For the second day’s Homemade Gift, we have one of my husband’s and my favorites…. slippers. We love our slippers both for at home and at events.
When it comes to making slippers, you have lots of choices. In period magazines you can find embroidered slippers, quilted slippers, appliqued slippers, corded slippers, crochet slippers and even easy to make hospital slippers. This file has an assortment of slippers to start from.
The way I construct my slippers requires:
- An outer material either already decorated in the case of needlework, embroidery, and applique or not yet decorated in the case of quilted or corded.
- An inner lining
- An inter lining – either something supportive or batting
- A sole – painted canvas, leather or cork
- A sole lining
- Insoles – two layers of soft wool
For the soles, I trace the wearer’s foot and adjust it to look period. If you don’t have a foot to work from because this is a surprise gift, use inexpensive insoles from the store as a guide.
Layer your uppers together, right sides together. Sew around the inner curved cut or the flat top of each slipper. Turn the pieces right side out. Baste the lower edges together. If you are doing a quilted slipper now is the time to do your quilting. This is also a good time to do your cording or braiding.
Layer your sole and sole lining together. Baste around the edge.
Line your uppers face down on your sole. Pin the front toe and the sides in place. Sew around the edge. Finish the edge with a whip stitch. Turn right side out.
Lay the two layers of insole wool together. Sew around leaving enough space to turn it right side out. Turn right side out and close. Insert into your slipper.
Wear inside.
If I Had My Own Blue Box: 