Custom Made Sneakers!

Finally today I'm able to take some time to blog about the shoemaking workshop that I took in March.  There is always so much going on.  And I'm forced to choose between blogging and sewing.  You know which one wins.  ;-)  Instagram has me spoiled.  I can snap a picture, write a brief description, and post in a matter of minutes.  Blogging takes a little more effort.  

Anyway, back to my shoemaking experience.  At first, I was very skeptical about taking it online. This workshop was offered through the Haute Couture Club of Chicago.  In the past, the Chicago School of Shoemaking has given presentations on making all types of leather goods.  At these presentations, we learned about the school, courses and all types of wonderful things to make. I was intrigued by the possibility of me, little ole me, being able to make my own shoes one day.

And, that day came on March 27, 2021.

Again, my course was online.  My sneaker kit could be mailed to me or I could pick it up.  I picked up my kit a few days before the class.  The school workroom is fabulous.  When I entered the front door, I knew I would be back.  Back to take another class in person.  There were all types of sewing machines, workstations, tools, projects and leather all about the room.  I was in a "crafting" candy store.

My course was the beginner's sneakers class, taught by Yohance Lacour.  Mr. Lacour presented to the club members March 2020, right before the pandemic.  He makes beautifully custom made sneakers and handbags.  He is an excellent instructor.  He is very thorough and patient.  No student is left behind.  He makes sure of that.  Additionally, he explains each step to make sure the students understand the methodology of the shoemaking process.

Before the course, we received an email with the zoom meeting link along with some preliminary instructions that needed to be completed before the workshop.  They were cutting out the pattern, shoes, and marking and punching out holes for sewing and eyelets.

All of the sewing is done by hand.  Waxed thread and needle are included in the kit as well as shoe soles, shoe strings, your choice of leather, and pattern.  I purchased a large hole puncher with multiple sizes.

The length of the class is 3.5 hours.  I was able to complete one shoe during that time.  After the class I finished the second shoe.  The eyelets that I had at home did not completely curl to the wrong side of the leather.  So I went to JoAnn's Fabrics to purchase larger eyelets which were perfect.

I thoroughly enjoyed the shoemaking process and hope to make a more detailed pair when I feel comfortable going to the school for instructions.  The school does offer more virtual sneaker courses if you are interested and are unable to travel to the school.  Check out their website.  There maybe a course that you'd like to take.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my experience.  It was so fun.

Happy Sewing!

C

Shirred Wrist Sleeve and McCall 6964

This is the second sleeve drafting project that I've done using one of Rhonda's "free sleeve Saturday" patterns.

What I like about this one is that it draws attention to your forearm without a lot of fabric.  That is, not to say that I don't like flounces.  It's just a different type of attention-getter.  I decided to take the shirring higher up my arm. You can see that in the pattern below.

This sleeve was just as easy to draft as the "Draped Cowl Sleeve" but it requires more time to slash and spread the small sections.

Black tops are scarce in my wardrobe.  This new one will be great to wear with jeans, slacks, and skirts.  For cooler days a nice 3/4 sleeve kimono jacket is the perfect topper to add warmth and still show off the cute sleeves.

Again, I won't repeat the tutorial for this sleeve.  Get the instructions from Rhonda's blog here.

Thanks and Happy Sewing!
C