beagle at the Humane Society yesterday and thought of you and Mr. Puffy.

Miriam said...

Those are terrific knee socks ... I'd forgotten how lovely knee socks are until this past winter.

I tend to go get pedicures instead of doing them myself, but it's a regular habit I look forward to.

Dogs are great for reminding you that sometimes, it's just time to play and relax!

larissa said...

Love your knee highs - the black is so chic! the Mr. Puffy photo is adorable - these days I just have kiddos jumping in the tub which is why i mostly take showers. I need to take the time to give myself a pedicure - just because i'm living in boots these days doesn't mean i shouldn't have cute toes. Have a wonderful week!

SE'LAH... said...

those socks look oh so comfy. glad you are treating yourself a bit.

one love.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful socks! And a pedicure, how perfect to go with your new socks.

I can't imagine life without a dog. It breaks my heart for people that have never had a dog for a pet. (well I guess unless your a cat person). But still I"ve owned both dogs and cats, and somehow dogs always pick up on our moods. My boys are constantly trying to "help" me. And I truly believe, we don't own them, they own us! I swear my Django botched all his other adoption opportunities because he knew we were coming to get him. He just fits so well with our family.

I know it'll be a long time before the pain of losing Mr. Puffy has subsided to just happy memories. Of course I think there's always the twinge of pain too. Boy i'm not being very cheerful am I?

t does wool said...

oh,Claudia...I love your knee socks...and a pampering is what every girl need now and then.
and Mr Puffy...why his spirit is still with you...too cute in that shower cap!

Katherine said...

The toes are beautiful. The socks are amazing. Mr. Puffy is deeply missed! I know how busy it gets during this time of the year and try to do a lot of self-talk to maintain some balance. Thoughts of peace and calm are coming your way. (Also taking some to the office with me tomorrow!)

Bridget said...

Claudia this was such a happy post, it made me smile. From the picture of Mr P in the shower cap to the pedicure goodies and the great socks, it all just worked the way it should.

I love pedicures. On the rare occasion when I have treated myself to one at a salon, I always feel extremely decadent. Maybe it's 'cause when I do my own, I get as much polish on my skin as on my nails ... :-)

Bubblesknits said...

Those socks are absolutely gorgeous! And you're so right about taking time for a pedicure. :-)

Tracy said...

Evening stockings... ooo la, la... Those are dreamy and decadent--love the pattern and little bit of glitz in the yarn--dazzling socks, Claudia! I really loveed this slow-down, remember to pamper yourself post. A pedicure is always a treat! LOVE the scrumptious toenail polish--hot pink! And extra treats is this fun photo of Mr. Puffy... so happy to be seeing him again! :o) Mr. Puffy would be happy with all you're doing. I do hope the days will become easier, that work won't always be so hectic for... Take you time, and enjoy! ((HUGS))

Knitting Out Loud said...

I love everything about this blog post. Vintage socks! Hand knit wash cloths (providing a moment of joy in your day)! Importance of down time, and the wonderful photo of Mr. Puffy.

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Love the pedicure (cute pink toes). I so agree it's that when the going gets tough the tough should pamper thyself. Great socks, I can't seem to get into sock knitting myself but I keep buying sock yarn so we'll see if I ever make myself some :)

amanda said...

The knee highs are superb - Mr Puffy would have approved! :)

kim said...

These socks are incredible. So beautiful. The photo of Mr. Puffy is so perfectly sweet. Hang in there...

Hilary said...

Those socks are amazing! What is better than glamorous, lacy knee highs with SPARKLE?! Just awesome. And the photo of Mr. Puffy is classic! Gotta keep those ears dry...

knittingdragonflies said...

I love these socks, I would have never considered knitting knee highs, before I saw these! We miss Mr. Puffy!
Glad to see you are treating yourself, and I agree I love to use outrageous polish on my toes. I have knitted face cloths but kept none, I'm going to cast on one.
Thanks
Take care
Vicki

Michelle (Northernstar28) said...

How did I miss this post? Blame it on work! I know who much you are missing Mr. Puffy. I don't want to bring him up to much, like rubbing salt into a wound but I do think of him when I see your posts.

These socks are so pretty and thank-you once again for the great tips! You are the best in that department!

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for the loss of Mr Puffy. I know how dear our furry friends become. Keep taking care of yourself.

By the way, your socks look awesome.

Renee said...

Oh, Claudia! You are so right. Spectacular socks, a pampering pedicure and a faithful friend to share the time with. I'm going to go dig out my hot pink nail polishes that I just haven't made time for in months and go pamper myself. Thank you for the inspiration. Amazing that I need to be reminded what I need to do to have that taking care of myself mental impulsion. I thank you for the beautiful post, as do my feet! lol
Your socks are gorgeous!!

kaetrn said...

what a great post! my bellini also loves bath time- only if i am the one having the bath though! he is so strange, he loves to sit right next to the tub while i soak and read and relax. i know my puffy would approve of your pedicure and socks!