Knitting Memories part 1

Knitting has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I was in 5th grade, I remember taking the bus downtown with my friend Valerie. Her mom worked at an upscaled women's clothing store so 1st we would go to see her. Then we would cross Genesee Street to go to the Knit Nook to learn how to knit. Of course by then I had all ready be doing garter stitch "scarfs" but wanted to learn more. Our first project was a pair of super soft and cuddly slippers. They were light blue and I was in awe at how the lady used this winder to make the yarn into a ball. At 10, one can be amazed by such simple things. Although the original slippers are long gone, those Saturdays almost fifty years ago will forever be in my memory bank.

SLIPPER SOCKS Instructions are for Child’s Size with changes for Women's & Men's in parentheses.

Size 9 (10.5 for men) knitting needles and 3 oz of worsted weight yarn.

1 strand Gauge: 4 sts= 1 inch 8 rows--4 ridges= 1 inch 2 strand gauge: 3.5 sts= 1 inch 7 rows= 1 inch

Slippers can be worked in single or double strand. My first pair were double strand and very warm.

Cast on 27 (29-35) sts

ROW 1: - wrong side - K9 (9-11), p1, k7 (9-11), p1, k9, (9-11).

ROW 2: K all sts.

Repeat these 2 rows for 5 (6-8) ins., or 2 (2 1/2-2 1/2) ins. less than desired finished length allowing the 2 (2 1/2-2 1/2) ins. for toe, end on wrong side.

TOE: ROW 1: P 1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to end.

ROW 2: K1, *p1, k1; repeat from * to end.

Repeat these 2 rows of ribbing for 1 1/2 (2-2) ins., end on wrong side.

First DEC. ROW: Work ribbing for 7 (7-9) sts, * slip, k and psso, k1, k2 tog. *, work 3 (5-7) sts ribbing, repeat between *'s once, finish row in ribbing; 23 (25-31) sts.

NEXT ROW: Work 7 (7-9) sts ribbing, p3, work 3 (5-7) sts ribbing, p3, finish row.

2nd DEC ROW: Work 6 (6-8) sts, * k2 tog., k1, slip, k and psso *, work 1 (3-5) sts, repeat between *'s once, finish row; 19 (21-27) sts.

Break yarn leaving an end about 12" long. Thread yarn tail onto yarn needle, and remove the remaining sts from the knitting needle, pull tightly to close. Repeat pulling tail through all sts twice.

Finishing -- Fold cast on edge in half and sew 3 (4, 5) ins. from toes leaving just enough room for heel. Then back stitch for 4 sts and cut yarn. Attach your yarn and sewing needle at heels then stitch heel shut. Make another