Unmatched Socks for Play

My grandchild has yet to wear a matched air of socks to school. this is one of her local claims to fame. Her parents, both very busy women, are too busy to match them up, and their daughter has fun with picking the sox of the day.

When I was younger and money was tight, my mom used unmatched socks as improvised underwear for the entire family. In fact, for a few years, I only had one real item of underwear, which I saved for church on Sundays. On other days, we'd improvise and use socks of various size and colors. I even used socks for my first bra, until dad found a job. My brother got teased a few times in the locker room but he got used to it.

Even after we got money, we used unmatched and damaged socks for other purposes: Cat toy (rolled up like a ball of yarn), to protect my dad's golf clubs, to bake cakes, to store candles, to protect wine bottles in transit, as a pot holder, as a sachet (put in potpourri; use sheer socks), as a pest repellent (put in offensive odors), tea bag (put in tea leaves or herbs then steep). tourniquet, to store feather dusters, and as a hose warmer.

For winter months when it is slippery outside, I have found that if you put and old pair of socks over your shoes, it will help you walk better. The socks stop you from slipping.