Slippers with intergral nuno felted linen sole.

[koffipot]

I've just made these slippers with an integral nuno felted linen scrim sole in an attempt to make my slippers last longer.

Made 'inside out' with various fibres - to use up some bits. Hand dyed Teeswater locks as embellishment, Outer layers in White Norwegian, next white Icelandic, then some white BFL and finally, Heather coloured Merino for the lining - 8 layers in total.

Sorry I've posted the pics in reverse order!

Finished slippers - overdyed. I used a Fuschia dye with a bit of grey to tone it down and am pleased to say it turned out just as I'd hoped - the Felting Gods seem to be back on my side I've had a few disasters of late.


felting 001 by koffipot, on Flickr

Showing linen soles with stitched 'welt' Now to work on waterproofing! Any suggestions?


felting 002 by koffipot, on Flickr


nov 2012 to sort 071 by koffipot, on Flickr

Made 'inside out' showing fibre poked under the scrim border and top embellishments in place.


nov 2012 to sort 069 by koffipot, on Flickr

Showing scrim soles lightly gathered to keep in place over resist.

[Karen]

Wow they look gorgeous Judith, using the scrim was a great idea and the color is perfect. Is there like a rubber paint that would go on and set to become soles ? I know there's been conversations about this before but it was a long time ago

[koffipot]

I've tried latex, but find it peels off, I'm thinking of making a sample and trying some household paint.

On the other hand I could just not go outside in the wet!!!! Seems an easier option.

[MTRuth]

I use Plasti-Dip. Perhaps you don't have it there. www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Plasti_Dip

I see they now have a spray on version which I think would work much better than the dip/paint on version. It stays on really well and makes a great sole.

[lyn]

They look good with the scrim sole - wonderful idea!

[koffipot]

Thanks for the link Ruth, there is a UK site, but at first glance it seems you have to buy industrial quantities.

I think I'll stick to changing footwear at the door - Japanese style, which is really very sensible.

[MTRuth]

Judith - you can buy it here from hardware stores. It is used to coat handles of tools most of the time. But it probably is better not to wear them outside anyways. The soles do last longer if you coat them. My felted slipper bottoms always wear out pretty quickly.

[Shepherdess]

the slippers are beautifull. If you can get some tire crumbles are supposed to work well. If you have a tire recycling plant nearby you can go ask for a small bag. I haven't found anywhere neat me yet. You use the tire dip then while its still wet press them into the crumbles then more dip. There was a place on line in the states that sold kits. they use them for stealthy hunting boots.

[koffipot]

Thanks, I'll try some plasticoat if I find some in a reasonable quantity.

Tyre crumbles - wow, haven't heard of those before! Sounds like a lovely, messy procedure. I quite like 'messy' though!

My last pair have almost worn right through, which is annoying as I really like them and the tops are so thick. I think I might cut the soles out and "cobble" some new ones on - make do and mend!!

[zed]

They look great, Judith!
The sole really is a smart idea

A while ago I tried some silicone sealant on the bottom of felt to see how that might work for felt trivets or even slippers. I used Wilkies clear one and it worked well, a bit messy because you have to spread it, but if you have any hanging round you could do a sample see if it might be useful.
I did try taking photos at the time, but being clear it didn't really show up

[Shepherdess]

Zed maybe putting dots all over would be easier?

[zed]

Yeah, that's a great idea, Ann
I never got past the testing stage, but dots make perfect sense, I remember kids' slippers like that.

[koffipot]

I have silicone sealant. Will give it a try, at least it will prevent me "skating" . Thanks

[MTRuth]

Let us know how it goes with the silicone.

[amanda99]

Just an idea, wonder if sugru would work? sugru.com/