Part Seven - Making a Sheepskin Slipper
We are very fortunate to have hundreds of documents, photographs and catalogues in our archives, dating back to the 1800's. As part of our 150th year anniversary, we are proud to share some of our heritage and share the Morlands journey with you.
It's fair to say in 150 years of production the actual process of making a sheepskin slipper hasn't changed that much. A finely tuned process over decades of craftsmanship has resulted in the perfect, luxurious slipper.
A selection of slippers in the Morlands range are unique in that they are made inside out and turned. This method was developed by Morlands in the 1800s and has been the signature method of making our slippers ever since.
To craft a turned slipper requires skill and expertise and is a technique that many have tried but few have mastered. The "turned" slipper is the only slipper that allows the use of a soft sole, the result of this is your foot is completely cocooned in soft and soothing materials. The combination of sheepskin and suede means that your feet are cosseted in lightweight materials, providing instant relaxation like no other slipper can.
Each pair is cut using a clicking machine. The knives follow the outline of the pattern, these are then placed over the sheepskin and then the clicking machine is brought down onto the knives, and the pieces are then cut accordingly.
The cut pieces are sewn together. The next step sees the skilled machinist sew the sheepskin lining and suede upper together. The slipper is sewn inside out so at this stage it does not look like your average Morlands slipper.
The suede sole is then sewn to the upper, at this point we have something that resembles a Morland's slipper. Prior to turning, we add the wedge followed by the sheepskin sock lining. The next step is to turn the slipper the right way round. There is no alternative way other than by hand.
Once turned, the slippers are nearly finished, but now they must take on the shape of the foot. At this stage specially prepared lasts are inserted into each slipper. They are then placed on a conveyor belt and sent through a heat-set machine. This is where the slipper takes on its final shape, the materials are bonded and coerced into the foot shape.
Once the slippers have cooled every slipper is checked for any blemishes and loose threads. In addition to this the slippers are given a 'beauty treatment' inside and out. The slippers are now ready for their new owner.