Knitting New Winter Projects 2025 - post here

Melodi

Melodi

Disaster Cat
Well, I wasn't useless in the care home, just highly restricted. I started these while I was in there and finished the heal. I finished the toes this afternoon.

The pattern was basically in my head but is close to the "vanilla sock patterns" that float around the net and Ravelry.

Using Hobbie Sock Yarn

Cast on 64 stitches on size one needles
Knit 2 inches in 1k p1 ribbing

Switch to size 2 needles.

Knit in plain garter stitch for about four inches.s

Decrease at the back (K 2 tog knit around to last 3 stitches and K1, S1, PO).

Knit one or two rounds.

Repeat Decrease Row

You now have 60 stitches.

Knit about two or three more inches - repeat the above four rows.

You have now decreased by 8 inches and have 56 stitches.

Knit the rest of the sock to the length you want (this should be almost to the knee, but you can make them shorter if you like)

Make your favorite heel and knit a standard foot and toe - most simple sock patterns have instructions.

A Hand knitters Friendly Book of Patterns has several variations in different sizes and thicknesses of yarn. Though they are primarily
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socks rather than stockings with leg decreases.

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philkar

Veteran Member
Quite lovely! Deena in Georgia shared a pattern with me for baby blanket. Easy. lovely, and unique. Should be done by middle of the week and then I will start on a small stash of baby blankets. Our neck of the woods is quite productive right now and it will be spring planting before you know it. Picked up some yarn today but was wondering if I could find yarn on line. On my list of to-do's.
 
B

Border Collie Dad

Flat Earther
Oh, ok.

With a goal to never buy another tomato from the store, I started a hydroponic garden in my basement.
I am using the Kratky method.
No pumps.
5 gallon buckets in solution.
So far I have 5 tomato plants that are doing great.in two buckets.
The first 3 were put in solution Dec.8 and the last 3 on Dec. 18.
They are doing great.
The last ones have doubled in size and the first have tripled.
I need to start tying them up and pruning.

Also, just put 3 sweet peppers in solution yesterday.
I have lettuce, spinach, broccoli cauliflower, cucumbers and cantalouprs just started.
They're not quite ready to transplant.

I ordered 6 strawberries.

My grand science experiment.

Edited to add, I got a 3D printer a couple months ago and have monkeyed with it some, too.
I've printed a few things but haven't designed anything yet.
 
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Melodi

Melodi

Disaster Cat
psychgirl said:
Those are beautiful socks! I’d love a pair like that especially knowing they’re hand made!
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The yarn is sold worldwide by Hobbii, and it is the yarn that makes these so attractive. The pattern is pretty much a simple stocking pattern done in plain knitting (except for the back of the heel). It would work with any good self-stripping or patterning sock yarn. You can make a shorter version for an even more straightforward project without decreasing it. I think it is close to the Vanilla Sock Pattern on Ravelry.

I am a great fan of things that look complex but are pretty simple. Some people enjoy complexity in their craft work, but I tend to throw it across the room and do something else. On the other hand, like my ancestors, I see no need to make utilitarian objects like socks that are ugly when it is almost as easy to enhance them a bit.
 
M

MissionBend

Contributing Member
I love the socks you made! They are very pretty. My problem Is I am just learning to knit and not quite got a handle on it yet so I have been crocheting today on a temperature blanket for 2025. Last one (and only) I made was in 2017, but I figured in many ways 2025 is going to be quite historic so decided to do another one. The main problem will be when the spring time temps come in I really don't want to be doing any yellows, greens and oranges. I want to keep it as red, white, and blue with neutral other as possible.
(As if I need another afghan) LOL But it will be fun to do anyway. Need to go watch some more youtube vides on knitting socks some more..... :chg: ;) Stay warm!
 
Melodi

Melodi

Disaster Cat
MissionBend said:
I love the socks you made! They are very pretty. My problem Is I am just learning to knit and not quite got a handle on it yet so I have been crocheting today on a temperature blanket for 2025. Last one (and only) I made was in 2017, but I figured in many ways 2025 is going to be quite historic so decided to do another one. The main problem will be when the spring time temps come in I really don't want to be doing any yellows, greens and oranges. I want to keep it as red, white, and blue with neutral other as possible.
(As if I need another afghan) LOL But it will be fun to do anyway. Need to go watch some more youtube vides on knitting socks some more..... :chg: ;) Stay warm!
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That's why I posted the basic directions for this sock, as they are extremely easy (except I forgot the knit-pearl on the top cuff). There are some incredible patterns on Ravely, some of which are free. I suggest "Vanilla Socks" of if you have the money - as a new knitter-go to Amazon and get both Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Without Tears and Anne Budds A Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns.

While they have Kindle editions, and I have those for reference - in my view, EVERY Prepping Household should have hard copies of these two books, even if no one is a knitter. The why is that in a long-term crisis, people will need new socks, mittens, hats, and sweaters.


Many modern fabrics, including commercial socks, are tough to darn and repair because of the way they are made (ditto t-shirts). But if anyone in the family, including Grandpa, picks up knitting needles (I suggest at least two sets of interchangeable needles and sets of five sock/mitten needles starting in size tiny to medium for every household as well, as well as a set of multiple crochet hooks and yarn needles).

