This year's Bushmoot was a first for my better half and I, we had a great time and met, amongst others, John C who was wearing a pair of Gillies. I was so taken with them I asked if he'd mind sharing his email and any information he had on them so I could make my own. Upon getting back John very kindly sent me a link to where he sourced the pattern he used and then I was set. Leather was bought, Bex was tasked with printing out the pattern and once I had things together work commenced.
Here is the leather cut to the pattern, only one piece to make the shoe.
The first trial fit, even just walking around the house they prove comfortable
I opted to stain them in the end and also fitted a separate sole to make them more hard wearing. The sole is made from some ~8mm leather I found on Ebay and it's held on with Gorilla glue and two rows of stitching. Since these photos were taken the leather thong I ordered has arrived so they're laced up with that now. I've found them to be so comfortable that I've begun wearing them everywhere except work (the grime and hydraulic oil would wreck them). I've now got orders for more footwear from both my nephew and my other half. My nephew has requested a pair of boots which I have begun putting together now. Work is still in progress.
Leatherwork can be so rewarding, particularly when you make something so practical. I must again say thanks to both John for sending me the pattern and to Toddy for putting up with my questions while in the middle of decorating!
Here is the leather cut to the pattern, only one piece to make the shoe.
The first trial fit, even just walking around the house they prove comfortable
I opted to stain them in the end and also fitted a separate sole to make them more hard wearing. The sole is made from some ~8mm leather I found on Ebay and it's held on with Gorilla glue and two rows of stitching. Since these photos were taken the leather thong I ordered has arrived so they're laced up with that now. I've found them to be so comfortable that I've begun wearing them everywhere except work (the grime and hydraulic oil would wreck them). I've now got orders for more footwear from both my nephew and my other half. My nephew has requested a pair of boots which I have begun putting together now. Work is still in progress.
Leatherwork can be so rewarding, particularly when you make something so practical. I must again say thanks to both John for sending me the pattern and to Toddy for putting up with my questions while in the middle of decorating!
