I hand knit victorian summer stockings (and it took ✨forever✨) || historical loungewear knitting

My second time around hand knitting Victorian stockings - this time for the summer! These took a very long time to knit, and I really struggled with motivation and second stocking syndrome, but I love the end result!
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-- Victorian Stockings --
Knitting Pattern (Etsy): www.etsy.com/listing/10134915...
Knitting Pattern (Ravelry): www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
Knit Picks Yarn (affiliate link): bit.ly/KPCurio10
Knitting needles (affiliate link): amzn.to/3bV6Lif
Original Pattern: archive.org/details/artofknit...
-- My Other Links! --
Instagram: / engineeringknits
My Knitting Patterns (Etsy): www.etsy.com/shop/EKnitsShop
My Knitting Patterns (Ravelry): www.ravelry.com/patterns/sour...
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Use the same music: bit.ly/EKEpidemicSound
0:00 Antique stockings & an antique pattern
3:57 Beginning to knit a stocking
7:14 Machine knitting vs hand knitting
8:29 Heel & foot of stocking
9:19 Struggling with the second stocking
10:49 Discussion of results

[@briellecirlig7520]

Great job! I knit primarily socks on small double-pointed needles (00 typically, but I'm experimenting with some 0000) and I avoid second-sock syndrome by knitting both socks at once--I have two sets of DPNs in each size. I'll do the toe on the first, then the toe on the second, then the instep on the first, then the instep on the second, etc. Not only does this prevent second-sock syndrome, but it helps keep things more uniform, especially where I'm more on the make-things-up-as-I-go side of the spectrum rather than the follow-a-pattern-religiously side and it can be hard to try to decipher what I've done after the fact. I'd love an update on how your stockings wear over time compared to your wool and silk ones--I found that once I started wearing wool socks I never want to wear cotton ones, even in the summertime. They just feel so much different, and I prefer the wool.

[@space_hobbit]

amazing! i have so much respect for people that knit with yarn this thin, i'm wayyy too impatient to knit with anything less than 4-ply 😅

[@daughterofthewildwood7468]

Second Stocking/Sock Syndrome is so real. I have one sitting in my basket done from last year and had to take a break from it. I need to go back and finish it. Seeing your finished stockings makes me want to go back and start on my second sock! These are absolutely beautiful.

[@louisacapell]

Knitting 2 at a time, though fiddly to learn at first, is a game changer. No more second sock despondency. Lol

[@Eloraurora]

Given your description of how the two yarns performed, it sounds like it might be best to keep the Lydia's for heels and toes, and use the Curio for the legs and feet. It would be interesting to see a wear comparison a year or so on.

[@ShannonMakes]

Wow, I really appreciate the incredible time and patience that went into this! I am only an amateur knitter - really, sewing is more my forté in the textile-related arts, and your dedication to such tiny knits (and to using antique patterns, which I *know* can be super tricky to interpret) always impresses me. Amazingggg!

[@mariebray9831]

Rev. William Lee, inventor of the The Stocking Frame, I'm excited that another person has heard of him.

[@DaveBennett]

I always consider the first stocking or glove a test or swatch. Then I have two left to do with my noted changes.

[@marinalenzi3150]

What an accomplishment! As motivation to finish hibernating projects I have decided to only buy new yarn if I first finish something in my wip pile - and so it came that a second sock begun no less than six years ago was finally completed 😆🧶🧦 second stocking syndrome is real!

[@kimzachris5340]

These stockings are so beautiful, I wish I hadn’t already used up most of my stocking patience for a while on a couple of pairs of thigh-highs. I’ve started knitting socks and stockings magic loop (on a really long cable needle) and it really helps with second stocking syndrome to knit both socks at once. Not to mention I’m now much more likely to end up with two identical socks...

[@purespirit6950]

We were taught to knit pairs of clothings at the same time. Knit a section of the first half and then get to the same point with the other half of the pair. That might help with motivation as well hehe.

[@shortsweettoo]

Artisan extraordinaire. Wonderful to watch all of your videos. Unless one has knitted, they cannot possibly know the effort involved in your work. Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us.

[@mkatte1122]

Hahaha the *lost* needle part got me!!! I do that with everything and still never think to check my own hair

[@jwolfe1209]

I'm forever tucking hooks, knitting needles, writing implements and my grooming combs at work into my hair. It's very convenient even if I do sometimes forget to take them out before talking to a client and look like a crazy person 😅

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Darn that gauge is so very tiny. I think it might take me years to make stockings with that tiny a gauge!! They look beautiful you should be very proud of yourself!!! Congratulations on beating second stockings syndrome!!!

