Wanted to make a specific size with different wool than I had used in the past on my LK 150 midgauge. This exercise just reinforced the fact that felting/fulling is really unpredictable. These are intended for my 8 year old grandson as a stocking stuffer. Guessing the stitches and rows, I did 50 stitches x 60 rows, every other needle. (I am counting the actual stitches, not total needles on the machine.) On my bulky machine I could use every needle. No go on the midgauge. Since the midgauge didn't especially like this yarn or the fact that there were two strands (one wool and one fun fur) I kept the fun fur on the floor and hand fed it with the yarn in the mast, both going into the carriage together. So far so good. These take very little time to knit. After aggressive felting in the washing machine, they turned out to be my size. Pretty large.
Back to the drawing board. This time I used 25 stitches and 40 rows. Wild guess. 8 rows each color: red, yellow, purple, green, royal blue. Same method. Yea! they turned out the right size for an 8 year old, about 9" long. I bought some googly eyes and sewed them on, also adding a dot of permanent fabric glue to hold the eyes in place. Don't know if the eyes themselves will withstand washing, but won't be a tragedy if they don't. Non- threatening monster slippers! The slippers are really soft and so cute!
Posting this so that you know--- if you make them--- the process might take a few tries. Unfortunately once they are felted, you can't undo them. But if they turn out a size you didn't intend, they should fit someone! Check out my previous post for more specific directions.
Soooo cute! Bet they'll be warm too.
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