I managed to complete 2 items from my January sewing plans list by the end of this month. Yeah! Yesterday, I showed a sneak peek of the 3 mini quilts.
Today, I wanted you to see the Olivia slipper/shoe pattern for String Theory's Shoe and Tell. Admittedly, I was filled with a bit of trepidation for both projects since my sewing skills are rusty and somewhat limited (still need to conquer my fear of the zipper!). But both turned out easier than I thought.
After I cut the pattern out and before sewing, my daughter discovered a fun twist for the whole project (her younger eyes are better than mine): a few printed words (tiny font!) on the fabric read "Putting Your Best Foot Forward". Fun! How appropriate for a shoe.
Here she is modeling them for me. The fabrics are Ruby Star Rising and a thrifted cotton napkin. I think they complement one another quite nicely.
I ended up hand sewing the last portion of each shoe. Didn't trust myself to use the sewing machine for that final step. Actually, I think hand sewing it for that last part is a better idea than machine sewing it. You can easily hide the tiny stitches.
As Tammy mentioned, the shoe is definitely more a slipper. Good for walking around the house. Definitely not good for walking outside to get the mail or to take the dog for a walk (but since we don't have a dog, that won't be a problem!).
Would I make them again? Yes. My husband keeps telling me how much he likes them... of course, I still need to finish his knitted pair of slippers first...
Ellen, I can't sew, I have tried and it usually ends in tears. Upon seeing your shoes I am willing to give the sewing machine another try. I love them! You did a super job and I just adore the material you used.
Posted by: Tracey | January 31, 2012 at 06:02 AM
cute!
Posted by: randi | January 31, 2012 at 08:31 AM
your sewing skills look pretty amazing to me!!! Love the slippers!!!
Posted by: steph | January 31, 2012 at 08:40 AM
Your slippers look great, and look like they fit well! I love the fun fabric you chose for yours. I finally got my review posted also.
Posted by: Heather | January 31, 2012 at 08:43 AM
I am in love with these slippers, they are beautiful. The fabric is perfect!
Posted by: Kim | January 31, 2012 at 08:44 AM
What a serendipitous find that red patch. they look very cute.
Posted by: Heather | January 31, 2012 at 09:14 AM
oh my goodness, i LOVE that fabric! (this is tammy from "string theory") yours look like they fit much better than mine do. good job!
Posted by: tammyo | January 31, 2012 at 09:26 AM
How cute are they??? You give yourself too little credit with sewing. These whimsical slippers are adorable and the material is so cool. Nice job, Ellen and hugs to you.
Posted by: MaryBeth | January 31, 2012 at 10:17 AM
they look great Ellen and i love the fabric you chose!
Posted by: amanda {the habit of being} | January 31, 2012 at 10:32 AM
They look great! Oh, I really should dust off my sewing machine I suppose :)
Posted by: Kristen | January 31, 2012 at 10:50 AM