[@jenniferpingleton8389]

I LOVE how you called them "recipes" for making these! I've always said the same, but people look at me like I've lost my mind. That's what they are though, just guidelines that allow you to follow your own imaginative lead!!

[@briartanner3406]

Lovely work! It's interesting to see how the toe was closed since the kitchener stitch didn't exist yet

[@TheMetatronGirl]

Used to suffer 2nd sock syndrome hard until I learned to knit them both at the same time with magic loop. I don’t know if they make circular needles that fine, though. I’ve also found instructions for knitting one sock inside the other by alternating yarns and stitches (like double knitting) but at that fine of gauge, it might make you go cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. I’d leave a link, but I’m not certain where I came across the technique...possibly Interweave Knits, or Knit Style magazine several years ago. Your stockings are beautiful, and I bought the pattern! Thanks for including the calculator! Love, light, and blessings to you and yours.

[@tinatherabbit9931]

Addi Turbo and Chiaogoo make circs down to US000 with long enough cords to do magic loop. I knit all my socks on Chaigoo circular US0s and it's a pretty good gauge for me.

[@MaireColclough]

I admire your commitment to knitting knee-length stockings on teeny dpns...and I don't blame you if you found a slightly more modern analogue to the age-old early knitting machines as teased 😉

[@albinocavewoman]

I would totally just knit those on my antique sock knitting machine. Good for you for getting one.

[@sekaihatsu]

This is amazing work! I need to knit two-at-a-time or I won't finish my pair of socks so KUDOS to you for knitting them one at a time.

[@WildflowerHistory]

What a wonderful pair of stockings. I am obsessed with this bead detail in the historic ones. And then in this very strong contrast.

[@ildonoa3928]

I like the historical knitting, but as a software engineer with a knitting hobby, you had me at the web form :)

[@mf4376]

I'm so impressed by your knitting! You are inspiring me to try some knitted lace again. Those tiny needles are just so finicky. But practice makes perfect I guess!

[@user-ee7lo9jr9n]

Какая умница,я теперь вяжу оба одновременно.что тоже синдром усталости.я думаю,почему я устаю?это как в питье,пока не допьешь до капли,не остановить.или как в пении,до последнего дыхания.или как в музыке,до последнего такта.потресающий белый,замечательная работа.спасибо

[@Kato_Rin]

The wait was worth it; your stockings look great!! I eyed your stack of vintage/antique knitting books, so I hope you make a video showing your collection someday. Looking closely at the extant garments, it looks like they have Swiss heels, according to Weldon's Practical Stocking Knitter. If you haven't checked that series out, I really recommend it. I can't wait to see your final reveal of your loungewear!!

[@Mdeaccosta]

Oh, you're the person to tell this sad tale: I had a fantastic collection of vintage knitting books that spanned 1900- 1960s. These were treasures! I stumbled across them in a box at a junk store in a tiny little town for peanuts, and I took them all. Over the years I knit up quite a few sweaters, scarves, you name it, from my collection. But, a dumb divorce happened, like they do, and my ex "unfortunately" burned my stash, because "junk", tho' everything was kept in pristine condition in an acid free container, etc,etc. I mourn for my books.

[@tammyt3434]

Yee-ouch! I might have to stick with yee old sewn stocking. But it would certainly make one feel loved and cherished if a beloved grandmother or spinster aunt spent her days keeping you in good stockings. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@A11yR0ck3r]

The stockings look great! I look forward to the knitting machine video :)

[@virginiatozier9957]

Beautiful work. I'm dedicating 2023 as the year of the sock. I call them Adam and Eve socks. That way I don't get second sock syndrome. Like thier namesakes, you can tell they're a pair though they aren't exactly the same.

[@creepydoll2872]

That tiny, tiny knitting! Youre amazing. And so pretty and relaxing to watch.

[@anaisabelsantos4661]

OMG I just can't knit with that yarn, it feels like the project will neve end... but you nake it look so easy 🥰

[@hfwrose6797]

This is why I always do socks or gloves two at a time on one long circular. Otherwise I’d never have a pair lol

[@griseldis]

You are very disciplined! The stockings look very fine, congrats!

[@MizzNijna]

Was knitting whiloe watching this, were on a pearl row in my work and we got a nice close up of your knitting and I noticed that I switched to knit stiches. :'D

[@x1435]

Such dedication! While you certainly didn't hit the 2-3 pairs per week average, you still finished much faster than I would! I would be so done after the first one. They are beautiful though. Looks like you may have gotten a knitting machine ;) Check out Sally Pointer on KZbin and online, she makes and sells some reproduction stockings. I absolutely love the sound those machines make!

