Looking for cheap suggestions for cold weather riding clothes

[kjb]

Hi -

I've knit myself arm warmers, leg warmers and "neck tubes" for biking.

I made my arm warmers out of a nice cozy wool. They go up to just my elbow. They're nice and warm, too, because I added a thumb and fingerless glove. I'm going to line the palm with a little fleece so the weave doesn't dig into my hand when I ride.

The leg warmers are made out of a cheapo, $2.95 skein of Bernat Supervalue. It's soft, washable, and really easy to work with. They're a bit baggy on the bottom, as I rarely use patterns for anything. They make a big difference.

The "neck tube" is made from the same Bernat poly. I love having neck protection without the flying scarf ends. The only problem with it is that, when it's really cold, my breath freezes on the edge of the tube. I wish I could find a wicking, tech kind of yarn for all this winter stuff.

Also, another thing I've done for arm warmers is cut the feet off of an old pair of knee socks. I love wearing knee socks when it's cold out, but I'm always getting holes in the heels, toes, where ever. Instead of just throwing them out, I snip off the feet and have a really cute pair of arm warmers. Sometimes I cut a thumb hole and sometimes I just leave it. I have a pair of Smartwool knee socks that are getting kind of thin in the heel. . . . ! I love being able to reuse them like this. They're totally washable and they last forever.

Katie

[owlice]

Wow, Katie, thanks!! What great ideas!!!

I wouldn't know how to use a pattern for knitting or crocheting; one of these days, I should take some lessons or join a knitting/crocheting circle or some such!

[Owlie]

Owlice, I'd come knit with you. The only reason I didn't knit mine is that by the time I finished them, it'd be summer 2011!

[blackhillsbiker]

If you're ever in Rapid City, I'll teach you to knit in the round. I knit almost everything that way (I hate to sew up seams).

Deb

[owlice]

:: sits between Owlie and blackhillsbiker ::

:: watches them knit and tries to follow along ::

:: tries ::

:: tries ::

:: hopes one or both of them have scissors and will free her from the yarn web she's trapped in ::