Terabithia Arm Warmers!

This past Friday, we saw Bridge to Terabithia. It was opening day, as is usually the case for our family...not because we are huge movie buffs, but because my son memorizes all those "coming soon" dates on the movie trailers. Even if it's 14 month in advance, he is POSITIVE we will be there on opening day.

The movie is great. Not a fantasy movie as the trailers imply - but more of a coming of age movie. Also it is not meant for small children. Read the reviews before you go, and bring tissues.

But what I loved most were the cute knitted arm warmers worn by star AnnaSophia Robb throughout the movie. It was a different pair in every scene. I guess the arm warmers were meant to imply she was funky or somehow counter-cultural. (In the original novel upon which the movie is based, the heroine wore pants - very funky for the '70s I guess). Anyway, the first arm warmers I noticed were these fun black ones with pink "lacing." Before the weekend was over, I had a prototype:


M is all over me to get the second one made so she can wear them "everywhere!" They are made with Classic Elite Star, a great yarn with Lycra to give it stretch. You can click the link to buy Star on our website - it's used in the "Brooke's L.A. Wrap" - or substitute another stretchy yarn. I can almost stretch these onto my arm. You can also wear them over a long sleeve shirt. This would be a good first project to try out double-pointed needles - like socks, but no heel or toe.

Here is the pattern:
MC: Classic Elite Star, #5113 Black (99% cotton, 1% lycra, 112 yards, 5 1/2 sts/in on #8 US)
CC1: Classic Elite Star, #5101 White
CC2: Classic Elite Star, #5191 Seafoam
CC3 (for "laces): 1-2 yards scrap yarn of similar guage. I used Rowan All Seasons Cotton.
Size 7 double-pointed needles (DPNs)

Finished size: 8" long by approx. 7" in circumference (when laid flat, unstretched)

With MC, cast on 34 sts. Divide onto 3 DPNs. Join into round, placing marker to denote beginning of round. Knit until piece measures 6 1/2 inches from beginning. Switch to CC1 and knit 6 rounds. Switch to CC2 and knit 6 rounds more. Cast off. Using photo as a guide, thread CC3 onto tapestry needle and add "lacing."

If knitting for a child younger than 6, I would reduce the CO sts to 24-28. For a teen or adult, try 38-40. This yarn is very stretchy and will easily adjust several sizes.

Here's a close-up photo:


Experiment with other colors...enjoy... and let me know how you like them!

- Shelley