SheltathaLore

Let me see if I can get this one working; if I can't, I'll PM you to snag yours.

What type of machine does your foot ordinarily fit on, out of curiosity?

I decided to snag one of these off ebay and see if I could rig something up (will probably need to make a bracket) - probably simpler than disassembling one of the fancy flip-up versions. https://www.ebay.com/itm/292097952599 We'll see how it goes!

Came across this in an archive binge; thought I'd add here that McMaster-Carr sells 95% wool felt cord in multiple diameters and densities: https://www.mcmaster.com/#felt/=09445cf74f5445a39b50d33f72859b81jbykrvtt

Neat, thanks! Once I see the pic I'll let you know if I'm interested.

Post a link?

It's a pity this appears to have a bunch of automation stuff on it that would require replacing with expensive parts. ...not that I have space, or spare motor, or all that. (This is why I try to satisfy my gadget and tool addiction with attachments rather than machines.) If anyone's in Arizona (or willing to pay shipping), thugh, it's probably a fantastic parts machine. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Industrial-Sewing-Machine-Pfaff-483-Light-Leather-w-roller-foot/132454232056?hash=item1ed6e32ff8:g:BGUAAOSw-K9ZHT7B Related to my initial question: does anyone have any idea what parts from known brands are likely to be swappable into my current machine (for example, needle plate/feed dogs/etc)? That's the problem with off-brands; as much as I love my machine, and as happy as I was with the price, searching for parts can be tricky.

Don't leave us in suspense!!

Pretty sure he was also a fan of the Juki 5410s, but I'll let him speak for himself.

Come to think of it, looking at this thread, other mounting bracket styles appear to exist:

I should note that I'd only be using this for decorative stitching/applique in light leather, when I need maximum maneuverability; my new and much beloved Consew 227 can handle the thicker stuff for me just fine.

My gadget itch has been acting up, but I really don't need another machine (buying feet and attachments is a much more sustainable addiction, both in space and money)... so I was wondering if it would be possible to finagle a roller foot onto my existing needle feed machine. Issues I've run into: The thread wiper(?) mechanism is exactly in the way for the swing-up style foot, and I gather it has something to do with auto-trimming behavior (what does a thread wiper actually do?), so I don't want to remove it; I love auto backtack and trim (although not on leather, obviously). Are different varieties of mounting brackets available for the feet? I also do have a bitty milling machine that can at least handle aluminum, so I might be able to rig something up if not. It's a needle + drop feed, and not a standard brand, so hitting up the googles for a compatible feed dog and plate set has been fruitless. Think that one for a Juki needle feed would work? I suppose dremeling out a plain plate wouldn't be the worst thing, although I know I'd need to put a lot of care into making 100% sure that the slot is long enough and well-polished. (Tangent: as much as I adore this machine, my gadget itch tends to go unsatisfied, because oddball specialty attachments and feet are somewhat harder to come by for needle feed machines. @gottaknow, I seem to recall you saying that you actually prefer needle feed machines for the versatility; do you have a special source for accessories?) Quite certain I'll need to mess with the position of the presser foot. Thankfully, the manual is surprisingly well-written for a Chinese machine, so that should be doable? Machine picture: Machine manual and parts list: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/b5c0fqvankyotcw/AAANJTPg9KhoKqUt7Df98aTza?dl=0 Pics of my specific machine:

Also, I did rub the extra glue off after I took the pictures... I was too excited to see the whole thing put together to stop and do it beforehand.

Obviously it's going to be worn with a full costume; the reference pictures show tights. In any case, your comment is rude.

Yes, I rubbed the excess glue off after I took this picture. I was just too excited to see how it looked to stop and do that beforehand

I only just got my first real knives and I'm still learning to sharpen them, so it really sounds like I might be missing something there. I guess it's time to go absorb another few hours of youtube videos on sharpening.

Added on the straps, and temporarily stuck the upper to the outsole/heel with some incredibly tenacious doublestick tape to see how it all looked together. (I'm still not entirely sure how I plan to attach it permanently... some combination of glue and nails, I suppose.) Surprisingly, once it's all together, the wrinkles don't look as bad as I thought - although I'm going to be doing the left foot next as Prototype #2, and then I'll have a pair to walk around in and test. They're also about as comfy as heels can get; my toes don't pinch, for once. Full list of things to change in next prototype: use paste glue for toe and stiffeners (I'm too impatient to source Hirschkleber, but apparently this stuff is similar https://www.amazon.com/Gane-All-Purpose-Stik-Flat-1-Pint/dp/B000S10SNU) add stiffener to applique add side stiffener more stitches in arch move stitching slightly inward for toe (and heel?) and extend SA to compensate for increased takeup try a slightly heavier leather (I got some nice retanned white chevre from a group order from the Hide Shop - looks like chrome, acts like chrome, has some extra formability like veg, and dries a little bit stiff. Perfect for this.) Will post pictures as soon as imgur is working again...

I used a Consew 227 for all the assembly, including the straps - although with this weight of leather, skived down, I could probably make a garment machine (or even domestic) work for a pair or two if I needed to. The best thing about cosplay is that there's no guarantee the tihng you want to make is even physically possible. The challenge is so much fun!

Heh, no, nothing so productive. It's a tiny video game convention at which I will show off the full costume.

Looking for a smaller size of hooked straight needle to put in my awl for hand-stitching; the one I have is, I believe, a #3 (2.1mm). If anyone has smaller sizes and would be willing to sell me one or two, I'd be much obliged.

Some googling did find me these: https://www.groz-beckert.com/mm/media/en/web/pdf/Shoe_machine_needles_and_awls___Product_range.pdf https://www.groz-beckert.com/mm/media/en/web/pdf/Shoe_machine_needles_and_awls_.pdf Which at least translates the GB product numbers into sizes (the code indicates the diameter and length). Not a direct mapping to #3 or whatever, but I can at least look at a GB needle package and know what physical size I'm going to get.

Good ref! Although sadly it doesn't cover this kind of needle. I'm looking at my existing needle, trying to figure out what size it is... it says "GB 210-33", which sadly doesn't bring up anything on the googles. I'm guessing that it's a Groz-Beckert, just from the "GB", and there are a lot of 3's in there, so maybe it's a size 3?? Who knows.

I'll definitely keep you posted! I'm taking today off to let my fingers heal after I kept stabbing them with the needle yesterday, though >_>

Starting to stitch it to the insole! OH MY GOD IT'S STARTING TO LOOK LIKE A SHOE View from the inside Hammering down the bumps in the stitching Not bad for the prototype. (They fit! And they don't hurt at all!! I can't remember the last time I had dress shoes that didn't hurt at all.) Still to be addressed: Strap locations; I'm just going to glue them on the prototype to make it easier to test, but I'll stitch them on the final version Attaching to the wooden outsole/heel Tinker a bit with the seam allowance and stitch placement around the toe These came out very soft and a bit wrinkly; I may need to choose a stiffer leather or add some reinforcement/stiffener of some sort. More closely spaced stitches along the arch might help a bit too - or at least ensure that the wrinkles are distributed more evenly. Less messy applique... I'm going to need a lot of practice.

Thanks for giving me a feel for what size thread is used with which needles! Now I have a much better idea of the sizing... before, I didn't even know whether the numbers went up or down for smaller sizes. If anyone has extras, I'd be happy to buy a few (I might post in the wanted board); I really don't need a pack of 10 of each size.