Out with the old

The end of 2008 is near, so it is time to finish up some old business here at doublepointed.

First of all, we would like to thank all of you who wished us the best on our birthdays.  We celebrated the final of three December birthdays with pecan pie,     and by drawing a winner for the birthday yarn.  The lucky winner was Katie K., and the pink and purple birthday yarn is on the way to her. 

My birthday gift to Dad was a pair of socks in another of knitivity's colorways, Doberman.   The stitch pattern for these toe-up Slipstitch Rib socks is based on a slipstitch stitch pattern in one of Barbara Walker's treasuries.   I think the pattern shows off the yarn really well, although since the colors are so dark and deep, none of the pictures shows the socks as well as they actually appear. 

Kendra and I also engaged in some secret Santa knitting.  Many years ago, Mom made Christmas stockings for us, that we have used ever since we were little girls.  About 10 years ago I knit stockings for our parents, but since they had no need to fit a real person, I didn't worry about gauge, and the stockings are huge.  Mom kept saying that they were too big, so this year Kendra and I each knit a new stocking, like the ones Mom had knit for us.  We didn't have access to the pattern, but this past summer Mom asked me to make some repairs to Kendra's, which allowed me to chart out the pattern from her stocking.  We used primarily Cascade 220, with some Paternayan wool needlepoint yarn for the face and hands, and a combination of angora yarn and fingering weight white yarn for the beard.  Technically, they were finished on Christmas day, but because we had not yet gone to bed on the 24th, we could say they were finished on Christmas Eve.  Here they are in use, first the one I knit  and then the one Kendra knit.    Mom showed us the actual pattern a few days later, and we were pretty close.  The original was by Columbia-Minerva, and was called Kris Kringle.

There has been some new knitting going on at doublepointed, and some new knitting-related gifts, but they will wait for the new year.  Here's hoping it will be a safe and healthy one for all!

Comments

[Katie K]

I really love those socks.

And again, thanks!!!

[Lynn]

Fantastic stocking! I too have been looking for a vintage Xmas stocking to knit for the next generation and this looks like a great one. You mentioned that your Mom still has the actual pattern. Might you be able to scan that and post it here or email it to me? Or I would be happy to pay for a xerox and send you a stamped envelope.

So glad I found your site!

Thanks for sharing.

[Steve]

My aunt has an original copy of this pattern, but it is no longer readable. She has made 20+ of these stockings for everyone in the family. We hve another generation of kids comming now, but are unable to read the pattern. It would be great if you could help me with the acquiring a readable pattern..

Thank you.

[Kelly]

I am desperately seeking the Kris Kringle Pattern you have, is it possible to make a copy for me? My immediate family all has one of these stockings but as we multiply, we haven't been able to duplicate. I will pay for any expenses. Thank you!

[Dan]

Hi, Love your site!!! I am a father-to-be looking for that amazing Kris Kringle pattern as well. My grandmother made my brother and I two of these stockings that have become our Christmas treasures and traditions. My mother taught me how to knit years ago and now I'd love to make one for my little girl Lily who arrives March 21, 2010, but as a surprise to my wife for this Christmas! Is there anyway you might be able to email me the pattern or mail it? I will of course cover any cost of your efforts! Thanks so much!!!!

[LisaDP]

I am sorry, but we can't share the pattern, as it is under copyright to Columbia Minerva. I believe the company is now owned by Caron International. If enought people asked them, they might release it again.

[Sharon]

I, too, have been searching for this pattern. My great-aunt made these for my brother and I in the mid-70's, and I would love to make them for my family. I am sad the pattern is not available. :(

[Nancy J. Bright]

Hi Lisa - this pattern was given to me in the early 80's by my husband's late aunt. I knitted a stocking for each of my 5 children and subsequently their spouses. As I was preparing to knit a stocking for my grandchildren I couldn't find the pattern! I looked high, low and everywhere in between and still came up empty handed. I understand the copyright issue. How would you suggest I go about obtaining a copy of the pattern. I don't need the knitting instructions, because my copy was getting difficult to read I saved the instructions on my computer. I only need the picture of Kris Kringle on the graph paper background. If this doesn't violate copyright could you please email me just the picture? I would so appreciate it, as would my children and grandchildren. Many thanks...Nancy

[Joni]

Do you have the pattern or know where I can get one for the Kris Kringle Stocking?

[Virginia Ann Collins]

More info on how I can get a copy of the graph, please. I made 3 of these stocking about 25 years ago copying Kris Kringle/chimney from an existing stocking. My instep area looked a little different.