I went to Budapest in March for an intensive shoemaking course with Marcell Mrsan, master shoemaker. In that time I made two pairs of mens dress shoes. The first one was a standard cemented construction and the second one I learned a new technique: welt stitch construction.
Budapest was amazing; the course and the instructor were intense. I bled, blistered, and bruised; I laughed, smiled, and yes, I also cried. But most importantly, I took a giant leap forward in the pursuit of my dreams.
It takes me time to gain confidence and develop a comfort for new tools (especially really sharp knives and machinery of any sort), I rarely learn something well after only one or even a couple of examples – I learn best after I’ve made all the mistakes one could possibly make, I ask a lot of questions, and I’m really slow. No, I’m not a very good shoemaker … yet.
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- Skiving
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- Nail lasting
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- Lasted toe puff
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- Ready for its sole
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- Pair #1 cement lasted
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- Pair #1 in progress
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- Nailing the heels
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- Budapest pair #1 cemented construction
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- Budapest pair #1 cemented construction (2)
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- Budapest pair #1 cemented construction (3)
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- Blistered hands
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- Wingtip upper
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- Forming the insole to last
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- Cutting the insole
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- First channel carved insole
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- Wingtips in progress
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- First welt stitch
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- Close-up of stitching
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- Finished Wingtips
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- Finished Wingtips (2)
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- Finished Wingtips (3)
*click on each of the pictures in the gallery for additional commentary
Tags: Completed shoes, Lessons Learned, Mens shoes, My tools
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Beautiful! Great work, Candi.
Meanwhile, I’m sewing round my first welted shoe since returning from Budapest. It won’t look as good as the ones I made there, and I don’t have the right needles or thread as yet, but it’s still a welt, and I’m doing it more or less correctly!!
(from another exhausted student!)
As a self taught shoemaker wannabe, I can really see the progress a good class can give one. You have great creativity and I wish I had found your blog earlier. I want to see more of your work so I hope you continue your blog. I know how hard it is to “get around to it” but I hope you can squeeze it in.
Great to see a new shoemaker on the block. Good job!
Good luck with your learning and be persistent
Best, jimmyshoe
Thanks, I appreciate the encouragement. . .No worries, persistence I have.
The term “Cobbler” is incorrect, the term you are looking for is Cordwainer. A cobbler repairs shoes and traditionally was not allowed to use new leather to do so. A Cordwainer is someone who makes shoes, not fixes them.
Yes, you are correct. Cordwainer is the appropriate terminology. However, when I first started my journey I did not know the term “Cornwainer” and Candicobbler is fucking cute!!!