Don't Slip

I have a steady stream of knitting requests from family and friends. While there is always a wait time, eventually I come through.  This project seemed to take especially long.

The popular Felt Clogs.  It took me quite a while to finish this pair.  It could be because I've made this pattern so many times now that I'm bored to tears with it.  Or it could be because this pair is for men's size 12 feet.  Either way it was a bit of a struggle.


I was relieved to get these slippers off the needles and even more so to felt them.  The final detail was finishing the soles.

These slippers are wonderfully woolly warm, but they are like skating on ice if you have hardwood floors.


Over the years I've tried different things to deal with the slippery soles - everything from adding full leather soles to strategically placed leather patches.  

My current solution is Plasti Dip, a rubber coating often used on tool handles.  I get this wonderful goo at my local hardware store.  It comes in a variety of colors, but usually I settle on basic black.  


I've developed a method for applying the Plasti Dip.

First put the slipper over a full one liter bottle.  This makes it easy to work on the sole and keeps the slipper steady.


Give your Plasti Dip a stir and grab a paintbrush.

I prefer to use a foam brush but any kind of paintbrush will work.  Be warned that Plasti Dip has a strong odor.  Do this outside or in a well ventilated space.  Cover the entire sole with a layer of the goo.  It's very thick and won't drip down the sole.  


Allow the Plasti Dip to dry.  Then paint on another layer.  I add 3 or 4 layers for a nice solid, non-slip surface.  Yesterday I applied all 4 layers, and today this pair is ready to wear.

Now I can start the process all over.  My son just informed me that he's worn out his pair.  Men's size 14.