[@skaterbakes]

Omg I’ve been waiting for this too! Your patience and skill is just 👌 🌟

[@coffemuse]

This is so beautiful, and well done on the motivation! I really love your videos. So interesting too, how the different yarns make such a difference to the feel and wear of the end result.

[@amtlphotos]

You did an amazing job with these stockings!!

[@joywarburton5719]

That's an excellent intro! I love all your content, and this doesn't disappoint :)

[@MizzMaree7]

I appreciate that your underthings include plaid houseshoes! So cute in the wildflowers!

[@efjeK]

XDXDXD haha ROFL, I ALWAYS lose my double pointed needles in the most random places as well!!!!

[@brigitakurnik4139]

You are an amazing knitter! You make wonderful products.

[@romystumpy1197]

Your stockings are lovely.very interesting on your thoughts and analysis of the 2 brands of cotton used.i have often wondered about this .

[@nadiaslegers2092]

Wow!! Beautitful work! I love your stockings. You are really talented at knitting. Wish I was that good at it.

[@dallasmandy]

This is incredible!

[@nicnaknoc]

they are so beautiful

[@BearMeat4Dinner]

Best video around KZbin :D - Great video! 😏

[@YahveAnne]

I get that this may not be very popular , or may be very obvious to most but this is what I do when making pairs of things. I have double materials, such as two sets of needles and two balls of the yarn, and I do them both simultaneously switching back-and-forth when I reach certain steps in your case just as you finish the lace, when you get to the decreases, When you finish the decreases, when you get to the ankle and so on and so forth. This way when everything is done you have both completed.

[@augustwogsland3309]

These turned out so great! Well done my friend. The tiny gauge is so small and the lace looks awesome.

[@tulsiclarity3228]

ooh second sock syndrome sucks so much. my one trick for it is to always work on both at the same time, its a much longer process- but for me it is sooo much more worth it than starting all over again!

[@caylarivera2804]

I do that exact same thing where I put the last double pointed needle somewhere random, and it's usually under one of my legs or in my hair lol! This is so interesting, I have always wanted to make full length stockings but it takes me months to do a normal sock 😆

[@simplybeingelle]

When I saw the first yarn you were working with I thought it's gonna be stiff to put on. There are other yarns out there that will do the same but stretch more. Like the one you found. I only that yarn when I'm crocheting dolly's

[@emilysmith2784]

Oh very excited to see what you do with a knitting machine. I have a sentro one (videos on my channel if you’re interested) and I love it but I’d love to make the leap to a more industrial one.

[@spinni81]

Absolutely stunning! I knitted a sleeveless top with size 10 crochet thread but I used 3mm circular needles (US size 2.5) and it took forever but I can't imagine how it would be working with size 0000 DPNs.

[@druidsongevergreens]

Ooh I have been looking for the title of that book for 12 years. I have a few photocopies out of it from a library copy. The Art of Knitting 🙌

[@patriciasanvictores4530]

All of the shots with you outside with the wind blowing through your hair basically made me think of "Easy, Breezy, Cover Girl." XD

[@meganb8012]

the little knitted stoppers 😭 okay I need to make those, and I need to get some lace weight yarn and this pattern 😂

[@ariannahernandez886]

at 7:16 you answer the question about how common hand knitting stockings would be. I think it was maybe forgot because of your passion for machines (understandable)

[@cauldron1951]

YES, I love your dress! Looks like a Folklore pattern (Prairie Dress) ? Would you please provide info?

[@jennglow4647]

Very pretty 😀

[@mamapooki49]

Try circular needles and do two at a time, you’ll start and end at the same time.

[@lynndifer4163]

good job powering through it! second sock syndrome is so real. those are cute needle end savers - did you knit that? do you have a pattern?

[@booksatthebottomofthestair8446]

One thing I have been doing with my socks is to pre-darn the weak spots, especially the heel pick up stitches and turn.

[@lesleyharris525]

Hi,you have more patience than me, I'm struggling to knit a basic jumper,💖

[@laurabuche5191]

yeah! love your red dress! also, are those "wires" 1.5 mm??? great job as always!

[@carolineLonnqvist]

You are amazing!

[@druidsongevergreens]

I avoid second stocking syndrome by doing each section on each sock, before moving onto the next section. It’s slower but you get 2 done close to each other.

[@coreygilles847]

Second stocking syndrome probably explains why I always end up making something different for the second half of my projects...

[@kathyvazquez3601]

Very cool- and beautiful! Can these be knitted on circular needles? DPNs hate me!

[@muffemod]

Good job yo!

[@laurenloertscher1319]

Please make videos on Victorian textile manufacturing. I will watch all of them.

