Jul. 28, 2016 | Posted in Reports, Shoemaking , Student Reporter | Tags:Christine Lesperance, ShoemakingReporter: Christine Lesperance | Course: Shoemaking

Shoe Making 19-Atelier One-Year Course 2016

Florence as seen from the top Palazzo Vecchio. Even in the wintertime, it’s beautiful.

The Arno river runs through the Tuscany region. It is the most important river, after Tiber, in Central Italy. Ponte Vecchio is one of the bridges that spans the river.

Above is an example of a finished shoe pattern. This pattern was made from taping the last (mold.)

Above is an example of a “trial shoe.” From the pattern, we make a test/trial before cutting the leather to make the final product.

Making a “trial” shoe (from a specific type of fabric) is necessary before making a leather shoe. Above is an example of a completed trial shoe.

From the last (mold), a pattern is created. We now have to use the pattern to make a trial/sample shoe before moving on to the real thing–which is your final product which is mostly made from leather.

Professor Angelo demonstrating to his students how to cut a shoe pattern. A steady hand and precision are necessary.

Professor Angelo demonstrating to his students how to cut a shoe pattern. A steady hand and precision are necessary.

Professor Angelo helping a student with patter-making. Sometimes several pieces must be cut (depending on the style of the shoe) and they all have to fit together like a puzzle.

After the trial sample is successful, a student can move forward in making their leather shoe. Above is an example of the first stages of making the leather shoe after using the patterns.

Accademia Riaci student making a trial shoe from his patterns. His shoe had a complicated design, therefor, his pattern was made from several different pieces.