The idea for thrifted sweater legwarmers came to me during my New Year Swap. I had spied an adorable purple sweater and knew right away that I wanted it, until I saw the huge slash through the back. Rats. But wait...and that's when I shoved my leg through the arm and had an "aha" moment. Legwarmers.
This is truly so simple I am almost embarrassed to do a "tutorial" on it, but I thought it was definitely doable and unique and the perfect quick project...during nap-time perhaps?
Find a sweater. I had the one from the swap but I also decided to hit up Goodwill and see if there were any good finds. I learned a few things too...pick a sweater that has some stretch to it, that's not already too big for your leg (or too small), but that also has the longest arms possible...this will affect the height of your legwarmer.
Step 2 ::
Using scissors cut a straight line through the sleeve from the armpit, parallel with the wrist.
Step 3 ::
Turn the sleeve inside out and fold a hem on the cut edge. (I just fold as I go, no need to pin.) Place the edge under your sewing machine foot and set the stitch to zig zag.
Step 4 ::
Sew around the the sleeve. Turn rightside out and "get physical" with your new legwarmers.
I think they're cute with tights or leggings and a little jean skirt. Dare to wear them with jeggings and pumps! The world is your oyster.
And now what to do with the body of the sweater? Perhaps you have some good ideas? I was thinking of making a pillow, a coffee cozy, a doll. If you have ideas please feel free to share them here!
*Thanks Rebekah for inviting me to be a part of make something monday. I am honored to be included among your gorgeous projects!*
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Thank you so much Jenny for the incredible inspiration, I can not wait to make some legwarmers soon! I have the perfect sweater in mind taking up space in my drawer!! For more inspiration and her latest adventures with her adorable son Wesley including raising chickens with her family in 2011 check out Jenny's blog Renton for Life right HERE!!
May you all have a happy day!! If you have something you think might be fun to share for make something monday feel free to email me at rebekah.gough@gmail.com I would love to see it!!
Just snagged a sweater at Goodwill on my lunch break, gonna give this a try! :)
ReplyDeleteYay! So glad you got the whipped cream maker. Funny story-- I bought that from Jenny two years ago (she had two I think) and I never used it! Never got around to buying a cartridge. I was excited to bring it in hopes someone would get some great use out of it. I am sure you will use it for something yummy! =)
ReplyDeleteGreat post Jenny-- loved seeing these in person yesterday. Not sure I could pull them off as well as you ;)
Lindsay, I am so excited for you to try this out and sport them around LA- I'm sure they're going to look great!
ReplyDeleteKatie, I know you could pull these off- you have great legs!
i can't wait to see yours, rebekah! (maybe you or jenny could collect photos from all who attempt this project and post them at some point down the road, perhaps in a collage?--just a thought! actually, this might be fun for any of your 'make something monday' projects...)
ReplyDeleteso fun to see jenny featured in this space! a beautifully photographed tutorial, jenny! xoxo
So clever!
ReplyDeleteI just found this, with fall being here I want some adorable leg warmers to wear with my boots! :) thanks for the idea...and what about the rest of the sweater, making an infinity scarf!?
ReplyDeleteI made some leg warmers. I kinda like the sweaters. Thought about making the wing like arm holes out of them. 2 have zippers. Should I take them out? Just dont know how to go about doing the arms without messing the sweater up. Would you like to challenge it?
ReplyDelete...thanks for the clear directions Jenny (and Rebekah)! I am really loving my cosy new repurposed sweater legwarmers :D
ReplyDelete