The first two Felt Slippers workshops have been a great success! All credit to the sheer determination and hard work of everyone involved - especially during the first Saturday when I'm sure the temperatures in the conservatory at Madeira House must have peaked to well over 100° F…! It was like a furnace, even with three fans going BUT hardly a complaint and everyone went home with a smile, a PAIR of slippers and a great sense of achievement...
When I first thought about this workshop I wasn't sure how best to organise things? We don't have a great deal of working space in the conservatory, using the traditional 'two boot' shaped resist would have been difficult, so I decided to use a simple 'slip-on' mule shape which everyone could easily size to their own foot and flip over for the pair.
We started by measuring our feet (always a good laugh!) allowing a 3cm allowance for shrinkage, then cut out the resists. Most had made bags & bowls before, although a couple were new to working in 3-D. Having laminated instructions handy for everyone while they work is invaluable. Even I find it difficult to remember what layer and side I'm at. No comment ! I blame the heat!! And it did get very, very hot...
I got everyone to complete their first slipper to the point where the resist was removed, then to start on the second, bringing it to this same stage. It is easier to duplicate the cutting lines before they get too stretched, then both slippers can be rolled and worked on together in the final felting & shaping stages - this cuts down on time & energy physically rolling and helps to better ensure a matching pair. Lots more workshop photos here.
I did briefly explain how to make soles for the slippers, but I've recently discovered a new latex product called Sock-stop which can be painted onto felt slippers & knitted socks, and comes in a variety of colours. It improves grip, stops slipping on shiny floors and protects your slipper soles. I've just ordered some so let me know if you would like more details.
At the end of the day the slippers did need some final felting but I suggested that when everyone got home they filled a bowl with warm soapy water, put on their slippers and soaked & rubbed them on their feet. Nice relaxing way to end a very warm day of felting! Pat, Michaela & Karen even said they were going to wear theirs to the music Festival this weekend. Now that would be worth a photo ladies…!
I must also mention my 'real' Mongolian slippers, they must be at least a size 15 - but aren't they fantastic! Jane bought them back from her recent travels there. They inspired me to try making a pair of 'fairy' slippers with pointy toes...
These colours are not really very fairy-like - I actually think they are rather wicked so I've re-named them the 'Goblin boots' with thoughts of Christina Rossetti's Goblin Market...
Now I think they need some needle felted spots to match my jacket...?