DIY Network

Bunny Boots These felt bunnies will keep little toes toasty warm. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-156

Donna Pedaci, of Anezka Handmade, creates kids' bunny boot slippers using old wool sweaters. She cuts out the shape using a template, hand-sews the pieces together and embroiders a face.

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Bunny Boots

Materials:

assorted 100% wool sweaters
thread to match
scraps of thin leather
fusible webbing
scissors
sewing machine

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Fabric note: Sweaters must be 100 percent wool or they won't felt properly. Sweaters can be felted in the washing machine on the hot wash/cold rinse cycle. You may use laundry detergent (Donna Pedaci uses liquid dishwashing detergent). Run the sweaters through a wash cycle, then dry them in the dryer. You may need to run them through several cycles to get them to shrink enough--ideally, the fabric should now be thick with no stitches distinguished.

1. To make a paper pattern, trace the bottom and then the side of the child's foot (you can also use a shoe to get the measurements).

2. Pin the pattern to the sweaters and cut out 2 pieces for the slipper top, one piece for each cuff and one piece for the sole for each slipper (figure A).

3. Pin the pieces together with the right sides facing and, using a sewing machine, seam the inseam and the back of the heel (figure B).

4. To determine the center of the sole, fold the sole in half and make a tiny notch in the top and bottom. Pin the sole to the bottom, matching notches against the seams and easing around curves. Stitch in place (figure C).

5. At this time, you can add embroidered eyes and nose and felt eaers, if desired (figure D); a nonskid sole can also be added. For hers, Donna Pedaci used scrap leather from an old leather coat (figure E); you can also use sueded fabric. Cut out the sole, lay it on the exposed side of the webbing and iron it on, following the directions on the webbing. Peel off the paper and iron it to the sole of the slipper.

6. The cuff is made from the sleeves: the ribbing helps keep the slipper on the foot. Determine how high a cuff you want and cut one from each sleeve (figure F).

7. Seam the cuff, pin it to the top of the slipper, lining up back seams and being sure that the right side of the seam will show when the cuff is turned down. Stitch it in place. Turn the slipper right side out.

8. Repeat with second slipper.

You may wish to block the slippers; if so, dampen them with warm water, squeeze out the excess and shape the slipper, smoothing out any bulges or uneven parts. You can place wadded-up plastic bags inside the slipper to help it hold its shape while it's drying.

GUESTS :

Donna Pedaci
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