Knitted cosy mukluks

To felt:
Note: Felted fabric will be smooth and firm, and stitches will not be visible.
Machine wash in hot wash/cold rinse, adding soap and towel or pair of jeans for friction; check often during cycle, and remove mukluks when desired size, or fill one side of double laundry tub with hot soapy water and the other with cold water and ice cubes; wearing rubber gloves, alternately agitate and rub mukluks in hot water, then plunge into ice water, and remove mukluks when desired size. Rinse thoroughly, then stuff with small towels to shape. With long knitting needle, poke open eyelet holes. Let dry.

Twisted Cord (makes 2):
Cut one 275 cm/108-1/4 ins strand each from CC2, CC3 and CC4; hold strands tog and loop midpoint over doorknob to anchor. Holding each group of 3 strands in one hand, tightly twist each group, separately, until it begins to kink. Bring together in one hand and allow groups to twist around each other counterclockwise; between thumb and fingers, smooth tog down length. Knot cut ends tog; slip cord off doorknob.

Tassel (makes 4):
Wind CC2, CC3 and CC4, one colour at a time, 17 times each, up and down around cardboard; thread tapestry needle with short length of yarn and slip under all strands at top edge, then knot to create tassel "head." Approx 13 mm (1/2 in) down, tightly wind yarn ends around strands and knot. Cut loops at tassel bottom, trimming even.

Beg and ending at centre back, thread twisted cord in and out through eyelets around one mukluk, then, with ends even, loosely tie close to back. With tapestry needle, thread each cord end through top of one tassel; at desired cord length, tie large knot to secure tassel, then trim cord.

With darning needle and CC3, cross-stitch at 3 to 4 cm (1-1/4 to 1-1/2 ins) intervals around each cuff. Flipping motif for right and left mukluks, stitch flower as shown in photo, 4 cm (1-1/2 ins) down from cord on outside of each leg. With CC1, work French knots for flower centre. With CC2, satin-stitch inner petals; with CC3, satin-stitch outer petals. With CC4, satinstitch leaves and stem-stitch stems.

If adding soles: With sewing needle and thread, blanket-stitch each sole in place; with darning needle and CC3, cross-stitch along top edge.

Designer's Tip: To make pink mukluks shown, use No. M102 Orchid Thistle for MC; No. 205 Regal Purple (CC1); No. 880 Charcoal (CC2); No. 110 Blueberry (CC3); and No. N65 Sapphire (CC4).

Read more:
• Knit a Newfoundland pullover
• Guide to organic and eco-friendly yarns
• Basic crocheted socks

Check out:
• Make + Do: The Craft Blog
• CanadianLiving.com Knitting
• CanadianLiving.com Sewing

Page 3 of 3 -- On page one, find what materials you will need to make your own mukluks

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Adapted from FolkStyle: Innovative Designs to Knit Including Sweaters, Hats, Scarves, Gloves and More (Interweave Press, 2007, softcover, $31.95) by Mags Kandis.