MrsW

Yes, we do seem to have somewhat hijacked this thread with our ramblings about life at Cordwainers College! But it was such a small college back in the day with so few students that when you stumble across one from the same year it seems rude not to have a bit of a chin-wag! I shall now cease my prying into the past and let Dr Shoe continue with his rather fabulous tutorials. Anyone considering making their own shoes should read these very carefully. The boy knows what he's talking about! x

Yes that's right, I think they transfered over from the degree course. They were a very talented pair. I'd forgotten all about Elaine, I spent most of my second year in a room on my own or in a room with Ray. FUN!!! I was the only one in my year to pick just accessories so I was pretty much left to my own devices. I did get to go on some really good work experiences though. So what about you, did you stay within the industry after leaving?

I did the HND in Footwear and Accessory Design, Angela Pattison was my course leader and I ended up specialising in accessory design, got awards and everything!

Well it's all changed since our day! Still can't quite work out how I went from studying at a quirky old college to becoming part of The London Institute Alumni! I feel like a right fraud! I'm loving these tutorials of yours though. I'm getting back into shoe making and it's great to be reminded of certain steps of the process that had managed to slip into that black hole commonly known as " getting old ". Keep up the good work. Sarah. x

Yeah! It was donkey's years ago, 94 - 96. Terry and Bob were ace.

Blimey this takes me back!! Just like being in a David Lyons class, sniffing baby powder!! Them were the days.

Well, they are professional heel makers so I think I'll trust their judgement on this one.

It looks as though Syston Components have just what I'm after and at a very good price. Hopefully I can get on with my samples soon. Very excited.

Thanks Dr Shoe, Springline are the company that have offered to custom make for me which is great for future projects. I've not made any shoes since college and would like something cheaper to flex my shoe making muscles with!

Hi Mike, thanks for the reply. I'm just looking for a classic stiletto heel, but they will need to have a steel tube running through the centre to take the weight. I can get my local cobbler to attach them for me, I just need something reliable and reasonably priced to start me off. I've got access to a company that will custom carve heels if I want but at the moment I've not got the budget for that kind of thing. I've contemplated making my own but to be honest with you 3D model making isn't my forte!

Hello all, Does anyone out there know of a good UK supplier of heel blocks for a fetish shoe last. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a load of lasts when The Little Shoe Box closed down and I've been desperate to work on some samples ever since! I've got everything else I need ( leather, shanks, knowledge! ) but I keep coming up against a brick wall regarding the heels. Any help would be greatly appreciated. x

Tarrago make a fantastic coloured shoe dye which comes in a multitude of shades so you should find one that matches, and once it's fully dry you shouldn't have any problems with it rubbing off. It's widely available over here in the UK and they sell online ( www.tarrago.co.uk ) they may post to the US if you get really stuck.

Hi, I know exactly the problems you are having! I too am starting to make shoes again, the first ones since college. There is a good company called T Colledge and Sons based in Bristol, they're a shoe repair wholesalers but they stock a good supply of shoe making materials and equipment including insole board, shanks, tacks and glue and they don't have a minimum order. You'll have to apply for an account to see the prices but that should be a problem, they're very nice. Hope this helps!

Just a quick line to say Hello to all you fellow high heel enthusiasts, who knew there were so many! Mrs W.