A slipper template was made by drawing around my foot...
...and adding an inch all around.
I then used it to cut out pieces of cotton gauze and foam underlayment.
...and adding an inch all around.
I then used it to cut out pieces of cotton gauze and foam underlayment.
Covering the first foam resist with bits of a blended art batt.
Encasing a piece of cotton gauze in the sole for durability.
After felting to the 'pinch test'...
...I cut the slipper in order to reposition the resist.
Felting now continues with the 'heel bit' underneath the plastic.
The finished slippers.
I hand-stitched the 'flaps' down with strong beading thread to make them more comfortable.
My daughter, H 2, modeling this slightly too small first pair.
Whenever I've made felt slippers in the past...
...it's always been 'bootie style' ones that must be pulled on.
Because I prefer the kind that slip on and off quickly...
...I end up giving most of my handmade slippers away.
So, when I saw Nicola make a fun pair of mules. recently...
...I decided that they would be well worth a try!
Since it was just an experiment, I hastily drew template patterns...
...and covered the resists with wool from an art batt that I had hanging around.
I felted each slipper until it held together...
...then cut into the felt and sealed the raw edges.
Finishing them with the 'heel bit' under the plastic helped to create the desired shape...
...and, once rinsed and dry, I stitched the loose flap to the insole of each slipper.
Finding that this pair was slightly too small for me...
...and wanting a vamp that covered more of my foot next time...
...I had a better idea about how to draft a new template and where to cut the felt.
Next time: why talking and laughing with a good friend while cutting into your felt...
...might lead to a less than perfect outcome! Grin.
...it's always been 'bootie style' ones that must be pulled on.
Because I prefer the kind that slip on and off quickly...
...I end up giving most of my handmade slippers away.
So, when I saw Nicola make a fun pair of mules. recently...
...I decided that they would be well worth a try!
Since it was just an experiment, I hastily drew template patterns...
...and covered the resists with wool from an art batt that I had hanging around.
I felted each slipper until it held together...
...then cut into the felt and sealed the raw edges.
Finishing them with the 'heel bit' under the plastic helped to create the desired shape...
...and, once rinsed and dry, I stitched the loose flap to the insole of each slipper.
Finding that this pair was slightly too small for me...
...and wanting a vamp that covered more of my foot next time...
...I had a better idea about how to draft a new template and where to cut the felt.
Next time: why talking and laughing with a good friend while cutting into your felt...
...might lead to a less than perfect outcome! Grin.
12 comments:
I'm looking forward to seeing what template you come up with. You make such clever ones! On the boot style I have found that slightly too small is the right size. After about a week they are usually perfectly molded, but maybe not on mules where your foot can slide out.
Elizabeth--I agree with you about the booties.
So far, I haven't noticed the mules stretching out any with wear. XXO-
Love this idea! What a great, functional piece of felt. Can you give more specifics on the cotton & foam you used?
I would be very concerned about the fit of felted slipper or booties. Look forward to seeing your new template!
Laura--Thanks! I used a layer of cotton gauze (sometimes called scrim) within the wool layers on the soles. It's a bit more densely woven than cheesecloth, but is still 'open-weave'). The foam is floor underlayment from a home improvement store. I use it for all of my resists, but it does not form part of the final projects...it only acts to keep the two layers apart during felting.
Vivian--It does seem to take a bit of experimentation to get it right. Luckily, you can felt the piece a little more or less to change the shape/size as well.
Very cute, more felting magic!!!
Melissa--Thanks! XXO-
I'd like to make myself a pair of slippers one of these days. I shall heed your warning about the distractions of conversation!
You are so cool--I love them! I have to wear bootie types myself, I have no grace and fall over a lot if my shoes move around, especially down the stairs ;) I love stopping by and seeing what you are up to.
Thanks for the tips! Now that you point it out I realize that the foam was just the resist, for some reason I thought it was part of the sole!
They look very sweet! Great idea with the double thickness heel part!
I tend to add more to the length of slipper templates than to the width (say 1" at sides and 2" front & back).. as you say though you always have to experiment with your fibre to guage its shrinkage.
Looking forward to seeing your next pair :)
x
Rachel--Oh, yes...check out my newly posted "Pair 2" for a 'visual'!! Giggle.
Andria--You're smart to stay safe and know yourself!!!! I've done bootie-style ones in the past, too...so check out the index if you'd like to try making a pair of those.
Laura--It's so much easier if you actually 'see' it for yourself. Sometimes, blogs can only do so much. :)
Deborah--Interesting!! I'm sure our layouts have something to do with this, too. Honestly, we MUST felt together one day!!! I know that we would have much to learn and share!
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