Duffers

The last few days, I spent some time knitting.  This is probably the first time in a loooooong time that I have knit anything besides a dishcloth!

This pattern is called "Duffers, 19 Row Felted Slippers".  I think I first read about it these slippers on Betz White's blog.  Anyway, I searched followed the link to the listing on Ravelry and away I went. 

These slippers knit up remarkably quickly (and I'm a slow knitter!)  For a fast knitter, you could easily finish a pair in an afternoon or evening.

I did knit with a double strand of yarn throughout, just because I wanted them to be a little heavier.  I made the largest size that is listed in the pattern, which is supposed to end up being for US size 81/2.   I also used a 10 1/2 (6.5mm) needle...because that's what I have...I don't have the 8mm needles that the pattern suggests... (I haven't been knitting long enough to go to the effort of checking gauge, either).

After knitting, but before felting, these slippers were HUGE.  It took some very hot water and lots of time in the wash to get them felted to the state that made them small enough for my feet!  I was thinking that I was going to have to give them to my mom or my husband.  They did finally shrink up, though. 

I've been wearing them around the house this evening and they are definitely keeping my feet warm.  I think that if I would have gone with the single strand of yarn, they would not have been heavy enough for me for the winter.

I don't know if you can really tell in the second photo, but you may notice that one slipper looks fuzzier than the other.  That's because one of them got turned inside out during the felting process.  I had to flip it back the other way when I noticed it after they were partially dry.  The one that was inside out is the one that is less fuzzy. 

If you are looking for a quick knit or an easy gift, I would definitely recommend this slipper pattern.  Plus, I realized as I was felting them...I could make some that are bigger sizes just by not felting them as much.  I've already started a pair for my husband.