These socks began life as leg-warmers; consequently I used way too many stitches (40) and too-big needles ( 9 for the rib, then switch to 10 1/2). Halfway down the leg I decided I wanted them to be socks. I finished the leg with the ginormous needles and then switched to a much much smaller needle (5) to finish the footy.
The result was a ballooning, slouchy leg that I actually like. The other reason I named these Balloon Socks is the color, which reminds me of a hot air balloon.
The colors do not at all register correctly on the photo. On my monitor it looks blue and red, whereas the actual sock is mulberry, brick, peach, and orange.