My adventures in (DIY) shoemaking -- part 10

[MyOtherLife]

Not a fan of these at all. Sorry, I don't mean to be the spoiler here.
A sleeker last and more stylish variation of this strap design would look much nicer and preferrably in scotchgrain. imo.
Thank you for sharing the photos. I've certainly enjoyed your other work very much.

 

[bengal-stripe]

Originally Posted by Man Of Lint

A sleeker last and more stylish variation of this strap design would look much nicer and preferrably in scotchgrain. imo.

I'm afraid, I can't agree with you.

I think the last is stunning (I believe. I know the last maker); after all, this is a bespoke last for a particular person (in this case "˜shoefan') and not a commercial last, let alone a last to show off a sample. A last for a real person must take their anatomical irregularities into account. A good last maker, just like a good tailor, cannot make you taller, slimmer, whatever: but he can make you look it.

I always loved that particular EG design (can't remember it's name), much more than it's follow-up the "˜Oundle':

I never had that EG style, but I've seen it on a friend and the way the underlay was cut, in wear, there could open a gap where over- and underlay met. Hence the "˜Oundle', which had the overlay extended. I presume "˜shoefan' did keep the underlay generous, that should have solved the problem.

I'm not a great fan of (any) embossed leathers, but I think (corrected grain) Scotch grain is the worst of them all. That shoe style is rather dandified, I can't believe an extremely rustic Scotch grain would have worked. (Possible a willow bark pattern could have gone well with the style).

"˜shoefan', I think you've done an amazing job.

 

[culverwood]

Wow!

 

[shoefan]

Originally Posted by Fishball

Wow! Lance, you are so great!
Few questions:
How does the leather response? I think I bought the same leather but didn't do anything yet.
The pics are too small, I can't see it clear enough to know for sure, Is it a folded edge? and why you choose folded not other method is so?
Is the upper thread white?

Anyhow, Great work! Keep up!

Thanks.

I think the leather is okay -- certainly for the price, it is good to practice with. I don't know that I would make a pair of shoes for a paying customer out of it, it may be a bit too soft. Of course, I am no leather expert.

The edge is not folded; I made a 'collar' of skived and folded leather, as I have done for all my shoes. One of these days I'll do a folded edge, but the London standard is a collar, so generally I do that. Plus, the thought of trying to do a folded edge along the strap is rather daunting.

The thread is dark blue; I think it looks white in some of the pics due to the thread reflecting the flash.

 

[Fishball]

Originally Posted by shoefan

Thanks.

I think the leather is okay -- certainly for the price, it is good to practice with. I don't know that I would make a pair of shoes for a paying customer out of it, it may be a bit too soft. Of course, I am no leather expert.

The edge is not folded; I made a 'collar' of skived and folded leather, as I have done for all my shoes. One of these days I'll do a folded edge, but the London standard is a collar, so generally I do that. Plus, the thought of trying to do a folded edge along the strap is rather daunting.

The thread is dark blue; I think it looks white in some of the pics due to the thread reflecting the flash.

Shoefan,

Thanks for the answers.
BTW, how are your DIY shoes wear? May we have some pics to look at?
Will you consider the JL Vale design? I think it look better than Oundle, but may be not easy the get the pattern right.

 

[Nick V.]

Excellent. Congrads on your evolving skills!

 

[TurboBruce]

Wow, 3rd time I see one of your shoe threads and tell myself that it's a brilliant hobby which I should try to learn myself. Then, I end up re-watching shoe making videos on youtube and it reminds me why I'm not doing it...

 

[Chips]

Awesome!!!

 

[kev777]

I wish i could do that purely to use the chat up line .....

"Hi Sweetcheeks i made my own shoes!!"

Amazing Shoefan Bloody Amazing Well Done !!

 

[ohm]

Well done.

 

[Xenon]

Shoefan that is simply awesome!!

That you are self taught!!!!!!!!!!!! Actually being able to make your own shoes is beyond awesome.

I want to try my hand ( as hobby) as well and have these questions if you don't mind:

How do you sew the uppers - where did you purchases the machine to do so?
Where do you source your leathers for uppers and soles
What about thread needles, glues(for stiffenners) ect

thanks

 

[Son Of Saphir]

Originally Posted by Nick V.

Excellent. Congrads on your evolving skills!

Alway good to see.
Congrads on your evolving skills.

 

[ajv]

I admire every piece you make and can see that you are improving each time.
Congrats and wear them in good health.

Adrian

 

[MyOtherLife]

Originally Posted by bengal-stripe

I'm afraid, I can't agree with you.

I think the last is stunning (I believe. I know the last maker); after all, this is a bespoke last for a particular person (in this case "˜shoefan') and not a commercial last, let alone a last to show off a sample. A last for a real person must take their anatomical irregularities into account. A good last maker, just like a good tailor, cannot make you taller, slimmer, whatever: but he can make you look it.

Good points I hadn't considered and thank you for pointing that out.
The OP's he skills are quite good and I do love his attention on the construction of all the shoes he has made to date. Ofcourse he gets a high pass

 

[fritzl]

nice leather