For the first slipper, I used the “Pocketbook Slippers” pattern, but I thought the seam was a little uncomfortable between the toes, so for the second one, I used the “Pocketbook Slippers in the round” pattern.
The in-the-round method is definitely more fiddly, but I think it’s nice not to have the seams.
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.
For the one in the round, I used the Turkish cast-on instead of Judy’s Magic Cast-on.
Added button tabs following Twiss’s modifications in her project.
I was knitting the first one on vacation and didn’t have a ruler, so I guessed on the 6” length and was a bit short. I worked the 2x2 rib for a total of 30 rows (15 rounds for the in-the-round version), and it measures about 5” (2.5” per side). But that turned out to be a good thing, because I would have run out of yarn if I’d gone the full amount.
I like the slippers, but if I made them again, I’d use heavier yarn - aran or possibly bulky, in order to get a denser fabric. I don’t think these will stand up to a lot of wear. (Note that the original pattern calls for worsted-weight yarn, but the in-the-round version calls for bulky yarn - yet they both use the same size needle and number of stitches.) I noticed that the vintage patterns like this one call for worsted weight yarn and US 5 (3.75mm) needles, which would make them denser (they’re worked over 60 sts of rib instead of 44). So if I wanted to use worsted weight yarn again, I’d use the smaller needles and more stitches.
As it is, they’ll be fine for having some slippers that can be easily packed.
Note: Some people might find them a little uncomfortable to walk on because of the 2x2 rib, but I don’t mind. It’s probably more of an issue on hard floors than on carpet.
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: 5533 Sling Heel Knit Slippers.
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.