Shoemaking Project: My First Sandals

For Christmas this year, I was gifted 'Simple Sandalmaking' by Tim Skyrme (Im lucky enough to have a signed copy!). The book outlines basic shoemaking techniques for making sandals without lasts or a lot of tools. I particularly like how most of the styles are adjustable as the straps are cut as one piece which makes fitting very easy.

As we are in the middle of New Zealand summer, I decided to make the 'Genesis' style first. I used a heavy coral chrome tan leather from Leffler Leather in Melbourne for the straps. I used linen scraps leftover from my favourite jumpsuit for the top layer of the sole, wrapped in foam and stitched down. Underneath the foam is compressed soling leather from Lapco and rubber for tread. The antique brass buckles and matching rivets are from GDL Trading.

Overall I am really pleased with how they have turned out. They feel sturdy and comfortable and I don't feel as though my feet are going to slip out of them. I was able to complete them in only half a day.

 I will be making another pair of these for a very special occasion....