FMP Week 7 || Making

Proposed schedule:

What I actually did: Continued making shoes but did not finish.

Behind? Only a little bit.

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Testing methods of applying pattern

Successes

- I tested a wide range of methods of applying the pattern including different types of pens and paints. None of them were particularly successful apart from the fabric paint but it is good that I discovered this now rather than at the last minute. I have come to the conclusion that I should just use small pieces of leather instead, and add details with fabric paint.

- The fabric paint is thick, bright and opaque. If I could be neat enough with it, it would be perfect.

Even better if...

- None of the methods gave an effect that I was 100% happy with. I should never have made the assumption that acrylic paints would work. They just peeled off once dry, which is no good at all and I perhaps should have predicted considering the faux leather is not porous and is highly flexible.

- I will now have to go back to shepherd's bush to buy more leather colours, which will take time I cannot afford right now, but it would be more risky to order it in case it doesn't arrive in time or is not the right colour or quality.

Feedback "I would go with the idea of using leather. There is no point in settling for a finish that you are not happy with. Maybe do some more experimentation if you have time." - A tutor

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Shoe design change

Successes

- As a result of my shoe upper being narrower now, I have had to come up with a compromise on my design. My original idea was for the pattern to go all over the shoe upper, however I have decided to put it on the platform instead as there is more room. Although this was not the original plan, having drawn out the revised design, I really like it. I think the platform, being so big, would have looked silly with so much blank space and the upper may have looked too busy.

- I did three variations of the new design, fearing that leaving the upper plain would look too boring. However, I am glad I tested this first before applying it to my shoe because I actually think it looks so much better with a plain upper. And if I change my mind once the pattern is on the platform, I can always add a pattern to the upper afterwards.

- I am really pleased with the drawings. I think they are well done and clear.

Even better if...

- Obviously it would have been much better if I hadn't had to make this change in the first place. If I had made the upper slightly wider then it may have been possible to go with my original design and not waste time rethinking and redesigning my whole shoe.

- I am not entirely happy with the positioning of the pattern pieces in my drawing. I think I will ignore that aspect of it when I come to actually applying the pattern and just lay each piece out on the actual shoe before sticking and rearrange it until I am happy.

Feedback "Even though it may seem like a waste of time changing your design this late, I actually prefer this design to the original!" - One of my peers from the fashion pathway

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Covering the platforms in leather

Successes

- I sanded down the cork beforehand as not all the layers were even and it would have looked really bumpy and uneven once covered in leather. I think I did a good job as it looks pretty smooth now. I don't want to go any further however as I may actually end up reducing the size of the platforms which would not be good.

- I used the same methods as with the upper to cover the platforms in leather, making small cuts along the seam allowance to allow flexibility with the folding over the top and bottom to ensure a smooth edge was achieved. This worked really well and I think the result is very smooth. The evo-stik timebond glue worked really well again. I put the seams on the inner side of the foot to minimise visibility and it worked well. I also think I did a good job of making these seams clean and straight.

- The sole pieces worked really well. I ordered full sized men's rubber soles with traction, and then just cut them down to fit my heel and front platform. It adds a professional finish as well as the practicality of grip and slower wear.

Even better if...

- The cork underneath could probably still do with being slightly smoother. I really hope that when I stick the pattern pieces on it covers it a bit or at least draws attention away from it.

- I did get a bit of glue on the leather which is visible. I don't think it's too bad but I can't find a way to get it off. I must try and be more careful when I apply the pattern.

Feedback "It's not bad at all! The pattern should help with hiding any minor bumps." - A tutor