The boots used in the Hetterson collection No.1 photoshoot were made by either me or SJD (check out my instagram for more of his work). I sort of fail whaled when it came to taking photos of my boots during the process, HOWEVER I did take a boatload of SJD's boot from patterning to lasting and finishing! This week I'll be posting about each of the boots we made! Let's start with mine:Prototype boot post-lasting ~ it's always important to test new patterns
When I took a break from Hetterson (almost two years ago- holy &*%$!) I decided to focus on developing some of my other interests, mainly shoemaking! Through trial and error and chatting up lots of folks I finally learned the whole process of making a footwear. I find learning new processes fascinating! Wether it's silkscreening, patternmaking, embroidery or shoemaking...I love to learn new things. Shoemaking is not nearly as challenging as I thought it would be, and taking my time learning it was one of the most enjoyable things I could have spent my break doing! I came back from my time off feeling super inspired to create Hetterson collection No. 1 . I'm sticking to clothing and accessories for my numbered collections and while I don't currently see a shoe line in my future...who knows.... Lasted boots (see the nails on the bottom of the toe). These sat in their lasts for about a week.
I wanted a pair of simple veg-tanned boots with contrasting hand stitching details and a rubber crepe sole. I love embroidery and these boots were the perfect canvas for simple stitch work. I used a heavy waxed cord to stitch the vamps, and the back seam. It was smooth sailing from there! Going from patterning to finishing...these boots took me about a day to complete (when you ignore that they have to stay in the lasts for a few days). still lastingvamp detailThe finished product — I tried to distress these as much as I could pre-photoshoot. I love a worn in boot!
The finished boots fit me perfectly and I love how cute and comfortable they are. I have so many ideas rolling around my head for more shoes. Hopefully next time I'll be able to get more photos!