Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Debbie Bliss Slippers Project

My self-imposed rule for purchasing craft books or magazines is that I must make at least three items in order to justify the expense.


My copy of the Debbie Bliss Simple Living book had yet to be put into action so I got busy planning out three projects. By the way, errata for this book may be found here.

The first on my list was knitting slippers. I carefully read the instructions and ordered the specified Debbie Bliss yarn to ensure proper results.

Once the knitting was done, the finishing process included covering purchased insoles with fabric. I chose a seashell print. My only alteration to the project was sewing sole pieces to the bottom to prevent my slipping as I have enough orthopedic problems, thank you very much, without falling and breaking something.

© June Scroggin, All Rights Reserved

My new slippers look great, don’t they?

But they don’t work.

The indicated yarn isn’t firm enough for this project; it’s floppy -- way too floppy. For my first photo, I stuffed tissues in the slippers to give them the same shape as shown in the book which must have been their photographer’s trick, too.

© June Scroggin, All Rights Reserved

The slippers do not stay on my feet; they fall off right away--very disappointing.

Last night I searched Ravelry for other knitters trying this project to see whether I’d done something wrong but discovered I’m not the only one with the same poor results. This bothers me a lot as I spent time and care adhering mindfully to the written instructions.

Project 2 is almost done and the results are much more encouraging—thank goodness.

13 comments:

Jennifer W. said...

Oh, bummer. I wonder if there is a way to put a strap on the back so they stay on? Not the look you were going for, but it would be a shame if they can't be used.

dutchcomfort said...

Like Jennifer said, Bummer indeed! Basting thin elastic through the top won’t help?

Making at least 3 projects from a book to justify the expense! That’s something I love, though I never managed to live up to that goal. Most of the craft books I purchased online have disappointed me one way or another, or have patterns that are written poorly.

Can’t wait to see your next project!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

The slippers look so nice, June, that it is a shame they don't stay on. I wonder if there is a way to line the top with a sturdy fabric that will support the knit? Maybe a heavy felt or a fluffy fleece that will make them snug enough to fit?

I would write to the book author and publisher with your complaint ..perhaps they will reimburse you for the book!

Unknown said...

The slippers do look fab (when stuffed with tissue), maybe Debbie Bliss intended for them to be seen and admired and not worn (Ahem!). I'm definitely with Pat @Mille Fiori Favoriti, you should complain to the publisher. Debbie Bliss wool is not cheap and neither are her books.
I hope the next project from her book is a resounding success and I can't wait to see it.

Junie Moon said...

I appreciate all the helpful tips y'all are sharing, so I'm going to give it a go at salvaging my project. It makes me nuts to waste my time (and money) so I'll try the ideas you've shared and, to quote Tim Gunn, "Make it work."

FinnyKnits said...

Well, boo. As soon as I saw your (beautiful) slippers I was like, "Eureka! I have found my new slippers! I will make these!" because I've been trying to find a replacement for my old favorite (smelly) slippers for so long, I've given up.

If you rework these so that they, you know, stay on your feet, please let us know!

Thanks for the honest assessment.

Thimbleanna said...

Oh, that's a shame June. The "caterpillar" fuzzy slippers that I make won't ever stay up either, so I weave a very narrow piece of elastic through the cuff. I've made two pair now and I love the way they fit with the elastic in them. It might not be as pretty with your slippers though. How 'bout a pretty coordinating ribbon woven through the slippers and you could tie them with a bow?

Unknown said...

Glad to hear that you're gonna 'make it work'. You'll be so darn proud of those blummin slippers by the time they're finished and will probably want to wear them everywhere.
BTW, thanks for visiting my blog. I hope you'll drop by again.

rohanknitter said...

How frustrating!! They are so pretty, too. I hope you can make them work for you.

meg said...

Too bad the pattern wasn't geared towards felted slipper~ I've done a dozen pairs over the past few years (Fiber Trends- don't remember the pattern number, but you can find it on Ravelry) & they are nice & sturdy :-)

Ammieloris said...

They look sweet and soft, and I love your photo and fabric choice. Boo, though. Do let us know which fabulous fixer method you choose!

Jessica said...

The slippers look great - but such a shame about them not really staying on your feet... it's always so disappointing when a pattern lets you down like that. I'm trying to cut down on the amount of craft books that I buy and I also try and do a quick bit of investigation using Ravelry to see what other people thought of the patterns.

Bridgett said...

That is a shame and perhaps something you should let the publisher of the book know so it won't be printed in any further books or magazines.

They look great though! And so soft! It's a shame they didn't work. :/