Upcycling: Little Dancer Leg Warmers

Having purchased this sweater for another purpose, it occurred to me that there is more than 1...I'll share my original intentions when I get to them.

For now: a quick & easy leg-warmer out of an old sweater how-to is born. Naomi's been needing some for a while anyway--just in time for today's Creative Movement class, I finished them up.

Here's how you can make your own (instruction precedes each picture):

Start with an old sweater. I chose to shrink this one (it was 2xl after all) by washing & drying at high heat.

2 arms for 2 legs...cut off the arms at the seam (just above the shoulder seam worked well).

Try on your 'model' to see how long you'd like them to be. Trim off excess (following a stripe works well on striped sweaters).

You'll notice that sleeves are not exactly 'straight'; they're slightly angled. To remedy this cut up the seam on both sides removing it completely.

Square off your piece by folding in half & trimming both vertically & horizontally.

For the top edge, snip off a length of the trim on the bodice of the sweater.

With right sides together pin the hem to the raw edge side (top) of your leg-warmer square. Stretch a bit as you pin to ensure a little grab on the final leg warmer. Sew it up using a zig-zag stitch 1/4 inch in from the edge.

Cut close to the sewing to make a clean & less-bulky edge.

Add a little embellishment if desired. (I used my new found love of needle-felting to play around, and can you ever go wrong with birds & flowers?)

Fold your leggings up vertically, pin in place (try to make sure you've got your stripes matched up if you've got 'em).

Sew each up with a narrow zig-zag stitch. Where you've added the extra trim (top edge of legging), try to sew in 1/2 inch making this part tighter for staying up.

Trim off excess seamage & thread.

Turn right side out.

Try on your model.

Document & Enjoy ;)

they seem to work...