Tag Archives: leatherart

Here’s a little lace-up shoe I’ve started. It took lots of patterns and pieces to get to this stage!

Anyone who knows me is aware that I believe in the healing, redemptive power of Craft. I admire the fact that the prison system in Texas still gives space for craft shops and craft, and many inmates earn money to … Continue reading →

If you’ve ever wondered what happens with the long dangling threads that are left after I inseam: I used them to lace in the metal shank.

A few years ago I saw a photo of a bespoke boot online and I was obsessed with how they were patterned. I didn’t copy them exactly but I certainly was heavily inspired by them, and I made myself a … Continue reading →

Long ago, I developed the opinion that time spent patterning is never time wasted. If you spend the time thinking about your pattern and making sure it’s correct, then sewing all the pieces together is easy. When you don’t spend … Continue reading →

Why was Lisa crying this afternoon? Someone sent me a care package of vintage boot catalogs and materials, and this original Jay Griffith boot catalog was in it. I’ve seen catalogs from companies where Jay worked but never a Jay … Continue reading →

I put these “Satan Is Real” shoes on the last this afternoon, and also used a mystery tool for the first time. I visited a shoe tool factory in England several years ago and spotted these pliers. The man giving … Continue reading →

These boots are on the last and I’m pleased to announce that: 1.) They’re sitting on the last as if they were patterned for it (LOL, they were, but I worry). 2.) The zipper is *everything* I wanted it to … Continue reading →