The last post on this subject I showed you different examples of berlin wool work slippers for dolls. We also had Mr. Wikipedia help us out on what exactly this technique is. Essentially this is not a hard project, just time consuming. Time consuming because of altering your doll shoe pattern, finding supplies and actually doing the work.

So here is my post to help you out in this process should you decide to tackle it!

First off you need supplies. I started with this pattern. Yes it is a patterns made for the reproduction Huret’s but I resized it for Lydia Ann’s feet. What ever pattern you use it just needs to be close to the shape you are looking for. I just happen to have had this pattern since I am currently costuming a Huret doll.

Next you will need the “canvas” or the fabric. I will apologize in advance here because I don’t remember what my fabric was called. I swear I thought it was called Penelope cloth but then I looked it up and that is definitely not what I am using. So look for needlepoint fabric in 16 or 18 count. I don’t even know what size fabric I am using either. I am sorry for the lame vague advice. Sue me. I had it in my stash. I bought way too much of it years a go and need to use it up.

The next thing you will need is thread. I am using two different types of thread. One brand is Bella Lusso. I did not buy my thread from here. I found mine on eBay since I try and grab eBay bucks whenever I can. This thread is pure merino wool and is beautifully soft to work with. The next brand is basically over dyed Bella Lusso thread; its called Thread Worx in crewel weight. I bought mine from an independent embroidery shop but I know there are other places that carry this thread. This thread is also pure soft merino wool.

I want to take a minute to talk about the threads to use in this project. I used what I had on hand except I did order the Bella Lusso thread. For 19th century needlepoint type  projects over dyed thread is almost non existent.  I used what I had in my stash because if I did not I would be wasting mumble…mumble…..mumble…… amount of dollars that I spent on thread. I will not disclose how much I have spent that day in the independent embroidery shop. Nobody.Will.Know.That.Ever. So if you aren’t using what you have in your stash buy the correct stuff and go for basic non over dyed thread!

So now that I have bored you all with my supply list(with almost no photos! gasp!) stay tuned for the next post about starting your project!