hello! I’ve made some new shoes!
I have to admit, I actually had no drama with these ones I was just kinda, yeah, you know, need some new shoes for walking the dog, whatever. I’ll just use this paisley stuff, it’s a bit thick and beefy, quite stiff so should work quite well, plus it’s kinda cool-looking too. Making them all went so smoothly and I didn’t even once feel depressed that they weren’t going to work out at any point at all. A first! So I’m now rather thrilled with them 😉
This is actually a shoe version of a muslin, whatever you would call that… I’m working up to making some shoes using some of the Icelandic fish leather that I bought when we visited there a few years ago and I’m trialling a new pattern. The pattern looks almost identical to the pattern I’ve been using previously, to make my previous pairs of oxford shoes, but since I made that pattern prior to getting my lasts I decided it would be prudent to make a new pattern tailored specifically to the lasts.
So I did it all properly; got out the masking tape, and re-did the whole pattern making process as described here. Got my new pattern and this is the trial run before slicing into my precious leather.
quickie pictorial of the process…
Details above: the top pieces are edged with close-spaced zig-zag stitch in black, and the shoes are fully lined with pale yellow faux suedette from Spotlight. The paisley fabric is from Spotlight too. Foam shoe liners from Coles for added comfort are covered with the pale yellow suedette which gives a co-ordinating, neat and tidy look inside. Heel counters and toe puffs from stretch cotton denim exactly as described in this how-to post here. Stacked heels and soles are made from sheet rubber from Bunnings; glued together using contact gel adhesive, then thoroughly sanded smooth and finished with satin finish varnish. Heels nailed to the soles from the inside exactly the same as pictured for theses shoes here. I hand stitched a small square of black vinyl on the back edge to strengthen that area and hide the seam top.
Craig and Cassie both separately and spontaneously, and without my asking, mentioned that they thought this is my best finish yet. The shoes are quite sturdy and I don’t think I’d even be embarrassed should they be subject to a close inspection. Hehe, I cannot say the same thing for some of my previous efforts!
Plus I think they’re actually rather cute too 🙂
Yep, I’d buy these!
They are very cute. Fun to have a bit of pattern and colour where there would normally be a neutral, I am sure you will wear them a lot.
thank you Philippa!
Cute! Love the fabric and the oxford style. I do think they are a little too high on the sides perhaps. Otherwise, brilliant.
These are beyond cute, they are amazing! I’m so impressed, you can make shoes exactly as you want them, so cool.
I’ve loved watching your shoe-making journey.
These are really great! Definitely my favourites so far.
thank you so much Carol! that’s really sweet of you 🙂
Beautiful workmanship! I love these. I would say they are my favorites too, except that the olive desert boots probably are “it” for me. They look like they would be suitable for serious walking, lol. Hopefully they will make it into an outfit for your year-of-handmade!
thank you so much, Cheryl! both pairs are pretty comfortable for walking in, though I think the olive desert boots could be more durable long term, being leather 🙂
These are really cool!
thanks Irene! 🙂
they are so eyecatching – fantastic –
You have the toe and the heel spot on with those ones. I think they are really good. Jo x
I think they’re cute and you are getting quite skilled at shoe making.
thank you so much sdBev! 🙂
These are gorgeous Carolyn – well done!!
wow! you are really honing those shoe making skills! these are so cute and so nicely finished
Very cute. Not sure if it is intended but they are almost like low boots as the sides are quite high as someone else mentioned. The ankle bone would normally be above the side in a shoe. So if you did want a true Oxford look, I think you want to cut the pattern down at the side for the next pair.
They do look very smart indeed and the rest of the handmade year you are well equipped with footwear.
Thanks so much for your comment, Ruthie. An Oxford shoe style has the shoelace eyelet closures attached under the vamp, so this IS the true Oxford look. 🙂
Very cute! Almost a bootie, but not. Great to see that someone still wants to be a cobbler
oh, i love these! they’re super cute, and paisley makes them look a little bit unusual (always a bonus in my book)
Love love love love love these – Now I think I need a pair of paisley shoes too! thanks for the inspiration.
They are gorgeous! You are getting so good at this!
those are fantastic and will go so well with a lot of your corduroy pants. I agree – best finish yet.and I can’t wait to see what you come up with using leather.
What a cute pair of shoes! Love the paisley pattern. Your expertise, clearly, is growing!! I think you need to do a Craftsy Class (Video) on making shoes. Congratulations on another great success.
They look like desert boots – I don’t know if you call them by that name in Australia? I love them! They would be quite a hit – maybe you should patent the design? 🙂
Absolutely love them, and so ‘my style’! Need to go back and read more of your posts about the shoes – particularly about lasts, and whether I need one/where to get one etc. These are soooo good!
Incredibly cute muslin shoes! The fabric is great and I think your new pattern is an improvement, I like especially the heel’s curve.
I agree these are your best yet. You’re getting better and better with each pair. Also your bikinis from your last post were brilliant too.
You never cease to amaze me!! They look fabulous.
What sensational shoes , they look fabulous. What’s not to love about paisley. You are so clever.
You will be asked where did you get them all the time – they look amazing.
Wowee, those are gorgeous!!!
Those look totally neat and professional! I’m very impressed. The fabric is great for a pair of shoes too. I’m excited for the next leather pair!
My thought while reading your post was: whow, one can really see the improvement. Your shoes are getting better with every pair and those do look the best yet to me too. Plus I love the paisley fabric.
Julia
I can’t believe it ! your shoes are just beautiful !!! You are a incredible to do that !!! Bravo !
These are so cool!! But I think you need a matching cropped jacket in the same fabric. Wild! I love it!
Totally love ’em and think these are super cute!!!
So cute! These will look awesome with jeans, and with fabric shoes you can make matching clothes!
It will be interesting at the end of the year to have a line-up of all your shoes, showing your progression from beginner to expert (which I know you will be by then!)
Wow, these are absolutely amazing, you’ve come so far! They look so professional, no-one would ever know that you made these yourself.
These are really your best makes yet. I would buy a pair in every colour! One can definitely see your growth and improvement. Thank you for taking “the blog” along on the shoemaking journey, which has been awesome and inspirational.
These look great! Very good job. Not sure if you are aware, there is a brand of shoes called “THINK” and they have very similar styles.
Not sure if you could view this or not (on BBC iplayer?), but there was a programme on BBC TV (UK) a couple of weeks ago. It shows a hand-crafted shoe company called John Lobb. Their shoes retail up to £4.000.
You would love it.
I’m so enjoying following this journey with you. Every pair just gets better and better. Can’t wait to see the leather ones!
These look amazing! Definitely a very profesh finish. They don’t look a bit homemade. Love the paisley!
10 out of 10! (ok, just been told comment too short…WT?). So how is the weather? A bit chilly here in Melb on this wonderful voting day 🙂 But I feel a good post voting coffee coming on. Now to just get out of bed…
Wow, very professional looking! What power, to be able to whip up a new pair of shoes.
Such fun! Gorgeous. Good luck with the fish leather!
I love me some crazy shoes! Those look great in the paisly!