Sometime last year, I got a call from my step-mother, asking if I could make some slippers for my Dad. My Dad has had trouble with his heart for years, which has lead to circulation problems... which caused him to have increasing issues with swollen feet and ankles. It became increasingly difficult for my Dad to wear shoes or traditional slippers in the house. He needed something that would offer protection and warmth without cutting off circulation.
I came across this pattern in Crochet World (May/June, 1992, p.51, pattern by Roseanne Kropp, called "Men's Slippers). I used a size G hook, and standard Red Heart 4-ply yarn. The picture you see here is the first pair I made, using a little over 1 skein of green (6oz), plus a little brown yarn.
These slippers were fabulous for the intended purpose! You make the body of the slipper in one large piece that gets folded in half and joined at the bottom to create a double-layer slipper. The tongue (or, vamp, as they call it) is made separately and added with the trim at the top. The crocheted tie is strung through the back cuff, allowing you to tighten the slipper if needed. The alternating rib-style single crochet pattern created a flexibility that allowed the slippers to be as loose or tight as desired. Using traditional Red Heart added to the strength and durability of the slippers. My Dad wore these slippers every day, and liked them so well that I made another pair so he could have something to wear when they are being washed. My step-mother also liked them, and I made her a pair of blue and white slippers, using a size F hook so they would be a little smaller.
