A Metamorphosis of a Knitting Project

Handspun Wool Knitted Slippers

It all started out after Christmas two years ago. Mom deserved a project for herself after making so many gifts. I dreamed of having a pair of spats or leg warmers that would classily cover up my too short pant leg syndrome caused by God blessing me with long legs.

Knitted leg warmers seemed like an easy project to work on while I waited for kids here and there so I chose my pattern   http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosey and hand-spun wool. Even though it was a well written pattern and fun to knit as I neared the end reality struck. I tried them on and low and behold I remember never liking leg warmers years ago. Unfortunately, I hadn't changed.

Wool Slipper

What to do now? Turning them into slippers sounded reasonable, But you have no pattern! Ah, I pulled out an old pair of knitted slippers that someone had given me years ago. I wore them out and saved them for a pattern. There are days seeing possibilities in junk pays off.

Black Welsh Wool Felted Sole

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As I knitted the foot part of the slipper I realized that I had no desire to pick up stitches and knit a sole. So again I pulled out something stashed away, a felted sample of Black Welsh wool. Thick, warm, and easy to cut out and sew on for the sole.

Felted Sole Sewn On

 A leather sole over the felted wool would make them last much longer, but life intervened so that throughout the winter the slippers were tested and worn. Very comfortable, toasty even, causing different family members to request their own pair or try to steal Mom's.

Sewing On the Bark Tan Sole

However the felted soles were showing wear so putting a bark tanned sole on them became a summer project for me. Why summer you might ask; because if I wait for winter they will find their way onto my feet long before they are at the top of my mending pile.

Hand-Spun Wool Slippers with Bark Tan Sole

Of course there is always a few things I would do different if I did this project again. However, the biggest thing I would change would be the color of my wool. Some days when I look down at the plain, dark brown wool slippers on my feet which are covered with bits and pieces of things I didn't even know were in my house let alone on my floor. I wonder if I am just wearing a new style of dust-mop. Could there be a market for these?

Looking Down at Happy Feet!

The silver stars make me smile and were a surprise found in my stash bought on a clearance sale in the distant past and then forgotten. The wooden beads were from something I took apart and saved. Only one thing left to do on them and that is to add some silver weighted beads to the ends of my fringe ties. These will have to be picked up whenever I get close to a bead shop because I couldn't find any in my stash. Ah! My stash let me down.... : )

Stepping into the Past ( Davis Hollow Cabin)

Dear old house I wonder what stories your walls of stone and log could share about the people who proudly build you and have taken refuge in you over the years. Maybe this short, long weekend in June of 2017 our group of five Carol, Myra, Bonnie, Susan, and Liza have taken you on a trip back memory lane as we moved spinning wheels, wool picker, looms, and many other fiber related things into you for our weekend crafting get away. Your sprawling space and gracious time worn feel so added to our weekend.

Welcoming coolness of the porch

Ready to dig in

                   The days flew away all to quickly
                    as we feasted at your table
                    shared our lives with each
                    other and you.

Set up for spinning

The shade of your porch hummed with spinning wheels, the clicking of knitting needles, the swish of looms changing sheds, and the silent fluttering of the opened, cleaned wool from the picker.

loom in waiting

As we go back to our busy lives and families you will hold a cherished  spot in all our memories. Once found your stately peace and tranquility refreshed us and will never be forgotten.  We are already planning and hoping to revisit you in the years to come.

Learning pick up

Wool fresh from the picker

As we slowly walked through your hallowed walls one last time before leaving, our overwhelming thanks went out to all the silent and unseen ones who have kept you in good repair all these years so that our lives could be touched by your charm.