kmemuse

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

"Embroidering" my American Duchess Shoes

During the last sale, I picked up a pair of 18th century Georgiana American Duchess shoes. In a fit of insanity, I dyed them pink and took a needle to them. Here are the results:

Proof that denim really does go with everything.

When I bought the shoes I also bought International Professional Fabric Shoe Dye, the one that AD recommends, in color #2003. I did some research (post here showing my favorites) on embroidered shoes and created a simplified design inspired mostly by these shoes.

Supplies I used:
-AD Shoes...obviously...
-Air erasable fabric marker
-Twelve teeny-tiny sequins
-Thread; I used cotton
-Small, thin needle

My tiny sequins that I kept on a piece of tape so I wouldn't lose them!

First, I drew out some design ideas on a piece of paper, then I simplified those designs because I figured that this would turn into a more strenuous job than I anticipated. I was correct. Heed my advice on this one. Go simple.

I actually simplified the motif even more as I got closer to the toe!

I tested the fabric marker on the fabric swatch that came with the shoes. After I was satisfied that it would, indeed, disappear, I free-handed the design on my shoe! I know, I know, I should have used a more exact method, but I decided to live on the wild side for this project.

I started in on the "embroidery" down the vamp and got more and more excited as I got closer and closer to finishing the first shoe.

One down! ...Now I've gotta try to replicate it. Eek!

Yay!

The marker hadn't completely faded when I took the "completed" pictures, so just ignore the ghost image in purple. ;)

I am really pleased with how they turned out! :D When I get critical, I can see all the areas where it isn't quite symmetrical, but they're pretty close and that works for me!

*Sparkle* Sequins! *Sparkle*

I should point out that I did not sew through the shoe itself, I ran the needle just beneath the top layer of fabric. This likely creates weak areas on the fabric, so be sure to keep that in mind if you decide to do this to your shoes. Due to the nature of this "embroidery" method, I recommend keeping the designs simple and not passing needle and thread through the same spot too many times.

And there you have it! Customized AD Georgiana slippers.

Friday, August 5, 2016

Embroidery on Late 18th Century Shoes Inspiration

Not really embroidery, but I like it:
http://eng.shoe-icons.com/collection/object.htm?id=1974

Sequins!
http://eng.shoe-icons.com/collection/object.htm?id=1455

I really like this one:
http://eng.shoe-icons.com/collection/object.htm?id=4

Sequins again:

Adore the color of these:

Color variation in the embroidery:

http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/115861?sortBy=Relevance&deptids=8&when=A.D.+1600-1800&ft=shoes&pg=1&rpp=20&pos=33

I really like the bit of flower on the heel:

A few observations:

Vertical floral spray down the vamp makes up most, if not all, of the embroidery. Exceptions exist, but they tend to be dated a bit earlier.
Single-color embroidery seems more common, but use of multiple colors does occur.
Fabric base color varies, some darker, some lighter