Making 100 year old Comfy Slippers: Free Pattern!

[@jcamisa50]

Omg. My mother would purchase these slippers as Christmas gifts for my older sisters , when I was a child. I loved them as well, they kept my feet so nice and toasty. My mother would have a maroon pair and so did I. I'm 73 all of my siblings are gone and so is mom and dad but when I saw this video it brought back so many many comfy memories. Thank you for sharing and knowledge of the slippers ❤ 👍👍

[@mungbean345]

Thank you for sharing your sweet memories. ♥️

[@ArabellaFlynn]

Quite possibly the most unexpected thing in this whole video was learning just how long we've had the word "comfy".

[@mothra_mothra]

Oh! I shrieked when I saw the word "Comfy"! I worked for Daniel Green until 1997. One of the earliest slippers were a boot style with a metal clasp at the top. They were remade in 95. It wasn't to commemorate the centennial of Daniel Green but, I don't remember why they were made. I received hundreds of pairs of these things, at my store and while they were pretty ugly, they were comfortable and warm. My employees and I named them "Santa Boots"! They were well made and I still have a pair of each color red and black, nearly 30 years later! I've put them through the washer a few times! I ran one of their three stores out of Dolgeville, NY. My store was in Lake Placid NY and I helped move it and 30k pair of shoes to Lake George NY. While the name is still out there, the Daniel Green that made the name does not exist anymore. Daniel Green went out of business. The factory, which once manufactured 90% of women's shoes still made in the USA, closed down for good in 1999. When I worked for Daniel Green they made shoes and slippers for JCPenney, J.Crew, L.L.Bean, Lands End, among others. I will never believe the owners then wanted to keep the factory going. I believe they wanted the company to die out. My main point of proof was not advertising and not trying to attract a younger clientele. When I asked for a monthly advertising budget, I was told it was a waste of money and advertising once every quarter was fine. I was told the name itself would bring customers, so we didn't need to advertise. I may have not been a retail whiz but I knew enough to know that, it doesn't work that way. And they wasted money in other regards. It was all very, very sad, and families who had generations of working at Daniel Green, now were forced to find a new way of making a living. The name "Daniel Green " and the various brand styles were sold to a company that now manufacturers them overseas. The Dolgeville NY factory employed as many as 900 people and was the main industry in Dolgeville. The new company has the name and the basic styles, but that's all. They don't have the quality. They are NOT real Daniel Green shoes and slippers.

[@amysbees6686]

What a terribly sad story! I thought they were STILL in business, not resurrected, so to speak.

[@mymai5859]

When I was 4yrs old I drew a picture of my Mum. The kindergarten teacher asked me questions & labelled each item, - her dress, pockets, curly hair, flowers & especially her pom pom slippers. They weren't Daniel Green slippers but a modern similar look. The teacher entered it in a town art competion & I won 1st prize - some money. My mother was able to buy me 4 dresses & shoes for when I started school at 5. She was so happy because money was tight. Anyway my favourite thing to draw, long before winning the art prize, were giant pom poms on slippers. This vid has bought back happy memories.

[@mungbean345]

What a cute story!

[@mymai5859]

@@mungbean345 Awww thank you 💜

[@waterbitten]

It never ceases to amaze me, how much knowledge you manage to fit into less than 40 mins??! The research, the pattern WITH fitting adjustment and the walkthrough with final results. And i dont feel like ive missed anything. Its amazing. Thanks for sharing your talents!

[@kyhilltophome3153]

I had a 27 year career as an LPN. Much of it doing temporary agency work in over 100 different facilities. In the upscale facilities I saw a lot of pairs of Daniel Green slippers. The ladies really liked them.

[@amethystanne4586]

Thank you so much for talking about this. Oh. My. Goodness! I had a pair of purple ones when I was little(previous to 1963). They were oh so warm. I had forgotten about these slippers. Watching and listening to you brought back so many precious memories. These slippers were the ones that I wore when our family went to Mom’s parents’ home every weekend until Gramma passed away in 1974.

