Whit's Knits: Tube Sock Leg Warmers

In my mind tube socks were always the territory of my older brother. Although tube socks factor prominently in some of my least favorite olfactory memories, I do have a deep fondness for the image of my gonzo brother bushwacking his way through adolescence in his always-mismatched tube socks.

I'm pretty sure that every American who lived through the seventies and eighties has a similar nostalgic feeling for tube socks. It seems that when such a humble object becomes so iconic to a whole generation then the power of design must be at work. The classic white tube sock with the three bright stripes under the knee is crisp and clean, but it also conveys a sporty confidence that is hard to resist. 

And so in homage to timeless design and to my brother, who, in his forties, still sometimes shows up in two different tube socks, I decided to knit up a contemporary version of the classic tube sock. Instead of a replica pair of tube socks, I thought I'd shake things up a bit and make a pair of sassy little leg warmers. Perfect for young fashionistas and, why not?, even for us fogies who just have a really tender spot in our hearts for tube socks!

For this job I turned to Koigu's classic sportweight Kersti. Crepe spun for a clean finish and hand dyed for beautifully deep color, Kersti is as good as merino gets, durable and amazingly soft too! 

To whip up a pair of these new classics, please visit my Tube Sock Leg Warmers Project Journal. Thanks! - Whitney

Comments

[Lindsay]

Cool!

[Sher]

fun - definately want to make a few pair of these!

[Luisa]

Very funny I remember those socks from the 80's. I love yours they look great.

[Siobhan Rogers]

Fabulous!

[Ness]

These are hilariously cute, but please help an Aussie sister out - how are you supposed to wear leg warmers? Who wears them? Why??? Where I'm from there's little need for them, which explains my ignorance!

[Suzanne]

These just made me smile.

[MB@YarnUiPhoneApp]

Oh my gosh does this bring back memories..my job growing up was to sort socks....and I hated pairing up my dad's black ones. They all looked alike. The tube varieties were much easier. And I thought I would be matching socks for the rest of my life. In a sense that's true..but there are far fewer black socks now.

[Rachael]

I will definitely be knitting a pair of these for a friend who is forever wearing her husband's tube socks!

[Cristina]

Do you have to knit them while listening to REO Speedwagon? Just want to make sure before I commit.

[Stevi]

Love these! But I must say---as much as I love all of the PB projects, they are really becoming "fantasy projects" as the materials listed in the projects are just so expensive.

[elissa :: ebb & flow]

i'm sending this post to my best friend right now. she would totally rock these!

[Susannah]

OMG! LOVE these!!! Just fabulous!

[purl bee]

Dear Stevi-

We appreciate the concern you raise in your comment and that's why we are always happy to recommend a less expensive yarn. In this case you might consider Cascade 220 Superwash Sport as a more economical alternative.

http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8066-Cascade-Yarns-Cascade-220-Superwash-Sport

If you ever need another suggestion like this please don't hesitate to let us know.

Best-- The Purl Bee

[Lisa]

Ness these can be worn with leggings, ballerinas/dancers often wear them to keep their calves warm - rent Flash dance! You could wear them in your colder months with shorts or a skirt and even over jeans. My 4 yr old wears them with everything and has all the teachers all commenting when leg warmers were in! These are adorable!