Most of the reason I started sewing back in 2014 had been a dream from way back to create what I wanted, in the color and fabric I wanted and size (or sizes) that fit me. Often times I’d see something in a store, but not in my size or I wanted red and they only had green. We all know how hard it is to find an outfit when you need a particular color/type of outfit. The same thing can be said of shoes. I can’t be the only one that has a back up pair of black pumps because you found a great pair and you bought them even though you already had a pair. So after I started sewing I had a fleeting thought “wouldn’t it be great to make my shoes too?” But make your own shoes? No, you can’t do that.
Or can you? I saw Jasika (who can seemingly do everything!) making shoes and a few others were making their own espadrilles. Then I saw Mimi started making sneakers and I discovered Jaime who was making amazing shoes (and boots!) to match her DIY makes. So I figured if they can do it so can I! During the height of the pandemic around, June 2020, the I Can Make Shoes online course was heavily discounted. I supposed because everyone was sitting at home looking for a new hobby, lol. Well that’s my excuse for purchasing anyway. I was all geeked to start, but with the gyms closed and nowhere to go I began to seek a activity that required going outside and moving my body. That’s when I rediscovered skating and got side tracked with skating outdoors, making a new set of friends and creating skating accessories.
Well now that things are “getting back to normal” and my new sewing room is coming together I want to return to making. If I’m being honest I gained more than a few pounds in the last few years so even though my sewjo is back I don’t want to sew too many fitted, structured garments right now. Therefore now is a great time to start shoemaking my shoe size has not changed since grade school.
I highly recommend I Can Make Shoes online masterclass course. It’s what I’ve been following and Amanda explains everything clearly. Prior to my first attempt I watched the main portion of the course all the way through and she had me convinced that I could in fact make shoes. If you don’t want to shell out the course price without knowing what your jumping into Amanda as offers a FREE Intro to Shoemaking course to give you a taste of the process.
Other great places to learn to make shoes are:
- Brooklyn Shoe Space – online and in person classes, supplies
- Chicago School of Shoemaking – online and in person classes, supplies
- Sorrell Notions and Findings – two free guides for easy to make sandals
So who else wants to make shoes?!
TipStitched 