[@sonipitts]

OMG best Christmas gift ever! I have been searching for a shoe with basically these exact characteristics that would fit both my atypically shaped feet and my budget for what seems like forever, to no avail. And now you drop the bomb that I can just make my own, perfectly fit to my own feet and as comfy as a house slipper, out of natural materials, in any color and styling I want? *cue incoherent squee and flailing*

[@IrishAnnie]

So adorable. Classic and charming style. I LOVE these.

[@mungbean345]

I know right?!?! 🎉🎉🎉

[@beth12svist]

Thank you so much! I've been exploring the folk costume of Moravian Wallachia (Czechia), one side of my heritage, and one of the things they traditionally wore is... felt shoes. Actual felt shoes, not just slippers, genuinely worn outdoors! It's fascinating how these slippers were developed entirely separately from that tradition... because over here, those traditional shoes from Wallachia and other mountainous, sheep-rearing regions of the former Czechoslovakia were taken as inspiration for mass-produced felt shoes during WW2. Allegedly, it was not only a way to make do in war economy, but also a little bit of silent protest against the Nazi occupation for the wearers - having shoes inspired by a traditional Czech folk costume. 😊 The Wallachian shoes are different from these, but I think the shape is close enough that, if I ever get around to it, I should be able to use this pattern and hack it. The tips on pattern adjustments are especially helpful!

[@lisettegarcia]

I just went on a five-week road trip crowned by a visit to Colonial Williamsburg thanks to you and Abby Cox starting your careers in historical fashion there. Everyone remembered you two fondly and were tickled that you directly inspired our visit. Thank you!!! 🎉

[@ceanothussoapary5998]

My mother wore Daniel Green's gold high heeled slippers during my childhood. I remember hunting for new ones when they wore out. They were lovely. Thank you for taking the time to make and explain the pattern.

[@dancingkatz]

This video came up in my feed today and brought back wonderful memories of borrowing my Grandma's Daniel Green slippers to play "princess" in. Of course they were miles too big for my 4 year old feet but I thought her pink slippers were the prettiest shoes in the world. And now, I can make my own! Thank you!

[@joannemcmillan9201]

These are so beautiful! My feet are short, very wide, and shaped like Fred Flintstone’s. The podiatrist was amused by that observation until he saw them. Finding beautiful shoes is a problem for me. I’ve never made shoes in all my years of sewing but those pink ones inspired me to give it a go.

[@monicabarnett9231]

Fellow Fred Flintstone foot over here! 🙋‍♀️ the struggle is real!

[@lauralake7430]

My family calls them hobbit feet!

[@mungbean345]

I've heard maybe it's a Celtic thing? I'm pretty tall for a woman, so my feet are huge, but it's that wide toe box that really causes me all the trouble!

[@ImCarolB]

I'm in my 70s and I swear my grandmother had slippers like these. She was very fastidious and I'm sure she kept them in perfect condition. When I was little, my mother would go to a shoe store where they would adjust the heel of my brother's shoes to correct his flat feet. I remember the Daniel Green slippers on display - they looked so sturdy and comfortable.

[@Apledore]

I have exactly zero time in my schedule to learn a new skill at this point in my life (which will be true for several more years yet), but watching your videos has made me so excited about learning to make shoes (someday). Especially given my wide, short feet! I don't know whether to thank you or curse you for handing me such an easy gateway project. But I'm definitely going to be giving these a try once my new sewing area is done getting set up!

[@juliahiggi5206]

Yes, like you I have short wide feet and have zero time at the moment, but I am going to give it my best try for next winter! I have been searching unsuccessfully for suitable felt slippers for literally months.

[@freshfrippery]

Ooh! I printed out the pattern before I even finished watching the video. I've wanted a nice pair of Daniel Greens for years!

[@mermaidstears4897]

Oh, hooray! I spend my life in ballet flats because I have such a thick/tall foot. Adjusting The split up the middle makes SO much sense. Thank you

[@hannahstraining7476]

Yes! It is frustrating when shoe manufacturers don't take foot thickness into consideration!

[@sharonrimsza7960]

I love Daniel Green slippers!

