I’m taking a 5-day Bootmaking Intensive course at Brooklyn Shoespace with Rebecca Heykes. After a lot of thought about integrating some electronics I’ve realized that for my first go I just need to learn how to make shoes! I’ve decided to make a basic Chelsea boot – something that I will definitely wear. Today was spent pattern making as well as creating insoles. Here are some snippets…
Selecting a last
Sketching the design
Taping the last, so the pattern can be drawn on
Determining the vertical with the last propped up at the appropriate heel height
Removing the pattern
Attaching tape patterns to pattern board and cutting them out
Pattern with allowances
Taping the bottom for the insole pattern
Cutting the insoles
Cutting leather particle board for insoles using 5-in-1
Insole pieces
Bevelling insole edges
Gluing in the shank
Using nails and masking tape to hold moistened insole in place while it dries and molds overnight
