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.

Wire Weaving - First Attempts

Second attempt at wire weaving, first full necklace size. The gauge of this wire is a bit too thick for my taste though. I will get some smaller gauge and try again, hopefully with fewer screw ups next time wink emoticonThis wire work hardened too quickly and I ended up snapping a loop, and had to try to fix it, and inadvertently reduced my weave from four strands to three, so the whole thing's a bit wonky smile emoticon

My end loop needs work too 

Second attempt at a necklace length. I've definitely improved from the last time. Lighter gauge wire this time, 26 I think, and the brassy colour is 28. It certainly takes a lot longer to weave a necklace length with the smaller wire! I did a couple different coloured sections, just for fun. It's a-symmetrical as norse art often was.

Here's the second necklace after being pulled through the draw plate. I could probably get it through a smaller hole yet, but I didn't have a smaller one drilled in my draw plate wink emoticon 
I'm happy with it as it is. It's remarkable how even it comes out after drawing it through the draw plate. I have a few pieces of wire sticking out from the middle from my joining areas that I will have to clip down so they don't poke me, but overall, very happy with this one!

Quick and dirty draw plate made of pine. I need to add at least one more smaller hole, but it works!