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Posted (edited)

This is SO interesting! Please keep us posted!

Making a pair of shoes is not something I'd ever have the guts to tackle. I draw the line at moccasins, and even those aren't as easy as you'd think. 

I sometimes go to cons (am interested in writing sci/fi and fantasy) and I have some friends that are into cosplay/anime. Though it's not my thing, I love watching them show off their costumes! 

You have a machine for stitching the straps, right?

Edited by Sheilajeanne
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Posted

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!

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Posted

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...

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Posted (edited)

2017-12-28 18.03.41-sm.jpg

2017-12-28 18.03.44 - Copy.jpg

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

Edited by SheltathaLore
Posted

In UK primeministerial circles, I think those are referred to as "kitten heels"..what does your dog think about that ?

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.)

 


You might want to add "waxing of legs" to that list..so as not to distract from the stitching...and ditch the socks..unless you are English...even then...ditch the socks...especially for the beach...

"Don't you know that women are the only works of Art" .. ( Don Henley and "some French painter in a field" )

  • 2 weeks later...
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Posted

Prototype #2, stuck to the sole with tape again.  Looking surprisingly legit; I think I can move onto the final version.  Differences:

  • Used a somewhat thicker and stiffer leather, along with an extra side stiffener layer
  • Laser cut the applique and assembled it entirely with glue; I'll stick with the laser cutting, but if I can get the hang of leather applique I'd prefer to do that in addition.
  • Straps aren't stitched on the edges, but that was mostly just for speed of assembly of the test version.  I'll stitch the final version.
  • Added stiffener to applique layer, and ran the heel strap through a channel between the top of the applique and the lining.

The toe turned out a bit messy, but I think skiving more aggressively in that area should take care of things.

S32HIZW.jpg

5eOx2kO.jpg

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Posted

Wow Shelta...good job so far and you must have a lot of equipment (and money) to do a project such as that! :P I applaud your courage to tackle a project as daunting as that. I guess we all have our niches and that is not something I would ever even consider due to all the things/problems you have mentioned lol.

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