Nothing brings me joy quite like my artist series. Every month (or nearly every month) I hand over espadrille shoe soles to an artist in a different medium and see what they can create (past artists are here)! I’m always amazed at the spectacular results. This month, I’m so thrilled that Arounna Khounnoraj from BOOKHOU has joined for a second year in a row with Punch Needle Espadrille Slippers! Kits are available in my Etsy shop.
When I first saw these espadrille slippers, they absolutely took my breath away. Arounna manages to impart such calm and playfulness with her designs and this one is no exception. These Punch Needle Espadrille slippers are one of those projects that make me thrilled to be a maker. I can’t wait to dive in myself and it makes me jump with joy to offer this kit to you!
The Espadrille Punch Needle full kit is available on Etsy and includes:
+ Monks Cloth
+ Espadrille Shoe Sole
+ Peace Fleece yarn in three different color ways (Peace Fleece yarn is made in the USA with an aim to support communities that have historically been in conflict with the U.S. This yarn is composed of 15% wool raised by the Navajo Nation and blended with a mohair for strength)
+ Interfacing
+ Arounna’s exclusive pattern and instructional how-to
+ Necessary espadrille accessories including the needle, yarn and needle pullers.
In order to keep it affordable, the kit DOES NOT include the Oxford Punch Needle, size 14 or the 10″ no-slip hoop. These items are sold separately through my Etsy site or you can also purchase the Oxford Punch Needle through Arounna’s site. Oxford Punch Needles are beautifully made in the U.S. and come decoratively boxed with a 28 page instructional booklet.
If you are just getting started on punch needling I definitely suggest making sure you have the Oxford booklet (that accompanies the needle itself) or have a copy of Arounna’s book Punch Needle. I’m new to the craft myself and definitely needed her book to help me practice. I haven’t made the slippers yet but I really hope to. Punch Needling seems so relaxing!
Many of you are way ahead of me, of course, and already have espadrille supplies and punch needling supplies! If that is the case, be sure to grab the digital PDF of her instructions and PDF! You can get started immediately. If you are only in need of the espadrille supplies, be sure to order a Renewal Kit along with your PDF from Arounna.
I hope I covered all the bases!
I know that many of you have been waiting a long time for this collaboration to return. I know because you have asked me so much! I currently have 30 kits available and I expect them to sell quickly. If I am able to source more material quickly I might order more but ordering can be challenging right now. It was no easy task to procure all the necessary supplies during a pandemic and it’s been quite a learning curve for me to properly handle and prepare them all. Trust that every kit is full of love of craft and learning!
This is a beautiful, one of a kind, project so grab it while you can! Otherwise, sales will end on February 6th when I get ready for the next Artist Series!
Below are the peace fleece yarn colors (kit does not include full hanks, this is to illustrate the color) or chestnut, lily pad and antarctic white. These took my breath away!
Of course, the results are even more stunning.
It’s been such a joy to pull these kits together (even with a few challenges) and I’m so excited to see them turn into beautiful slippers. Don’t neglect your toes this year, give them lots of 2021 love!
Arounna is a Canadian artist and maker working in Toronto where she immigrated with her family from Laos at the age of four. While her education includes a master’s degree in fine arts in sculpture and ceramics, it was through subsequent residencies that she found her current focus in fibre arts. In 2002 she started Bookhou, a multi-disciplinary studio with her husband John Booth, where Arounna explores screen printing and a variety of textile techniques such as embroidery and punch needle. She creates objects such as bags, home goods and textile art.
In addition, Arounna’s passion for creating and belief in the importance of the handmade has allowed her to become one of Canada’s most sought-after mentors and educators working with colleges, workshops and social media projects.
Currently, Arounna’s work using the punch needle has created a social media sensation. From wall art to cushions and bags, her punch needle pieces highlight her botanical and abstract designs and her sense of colour have brought a modern, new life to an old technique.
Love these! So beautiful ☺️ I noticed you mentioned a pdf pattern I can’t find any links to it or find it in your Etsy shop. Is it still available?
Thanks so much for your kind words. Unfortunately, these were a limited edition release and are no longer available. But, keep an eye out! Arounna and I tend to collaborate once a year!
I would love to get notified should this amazing collaboration continue! Really loving the texture of these.
Keep an eye out early next year! I’m hoping to re-release!
Hi Melissa. Would you be willing to sell me the pattern/direction book for this project?
This was a limited edition offering that is no longer available but I’m hoping to re-release it sometime early next year!
count me in for a kit purchase or 2 or 3. I have family interested. We may have a punch kit circle. (: … I love this pattern.
Thanks for your kind words! Sadly, this was a limited edition release and is no longer available. Please keep an eye out for a different punch needle slipper due in October! P.S. the best way to keep up to date on all releases is to sign up for my newsletter, which you can do right here on the website. 🙂