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Wool and Cotton Socks

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  • Wool and Cotton Socks

    While researching socks I came across these articles about socks knit with both wool and cotton. Anyone seen originals or read other sources?

    Fayetteville Observer, Thursday, Sept 5, 1861 Tennessee [not N. Carolina]
    Clothing for the volunteers.
    Notice,
    By authority from the War Department of the Confederate States, we are authorized to say to those wishing to contribute Winter Clothing for the volunteers that Brown Janes for coats and pants, and colored Linsey for shirts and drawers, are the kinds of material and colors adopted, and woolen socks with cotton heels and toes will be preferred, but any woolen socks will be accepted.
    If any blankets can be furnished by any person, they will be thankfully received of any kind or color
    By order of the Central Committee.
    Aug. 22, 1861. T.C. Goodrich, Chn.
    [reprinted Sept. 12, 1861]

    The Athens Post [Tennessee] September 27, 1861
    [Col. 6]
    Hints for the Month
    Prepare for the war!...
    Don’t indulge any longer in mutton, but look to the wool and guard against hard times. Set all the old folks to knitting stockings for the soldiers. Half a pound of cotton and half a pound of wool will make four pair of heavy winter socks, and they will be sorely needed. We have no Yankee knitting looms, and must rely upon our fingers.

    Thank you and yes, I've been in contact with Karin, it was new to her also.
    Susan Armstrong
    Last edited by MrsArmstrong; 03-17-2012, 11:07 AM. Reason: Wrong state

  • #2
    Re: Wool and Cotton Socks

    Cotton heels and toes were preferred because cotton wore better than wool. I have a knitting book from the late 1800s that shows how to knit what is now commonly called an 'after thought' heels and toes.

    I now hand knit all my 'modern' socks with after thought heels.

    In my experience with socks made from modern wool yarn, it is the ball of the foot that is worn through at first, not the heel or the toe.
    Cyndi Muller

    A born-bread-and-buttered South'ner living in the North

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    • #3
      Re: Wool and Cotton Socks

      Hi Cyndi - what is the title of the book to which you refer. I'm always on the lookout for more period books to read through -- love Google Books for that reason!

      Many thanks and greetings from Gettysburg,
      Sally Ryan
      69th NYSV - www.69thnysv.org
      Society for Women and the Civil War - www.swcw.org
      Slainte,
      Sally Ryan
      Civilian Coordinator, 69th NYSV
      SWCW
      (At home on Hospital Road, Gettysburg)

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