Boudoir Bedroom Boots
Second pattern this month from an "Oddments" leaflet for "using up old Scraps of Wool", dating anywhere between the 1930s and the 1950s. Described originally as Lady's Bedsocks*, I hope they will prove to be the perfect partner for Boudoir Bedjacket.
*One of the other patterns was called "Bedroom Boots" and I couldn't resist the alliteration; however, this pattern described here makes footwear that is much more elegant than either "bedsocks" or "boots" implies. They look at their best when on the feet, (as opposed to just after you have knitted them, when they look like a pair of unattractive caterpillars). It is hard for me to date the design, as many patterns were reproduced out of their true era; possibly an expert on publishing could be more accurate.
InstructionsEach sock is worked in one piece. Make two alike. Commence at the front edge. Using No. 12 needles, cast on 64 stitches,
and work 6 rows in k1, p1 rib. ** Change to No. 12 needles. Work 6 rows in k1, p1 rib. Making up - Press each piece lightly on the wrong side under
a damp cloth with a hot iron. Crochet edging - Using the main colour, work a picot edge all around the top of each of the socks, as follows: One slip st to secure the yarn to the top front edge. Embroidery |
MaterialsOriginal pattern calls for 2oz of 4ply, and a small quantity of contrast
for embroidery. One pair each of number 12, an No 6 needles. Tension20st to 4 inches (10cm) on No 6 (5mm) needles. Size mattersOne size fits all. A word on the wool.Baby Cashmerino is heavier than a 4ply, knitting to a tension of 25st and 34 rows to 4 inches. Thus I used more yarn than the original pattern. Each 50g is 125m, and I used 90g. |
As a variation (or to "use up old scraps of wool") you might choose to make the picot edging in the contrast colour to match the embroidery - I believe this would work better if the contrast were darker than the main colour.
Alternatively, if you are not confident in your embroidery skills (I found it harder than I had imagined) you could stick with a single colour and embroider in the main yarn; this provides a more sophisticated look - if indeed a bedsock can be said in any way to contribute to a sophisticated look!
