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Thursday, 3 May 2012

MY GRANDMOTHER'S SLIPPERS

Note: The text of this pattern is based on what I remember from the pairs of slippers my grandmother made for us when we were children. 


Size: Adjustable (children to adult) 


Materials: 
  • About 150 yds. each of 2 colors of worsted wt. yarn (Colour A & Colour B) 
  • Size 8 (5 mm) needles 
  • Pompom maker
  • Tapestry needle 
Gauge: 7 sts = 2", 6 rows (3 ridges) = 1" in garter st on size 8 needles


Slipper (make 2) 
With 1 strand Colour A held together with 1 strand Color B, cast on 29.

Foot portion:
Row 1: Knit 9, purl 1, knit 9, purl 1, knit 9.
Row 2: Knit across.
Repeat these 2 rows until garter stitch portion measures approx. 4"-5" for children, 7"-8" for adults.

Begin ribbed toe portion:

Row 1: *Knit 1, purl 1, rep from * across.
Row 2: Knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as they face you to form knit 1, purl 1 ribbing.
Repeat last row until ribbed portion measures approx. 2" for children, 3"-4" for adults, or until measurement of piece from beginning is 1/2" less than total foot length. On last row of ribbing, decrease one stitch so there are 28 stitches remaining.

For pointy-toe version:
Decrease for toe: *Knit 2 together, rep from * across (14)
Next row: Purl across (14)
Next row: *Knit 2 together, rep from * across (7)
Next row: Purl across (7)

For round-toe version:
Decrease for toe: *Knit 2 together, rep from * across (14)

Cut yarn, leaving tail long enough for sewing toe seam. Gather remaining stitches together (by running yarn through stitches on needle and pulling tight to close toe), then sew toe seam until you reach the garter stitch portion. Finish off and weave in ends. With separate length of yarn, sew up heel seam.

If desired, make 2 large, fluffy pompoms, using both Color A and Color B together, and attach to top of slipper.