Here they are – the finished pair of shoes! I should be posting photos of these babies on my feet while walking the streets of NYC, but I can’t do that. Why? Because I haven’t actually worn them. There’s no excuse for this behavior. I’m going to blame it on the hot weather and my lack of creativity when it comes to finding an outfit to dress them around. The cool gray leather and overall scale make them tough to complement, so I think I’m going to have to really push the boundaries of my personal style to pull them off.
The final pair isn’t perfect. There are a few things from my original design sketches that didn’t make their way into the shoes – the back loop, for example. The leather was too thick on the heel seam to sew in another two layers of material. I used really difficult leather for the outer; I’m still cursing at it. It was too thin and stretchy, and I didn’t have the right settings on my sewing machine to deal with its finickiness. I also wasn’t happy with the way the leather wraps underneath the hidden wedge and between the sole, it’s a little bumpy. But come on. I made a pair of shoes. My own pair of shoes, from my design, and with my own hands! It was fun and I learned a ton. I could do this again. Maybe a pair of summer sandals?
Check out my previous posts to see the whole process: part one, part two, and part three. Again, a huge thanks to Keiko for being an amazing inspiration and teacher. When I wear these shoes out for the first time, I’ll be sure to share!
Pingback: Shoemaking part one « Kirsten Jane
Great job!! I have been following your shoe-making progress from the beginning. It was fun to see these come together. I think they are exceptionally well done for a first pair of shoes. As a seamstress and designer myself, I definitely know how hard it is to get things right the first time around. Thanks for sharing — I can’t wait to see you out and about in them. I do hope you try a second pair and document that as well. What fun!
Hi Tonya – thanks for your feedback! Totally… the first time making something is such a learning process isn’t it!? I’m really impressed with the craftsmanship of your work – impeccable!
Really nice. I love it. I hope you continue showing your talents. I really enjoy see the creation of the shoes. Terrific!
I love sharing – thanks for visiting and for your encouragement!
Works of art, congratulations!
Thank you much! Feels great to have them finished!
At last!!!
(no pun)
Shoes made in the USA!!!
Move over, New Balance!
Hahaha! Nice one, Katharine!
Those shoes turned out sassy as hell
Why thanks!
Hello Kirsten, I would like to have this shoes with a flat heel – pleeeaaaseeee
regards magdalena
Hi Magdalena, sure, I’ll have them ready for you tomorrow, but please allow extra time for them to ship to Germany! (I wish!)
you are joking
you need my size 
dear, these need to be embroidered! friend at work just showed me these guys….
http://www.urbanthreads.com/blog/?p=6099
XO!
Oh! Thank you! I’m speechless – this is so inspiring!
I am amazed – and I want some! =D