[@heathermade7294]

5:08 I do like this dress! Is it a Victorian design or self drafted???

[@raelastander2346]

I just completed a pair of socks that I began for my husband almost 2 years ago while I was watching this video.. they have literally needed only one sock to have the toe kitchenered (is that a word? 🤔) closed. I laughed out loud when you showed the needle in your hair because I have a needle in my hair right this minute.

[@ameliac502]

I love so much that you're sitting under a basted quilt sandwich.

[@jwolfe1209]

I'm wondering how the pattern would go with the Aunt Lydia's size 10 bamboo thread? I acquired some a while ago to do some doll-scale items and it has a much softer drape and silkier feel to it, but still has wonderful stitch definition

[@leereadman9069]

your thinking about it too much. thankyou for sharing

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

I prefer knitting toe up and the only way I can avoid second sock syndrome is to knit the first sock to the ankle then knit the second sock to a couple inches above the ankle. Then I switch back and forth so that each sock grows a couple inches at a time. I've only knit to mid calf though, I haven't done knee highs. Yet. One day lol.

[@Betsyschugar]

I have absolutely no idea how you maneuver all those needles to knit in the round like that, I’d be getting myself tangled and stabbing myself left and right 😅

[@Neppy22]

Girl size 1mm needles?!?! I don't even own size 1's... I love them and bravo I could never knit them! They are really pretty though...

[@jeflarremore7170]

I wrote a paper on The Industrial Revolution for my masters. Fascinating time period.

[@spazcake1755]

Can these be knit toe up? That's the only way I know how to knit socks.

[@paettki1287]

Wow this is really fascinating. Actually i learned to knit socks from my mom the way these stockings are designed. The first heel i learned was this one and my sister still prefers this over the "modern" technique. It is called "Käppchen" in german. I also knit the toes that way you did here. Do you know where your extant "pair" was originially from?

[@alexismontez4230]

Käppchen just means "heel". My (german) mother was taught a particular heel-turn method at school. In English it is just called the German short row heel.

[@paettki1287]

@@alexismontez4230 well this is not the word you would use in everyday life.I never heard it being used apart from knitting when meaning "heel". Käppchen has many meanings and can also mean "little hat" or "end slice of a bread". If you want to say "heel" you would rather say "Ferse". Still this particular one is called "Käppchenferse" while the one found on machineknitted socks from he store is called "Bumerangferse".The German short row heel is actually the "Bumerangferse" not the one in the video as far as i can tell from what i found when researching.

[@rebeccajones4617]

what size did you use

[@dexaria]

Second sock syndrome is the reason I only knit socks 2 at a time

[@Ashley-li5yv]

Have you heard of knitting with the magic loop? Knitting in the round using long circular needles. I won't go back to DPNs unless I have no circular needles in the size I need. I find it way easier to use the magic loop and I don't accidentally pull out a needle like you did.... been there

[@raelastander2346]

Oh, goodness.. I'm the opposite. I learned first on dpns and then thought I would try all the ways.. I've done magic loop, two circulars, two at a time on magic loop. I find i very much prefer one at a time, cuff down with a gusset and flap, on double points. Love that there are so many ways!

[@AgentLane13]

I've learned magic loop but I honestly feel like I have more control with dpns. I feel like with magic loop everything is crammed a little too close together for me to not start knitting really tightly; with double points my gauge is much more even and natural.

[@lisahodges8299]

It may be worth having three projects running in kilter. This way you don't feel forced to finish as there are other things to do. Any good? Birdy

[@creepydoll2872]

Thats how I like to do sewing/craft projects because I get bored and burnt out trying to finish one thing at a time

[@AgentLane13]

I do this! I always chalk it up to my adhd wanting novelty. I have three "slots": a personal project, a gift project, and a "work" project (eg something to be donated). If I don't have at least two slots filled I don't feel like knitting.

[@woolywonders5546]

Idk about crochet thread? That has to be so uncomfortable. I wear wool socks in Texas summer… not so bad keeps my feet dry. Consider bamboo?

[@MiljaHahto]

The heel doesn't look any different from the ones I've learned to knit as a "normal" heel - the kind almost all the socks I've ever got also have. I wonder what's different in them.

[@TheFalconoflight]

[@kellysouter4381]

If you have a seam down the back you could probably knit them flat

[@Hilu8D]

Those needles are tiny!

[@Historyofstitchery]

WHY would you lie to Nutella like that? Also 5:01 : I wonder what you are wearing? I am sure it must not be the wrapper. wink WINK

[@alicetulloch6945]

Wow, I’m not crazy. Someone else is hand making stockings with tiny yarn, and tiiinnnnny needles. Yikes.