I just finished up a new pair of shoes based on the Wadden Sea shipwreck finds. Specifically, Fig 26 on Page 227, although there were some differences between my attempt and the actual pattern. First, let me give you the cookie, and you can dig for more details deeper in the post.
The structure is pretty similar to shoes that you’ve already seen on this site, although I typically attempt something new (a new stitch, technique, etc) with each piece I do, with the hopes of learning more each time!
I agreed to trade a pair of shoes for a couple of hats, and was thrilled to get the better end of the deal (the joke being that a good deal is defined by each party thinking that they got the better trade =). The order was for a pair of shoes similar to those in Lesson 8: Late 16th / Early 17th C. Heels (Timber), except that they were to be done on crooked (left and right) lasts, and with a very particular color of orange.
Oh yes, I almost forgot – the finished products! Do forgive the poor quality of the picture, but it gives a good representation of what the shoes look like.
A pair of shoes for Edmund, very similar to Lesson 7: Mid 16th C. Shoes (Stacked Leather). I also pegged these shoes, although upon further reading, I do believe that rectangular pegs only started coming around in the late 17th. Perhaps the next time, I’ll experiment with a different type of peg. From what I have read on the Crispin Colloquy, they were typically oblong or oval shaped, probably from whittling away thin strips of wood.
Also note that in these shoes, I’ve made the lining much fuller so it can be partially pulled through the slits in the upper. I’ll be curious to know how well it stays!
A pair of shoes for Bess, again, very similar to Lesson 7: Mid 16th C. Shoes (Stacked Leather). These have pickadils all the way around instead of just on the vamp, and I tried a new technique where I didn’t leave any space between them. I really like the way they look, and will be doing all of my pickadils like this in the future.
In other news, and I apologize for being so quiet on the topic, I returned from Williamsburg about a month ago after attending a symposium on Costume accessories. It was a wonderful experience, and I was even able to get some time to pick some of the minds of the very talented cordwainers at Williamsburg. A few of the highlights that I came away with (so as not to give away all of the secrets!), and I will be adding more as I go through my notes:
