BOOTS
BY YOURSELF
I
developed this pattern from several different sources for myself because the
ones I had bought in the beginnings of time had run the heels out and leaked,
and it's hard to show how prosperous you are with leaky boots, and the boot
maker wanted to go on crusade and was pricing his boots too dear. Then all my friends beseeched so piteously
and earnestly for me to make them a pair.
Alas I had not the time, but did agree to write down the directions so
they could do it themselves. So here is
my attempt at directions… if confusion reigns supreme call 760-377-4533 or
e-mail jotl at ridgecrest.ca.us and I will try to explain.
Warning
These
boots are made and then taken to the shoe repair shop where a vibrum sole is
sewn on costing about $20-$40. You end
up with a real pair of soled boots that can walk over any rocks, brambles, dead
bodies with comfort. They are not cheap
but the boot maker won't be going on the crusades on your money.
Very
Important! Use some upholstery or
canvas or some other stiff non-stretching material to make a trial run with, as
there will probably be small changes that have to be made. It would be very upsetting to ruin that
lovely piece of leather you worked so hard to get. These prototypes make very nice dancing or “lounging around the
castle” boots. You don't need a
different accent color but it looks cool, it doesn’t have to be upholstery
material. It is to reinforce, so
something not too flimsy is good. If
you don't have anything, go to Wal-Mart and get some upholstery material, NOT
rubber backed.
Also
very important! The reason there is so much
measuring is that these boots have to fit snug to give support. This so you can run, fence, dance or peruse
the merchants all day without fatigue.
If you slack off in this respect they will be too big, or horrors too
small and you will have ruined the whole wretched mess.
Now,
to business.
On
gathering parts, supplies and necessaries, how many depends on how high
your boots will be. This is your first
decision.
|
|
Ankle |
Mid-calf |
Knee |
Thigh |
|
Prototype Main
Color, pattern A,B,D (36" wide) |
¾
yd Men
add ½ yd to above |
1
¼ yd Men
add ½ yd to above |
1
½ yd Men
add ½ yd to above |
3
yd Men
add ½ yd to above |
|
Prototype
Accent Color, pattern
C,E,F |
¼
yd |
¼
yd |
½
yd |
1
yd |
|
Buttons,
with a shank that will stick up, ¾” to 1" across |
4 |
8 |
14 |
24
or more |
|
Buttons,
small flat (like white shirt buttons) |
4 |
8 |
14 |
24
or more |
|
Leather
thong, strong |
2@24" |
2@40" |
2@64" |
2@100" |
NOTE: If you choose not to use an accent color,
simply add together the measurements for the Main Color and Accent Color above,
and buy that amount of fabric.
For
any size boots, you will need:
§
foot
pads, double thick -- 2 packages at least
§
blue
arch inserts
§
spool
of heavy thread, but not quilting thread (for sewing machine or servant Kenmore
)
§
waxed
thread or heavier thread, size 8 for sewing buttons on and needle with big
enough eye
§
size
16 sewing needles -- one pkg of 3 should be enough
§
Tape
measure or ruler
§
sizzers
for cutting leather, I use regular sewing sizzars.(yes I know, I like z's)
§
sewing
machine that can sew 3 layers of leather, I use a 30 yr old Kenmore, any of the
older ones that have adjustable tensions should work.
§
awl
or punch or drill, to make 1/8" and 1/16" holes