[@SewlockHolmes]

Adore these! I've never thought about having slippers before but this is very exciting to me! Maybe I'll ask my Obaachan (grandma) if she wants a pair. She has a lot of other indoor slippers and she used to sew but I don't know if she ever got around to making slippers. It could be a really fun project for us to do together!

[@becauseimafan]

Aww! I love this, thank you for sharing! I'm full of warm fuzzy feelings reading this ❤️🥲 Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your grandma!

[@hinachansansensei]

That's cute!! I'd ask mine as well but she's got a hard time walking around on her own now. Hope you have fun with your project! ♥️

[@_alexrowland]

You're saving my whole life with this. My house slippers recently died (and were not that good in the first place, they were the slip on kind with no heel, and didn't do much to keep my feet warm). Just ordered some wool, DEFINITELY looking forward to making these. Thank you for sharing the pattern so generously!!!

[@elenaarnosky333]

can these PLEASE be in the next AD shoe release!! I would just die for them! My great aunt once gave me a pair like these from the 40's, and I had no idea they were around for so long!

[@inkwingart]

i think this tutorial singlehandedly contributed to breaking the felt website 🤣nothing is loading properly right now. I guess i'll have to wait and pray the color i want isn't sold out by the time it's working again

[@hannahstraining7476]

Thank you for providing the pattern, the link to the supplies and your own clear instruction. I know that creating this pattern so beautifully had to take a lot of time and knowledge. I am especially grateful that you've provided instructions for customizing the fit. On your chart ,my feet are a size 9 in length and a size 13 in width. I was so sad I wouldn't be able to make them for myself, and then you showed how to customize the fit for just such ornery feet as mine! The slippers are very chic, and I can't wait to make them!

[@K0HAKU_97]

The green ones at the end were to DIE for! I would love to get my hands on a pair! Perhaps one day I’ll gather up the courage to try my hand at the pattern

[@lisascenic]

Oh my goodness! These are adorable! I’d gotten the crazy idea that I wanted to try to make medieval turn shoes. Felt seems like a good practice material, to help me ease into the process.

[@armedvsokord]

I've got wool felt slippers from Ukraine, I love them. If you're not sure give them a try. They mold to your feet and get so comfy. They are perfectly warm not too hot or cold.

[@504CreoleCrystal]

I’m not 10 seconds into this video and Daniel Greens brought back sooooo many memories! In New Orleans DG’s have been popular with black and Creole ladies as long as I remember! My grandmother was born in 1918 and wore a pair until she passed in 2010. My mother, me, all my friends have them! Thanks for the memories! 0:07

[@michaelbondi4048]

Girl you just made shoes! I will never ever do this but wow was that captivating!

[@iraisrose]

This slippers seem so do-able 😊. Going into my project list 👍🏼.

[@EsmereldaPea]

Right?? Finally a shoe project I think I can do! I'm so excited!!

[@Danimbern]

It's so nice that you're giving us this pattern for free! Thanks for it all, it's a great Christmas gift!

[@amb163]

Ha! My slippers are Daniel Green! I've had them for over a decade and they're great :) Thanks for the history and the pattern! This might be a shoe I can actually make!

[@juliahiggi5206]

I have been searching for felt slippers that actually fit me for literally months, and these are just perfect. I may struggle to find the recommended materials as I am not in the US and a little apprehensive about my ability , but I am certainly going to give it my best try for next winter. I am full of admiration for your skills.

[@small.stitches]

These look amazing, I wish there was a men's pattern so I could make slippers for everyone in my life!

[@courtneyquinn3188]

I'm transitioning to Barefoot shoes. I'm excited to take your paper pattern and measure my feet while standing to leave space for toe spread and see what I can jig up! They won't look as dainty but I think they can be made to tick all the barefoot shoe boxes!

[@GBoz94]

They are gorgeous. The style reminds me of the yellow shoes Sarah gives to Becky in the little Princess 🥹

[@KatieRoseHere]

Nothing is better than when a great content creator uploads right before you start seam ripping

[@GoldenRainbow1987]

Can't wait to sit with some tea and watch this in its entirety later, but I wanted to comment and say just off first glance - it's giving "A Little Princess" and my obsession with that movie when I was younger?!?!? SO MUCH YES FOR THIS VIDEO! Ya girl is sat & ready!! 🥰

[@kayscanningacademy]

I always wondered how they filled out that flexible wedge heel!! This is such a cool pattern. I definitely would love to make a pair myself someday.

