Stirrup socks--ballet leg warmers

#1

I found this pattern, quite similar to what I’m working on for my GD to go over ballet pointe shoes. http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/70668AD.html I didn’t know what they were called and gave up on a pattern and went with a toeless, heeless sock, no pattern, now I’ve come across this. My question: the pattern says to go around the heel opening w/single crochet. I was thinking about this and wondering if there is a better way, thought about alternating sc and ss, thought about pick up and knit a couple rows. I’m using worsted weight acrylic yarn. I’ve worked from the toe to above the anke in ribbing on the first one. Maybe a row of sc is best. Suggestions? Comments?

Another question: After I bind off 1/2 the stitches for the heel opening, which cast on would you recommend? I used the knitting on method for the one that I’ve actually gotten that far on.

I just realized another consideration. The heel needs to stay in place, maybe sc would be good for that.

I find myself wanting the knowledge and benefit of experience w/o going through the experience part. :noway: :noway:

#2

I like the idea of the sc finish. It would stabilize the heel and be a nice finish. And I’d go with the knitted cast on as well because I like the look of it better than the cable cast on; although the sc would cover it either way.
The knowledge/experience thing? Don’t we all!
This is a useful and thoughtful gift that I’m sure the GD will appreciate.

#3

Can’t address the cast on, but I’d go with a sc edge. Sc, ss edging will make little bumps that could be uncomfortable when wearing, same with knitting a couple of rows, will make a ridge. What a great gift! Lower legs, including ankles, really need to be kept warm in ballet. Lucky girl!

#4

jpc, good points. It looks like the sc edge should be just fine. They will soon reach her knees, she tried one on today, and I’m going to switch to 1x1 ribbing soon. She wants them over her knees. I’m doing them in Red Heart Super Saver zebra yarn, http://www.shopredheart.com/Images.aspx?PIFID=1344 the black and white stripes make me think of the Wicked Witch of the the West, but she seems to like them.

I keep hearing “knitted shorts” but I dunno about that one. I might sew some up out of fleece instead. She’s getting ready for the Evergreen City Ballet production of The Nutcracker right now. That’s grueling.

#5

LOLOL! Ooooh, Zebra makes a marvelous pattern! When worked over about 100 stitches or so, I got fabric that resembled a Navajo blanket!

I keep hearing “knitted shorts” but I dunno about that one. I might sew some up out of fleece instead. She’s getting ready for the Evergreen City Ballet production of The Nutcracker right now. That’s grueling.

Hmmm… thinking out loud here. Knitted shorts would just be three circular pieces, one for the waist, and two for the legs worked one at a time off of the waist piece. An hourglass shaped gusset for the crotch could be worked flat and sewn in. My sewing must be showing.:aww: What part is she dancing? I love the Nutcracker!!!

#6

A Ravelry search produced patterns for shorts. http://library.ravelry.com/seasha/23976/studio_shorts.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJNNSUP6J3RN4WZYQ&Expires=1322283659&Signature=0DqfqKsyPCA3oHi1%2Fc%2FzAwywrPY%3D http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/studio-shorts Looks pretty complicated to me at first glance.

jpc, she’s in thinking, hoping I get this right the Russian corps, the Chinese corps, and is an officer. The only reason ballet interest me is because she is a dancer. I might learn to appreciate it for itself someday.

#7

I looked at the pattern in your second link. If you’ve ever made a bottom up sweater with a yoke, the construction at the join of the legs is similar. Like much of knitting, once you have the sts in front of you, it’s not all that complicated.
You have a wonderful guide to ballet right in your own family. Enjoy the performance.

#8

For some silly reason Safari only let me see the 2nd pair. <sigh> They certainly could be complicated.

When I was talking out loud in my previous message, I was remembering the old, old, old cut off at the knee sweats I used to wear when dancing. they were constructed like boxers through the crotch (I have no idea what the design concept is named, saddle crotch?) and had a drawstring waist. They gave warmth and excellent range of motion. Not the most attractive of garments but highly functional.

jpc, she’s in thinking, hoping I get this right the Russian corps, the Chinese corps, and is an officer. The only reason ballet interest me is because she is a dancer. I might learn to appreciate it for itself someday.

HOW COOL!:woot: Multiple costume changes for multiple roles! What a challenge to learn more than one part… I know you’re proud of her! I loved ballet class when I was much younger, and would love to be that flexible again. I haven’t moved that gracefully in decades. :wink: