Socks by Mom

My mother knits.  A lot.  She’s knit lots of different articles and patterns throughout her knitting “career” but these days she specializes in socks.  Socks are straightforward and practical just like she is.  She can knit a pair of socks like nobody’s business.  It’s marvelous to watch… just stay clear of those knitting needles because they’re flying!

My mother gives socks.  A lot.  She gives socks to celebrate a birthday, she gives socks to say thank you, she gives socks to welcome you to the family.  Those lucky enough to receive “Oma Socks”, as they’re affectionately called in our family, know that every stitch was made with care and love.

My mother has gifted so many hand-knit socks over the years that she really can’t keep track of who she’s given them to.  Rumor has it, for instance, that my older brother has an entire dresser drawer full of her socks.  I have not actually seen it myself so I can’t say one way or the other.  But I will say, we never turn down her hand knit socks.  They are prized by all.

So when I asked my Mom if she’d knit me a pair of socks so I could hang them on the wall, I wasn’t sure how she’d react.  After all, socks have a purpose and it’s to keep your feet warm… socks are not meant to decorate your home.  But she came through and agreed to knit a pair of socks to my specifications.  My plan is to showcase these socks in my laundry area.  I bought vintage sock stretchers to display them so the socks had to be a certain size. And I wanted the socks to match the color scheme in my home.

Back in the day, sock stretchers were used to keep woolen socks from shrinking after they were washed.  A 1907 ad from the Daily True American states “inserted in the stockings during the washing, they prevent shrinking and, because of the large holes in the stretchers, permit of rapid drying”.   But as new and improved yarns were introduced, sock stretchers were no longer needed.  A 1949 ad from DuPont states “DuPont nylon will keep their shape, looks, and smartness for a long, long time. Throw away your sock stretchers too because under normal washing conditions these new Bear Brand honeys won’t shrink, won’t stretch, they’ll always fit.”

I think claiming socks will keep their “smartness” is hilarious.  Shape and looks, yes.  But smartness?  So back to the socks my Mom knit for me.  I don’t know about their smartness but I think they’re perfect.  I can’t wait to get them on display.

Today’s Takeaways

Perhaps these thoughts will spark an idea:

1. Displaying handmade items, especially if they’re made by someone special, adds depth and meaning to your home.
2. Try using everyday household items in unexpected ways.
3. Thoughtfully placed vintage items can bring fun and interest into your home decor.