Halo Shoes Blog

I've finally been able to pull together most of the materials and tools needed to allow my first attempt at making a shoe since my class in August.  The biggest hurdle has been sourcing materials and tools (more about this later) which are basically non-existent here in Portland. I'm receiving tools from England and found proper lasting nails in Pennsylvania.  Hand turned hafts for awls are being made in Memphis.   Thread from Maine.  Slowly I'm finding the good sources. 

So, for the first attempt to make a shoe at home, all I've set out to do is simply re-create what I was taught in class.  The shoe is a basic cement constructed lady's pump.  The biggest difference is at class, we were given ready made uppers but here at home, I've had to make my own adding a whole new layer of complexity to the process.  Basically, I've had to learn how to sew from scratch.  This is a totally new experience for me and not without its frustrating moments. Every time I sit down at that machine from hell, it teaches me something new.

Anyway, I went out and found some crazy old 1951 Pfaff flatbed sewing machine:

And taught myself how to sew leather so I could make an upper (right):

The upper (right piece) in its most basic state isn't super complicated.  I think there are about six seams that were stitched but the level of precision is ridiculous.  Take a nice shoe and really look at the seams; especially the top seam.  The stitches are usually tiny, equally spaced, straight, and super close to the edge.  My sewing contained none of those characteristics.  BUT, for a first attempt it wasn't horrible.

I'm glossing over a bunch of intermediate steps but here the upper partially lasted.  Basically, I've attached the heel to the mid-sole.

This is the top view showing the direction the shoe is taking. 

And, this is the basic tool set for doing this type of work. 

More later...