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Post by Shepherdess on Nov 20, 2014 0:40:04 GMT
Yep I have never used a last for slippers and we don't use them in my slipper class. You don't really need slippers to form to your feet but if you do want them to you can finish shaping them on your feet. You could get your husband to give you a foot massage till they fit just right. To make your own shoe lasts you up on some socks then a plastic bag and duct tape around your foot. Short peices are recommended so you get fewer wrinkles and are less likely to make them to tight. the you cut down the back or side and take your foot out. tape shut again. stuff tight with old plastic bags then tape over the top. I will copy that into its own post too.
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Post by Frances on Nov 20, 2014 14:40:00 GMT
Using socks is a neat idea - The only wool I have that would be appropriate is Finn so add 30% for shrinkage?
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Post by halay on Nov 20, 2014 17:24:34 GMT
Frances, you can try your Keds sneakers - stuff them with plastic bags. However, you mentioned that you have a narrow foot and this might not work in your case - the slippers will be too wide in the end.
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Post by MTRuth on Nov 20, 2014 17:28:02 GMT
Frances - have you done a shrinkage sample with the Finn? That's the easiest way to figure out shrinkage for different wool breeds and different felting circumstances.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Nov 21, 2014 18:34:35 GMT
Just an update on those slipper lasts I order from the Etsy link. They are custom made per order and will not ship for a week and could take up to 2 weeks for delivery if you reside in the USA. For UK and Europe, it would probably take less time than that. The owner, Peter Mas, explained to me that each pair of lasts gets several coats of varnish and again, are made per order.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Nov 29, 2014 21:04:19 GMT
Yeah! Yahoo! My slipper lasts from Ireland arrived today--very quick shipping! Sizes are 45 (my sons) and 37 (me). IMG_0266 by catwycliff, on Flickr I can’t wait to get started, but I have to think about the fiber choice, color selection and embellishments…more than 3 weeks left to ponder.
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Post by Pandagirl on Nov 30, 2014 0:17:36 GMT
Very cool Cathy!
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Post by koffipot on Nov 30, 2014 8:17:13 GMT
They look good. Did he combine postage for a multiple purchase? I messaged him to ask, but haven't had a reply.
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Post by zed on Nov 30, 2014 11:11:13 GMT
This probably seems like a daft question, but how do you pick the size you want? Do you measure your feet or add a bit or what?
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Post by Shepherdess on Nov 30, 2014 13:20:14 GMT
Zed the lasts are for finishing only so you need to order the finished size.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Nov 30, 2014 13:31:07 GMT
Ann is correct--these lasts are for finishing only, so order your regular size. I will still need to do the traditional resist method for making slippers.
Koffipot-- Peter did combine shipping for me and the package arrived more quickly than promised. He does seem to be very busy. Apparently he custom makes from orders only so the lasts are not sitting around ready to be shipped.
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Post by koffipot on Nov 30, 2014 18:29:52 GMT
Thanks Cathy.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Dec 1, 2014 1:44:07 GMT
You are very welcome!
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Post by zed on Dec 1, 2014 10:09:21 GMT
I understand they are for finishing, but I've never used lasts so wouldn't know what my 'regular size' is. Do I order the size that is the same as my foot measurement, because the last has the extra size to it needed, or do I need to add the extra size on and order bigger?
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Post by halay on Dec 1, 2014 15:49:43 GMT
No, Zed, the lasts usually cover two sizes, e.g. 37-38, 39-40, etc. You just order your number and it will be OK. I would highly recommend styrofoam lasts which you can put in the washing machine because you will get even better shape and the wool will felt further on in the washing machine. When you feel that the slippers fit the last, put everything together in an old pantyhose and make a knot on the top so that the slipeprs do not move during washing. I always put an old towel or two in the washing machine (those that I have been using for felting) because of additional friction. I wash them at 30 degrees C, using the program for delicate washing, and short centrifuge in the end. Sometimes I wash them even at 40 degrees, espacially if I want the slippers to shrink more. This is where I bought my lasts: www.wollknoll.eu/shop/Buecher-und-Sonstiges/Styropor-Artikel/styropor-schuhleisten-478/
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