[@mialemon6186]

The multicolor pattern lines made my entire soul happy. Love it! ❤

[@CaseyMaura]

My great grandmother (born at the end of the 19th century) had a very similar pair of slippers I remember coming across when she moved out of her house in the mid 1990s. I’ve always been in love with slightly fancier styles that seemed to be so popular in the first half of the 20th century, and I think this may be a project I tackle at the start of 2024! I also have a ridiculous amount of wool sitting around (I spin it into yarn), and this is a good excuse to use up some odds and ends. Thank you for such a well laid out, delightful tutorial! ❤️

[@amethystanne4586]

You are so fortunate to have known your great-grandmother, who was an age peer of 3 of my grandparents. Gramma&GrampaHart were born in 1890&1889. GrampaBlehl was born in 1891.

[@kthxbi]

oh my gosh, I have watched your videos for ages and love your style, but even though i'm fairly creatively daring i've never been brave enough to dip my toe into things like shoe making, but i swear these slippers might change that. they are GORGEOUS, and you present the process so clearly. i'm adding 'basic shoe making' to my list of crafts to try in 2024!

[@virginiaoflaherty2983]

What a lovely gift for us your viewers. Thank you. The slippers you made as gifts are beautiful. I will be trying this pattern for myself and for gifts. Happy New Year.

[@margaretcain3223]

A MUCH more basic felt slipper along these lines was still available at Woolworth, and later Walmart into the 1970s, and possibly later. I bought them for my mum a couple of times because she loved them. As I recall, they were made from a fairly stiff (reprocessed wool?) felt and had rather squared off toes.

[@karengerber8390]

Try searching on the computer for your fabrics.

[@annamalexander08]

I so enjoyed how you walked through the fitting process! I can’t wait to give these a try!

[@FrillyDisaster]

Ive never tried historical fashion before, but I absolutely love these slippers! There not personally my style but I love how feminine and elegant they are. I especially love the method you use to measure feet/shoe size, thank you so much for this guide ❤

[@TammyB96]

OMG THANK YOU for the pattern! You’re a true teacher, Nicole, like a light bringer ⚡️

[@starlakelsey2782]

Wish I was a family member so I could have rated for a pair of these. All that work you put into that gift is just the best gift ever!!!!

[@desirees5502]

Thanks for sharing, this feels doable for a first shoe project. I don't remember if I've mentioned it before but I LOVE your hair! In my opinion it's the most flattering look so far, really suits the shape of your face. Really pretty and cute. 😊

[@vickymc9695]

Oh cool my Nanna used to have these type. She's always lend me a pair when I was over. 🙂

[@fenanigans]

These are so pretty! Would it be possible to recreate this with velvet and interfacing and a lining? Of course this would significantly complicate the project, but I think these slippers would be so cute in a rich gemcoloured velvet

[@hannayoung9657]

They look so much like the slippers my gran used to knit and felt for me, yes first knitted and then felted, her mum used make slippers for the rich, but it was always grey untreated wool, that wouldnt burn.

[@carolefraser4762]

You make understanding the patterning so much easier! Thank you for dealing up an aspect of garment-making that very few go after - and making it accessible!!

[@juliacovert7233]

These looked so fun to make, so I made them just for the process. I didn't think I'd LOVE wearing them so much! They really are comfy!

[@meeeka]

OMG!!! My Grandmother and mother (and I too) had slippers in that Daniel Green box!!! I've been looking for leather slippers (I had them as a girl in boarding school--to prevent wooden slivers!) Vale Daniel Green!

[@kat5000]

Happy New Year from Vienna, Austria!🎉🎉🎉 Will think of you when they play the Radetzky March tomorrow - we always watch the new year's concert on TV together as a family tradition!

