Tuesday, November 11, 2008


When I was eleven years old I used to watch my older cousin knit. I was so fascinated. She made house shoes. I had my mom buy some yarn and knitting needles and I approached my cousin to teach me to knit. She was not a teacher nor did she have very much patience. She started a pair of house shoes with instructions such as you do this, this and this and handed it back to me. It’s a good thing I watched her a lot because I could figure it out with the brief instructions she gave me.



I learned to make those house shoes and started selling them to people my mom worked with and even went door to door with my friend, Susan. I would carry them in a box lid to make a tray. I had different sizes for kids, too. I’d knock on the door and say, “Would you like to buy a pair of hand knitted house shoes?” I sold them for $2.00 a pair, back then.



I think it is kind of funny that I still make them, the exact same pattern that I did then and am pleased that so many people love them. Last year for Christmas I made each of my kids 25 pairs apiece. I always give my mom a box of about 4 or 5 pairs each year also.



Lindsey and I had such a good time over her birthday weekend. We went to so many flea markets! We found vintage treasures of course. These are a few of my finds.




It is that time of year when we start thinking about how thankful we are. I feel so blessed this year to have made so many new friends. I can’t tell you all how much you mean to me. I enjoy visiting with you and inviting you into my home.



Can miles separate us from friends? If we want to be with someone we love, aren’t we already there? – Richard Bach

Okay now, group hug.

Wishing you much happiness!

18 comments:

Stacey said...

How sweet. Blog friends do count don't they?

I can't believe you learned to knit basically on your own. You were meant to be crafty.

I have tried to sew in my lifetime. I can't follow the directions!!

Happy@Home said...

What a sweet story about your learning to knit and selling your house shoes.
I'm glad you had a nice birthday weekend with Lindsey. It looks like you got some more fun treasures.
Love that quote at the end of your post. How true.

Hugs,
Kim

Carol said...

I learned to knit the very same house shoes in junior high home economics. I made a pair for each of my grandmas for Christmas that year. Your house shoes are so pretty!
Smiles,
Carol

Debbies-English-Treasures said...

Sorry!
But I couldn`t pass by without leaving a comment regarding your new Treasures!
They are so adorable!
Love your blog!
Kisses
Debbie Moss

(England)

Sweet Sage said...

So thankful to have 'met' you two!
Never under~estimate the joy you send out to SO MANY!!!
((hugs)) ~ kim

Heidi Ann said...

I am so pleased that I can now say from first-hand knowledge that your sweet knitted house shoes are cozy, comfy, and lovely!! Thank you so very much for my delightful surprise. Isn't blogger-friendship wonderful? I sure think so.

Michele said...

I sooooo love my house shoes! They're so comfy and with it as cold as it is here, the floors are horribly cold too. But not my feet!!!

I'm glad you and Lindsey had a fun weekend...you got some great treasures!

Hugz,
Michele

Dawn said...

I love your knitted slippers! They are sooooo cute & who couldn't use at least 25 pairs?! *grin*

And such beautiful sentiments & pics on thanks for all of our blessings!

Lindsay-ann said...

Hi Twyla
I really need some of those house shoes today. It's ffffrrrreeeezing here. I was so cold when I got in from work today. I must remember to leave the heating on tomorrow!
Looks like you found some lovely treasures at the flea market to add to your collection.
Best Wishes
Lindsay

Suzie Button said...

Hi Twyla and Lindsey, What year did you sell your slippers for $2 each, Twyla? That is cheap! How long does it take for you to make a pair. I love mine! Suzie

Holly said...

Oh, boy! Group hug! :>

Glad you two had fun treasure hunting! I'm generally a kitty fan but that white puppy is just too cute!

~ Hearts ~

Heartfelt living said...

Oh I just love your knitted house shoes, they are just darling. They bring back memories of my childhood, my mom used to knit slippers that looked very much like yours.
Have a great day!

Alexandra MacVean said...

Good evening, Twyla!

I so LOVEEEEE my slippers. :) And I love the little picture of the boy.

**hugs**

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hi Twyla,
How neat that you had such a desire to learn to knit and that you went door to door:)
I see some cute planters:) How many do you have??
I am also Thankful for the blogging Friends that I have.
Take care.
Warmly,
Deb

KatCollects said...

I love the story of when you started making and selling house shoes, so sweet. I hope you are having a great week.
Hugs,
Kathy

Mrs.Kwitty said...

Big squeeze coming from me in the group hug! You are a sweety and I appreciate the love and prayers and moral support--thank you so much!!

Your house slippers remind me so much of my first hubby's Grandma Ruth--she made them for everyone in the family each Christmas (which meant she ended up making about 50 pair each year!) and I always loved them. My feet haven't been as warm since she passed away--but there is a warm spot in my heart where she lives.

Smiles, Karen

Lisa & Alfie said...

Hug right back at you Twyla. I just want to say "I LOVE MY HOUSE SHOES BY TWYLA". Okay, I'm done cyber shouting. lol They are amazingly warm and cozy. Thanks again Twyla.
Lisa & Alfie

Sherry said...

I love your slipper story! I'm going to make some soon. I'm going through patterns looking for one I want to try. I hope my kids like mine as much as your kids do yours!

Sherry