HobbledCobbler Report post Posted October 25, 2016 I've got some of the biggest feet and I am bound and determined to learn to make my own shoes! I wear a size 10 women's and my feet are 4 3/8" wide! IF, I can quit collecting sewing machines and leather long enough, LOL! I bought an Janome HD1000 last year. Still haven't touched it because we've been working on the house. Replacing floors and reworking our kitchen. I bought a Chinese Leather Patcher on Ebay earlier this month, only to be told by all of the needle companies that they don't make a 22/140 15x1 needle any more! I'm planning on testing out 134D's and see if they clear everything inside but a little concerned that the needle shank isn't wide enough. And it is round instead of flat. So here I sit! Next month, gotta start on the livingroom floor, but the good news is I finally got some thin soling leather for a mid-sole. I've got my rubber soling material to glue on and I've got suede for my uppers and some padding and materials to make a nice cushy footbed. I'm also working on making shoe lasts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HavenHillJay Report post Posted November 1, 2016 Thanks for the nice comment on my newbie post. Making shoes is a skill set I'd like to explore. Any recommendations on places to look for information? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HobbledCobbler Report post Posted November 1, 2016 (edited) 23 hours ago, HavenHillJay said: Thanks for the nice comment on my newbie post. Making shoes is a skill set I'd like to explore. Any recommendations on places to look for information? There's a lady that has a small business and a blog that turned me on to the Leather Patcher. And although I'm not an environmentalist and she's heavy duty into natural gum soling, she's great! http://simpleshoemaking.com/ She sells kits and she has some videos on youtube. She shows how to make a shoe pattern without a last and they look pretty good! Not like the heavily detailed tennis shoes or anything. More for comfort and they do look comfortable. She goes slow enough on her videos that you don't have to keep stopping and rewinding, too! She sells some supplies but her soling is too small for my big feet! Also, this dude! https://lordpoint.wordpress.com/2014/01/02/first-attempt-at-shoemaking/ Oh, and if you are really wanting to make your own shoes, and you are semi-poor like I am, get a good bunch of those utility knives and go driving around your neighborhood and watch for couches and recliners and stuff being thrown out! I just got some of the most beautiful seafoam green leather cut off of the back and sides of a full sized sofa and loveseat! Hubby thought it was vinyl at first and I'm like, "No, that's too soft for vinyl". Got several yards of that beautiful leather and all it cost was time. This guy pulled up in the driveway and waved at us. Asked us, "Are you the owner's?" and I said no. He said, "These people had an ad up for a dog for sale". I laughed, "You probably don't want the dog for sale! SOMETHING chewed up two leather sofas!" and I point to where the couch cushions USED TO BE...there were ragged shreds of leather. Edited November 1, 2016 by HobbledCobbler Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HavenHillJay Report post Posted November 1, 2016 Thanks for the tips and the websites. Good second life for the Seafoam leather! Looking forward to see the finished product. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HobbledCobbler Report post Posted November 1, 2016 23 hours ago, HavenHillJay said: Thanks for the nice comment on my newbie post. Making shoes is a skill set I'd like to explore. Any recommendations on places to look for information? You are very welcome! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IM7 Report post Posted November 4, 2016 I have a friend who teaches shoe-making classes... but he lives in Brooklyn! I'll share anyway, just in case. Olivier Rabbath makes all types of shoes, start to finish, in his studio. He is full of positive energy. Do google him! http://www.howtomakebootsfromyourgarage.com/THECLASSES.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HobbledCobbler Report post Posted November 4, 2016 6 minutes ago, IM7 said: I have a friend who teaches shoe-making classes... but he lives in Brooklyn! I'll share anyway, just in case. Olivier Rabbath makes all types of shoes, start to finish, in his studio. He is full of positive energy. Do google him! http://www.howtomakebootsfromyourgarage.com/THECLASSES.html I appreciate that! However, I don't plan on going to Brooklyn any time soon! The lady at Simple Shoemaking doesn't charge for her instructions! Just for the kits or supplies. And she gives full instructions on making shoes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