[@thirza9508]

This might well be my first venture into shoe making after watching your videos for ages. It seems so overwhelming when looking at all the beautiful historical reproductions you've made, but this seems to be a good point to start.

[@elizabethsauder8444]

I finished making a pink pair last evening and they are GORGEOUS! The assembly was quite easy. The visible sewing looked good because I took her advice and did it very slowly. I used a leather needle for sewing the sole on the upper. It was a little tricky matching the sole and insole to the correct upper, since the uppers are not marked left and right, but I puzzled it out. I ordered materials from her list. If you're thinking about making these you should do it! It was fun and the results are lovely and comfy.

[@kimconley3782]

I love Daniel Green slippers!!!! I bought a pair and my husbands dog chewed them to pieces!

[@audriscarborough9309]

Nicole, I am thrilled to get to make these! Thank you so much for sharing your pattern. I love watching you create beautiful pieces! I can't wait to try this! Wishing you a joyful, prosperous, and healthy New Year 🎉 Audri

[@spritzpistol]

My feet are tiny (UK 4) for my height 5.8” and often I find my feet spread, even though I’m not overweight; hence shoes are the bain of my life. I don’t often find many shoes, boots or slippers comfy, but on the odd occasion I do, I buy multiple pairs, which can be boring after a while if it’s the same colour. With my limited knowledge of sewing and machines, I feel extremely excited to give your slippers a go, only my lack of confidence with sewing, and usual perfection traits hold me back. Thank you for showing the process from start to finish, and the history, such great and thorough videos from you every time. I’ll start with the paper version first😂

[@achaley4186]

That was incredible! What a beautiful job! In the early eighties my first job in NYC was working in the hosiery dept at Saks Fifth Ave and at that time it was on the main floor. We sold Daniel Greene slippers and I never will forget them. 🙂❤⭐🙏🏼🎄

[@rhythmictiger]

Remind me of the slippers from A Little Princess which are absolute goals.

[@JasmineTea127]

Oh no. Oh NO. Now I'm obsessed with shoemaking too!

[@sewcute_sewvintage]

They are really similar to the ones my nanny would buy from Sears before they closed

[@jayneterry8701]

Over Christmas i was repairing my well worn sneekers, just at the heel. It took 2 hours! I used buttonhole twist( the strongest thread i had) to sew it up. As i was enjoying the slow stitch I could understand why you find it so gratify. ❤ Have a Happy New Year Nicole.

[@newviolets8489]

I like these slippers, thank you for the pattern and video. Your instructions are are so good. Very helpful.

[@bookhoarding]

I do a lot of flat patterning for clothes so it was really fascinating to watch you do adjustments for shoes. Thanks for taking the time to walk us through the process.

[@avivat3010]

These slippers would make a delightful gift! Thank you so much!

[@makeda6530]

I was looking at the last shoe kit video you did with Abby months ago so this is great! Maybe I’ll actually venture into shoe making! Your work is always so beautiful as always. 💞

[@bigsky14]

not for nothing but I'm pretty sure these soft woolen slippers are better structured AND look crisper and sturdier than your first pair of leathers did. so congrats on the progress over the last few years 🍻they came out great

[@adedow1333]

This is an amazing video, Nicole! Thank you for aharing so much of your knowledge, research, and skills with us! A pattern and an instructional video to boot! (Pun intended) What a brilliant thing! And may I say that I am heartily jealous of whoever recieved the green on green shoes? So beautiful ❤️

[@IrishAnnie]

So adorable! These need a comeback! So stylish.

[@SnoogyWoogy]

The sheer amount of detail and explanation in this video is outstanding. Not only will it help with this specific pattern but the way you go into measuring and altering for your foot is going to help me so much in future projects. Thank you so much.

[@felinetherapy4782]

Look amazing! Thanks for sharing the pattern. If you're ever after content ideas - would love seeing some of the unique bags that where made back then. Love your channel.

[@paulinedunne3481]

everyday i have been creeping closer to recreating micheal collins slippers and there is very little stopping me now.

[@feed8647]

Great, now I want to start making shoes ^^ Influencing me to a new hobby I have neither the place nor the time for yet again :D

[@ShirleyDeeDesigns]

The people who received your slippers as gifts are so lucky! They are adorable!

