I hosted a workshop for six of folks to make some shoes, and I should say that it was an unqualified success! Everyone came out with some really wonderful pieces, and I would have been pleased to wear any of them. Unfortunately, I did not manage to get finished pictures (which I really need to be better at doing!), but here is a set of six pairs in progress like a little chorus line.
The key thing about hosting a workshop, indeed, whenever you are using up valuable material like leather, is being as efficient as possible. Continue reading November Shoemaking Workshop→
A really snappy pair of 1600s heels with a stacked leather sole. We’ve incorporated a thistle design into the upper, and the the edges have been bound with white, which makes a stunning statement when peeking out from under a dress or while dancing. The leather stacked heel was well in vogue towards the end of the 16th century, as was the leather-covered timber heel.
I was delighted to get this commission to make a pair of strapped black-on-black shoes with a heel lift and stiffener. Black on black makes for such a clean finish to the opening, subdued, but certainly noticeable. I strongly recommend binding for all, not just because it helps reinforce the opening, but because of the way it finishes the shoe.
I have been talking about it for some time, but I finally decided to teach a full-length shoemaking class at Costume College, held every year towards the end of July. The primary reason is the work involved – I need to pattern shoes, modify lasts, cut leather, and make stitching cords for every single student. As it turned out, we only ended up with four students (one had to drop out at the last minute), and though it was plenty of work, each student came away with a great piece.
For first time cordwainers, they did quite well – compared to my first pair over fifteen years ago, these are orders of magnitude superior in every way, and I’m delighted to have started them down the path several rungs ahead of where I began.
Just for some context… Continue reading Costume College Workshop!→
Dedicated to the Research and Construction of Chopines, Pantoufles, Zoccoli, Shoes, Boots,and Other Raised and High Heels.
