Author Archives: customboots

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About customboots

I'm a custom cowboy boot maker. I own a business, Sorrell Custom Boots, and I create bespoke cowboy boots using vintage machinery and hand tools. I also own www.sorrellnotionsandfindings.com, a company that specializes in tools, supplies, and leather for the boot and shoe making trade.

Oak leaf boots

Posted on April 17, 2014 by customboots

I sewed the side seams yesterday and turned them this morning. They’re beginning to look like boots!

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Reinforcing and crimping vamps

Posted on April 15, 2014 by customboots

One set of red alligator vamps is on the crimp boards. The brown leather is kangaroo lining and it’s cemented to the red alligator. This is how I reinforce a delicate leather; I only reinforce the tongue area and edges. … Continue reading →

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Red alligator boot ideas

Posted on April 15, 2014 by customboots

My new red alligator boots were SUPPOSED to have black tops but they keep changing to brown, or beige, or bone in my imagination. I may just have to get over my obsession with matching and wear black leggings with … Continue reading →

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Fitted last

Posted on April 15, 2014 by customboots

I just finished fitting the last for the oak leaf boots. I would say “successfully finished fitting the last” but really there’s no way to know that until I make the entire boot and he tries it on.

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Fashion Connection: Engaging Creative Entrepreneurship

Posted on April 15, 2014 by customboots

Fashion Connection: Engaging Creative Entrepreneurship Last week I was part of a panel discussion at Oklahoma State University. Hosted by Dr. Mary Rupert-Stroescu, it was a discussion with successful entrepreneurs talking about their experience in the fashion industry. The program … Continue reading →

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Boots for Lisa!

Posted on April 14, 2014 by customboots

As a small person it’s frustrating to never be quite tall enough to reach things and maddening to be underestimated because I’m short. On the other hand, it’s very nice to be able to make myself new red alligator boots … Continue reading →

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Advice from a Singer manual

Posted on April 14, 2014 by customboots

I stitch all of my boot tops on an old Singer from the 1940s. I’m really glad I finished the oak leaf boot tops last week because I’m not in the mood to wear lipstick to the shop today.

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Western Heritage Awards

Posted on April 12, 2014 by customboots

Dale and I went to the party for the Western Heritage Awards last night at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. I met someone who follows me and he asked me to autograph a deck of playing cards. I … Continue reading →

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Update on Round Two:

Posted on April 11, 2014 by customboots

Update on Round Two with the machine: I finally won. It was one of those times when I struggled for hours and suddenly it just slipped into place. I could hardly believe it happened! On the other hand, I will … Continue reading →

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When a machine breaks down there are only two options: fix it, or wrestle with it until you’re so exhausted you don’t care anymore. Today I chose the latter.

Posted on April 11, 2014 by customboots | Leave a comment