Valenki Boots

[blueberry]

I came across this link yesterday and I was wondering how difficult they would be to wet felt?

As you know my little girl has a few issues, her paediatrician has recently settled on cerebral palsy as a diagnosis and she isn't going to be walking for a while. I carry her up on my back in a sling but in the winter her feet get a bit cold in her soft leather shoes and I can never find boots that are lightweight enough and then I saw these ;D

I have seen shoe lasts for sale on the Gilliangladrags website but I was wondering how I would go about keeping the shape of the upper part of the boot? Should I just use a plastic resist somehow attached to the lasts?

Any advice greatly appreciated

[MTRuth]

Try this link members.peak.org/~spark/3-dFelt.html

It shows how to make a pair of baby booties - I would advise against using cardboard as a resist unless you cover it with duct tape but other than that, these are basic instructions that can be sized up for any kind of boots or slippers. If you want taller uppers, then just increase the distance between the two feet. If you just mark around your daughter's feet and then add an inch around for shrinkage, they should fit fairly well using a wool that shrinks about 30%. If she isn't walking, will she need lasts? You can always sew them on if needed.

[Shepherdess]

you can cut down the front of the boots you make so they are easier to put on.
Then you can sew on some Velcro or put in grommets for laces. You can even make felt tongues and sew them in if you like.

[blueberry]

Brilliant, thanks for replies and fab link ;D

What do you think would be the best wool to use?

Thanks x

[MTRuth]

What kinds do you have? Merino is a bit soft for boots but works. If you have a medium grade wool, it will be more sturdy than the finer wools.

[blueberry]

I only have merino at the mo...what type do you think would be easiest for a first attempt? x

[MTRuth]

Just use the merino and since she won't be walking a lot in them, it won't matter that they are softer. I like to use mixed breed 56's wool for my slippers. It's sturdy but not too rough on the skin. I buy it at RH Lindsay.

[Tess]

Can't wait to see them, they are lovely boots.

[blueberry]

Thanks for the advice ;D