Chronicling my adventures with non-lasted heels!

[SheltathaLore]

It doesn't take as much equipment as you'd think. Stitch groover, 1/4 gouge, skiving knives, assorted hammers, jerk needle, awl... I do have a walking foot sewing machine, but honestly, with leather this light (particularly once it's skived) you could probably get away with a domestic machine just fine.  The laser cutter doesn't even belong to me - there's a guy in my neighborhood who cuts stuff for cheap. 

A lot of times, I use extra tools (milling machine, laser cutter, etc)  in order to get a cleaner or more consistent result; there's not much that couldn't be achieved just as well by hand, with skill and care. So don't count yourself out just yet! 

Edited January 13, 2018 by SheltathaLore

[SheltathaLore]

13 hours ago, JMcC said:

that is not something I would ever even consider due to all the things/problems you have mentioned lol.

The problem solving is why I try these things.  I absolutely love figuring out how to take the skills I have and mash them up and make some guesses and try to figure out how to do something new.  I get such a rush out of it!

[billybopp]

These are coming along nicely - It's fun watching your progress!

- Bill

[Aven]

SheltathaLore I'm impressed.  I would never have thought to take Jason's style of shoe making and couple that with heels.  I applaud your work so far and I'm looking forward to seeing the finished pair.

You might want to check out Mary Loomis' book on shoe making.  She decided to make her own shoes when she couldn't find what she wanted back in the 70's (?).  She reversed engineered heels that she had and came up with a method that works and its pretty low tech.  She uses a last of sorts, plaster of Paris casting of your feet  to work on.  It a bit different from what you're doing, but I'm sure that she covers some of the issues you are working through.  Well, I'm pretty sure she does.  Its been a while since I read it.  King County Library does have a copy if you want to check it out.

[SheltathaLore]

Oh hey, I forgot I had this topic - I need to post finished pictures, thanks for hte reminder!

I'm going to try learning how to do a lasted version next, because I just couldn't get the toe as neat as I wanted it without some sort of form for shaping, but I'm pretty pleased that it worked out as well as it did.  I'll see if I can snag that book - it sounds handy.

[SheltathaLore]

My prop game for this costume was A+, and I'm quite proud of myself, even if I didn't have time to stitch down the applique and stitch teh straps (yay for Barge Cement!)  Aside from the shoes, the mask is heat-formed smoked acrylic, and I machined the jewelry from brass and powder-coated the black areas.

 

A few more costume photos, because I'm proud of this thing, even if it does need more work before I take it to its next con:

...I suck at posing, okay.  I'm still pretty pleased with how I got such a nice tailored fit from non-stretch fabric - it's all silk that I hand-dyed.  With about fifteen yards of horsehair to keep it from being a sad floppy mess.

I never did get a good picture of the back detailing, which was really nice with piping and stuff.  Maybe next time!

[Aven]

Pictures please!

If you can't get a hold of a copy, send me a PM.

[ScoobyNewbie]

So? What has happened? You can’t stop the story now! This is so cool!

[SheltathaLore]

After remaking the dress, I won Best Craftsmanship at a tiny con over the summer, and more excitingly, at a medium-sized con in October.  I am immensely proud of myself, and I'm definitely planning to show it off at some bigger cons next year! 

 

 

[ScoobyNewbie]

You did a great job! Such a cool costume. I’ve never heard of Tales of Berseria. Is it a book series, or a comic, or a game?