In this 4-week course, you will learn how to make a one-of-a-kind pair of sneakers using leather.
Vivian-Grace will provide you with a basic understanding of shoemaking construction (lasted vs non-lasted), components, and supplies. She will give answers to the common question: How come I can never find a shoe that fits me properly? And she will introduce you to the simplest way of making shoes, which is the method we will be using in this course.
Skill Level: Advanced beginner & Up
Skill Requirements:
**An understanding of sewing and pattern fundamentals. Good hand sewing skills. Strong manual dexterity with your hands and fingers. We will be hand sewing through layers of leather and rubber, in tight spaces. ** No machines will be used in the class.
In this workshop, you will learn:
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Basic shoemaking knowledge and vocabulary.
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The different methods of shoemaking construction.
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How to make your own pair of shoes constructed by hand
Week 1: A general introduction to shoe making, comparing soft (non lasted/no form) and lasted (with a form) construction with samples. We will do an overview of each step in this course so you can move at your own pace. Decide which pattern you will use, trace and cut them out. Start punching the holes.
* Homework: Finish tracing and cutting your patterns. Cut fabric pattern pieces. Mark the outholes.
Week 2: Continue punching holes in the leather pieces as based on the pattern. Hand sew the backstitch to your pieces. Punch holes in the outsole.
Week 3: Fiinish punching holes into the outsole. Begin sewing your upper s to your outsole.
* Homework: Continue sewing your uppers to your outsole.
Week 4: Finish sewing your uppers to your outsole.
What Will You Be Making?
This workshop is focused on teaching you how to make a pair of soft construction shoes. It is your choice if you would like to make a pair of high tops, regular cut, or low cut.
What We Provide:
- Cardboard and tracing paper to copy the patterns
- Leather tools to be shared and used in the classroom only.
- Vivian Grace will provide: scratch awls, leather scissors, hole punch, leather pens and lighter (these tools must stay in the classroom - cannot be taken home to use)
- The Makehouse Co-op will provide: cutting mat, ruler, exact knife, pencils/pens and paper scissors.
What You Provide:
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Pattern and all shoe components:
You will need to order a SNEAKER PACK ($60) LACES ($4.85), and LEATHER ($20) from Lonsdale Leather in Vancouver. https://lonsdaleleather.com/products/sneaker-pack
The Sneaker Pack includes: Pattern / Outsole (pair) / Insole (pair) / Needles + Thread. Select your size, based on the sizing chart, don't forget to purchase laces and leather!!
**The LACES and LEATHER are labeled as ADD-ON's - be sure to add these to your sneaker pack before checking out.
**The Heritage leather is shiny and the Metro leather is matte.
*** Please buy your SNEAKER PACK, LACES, LEATHER, and other supplies in advance. Bring all supplies on the first day of the course. ***
Lonsdale Leather offers 10% off your first order, when you subscribe to their website.
(If you have any questions about the sneaker packs etc. You can contact Lonsdale leather...they are super friendly and will answer any questions you have)
- If you like to get some other leather for back heal embellishment you can get these at Viberg or Gala Fabrics - they both have scrap leather bins.
Group Size: Maximum 5 students to keep our classes nice and cozy.