They're back! No longer exclusive to the '80s or the ballerina set, leg warmers are charming legs from windy Chicago promenades to icy New York sidewalks. Now sunny California can get in on the action with knee huggers made out of t-shirts. Choose a solid-color tee or one with graphics, and, just like the leg warmer trend, your tee gets a second lease on life.
Ingredients:
1 T-shirt (L)
Measuring tape
Tailor's chalk
Scissors
Straight pins
Needle
Thread
Instructions:
Measure your leg from just below your knee to the ground and add 1" (the length). Then measure around your leg just below the knee and add 1" (the width). Lay the t-shirt flat and measure and mark a rectangle with those dimensions. Cut through both layers to create two identical rectangles.
Fold one rectangle in half lengthwise, right sides together, and pin. Sew the sides together 1/2" from the edge, using a running stitch. (Note: If you prefer using the whipstitch, cut 1/2" off the edge you're about to sew, and go for it.)
Fold the top of the leg warmer down about 1" and pin. Sew along the pinned edge using a small whipstitch.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the other rectangle.
From the rest of the t-shirt, cut two strips 1" wide and at least 10" longer than the width you measured in step 1.
Turn the leg warmers right side out and make two small incisions 1" apart (through one layer only) at the hemmed top of each one.
Thread one drawstring through one hole, around the top of the leg warmer and out the second hole. Repeat.
Fold the unsewn top edge of the rectangle down 1" and sew it in place, using a whipstitch. Turn the tote right side out.
Try on the warmers, and tie the drawstrings to keep them from sliding down.
Variations:
Lengthen one leg warmer tube to about 26", trace and cut a circle of fabric 1" wider than the circumference of the bottom, and sew it (wrong sides out) to one end of the tube. Attach a strap and you've got a tote for your yoga mat.
Make a shorter bag (no strap) for a wine or champagne gift cozy.
Choose a t-shirt to suit the party--an Aloha tee for a luau or a city pride tee for the new neighbor.
They're back! No longer exclusive to the '80s or the ballerina set, leg warmers are charming legs from windy Chicago promenades to icy New York sidewalks. Now sunny California can get in on the action with knee huggers made out of t-shirts. Choose a solid-color tee or one with graphics, and, just like the leg warmer trend, your tee gets a second lease on life.
