Felt Boots

Measurements

Weight

1 kg

Materials

felt wool natural dyes

Tags

kyrgyzstan felt slippers sustainable

These felt slippers are constructed by hand into a single piece using wet felting technique in Kyrgyzstan. Wool is locally sourced from Kyrgyzstan.

The cost of your shipment will vary by the destination of the piece(s) and the size of the order. The shipment costs you see here are estimates. We will certainly transport your order in the most economic way possible, and will only charge for the actual amount of the shipping cost. Before finalizing your order, we should briefly discuss the best and most value-oriented way to ensure that you receive your order safe and sound.

Destination	Delivery method	Shipping Time (days)	Shipping cost for this item
All Countries	Kyrgyz Post	14-40	$17.00
All Countries	FedEx / DHL	5-10	$60.00

Felting connects fibers through compression and agitation. Kyrgyz felt unfolds the often agitated but infinitely compelling Central Asian region -- bringing feeling to the forgotten world. It is a non-woven fabric made by repeatedly pressing together wet sheep’s wool. It is durable, colorful and comfortable. Because the fabric is non-woven, it can be shaped, molded and added to, much like wet clay. Together with Yurts, mountains and nomadic traditions, Felt is an iconographic material that makes up the literal fabric of this stunning country.

Gulshaikan lives in Bala-Ayilchy village near capital city of Kyrgyzstan. She has been making crafts for 10 years. All family members are involved in producing felt items including her husband, daughther, son and grandson. In 2000 one of her relatives from Yssuk-Kul region came and hold workshop on making felted items. At that time she was a houseife, taking care of her children. During the workshop she and other 9 woman of the village learned how to make felted slippers and other products out of wool. Today she works in a small workshop with three woman. She often goes to exhibition to Alma-Ata ( Kazakstan) which is held every month and attracts artisans from Central Asia, local and foreign buyers. All production is environmentally safe and of very high quality. She says: "Making felted crafts takes a lot of work. You always keep your hands in water. But the end justifies the means." From September to December is the busiest time for them. She get wholesale orders from Kazakstan and Russia. Now she also teaches other woman and relatives to make crafts. Gulshaikan is an active supporter of a healthy lifestyle. "I urge everyone to wear felted slippers – and you will never catch a chill. Use felt wider in your life. Even usual cushions on the chairs can prevent various unpleasant sicknesses, says Gulshaikan.