Mixed Textile Techniques: Muhu Slippers with Bobbin-Work Embroidery **

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Instructors: Alliki Oidekivi and Mari Pukk

Textile footwear was historically worn in Estonia during the 19th century, mainly on the western islands and in Eastern and Southeastern Estonia. 'Muhu pätid' (Muhu slippers) — the richly embroidered textile slippers f

amous even today — developed from simple, everyday shoes.

Before World War I, when leather shoes were expensive, people started decorating their everyday slippers to make them look more festive. Initially, this involved simple cross-stitch embroidery, monograms, leather or broadcloth edges, and rick rack trims. In the 1910s and 1920s, the decoration became much more elaborate, featuring detailed satin stitch floral embroidery. Slippers were

also decorated with bobbinwork embroidery (a technique done using a sewing machine).

Workshop overview

• This is a two-day workshop focused on making a pair of Muhu slippers decorated with bobbinwork embroidery, using traditional slipper-making techniques from Muhu Island.
• Day 1: You will create the slipper pattern, select a suitable embroidery design, decorate the uppers (the top part of the slipper) with bobbinwork embroidery, add beads, and sew the uppers to the lining.
• Day 2: We will stretch the uppers onto the shoe lasts (forms used to shape the shoes), sew on the soles, and complete the finishing work.

Important Details

• The participation fee includes all necessary materials for making one pair of slippers.
• Your specific shoe size will be confirmed with the instructors before the course begins.
• Prerequisite: This workshop is suitable for advanced participants who already have prior experience in sewing.
• Note: The workshop is described as somewhat physically demanding.

Meet the instructors

Alliki Oidekivi initially trained as a sewing industry technologist. In 2014, she graduated from the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy with a degree in Estonian Native Textiles, focusing on folk costume making and traditional leatherwork. Her work has been shown in various exhibitions and contests.

Alliki has published instructions in the book Loo, koo, rõõmusta (Create, Knit, Rejoice) and Käsitöö (Handicraft) magazine. Since 2015, she has run training courses in sewing, knitting, crochet, tablet weaving, and especially the creation of Muhu slippers. Her courses focus on teaching and using traditional handicraft methods. In 2020, she completed a two-year Folk Costume course in Saaremaa.

Mari Pukk graduated in 2010, specializing in Native Textile Crafts from the Olustvere School of Service and Rural Economics. She later taught textile crafts at the same school. Her experience also includes working as an editor for Käsitöö magazine, editing handicraft textbooks, and running craft training courses. In 2019, she earned a degree in Estonian Native Textiles from the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy. Based on her research into historical printed fabrics, she founded HYLDA (https://hylda.ee/), a small textile design company. HYLDA aims to recreate old printed patterns and design new ones for use in traditional clothing.

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