May Update and Projects.

In addition to new commissions, I am continuing with the Velo shoe development - I need a minimum number of orders to do another trial run - so send me an e-mail if you're interested either!

Through my Etsy store, you can get in touch with me for my small leather goods and request custom variations on those pieces.

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Since I've finished my recent commissions, I've been busy working on personal projects and trying out some shoe ideas. Two personal projects I've just finished are a bag and an experimental pair of shoes.

This bag is for my mother - I found this plaid fabric that looks really great with the green Horween leather I have on hand:

 

 

It doesn't photograph well, but it has a facing layer of leather on the bottom that wraps up in the back and sides.   

 

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When I bought the chestnut leather as a potential substitute for the rust - I got an idea for a casual shoe on the Chris last that would use some of the features I'm using in the Velo shoes.

I've been wanting to do something with the Chris last and I happened to need new shoes, so I took advantage. It's an experiment - they're a bit more rustic than I envisioned and some technical details I need to work out, but still fun. 

These are an unlined skimmer in a stitchout construction - veldt to heel. The midsole runner is also the insole the seat is lasted and cemented to. It has a very slight leather wedge that doubles as shank stiffener, and then finished up with a rubber sole

Thanks for looking and don't forget to like my Facebook Page to follow my works in progress!

Bike Shoes Update 8/18/11

It's been a while since the last update, but things are picking up speed after some delays.

The person copying my lasts for me had to delay the production, but they are back on the job now! I need to visit family next week, but the lasts should be waiting for me when I get back. Once the lasts are in hand, I'll check them over and the patterning process starts.

I've been keeping busy while waiting on the lasts. I'm still in the process of replenishing my materials and supplies, but that is very nearly completed. I've been working on sample shoes to tweak the patterns and try out a couple of additional material varieties:



Above is an upper using my Horween "rust" leather with the trim worked from one of the scrap bin leathers - it's a pretty neat combination.



The second upper is from a waxier Horween latigo with a softer hand than the original red - I bought this option for customers that need more flexibility. The black trim is the same material from the tongue and top binding.

Both of these tests use a slightly different pattern layout on the toe and backstrap reinforcing:


I welcome comments on the pattern arrangement - sometimes subtle changes bring about dramatic reactions - what do you think?

With things being delivered next week, I will become crazed with shoemaking and I'll be hitting the ground running.

For a slight distraction from the bike shoes theme, next week I'll post pictures of pair of shoes that are moments away from being finished.

Now - I have work to do!

P.S.: I still have a sewing machine for sale!

Update September 25, 2010

I've activated some changes that I started working on at the last update, namely the pages feature.

Below the title banner, you will now find links for three pages (more to come!):

Home is the main blog page for navigating form the other pages.

There is now an about me page - I do take on commissions, so feel free to contact me about potential projects!

The final page is the first of some portfolio pages - this one is specifically a footwear portfolio. I will be adding to this with new work, as well as older- as I dig through my archives. The current images are sample sheets showing a variety of works in progress, which I hope you will enjoy. More pages to come will include fashion design, and miscellaneous including ancient history from college.

My search for fit models continues - if you think you are a candidate for being a fit model, please send me an e-mail with "fit model" in the subject.