[@prophetessoftroy]

Can I just say thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU for scaling it up to a size 13? I've worn a 12 since 5th grade and it's usually miserable to find shoes that fit, let alone slippers. I either end up wearing men's styles or, well, socks. I can't wait to make these!

[@toscadonna]

I’m a size 11 since the 4th grade, so I feel your pain.😂

[@mungbean345]

This is one of the coolest things I've EVER seen on KZbin. Thank you so much!

[@The_Viking_Highlander]

Your productions are always such a delightfully warm and cosy experience.

[@Bosquecito_de_Laureles]

Oh no! I want a pair in every color!!

[@DistractedDaisy]

Those are absolutely adorable.

[@juliebeans7323]

OMG!! i'm only just seeing this video now.....I have felted wool, and i need these slippers! Thankyou so much for sharing them. I may have a hope of owning some comfy slippers that look like a lady's instead of Grandpa's!

[@shannonflaherty2689]

My lord if only i knew how to sew!!! Id make there for litterly everyone! So cute!

[@jeannenabozny5675]

We use to wear these and Ive looked every where for them now. So nice to see you make them

[@Stormlucy111]

Im sitting here, in awe....how gorgeous. I am going to give it a go. Thank you so much.❤❤

[@nlkeyser]

Omg how adorable are these slippers?! The pink and Robin's egg blue ones are to die for!

[@sarahwatts7152]

I loved seeing all the color variations at the end

[@lizcademy4809]

Thank you! Pattern is downloaded and saved, next is transcribing the instructions. Then figuring our if making the soles a full centimeter wider will change the shape too much ... my bare feet are 22.1cm long and 9.3cm wide. Short hobbit feet 🙂 Your instructions make me believe I *can* do this! I also realized this pattern, with different trimming, would work for many styles of turned shoes.

[@ZaraGurganious]

I saw most of people in England still use it. I like it very much

[@RachaelTheRed]

Oh my gosh! You have bo idea how excited I am about this. All your shoe making videos have got me wanting to learn how to cobble but all the tools and equipent needed seems like quite the investment. These slippers, however, look like the perfect starting place as I already have a sewing machine and most of the tools required! (I can barrow the rest) I have a feeling am going to be making a pair for everyone I know over the next few Christmases.

[@SharmClucas]

Cute! I really appreciate that you give links to where to get the supplies. I never know where to look. Well, I have another project to add to the crafting list. Do you have any suggestions for adding arch support? I have some ideas but I also have no experience making shoes.

[@NicoleRudolph]

I'd say test them out to see if you need extra first! Since they're squishy and soft they hug the foot well. Just make sure not to widen out the waist. If you still need more, I'd sew a little half round patch with some wadding underneath to the insole/side.

[@screetchycello]

When I took a shoemaking class and made regular leather shoes, there's a piece of steel in the arch of sole to give support and spring? That won't work here, so you might be better off adding a commercial shoe insert?

[@marciahighsmith4820]

Thank You Nicole, I have been looking for a cute pair of slippers for myself and gift giving. Thank you again!

[@denniscarl2679]

These would be great as Elizabethan court shoes!

[@victoriaprater5114]

Well, now I have to add this to my list of must-try to do.

[@Laurabeck329]

Thank you for going as high as size 13 in these patterns. As a girl with quite large feet (I believe I'm 10 in US women's sizes) we get neglected so often by shoemakers.

[@amandapittar9398]

Dear Nicole, thank you SO much. I needed a project for this year. Now I have one. Gorgeous! I might even handsew them…. So much fun. 😊😊😊😊

[@shannypedia]

This is the loveliest video ever! I'm always intimidated to start any historical accurate sewing although I love the history and I would love to do so. But this video made me encourage to start the journey since thanks to you looks like an excellent and "small project" to start with.

[@lizamcilwee4774]

I've been wanting a pair like this for years! Thank you so much for making and sharing the pattern!!

[@MaryObi-v5d]

I would be thrilled to receive these as a gift. Very nice! ❤