This has been one of those not-so-great weeks (a LOT of running kids around with little free time to enjoy the beautiful weather, though we did have a llama trek yesterday). Our teens have been pushing my buttoms and my fuse has been short (is there a full moon or something?... yes!), but as I pondered getting out of bed early this morning I thought, “YEAH, I can wear my new slippers!” (Sometimes, no maybe always, it’s about the little things).
My last blog post described my first attempts at felting slippers. I scoured the net for tips on finishing the bottoms. A lot of people paint latex onto the bottoms to make them skid-proof, but I liked the idea of keeping them more natural plus I felt that leather would protect the bottoms a lot more. This blog had some good information on felted slippers and adding bottoms. Someone mentioned using scrap or even recycled leather thrifted from old coats, and a search turned up this Etsy seller. I ordered enough leather in a neutral color to make many future pairs, and had it within a few days. The leather is huge with a few scratches and holes, but for $30 I can probably get about 30 pairs of soles compared to $10 per pair that I’ve found elsewhere.
I made a template by tracing the slipper, then easily cut the leather with regular scissors. I may have trimmed it down a bit small, but time will tell. I used an awl to punch holes in the leather, and sewed them on using a heavy, waxed leather thread.
From the way they feel on my feet this morning, I declare this project a success!
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12 comments:
cute slippers-good idea for the leather soles
I am going to try the leather idea on the bottom of my thrummed slippers....hmmmm wonder if sewing them on would still work???
Really nice slippers. I think the leather bottoms are a grea idea and finish the look nicely.
Lovely slippers. I like the leather bottoms. And my teens have been acting up too! I feel frazzled. What is the deal? The weather?
Those are so great! Is it your pattern? The stitching adds a wonderful embellishment!
I love the slippers ... I knit myself a pair once with no reinforced sole, and they fell apart within one winter. I hope yours last forever :-)
What a wonderful idea adding the leather to the bottoms. I declare it a success too! Now I want to felt some slippers.
Happy Fiber Arts Friday!
Your slippers are beautiful and the idea of making your own bottoms is a great one. Happy Fiber Arts Friday and have a great weekend.
I've been wanting to felt slippers for quite sometime, but the sole has alluded me.
These are fantastic!
Thanks for sharing them.
Thanks for all of the kind words on my slippers! I have them back on this evening, LOVE them and would recommend them to anyone to try. Tamara, I'm glad I'm not the only one with crazy kids this week! Have a nice weekend, everyone.
Hi Lindy,
Thank you for your lovely comments left on my blog - I've just discovered yours, and signed up, as I'd love to keep in touch. Slippers are my next project - so I'll be following your tips & links... And those alpacas, they're fantastic!!!
Many thanks Gill
Lovely, warm slippers--beautifully done. I especially like the stitching on top to add a bit of flair!
:)
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