« Molly's Sketchbook: A Cute Japanese Coin Purse | Main | Whit's Knits: Crocheted Garden Baby Blanket »

Whit's Knits: Pom Pom Peds

PPPfeet2.jpg

Remember Tretorn tennis sneakers? The canvas ones with the bright colored little arch on the side? And remember how you had to wear them with the little peds with pom poms on the cuff?

PPPchrisevert2.jpgIn the mid-70's Chris Evert rocked the classic combo. The pom pom was probably meant to keep the sock from slipping down into the the sneaker. Such a whimsical solution to such a practical problem!

 

 

 

PPPpreppyhandbook.jpgA decade later The Official Preppy Handbook ordained Tretorns with Pom Pom Peds a "must-have". In Connecticut, the hypocenter of preppy behavior, where the Handbook was barely satirical, we all competed to have the newest Tretorns, the most pom pom socks, the best color combinations. Sick stuff, but, man, I loved wearing those socks!

 

 
Now, two decades later, I'm loving making these socks! They reduce sock making to the most fun parts, to the action of the sock: the heel, the gusset, the toe. And so many color possibilities beyond the classic white with rainbow color trim! I could fill a drawer...

PPPall4.jpg

To start filling your sock drawer, please visit my Pom Pom Peds Project Journal! - Whitney

Posted on April 14, 2008 by Registered Commenterpurl bee in , | Comments23 Comments

EmailEmail Article to Friend

Reader Comments (23)

These are so cute! The colours are gorgeous, they take them slightly away from that whole tennis aesthetic. Im off to order yarn to make some of these!
April 15, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterPrincessPea
Another great pattern! Coolio!
April 15, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterMandy
eep! love, love, love these! just this morning i was going through my sock drawer and thinking about how i wanted some cute spring socks to wear with my cute spring shows. as usual, the purl bee is right on time. thank you!
April 15, 2008 | Unregistered Commentermarissa
Oh nostalgia! I still have a pair from my childhood - white with yellow trim/pom-pom - which matched my wooden Chris Evert Wilson tennis racquet. Can't wait to make a handknit version. Thanks!
April 15, 2008 | Unregistered Commentermishi2x
Very cute. I love ankle socks so I'll have to try this pattern!
April 15, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterAJ
I don't remember the name brand of tennis shoes, but the pompoms........had tons of them, red, blue, black, green, yellow. I only wear them non without the pompom when working in the garden, as I prefer socks...But...so many patterns call for pompoms these days I find I want a decent pompom maker. I've purchased two...still not happy. Bought one that was a few bucks circles and while it makes nice little pompoms what a pain it is...you must thread your yarn through the little hole so it takes some time. The 2nd more expensive option was pretty exciting when looking at it in the stores. Bucilla...little kit is suppose to make mutliple sizes. I've used it once...there virtually are no direction with the "kit". Not pleased with the results. Glad I bought it using a 50% off coupon, paying full price would make me not a happy camper.

Doing some blog walking, found my way to you through a mutual friend.

Stop by for a visit.
Have a great wk
Sandy
April 15, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterSandy
these are so cute! i love short sox, and with the pom pom,ooohh.
April 15, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterrobyn
I love your pom pons and all your tuto .... I did your eggs for Easter ....

http://httppersobellapixcommyriam13-myriam13.blogspot.com/
April 16, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterCapucine
Wow! That sure brought on the nostalgia! I not only had a lot of pom-pom socks, but also the Preppy Handbook AND the Preppy Cookbook (for when Chip and Bootsy move out of Mumsy and Daddy's and have to fend for themselves without Cook!). I'll have to knit my sister a pair as she was the real preppy (alligator shirts with the turned up collar, pastel Oxford buttondowns, khaki slacks and Sperry Topsiders, monogrammed crewneck sweater casually tossed over the shoulders...). I had a few button-downs and 'gator polos but they were usually worn with my overalls, beat-up cowboy boots and suede chaps while I went trail riding or cleaned out stalls (much to her horror!) :) My daughters also inherited the preppy/trendy gene. Better go stash diving for some cute spring sock yarn!
April 16, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterTish
cool, happy, and yes, a little "preppy" - I'll be making some
April 17, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterSarah
We wore ours with Tretorns! Loved those socks and love this pattern!

You're bringing preppy back.
April 18, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterCaitlin
just love them!!
April 18, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterLolly
How are there socks like that in the world? They'd look great with my wooden handled, whale ribbon embellished purse! Cheers, Tracey
April 18, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterPaper Dolls For Boys
Hmm Preppy Handbook.. reminds me of the "Valley Girl" handbook I had as a kid! Probably not the same tips.
April 18, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterMichelle
I have always loved the pom pom socks.
April 19, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterLu
I always wondered what happened to the pompoms on the back of the ankle socks. I remember throwing them out when the pompom fell off because the socks wouldn't stay on inside the shoes anymore. I haven't worn ankle socks since the pompoms went away. It didn't even occur to me that it was a fashion item. I always saw the pompoms as necessary. Weird.
April 20, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterShari
Oh, this is sweet!
Love the pompoms in socks. I used to wear them all the time when I was a kid. Loved them for everything and when I played tennis it was so fun to search for the correct shoes with the "pompom-safe" back, lol...
April 22, 2008 | Unregistered Commentercelia
I'm going to say this with pride and a straight face - I have 2 copies of the Preppy Handbook. I had to buy a second when my first started falling apart at the seams because of constant referencing. It's my style bible - really! That stuff will always look good. Now I'm off to make some of these adorable pompom socks in colors not found in nature - doesn't get any preppier.
April 22, 2008 | Unregistered Commentersuzannem
How easy are these?! I love this pattern. Thank you.
April 26, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterCandice
I LOVE those socks. I used to wear some like that in high-school, but these look like way better quality and they are much prettier! Great job!
May 1, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterLindsey
Oh Lordy, I'd forgotten about wearing those tennis socks with the Pom Poms way back then.
May 5, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterDebbie
I love these socks! I can't wait to make some for myself.
May 6, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterDiana
I have not yet tried this design, but they look a bit difficult to create. Anyone done them and can rate it on scale of 1 to 10 (1-easy & 10-hard).
May 29, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterSamantha

PostPost a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.
Author Email (optional):
Author URL (optional):
Post:
 
All HTML will be escaped. Hyperlinks will be created for URLs automatically.