Ione Kanetake Handmade Slippers from Hilo Hawaii; Extra Large: Outside length 11.5 ; toe-to-heel 9.75 #1 $78

Description

Ione Kanetake Handmade Slippers from Hilo Hawaii; Extra Large: Outside length 11.5 ; toe-to-heel 9.75 #1 $78

 

About the Artist

Ione was born in Hilo and raised in Menlo Park, CA. She graduated from San Jose State University with a B.A. in Art and Industrial Art Design. She returned to Hilo in 1972.

Ione describes how she began making slippers and what it took to make a business out of them: “I made my first pair of slippers in 1974. They were very crude. I started making them full time in 1984 so I could work out of my home and be a ‘stay at home’ mom. I struggled making them with a light weight Kenmore sewing machine in the beginning. So, I had to make the decision to move forward with my fledging business from being a ‘hobby’ to a viable way to make a living. Purchasing a heavy duty industrial machine changed my entire production. It took some time to get used to it. Always maintaining it carefully, I’ve been able to make thousands of slippers over the years. It’s truly a wonderful feeling of accomplishment to know my slippers have been enjoyed around the world!”

The felt cut outs that Ione uses to make each size. Your foot should measure approximately 1” shorter than the cutout  that will fit you best.

Every time we see a box of Ione Kanetake‘s slippers arrive by US mail we feel a combination of excitement and challenge.

We’re excited by the great fun of seeing each new original design. The challenge is how to get everyone’s preference to them without disappointing anybody. We’re trying a new way this time with the slippers posted individually and hope it works really well for you.

Good luck, and thank you for your continued support of Ione’s work!

Ione Kanetake Handmade Slippers from Hilo Hawaii; Extra Large: Outside length 11.5 ; toe-to-heel 9.75 #1 $78