Why do I sew barefoot shoes on lasts?

My name is Irena Svobodová. I am a woman who does what fills her life with joy, and meaning and brings her pleasure.

Of course, I also do things I don’t enjoy. For example, I empty the rubbish or wash dishes. But even in those activities, I find a sense of purpose.

In this article, I will explain why to sew shoes on lasts.

I’m also a mom of 3 kids, 2 of them are grown. This is where my shoemaking story started. I started sewing shoes when my youngest son was born. I was 40 years old. I wanted him to have shoes that would fit him well and he would not walk around in them like a robot.

I made him his first pair of leather booties. Then I made different types of shoes – sandals, booties, sneakers.

Feeling that this was an interesting activity, I thought of making shoes for myself. My first shoes were made by hand. Because I didn’t use good quality leather, the shoes soon sagged in the toe area and didn´t look well.

I didn’t want to risk more trial and error, so I promptly bought a pair of lasts. I also bought my first online course and since then I have started sewing shoes step by step on lasts.

I’ve sewn dozens of pairs and I’m constantly improving. I’ve never been to a live course until now, I’m a product of online courses. I am also proof that if one has the dedication and a quality online course, he or she can learn almost anything.

As you can see, the shoes look as if they were bought in a store, if not better. And they have the undeniable advantage of being made to measure. Yes, even the last can be adjusted to make the shoes tailored.

I am currently improving my shoemaking craft and for the first time I am taking a retraining course on custom shoemaking. I would like to pass on the techniques I know through online courses.

I have a desire to elevate and spread this craft to a wide audience of creative people. Soon you will be able to purchase my first Online ballerina shoemaking course.

• In the course you will learn the following:
  • to make a pattern to fit your last;
  • to work with leather;
  • basic shoemaking techniques such as lasting the shoes, inserting the toe puff and the heel counter, proper glueing, etc.;
  • to sew the leather on a standard hobby sewing machine.
• I am also preparing bonus lessons for you:
  • how to choose the right last
  • how to load or customize the last shape
  • pdf glossary of shoemaking terms.

The most valuable thing: you will be able to take advantage of my intensive support in a special Facebook group.

• What will my support include?
  • You’ll be able to ask me anything.
  • I’ll check your pattern or any other point in the process where you’re not sure you got it right.
  • You’ll be able to share your progress and challenges in a community of like-minded people.

In short, you won’t be alone; for 5 weeks you’ll have help and the opportunity to consult with an expert.

Do you like it? Get on the waiting list and I’ll let you know as soon as the course is available in English.

Love,

Irena Svobodová