Tarsoly - Based on a find from Jämtland - Ealdormere Queen's Prize Tourney, 2013

I thought I would share my documentation for my entry in Ealdormere's first Queen's Prize Tourney, held in November, 2013.

Note: The photos in the embedded pdf below are displayed in low resolution for some reason that I cannot yet correct. Feel free to go here to view and/or download for the full resolution images.

Turn Shoes - Second Attempt

I ended up folding the tops down and trimming the overlap because the stiffness of the leather made them too uncomfortable as boots 

Shot from the back showing the sole and the cut I had to stitch back together.

From the side, showing the turned seam and side seam.

Turn Shoes - First Attempt

My first turn shoe prototype. Taken from Stepping Through Time (pg. 139, Fig. 9c, from Schleswig) 

This is my prototype before I redo them in all veg-tanned cow leather (this is chrome tanned pig skin I believe.) Had some issues with the pattern, just had to trip the toe a bit, but the slit for the triangular bit of the heel to fit into came out way off, so I had to stitch it back up and reposition. But overall, I'm pretty pleased with it, for my first attempt. It's quite comfortable

 View from the top, with the upper part folded down. Still need to whip stitch the edges.

From the other side.

Here you can see the part I had to stitch closed. I didn't think I could do a very good edge to edge stitch here with the way things were working out so I had to do it like this instead.

And front view. The front of the sole looks a bit wonky, but that's because it's still damp from turning and also because I was utilizing scrap sole leather and the front edge didn't come out as smooth as it will for my 'real' pair.

The left shoe. It is a smidge tighter fitting than the right shoe; the toes didn't fit as easily and the back got a bit wonky again. I rushed this one a bit and my stitching suffered for it. Must be patient!

Had the same problem with the heel on the left foot as the right. Double stitched the heel

Mostly finished prototype turn shoes. All that remains is some trimming and a whip stitch to finish the edge of the fold-over, a pair of insoles, and I call them done! Overall, I am pleased with how they turned out, but I will endeavour to really try to take my time next pair, especially with the second shoe 

A decorative whip stitch around the edge to finish things off. The flash has washed the colour of the embroidery out, but it's more of a orangey gold colour. Very nice complimentary colour.

Close up of my whip stitch. Again, this doesn't give a true representation of the orangey gold colour of the embroidery thread. Definitely adds a nice touch to finish off the edge.