This might be a lifesaver - as a crochet person, when you finish your project or want a break, try knitting a straightforward and short pair of socks.

I nearly posted someone's Facebook photo of their first pair of socks using the same yarn, but only in a short version using the vanilla sock pattern. I didn't because I don't know them.

My other suggestion is to use a yarn you like. Not one so expensive you will cry if you throw up your hands and start over with another - but don't use "cheap and ugly yarn," it will be frustrating and tedious. Ask me how I know...?
www.unapologeticknitter.com

Free Pattern Release: My Favorite Vanilla Socks — The Unapologetic Knitter

Happy Friday, knitters! How about a little prezzie for your weekend knitting follies? I've had quite a few people ask for easy, beginner sock patterns and it doesn't get easier than vanilla socks. I definitely have a template for my favorite TV knitting socks so I figured I'd write it up
www.unapologeticknitter.com www.unapologeticknitter.com

Free Pattern
www.ravelry.com

DK Weight Vanilla Socks pattern by Crazy Sock Lady Designs

Hey Knitters!
www.ravelry.com www.ravelry.com
 
M

MissionBend

Contributing Member
I have put the books in my cart at Amazon so when I get my next check they will be the next thing I purchase! (If I am not careful I start clicking on yarn and other goodies helter skelter!) I don't know if it makes any major difference but I tend to always grab Red Heart acrylic yarn but I am not making any wearables that would have any major wear and tear put upon them either. I have many sets of knitting needles I have picked up in anticipation for when I do finally get a grip on that dreaded "pearl" stitch.
hmm wonder if there are any sock patterns made in just the knit stitch? :gaah:LOL
(Thanks for the pattern! Def going to attempt it)
 
B

Border Collie Dad

Flat Earther
Toosh said:
I've had great success with Kratky. I'm a fan.
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I've known about it for years but never got around to doing it until now.
Tomatoes are doing great.
Peppers are a little slow.
Just planted some strawberries on Tuesday.
I may be putting my broccoli and Cauliflower in this weekend.
Trying to 3D print some end caps for my downspouts and need to figure out how I'm doing my cantalouprs
 
Seeker

Seeker

3 Bombs for Hawkins
I used to buy shoes. Now? I buy yarn - can't stop! I knit crib blankets that are distributed thru the church I attend. Its a 60 yr. old pattern, (fan and feathers) - there are hundreds of variations but I've memorized the one I use so I just change the color of the yarns. I use acrylics because they are washable and am always on the lookout for lacy or sparkly ones for the fringe, to harmonize with or enhance the all-over color of the blanket. I find I must begin a new one before I finish the one I'm working on (why is that?) It started with first grandchild and then as therapy following the death of my husband. Many prayers and memories are wrapped into each, and I send them off with the wish that mom and baby both will have something of beauty to bring them comfort and joy.
 
Melodi

Melodi

Disaster Cat
Seeker said:
I used to buy shoes. Now? I buy yarn - can't stop! I knit crib blankets that are distributed thru the church I attend. Its a 60 yr. old pattern, (fan and feathers) - there are hundreds of variations but I've memorized the one I use so I just change the color of the yarns. I use acrylics because they are washable and am always on the lookout for lacy or sparkly ones for the fringe, to harmonize with or enhance the all-over color of the blanket. I find I must begin a new one before I finish the one I'm working on (why is that?) It started with first grandchild and then as therapy following the death of my husband. Many prayers and memories are wrapped into each, and I send them off with the wish that mom and baby both will have something of beauty to bring them comfort and joy.
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I love Fan and Feather, but I was told by a rescue organization they don't like to use them because tiny babies can get their fingers caught in the holes and cut off their circulation. No family I knit forever reported this (or with crocheting a giant granny square), but I suppose it can happen. Again, I have no issues with this; I am just passing on what they said.

Mostly now, I knit a sideways pattern in garter stitch for babies. But I still use lace or Feather Fan sometimes, depending on who it is for, the age of the child (a nursing shawl is going to be watched by Mom most of the time), and newborns are less likely to grab things than a baby who is six months old.

Sadly, the most recent generation isn't having that many babies. The good news is that many of the ones who do, I know, are swamped with hand-knits by friends and family like they were when I was a child, which is a good thing!
 
L

Littlesister

Veteran Member
I sewed each of the grandchildren a new robe but I didn't take any photos. They are so fun. I showed two of the elementary school aged boys a gray sports themed flannel that I was considering. I asked if either of them would prefer it for their robe. "I'm sure I've heard that word, Grandgigi, but I'm not sure what it is". From the other room, his brother yelled, " House coat, Bro, house coat!"
 
Seeker

Seeker

3 Bombs for Hawkins
Melodi, thank you for your comment above - I'd never heard that in the past 4 years but I'm glad to be aware of a possible issue regarding the pattern.

The ones to family are most often used for photographs or to simply hang over the side of the newborn's crib. They (family) don't want to let anything happen to them and consider them an heirloom. I'm honored they feel this way, I just love the opportunity to gift them with their chosen color and in knowing they will have something from a grandnan they may never know (due to my age).
 
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