Original design by Violet Spotts of Hamilton, ON

All things hand-stitched and homey are in style again. And these cosy retro slippers -- updated with pretty accents on their uppers -- can step right into the current.

You need:
1 ball Patons Canadiana acrylic yarn (100 g); slippers shown are 00013 Cranberry and 00030 Medium Blue
4.5 mm crochet hook
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

To make:
NOTES:
• Standard abbreviations are used.
• Place marker at end of Rnd 1, then reposition to end of each successive rnd as you work.

Beg at toe end, ch 5, sl st to join in rnd.
Rnd 1 (right side): Work 3 sc in each ch. 15 sts now in rnd. Place marker.
Rnd 2: Work 1 sc in each sc to end of rnd, inc 1 st in 5th and 13th sc. 17 sts now in rnd.
Rnd 3: Work 1 sc in each sc to end of rnd, inc 1 st in first, 7th and 12th sc. 20 sts now in rnd.
Rnd 4: Work 1 sc in each sc to end of rnd, inc 1 st in 5th and 15th sc. 22 sts now in rnd.
Rnd 5: Work 1 sc in each sc to end of rnd, inc 1 st in 7th, 14th and 21st sc. 25 sts now in rnd.
Rnd 6: Work 1 sc in each sc, inc 1 st in 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th and 22nd sc. 30 sts now in rnd.

Work 17 rnds even in sc, turn.

Next: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), dc in next sc, inc 1 st in next sc, dc in next 3 sc, inc 1 st in next sc, dc in next 11 sc, inc 1 st in next sc, dc in next 3 sc, inc 1 st in next sc, dc in next 2 sc, turn, leaving 5 sc unworked.
29 dc now in row.

Working back and forth, work 7 rows even in dc (or until slipper is desired length), then fasten off, leaving 39 cm (15-in) yarn end for sewing up.

To finish:
Fold last row worked in half, butting edges to form centre-back seam of heel; with tapestry needle and yarn end, sew.

Designer's tips
• Leave plain or decorate by stitching on a simple flower cut from blanket cloth or fleece, or embroidering a lazy daisy in yarn. Or sew on a tassel, bow or fancy button.
• To make the slippers nonskid, trace sole outline onto real or faux suede, cut out, then handstitch in place using buttonhole twist or other sturdy yarn.
• Click here to learn the lazy daisy stitch.

How to make a tassel:
1. Cut a strip of cardboard the desired length of the tassel to use as a base.
2. Thread needle with a double strand of yarn about 46 cm (18 in) long. Place this strand along top pf cardboard, with needle hanging at side.
3. Wind a separate single strand of yarn around double strand and cardboard until you have desired fullness of tassel. Cut end of single strand.
4. Tie double strand securely at top of cardboard.
5. Remove cardboard. Wind double strand (needle end) several times around tassel about 13 mm (1/2 in) from top. Slip needle inside wound portion and bring it out through top. Cut double strand close to needle, leaving ends to attach tassel.
6. Cut loops at bottom of tassel.

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