I am cutting apart a shoe to see how it has been constructed, with a view to making a simple shoe with natural veg tan leather and minimal tools...hence what I am calling my "easy shoemaking" project.
Hi Harry, OLD LEATHER SMITH here, I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR VIDEOS, I kept breaking store bought seam rippers, so I made my own out of a thumb tack puller, all I did was sharpen the center where the thumb tack pin sits, works very well and this OLD MAN doesn't cut his fingers with a knife either, GOD'S BLESSINGS ✝️⚾🙃
I think they call it a last because it's the only thing on a shoe that stands the test of time. I'm in Connecticut wishing I had that sweater Harry. Love you my friend. You are the man.
I'm so happy I found your channel! I'm researching making my own pair of boots, and your videos are a source of knowledge and excitement for my future projects!
light and simple. I would make along with if I wasn't trying to get a sink cabinet and counter built into my kitchen. I subbed when you started making the lasts, but going through your back catalog a bit ago, I realized I had watched your shingle video years ago when it was new. I think I saw an old Church being redone in Scandinavia and yours was along the side and I watched it as well. My neighbor was doing shakes on his house for siding, and I was roofing a 9 in 12 roof, so I was watching other struggle with roofing harder than my self done steel coverage on a too steep or not steep enough roof.
I don't even own a sewing kit but I just like watching you work. I like to learn the right way. I will admit I do like a nice pair of shoes . Found your channel long before that though. I have a pair of boots like the Beatles used to wear what do you think of those? I think they're awesome. I bought my first pair when I was 10 years old and paid the shoe man$10 a week until they were paid off. They were $110 back in 1979. Lot of money in them days when you delivered papers Etc. That would be like me paying 1500 today probably more. I think my father got him down to 90. The guy's name was John the Russian.
That's a great story Everett. They look good, one of my son's has that style. Anello and Davide made the ones for the fab four, yours must have been very nice, as you say a good price in those days. Thanks for sharing. Best wishes Harry.
New subscriber love watching your videos. Can you please make a video on where to buy leather in the UK? I’d love to make some bracelets and key fobs etc to sell, but I’ve know idea where to buy quality leather from. There’s plenty of videos on RU-vid about buying leather in the US, but nothing really about buying in the UK. Thank you. Happy New Year all the very best. 🥳👏🤘
Thanks very much...take a look at Metropolitan Leather...they have a very good range and consistent good quality. I have been sponsored by them in the past.
I find it facinating when you de-construct a shoe to see the methods & materials used - BTW, Is it possible to buy `off the shelf` pre-cut patterns & materials to make different styles of shoes in any given size?
A few people sell the materials as shoe kits, but I am not aware of patterns being offered other than for sneakers by a business in Japan...others here may know more.
Chukka boots are my favorite. I’m looking forward to this series! I wish I was brave enough to try a pair of boots but just buying lasts is so intimidating.
Such a great series! I do have to ask, even though it's unrelated... can you please tell me where I might be able to buy the William Morris fabric you have in the background covering your... sewing machine(???) I am such a huge admirer or William Morris, but in the US, it is not so easy to find things from or about him. It's not really all that easy to even find someone who doesn't think he is Phillip Morris from the cigarette company.
Hi Michael...haha..its a pvc oil cloth fabric from Laura's Beau. If you like Morris, I did a video on the Red House where he lived, as well as a series on the Sussex Chair that his company made! Link in next response.
great video. i noticed when shoe makers design on their last they draw the critical points beforehand for reference in relation to size of last. you have any ideas how they determine these reference point on the last. is there a golden ratio? or even a rule to the reference points. ie heel curve, the spacing of the vamp area etc. cheers mate
Hi yes there are some standard last ratios that you can calculate to determine optimal shoe shapes. You will find these in a number of advanced books on shoemaking and design. If you are starting out, its a good idea to look at these, and also to be guided by a pair of your favourite shoes to make sure you get the proportions all correct.
