| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| Risingsun |
Handmade Moccasins, HELP!!!!I need a GOOD pattern for making a one piece pair of moccasins! I have searched over and over and even refered to my native books! Nothing is in well...plain english! the patterns do not work for me. Looking for a very simple womens size 5. Buckskin is not cheap and cant afford the mess ups! Any suggestions would be greatful!!!The Tribe style is not as important as the outcome of something homemade! SIMPLE,EASY AND STYLISH. Thanks, Dawn |
||
| sally_in_wales |
Hi Dawn,
Have you tried starting by making a simple cast of your foot to base the pattern on? I do this for Viking style turn shoes and it works really well. What you do is to wrap your foot in something disposable, thic cloth, a carrier bag, whatever, then wrap round it with parcel tape. Use a permanent pen to draw on any important details, like height the shoe needs to come to, any seams, sole outline, placement of details etc, then cut yourself out carefully. This gives you an exact pattern of your particular foot, which you can then compare to the pattern you plan to use and make modifications to suit your needs. What style of moccasin are you aiming for? I'm more familiar with making European Iron Age style shoes as far as one piece shoes go, but its possible that if I can see the style you are aiming for I might have some ideas based on my experience trying to get iron age shoes to fit well. |
||
| Risingsun |
Thanks thats a great idea! I will have to try that.
I have the image in my mind of what I want just hard to put into words. Forgive me if this sounds silly but Im not sure what the Viking style turn shoe is, but sounds very interesting. Would like to see what they look like! I will let you know how it works out. Thanks again! |
||
| sally_in_wales |
these ones are typical Iron Age shoes, cut from one piece and laced up (random web image, not one of mine)
heres a picture of a turnshoe, though there are loads of variations 
|
||
| Risingsun |
The Iron Age is just awesome! My husbands name is THOR(yes this is his real name) lol and he would go crazy over these!!! Hes all about this kind of thing! I just bought him a pair of knee high mocs that he wears hunting! I told him once he wore a pair he would want a regular shoe again. As for the turn shoe these are so very similar as a a pair of some Native American mocs. They are all very pleasing to the eye! You make these yourself? Im very impressed. 
|
||
| sally_in_wales |
We do a lot of historical re-enactment, and whilst my cobbling skills aren't up to shoes that need solid soles lasting on, the early period shoes that are generally either made from one piece of leather or sewn then turned wet and moulded, arent at all difficult if you take a bit of time to get the preparation right.
There is a good article on iron age shoes including a layout of how they look flat at http://www.vicus.org.uk/kitguide/index.htm if that is of any interest. |
||
| mochyn |
Well, I wasn't going to learn a new craft, but ... | ||
| Risingsun |
Thank you! I will go and check it out! | ||
| Azura Skye |
one day..... one day... | ||
| Ginkotree |
I love those iron age shoes, look really comfy. | ||
| catbaffler |
They do, don't they? Quite fancy a pair 
|