New pattern: fabric slippers

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+Slippers
+========
+
+.. figure:: fabric_slippers.jpg
+   :align: center
+
+.. only:: html
+
+   .. contents::
+
+A simple pair of fabric slippers with a padded sole.
+
+Depending on the materials used, especially that of the sole, these can
+be suitable for either indoors or outdoors wear.
+
+As a small project with fiddly curves they are especially suitable for
+handsewing, but can of course also be sewn almost completely by machine.
+
+Materials
+---------
+
+Fabric
+^^^^^^
+
+* ~25 cm canvas or other fabric;
+* ~25 cm cotton batting or other padding material (optional).
+
+As the fabric, cotton or linen canvas is a pretty standard choice;
+toweling materials can also be used, or fleece for a pair of winter
+slippers.
+
+For a more technical look, you can use mesh for the uppers and back; in
+that case the sole lining will have to be different, a fast drying but
+confortable material like polycotton is a good choice.
+
+For padding, cotton batting or even a few layers of scrap fabric are a
+good fit for fabric slippers; for technical ones you can use EVA foam or
+a similar material.
+
+Notions
+^^^^^^^
+
+* sewing thread to match the fabric;
+* strong thread (e.g. thick waxed linen) to attach the soles to the
+  slippers;
+* 1-3 m cotton yarn for cording;
+* two soles or sole material that can be cut in the shape provided.
+
+My fiber craft patterns site has `instructions for braided twine soles
+<https://fiber-patterns.trueelena.org/feet/braided_twine_soles/index.html>`_
+that can be used for fabric slippers.
+
+For technical slippers you can use rubber sole sold in sheet; note that
+in that case the padding material will have to be suitable for glueing
+the sole to it.
+
+Pattern
+-------
+
+Download the pattern: :download:`slipper.val`.
+
+Measurements
+^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+You need to take the following measurements:
+
+``foot_width`` (E01)
+   at the widest part of the foot;
+``foot_lenght`` (E03)
+   from the back of the heel to the tip of the toes;
+``foot_circ`` (E03)
+   around the widest part of the foot.
+
+The file :download:`foot.vit` has the required measurements.
+
+Pattern
+^^^^^^^
+
+``upper_length``
+   from the point of the toe to the end of the uppers: default is half
+   the length of the foot;
+``back_height``
+   height of the heel guard at the back;
+``sides_height``
+   height of the heel guard at the sides'
+``sewing_allowance``
+   basic sewing allowance: 1 cm is a good choice, but if you're using
+   thicker padding materials or more heel layers you may have to
+   increase it to 2 cm to be able to wrap it around.
+
+Instructions
+------------
+
+Cutting
+^^^^^^^
+
+Cut two soles and optionally two or more heels (depending on the height
+desired) from padding material.
+
+From the fabric cut two soles, two uppers and two backs, the latter two
+by placing the small sewing allowance on a fold of the fabric;
+for even more precision cut a longer piece of fabric, sew the cording
+and then cut away the eccess with more precision.
+
+Note that the allowance given is for one line of cording and needs to be
+increased if you want to add more.
+
+Cording
+^^^^^^^
+
+.. figure:: 0201-back_side_seams.jpg
+   :align: center
+
+   This picture was taken from an early pair of slippers with a straight
+   back, sorry. New pictures will be taken if I make another pair with
+   the current pattern.
+
+Fold the back right sides together, sew the short side seams, clip the
+corners and turn inside out.
+
+
+.. figure:: 0202-cord_in_uppers.jpg
+   :align: center
+
+.. figure:: 0203-cording_uppers.jpg
+   :align: center
+
+Put a lenght of cording in the fold of the uppers, carefully sew as
+close as possible to the cording with a running stitch; optionally
+repeat with two or three total lines of cording.
+
+
+.. figure:: 0204-cording_back.jpg
+   :align: center
+
+Put a length of cording in the fold of the back so that it fills the top
+snugly, carefully sew as close as possible to the cording with a running
+stitch. Here one line of cording is usually enough.
+
+Uppers and Backs
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+.. figure:: 0301-sewing_uppers.jpg
+   :align: center
+
+Align the uppers to the notches of the sole, sew all around the upper
+with a backstitch.
+
+.. figure:: 0302-sewing_back.jpg
+   :align: center
+
+Also align the backs to the remaining part of the sole, sew all around
+with a backstitch.
+
+.. figure:: 0303-side_seams.jpg
+   :align: center
+
+Right sides together, whipstitch the side edges of the back to the fold
+of the uppers.
+
+.. note::
+   if sewing by machine, align the sides of the back to the fold of the
+   uppers, side by side, and sew from the top with a zig-zag.
+
+Padding
+^^^^^^^
+
+Baste the optional heel padding on top of the padding.
+
+.. figure:: 0402-sewing_padding.jpg
+   :align: center
+
+Pin the sole of the slippers on top of the padding, clip / notch the
+allowances and sew them to the padding with a herringbone stitch.
+
+.. note::
+   even if sewing most of the slippers by machine you will have to do
+   this step by hand.
+
+Sole
+^^^^
+
+.. figure:: 0501-sewing_sole.jpg
+   :align: center
+
+Using strong thread, sew the sole to the assembled slipper with a blanket
+stitch.
+
+.. note::
+   If using rubber soles you will have to glue them to the slippers
+   instead. Use a glue suitable for rubber and follow the instructions
+   on the package.
+
+Gallery
+-------
+
+.. figure:: fabric_slippers_top_and_sole.jpg
+   :align: center
+
+   The top and sole of white linen slippers with a braided rope sole.
+
+.. figure:: hiking_slippers_top_and_sole.jpg
+   :align: center
+
+   The slippers made in technical materials: elastic mesh for the uppers
+   and back, polycotton for the soles, EVA foam for padding, round
+   elastic in the cording and vibram claw sole.
+
+.. figure:: hiking_slippers.jpg
+   :align: center
+
+   The same slippers, seen from the top.
+