The Dreamstress

On Friday I posted a tutorial on how to dye leather shoes.  The observant among you may have noticed that I used a pair of ca. 1790 shoes as my inspiration, and wondered if the dyed shoes were going to get a bit more historical.

Shoes, ca 1785-95 the Netherlands, Rijksmuseum Leather with silk ruches

Of course they were!

Well, sort of.  They ended up looking more 1900s does 18th century than 18th century proper, at least when you just photograph them, but they are extremely fetching and quite 18th century on, which is what counts.

Also extremely comfortable and all-day wearable, which is another major bonus!

To finish them off, once I’d dyed them, I pleated and sewed a piece of rayon velvet to a piece of elastic (I know, I know – in my defense, I did try to use leather, but couldn’t get a needle through it and the shoe leather to hold them together).

Then I hand-stitched the elastic to the leather, using the stitching holes that were already in the leather as a guide.

Finally, I hand stitched two final narrow pieces of velvet to the top of the pleated velvet, leaving enough of a gap in the centre that I could tie them in a bow, a la my inspiration.

The pleated velvet is perhaps a little over the top, and I wish I’d managed a curved join between the velvet and the shoe, but overall, I’m pleased.  Also, these are going to look spectacular with the pet-en-l’aire outfit.

The Challenge:  #18  ‘Re-Make, Re-Use, Re-Fashion’

Fabric: 1990s leather shoes ($6).

Pattern:  None

Year: 1780-90 inspired

Notions:  Black & red TRG leather dye (approximately $6 to colour the shoes), rayon velvet in two widths, elastic, linen thread (all stash).

How historically accurate is it? More inspired than accurate, but with shoes my priorities are fit and comfort, then aesthetic, then accuracy.

Hours to complete:  3.

First worn:  Not until I have them re-heeled.  Like many vintage shoes, the heels have gone brittle.

Total cost:  NZ$12