By popular demand, we have made arrangements to bring back the Old World Booties pattern by Gryphon Perkins. (Free download! Whoo!) These booties are so cute, and so unusual, that I asked Gryphon to write a little bit about what inspired her to design these felted, playful shoesies for little folk.
Here's what Gryphon had to say:
Little feet, and the desire to have them in my life, were heavily on my mind when I designed these booties, so they came about as a 'build it and they will come' mojo. (I'm happy to report that it worked beautifully.) They've also played a great role in launching my design career, as a sort of hit single, so the original pairs hold a place of honour on a shelf in the living room.
Medieval-inspired patterns were a natural place for me to start since my first forays into the textile world were in the realm of historical, especially medieval and renaissance, costuming. I love the idea of adapting historical styles to fun and playful kids clothes and enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to reinvent non-knit styles for knitters. Be adventurous with these booties - try your own colour changes (alternating colours on the tassles? stripes?) or variations on the shapes (lace-up backs? taller serf booties?), or even scaling them up for big people feet!
The Old World Booties pattern danced their way into our online store. -- Sandi
The adorable Old World Booties!

Sandi Wiseheart is the founding editor of Knitting Daily. She is now the author of the popular Knitting Daily blog: What's on Sandi's Needles.

This FREE downloadable eBook consists of seven of Interweave’s best-loved baby knitting patterns. Knitting for babies is fun for you, and appreciated by those who enjoy the finished product. Knit your favorite free baby patterns today—smiles are guaranteed. Download your copy (and don’t forget to tell a friend so they can enjoy their own copy!).
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