I’ve been attending Costume College (held in Southern California) for a number of years now, and in the past few years, I brought along my shoemaker’s bench and did some work in the hallways to teach people informally about historical footwear. Although I do teach some formal classes, I can reach a larger audience as people come in and out of the classrooms. I normally bring a pair of shoes to finish, and, in fact, you can see me cutting out the woolen insock to be pasted in the strapped shoe that has just been completed. Forgive the modern last, again, my very impressed photo-mate is Amanda S., and the image is courtesy of Breanna M.

Apologies for not getting to take a close-up of the finished pair, but they’re very similar to these. I was able to get them a lovely forest green which was not my original intention, but I’m very pleased with the color. Thing is, I didn’t get to take any close-ups, because there were so many other things going on!

I was actually delighted to get so many people who were genuinely interested in the process and asked all manner of questions about materials and construction. You’ll notice two examples of previous work on the bench while I appear to be answering a question intently – picture courtesy of Leia M.

Why did I not spend all my time at the bench? Clearly, because there were costumes to wear and fabulousity to be had. Here is just a bit of flavor, to spice the soul and entice you to join us next year at Costume College 2016! Thanks to Robert S. and Laurie T. for the images. The buckles are antique 18th century paste buckles, the waistcoat and wig is by Kendra, and the suit is my work.

The party wants YOU to join!