Pocketbook

Just got back Thursday from a 2-week visit with my sister. We had a really nice time together, and got to enjoy some fun in the sun.

Although I had originally planned not to do any knitting, I broke down at the last minute and threw some yarn and needles in my bag to start a pair of slippers.

There are two versions of the pattern, one for knitting them flat, and one for knitting them in the round. Since I didn’t want to have to take extra needles with me, I knit the first one flat. But after seaming it up, I decided to knit the second one in the round.

I don’t mind seaming, but due to the folded construction, the 2×2 rib will never line up properly for seaming. (Because of the fold, you are seaming two sections of knitting that go in opposite directions.) And of course, knitting in the round means there’s no bulky seam at the toe and heel. If I make more, I’ll definitely do them in the round.

The pattern calls for kitchnering the strap pieces together, but I used the same modification as another person on Ravelry who made a buttonhole strap.

This type of slipper is called a “Pocketbook slipper”, because it looks like a little pocketbook.

There are a number of similar patterns – I guess it was a pretty popular vintage pattern. I also like the version that has a longer “sling heel” strap.

These would be nice as gifts, or to keep a few around for guests. Because of the stretchy 2×2 rib, they’ll fit a pretty wide range of sizes, though probably only up to about 9 or 9 1/2. I wear size 8 to 8 1/2 depending on width, and they fit me very well.

Pattern: Pocketbook slippers in the round
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool
Needles: US 7

Ravelry project here.