Verity Vintage Studio

Project Journal - Making '40s Repro Platforms Wearable

It's time for another project journal - not so much a tutorial as a step-by-step walk through a repurposing project of mine. This time it was a gorgeous pair of Faryl Robin heels, which I had bought on Ebay.

I just love 1940s shoes - their shape, style, and femininity. But unfortunately, buying vintage shoes is usually both expensive and risky. Will they fit? Sizes were so small back then my modern size of 8 or 8 1/2 is difficult to find, and even if I buy a pair, I am never sure if they'll fit. Will they be wearable? Old leather and glue can grow stiff or wear out, even though as a rule the quality of craftsmanship means they are usually well put together. Comfort is a whole separate issue, since rarely do vintage shoes have any sort of padding or arch support, or even more than a thin sole which can be painful to wear when you can feel stones right through it.

It is possible to find vintage shoes that will work. I have posted earlier photos of my favorite sandals, from the 1940s, which I have worn every summer for several years and just love.

But back when I was searching for Period shoes, I began to realize that there are some modern shoe makers which make shoes that look like they stepped out of the 1940s. It's tricky - you have to look at a lot of photos and movies from WWII to catch the subtle differences between modern throw-backs versus reproductions. Anthropologie, Miss L Fire, and Faryl Robin all are good brands to look for if you want modern sizes and comfort in a truly 1940s style shoe.

That's what I found in these.

The deep cherry color was perfect; the heel shape (a tricky area in repros) is perfect. The diamond pattern on the top is just like some old advertisements I've seen. Two problems. One - they were a tad too big for me; Two - they were my first experience with platforms, which builds up the front of the shoe and it won't bend.

The elastic straps also weren't quite period, and were supposed to add to the slip-on ability of the shoe, as well as help keep it on. They didn't work for me. So I stuffed them in a closet for a while, disappointed but not dismayed.

 

Then a few months ago I tried gluing elastic straps to the ankle area. This helped me keep them on, but didn't look right at all. Besides, the glue wouldn't hold well.

 

So I forgot about them again, until one day a week ago or so, I pulled them out and began to bend the red straps, trying to figure out if they could be bent and buttoned on the top or something. Nope. They are stiff fabric lined with thin leather and wouldn't bend up to the ankle without buckling.

Then I got this idea, and with trepidation, cut the elastic holding the two fabric straps together.

 

Now it looks like this:

 

Next, I bent down one of them to the inside of the shoe to form a sort of loop.

On the inside, the edge will be folded down against the foot but it's not too thick to be uncomfortable.

 

With a sturdy needle and two strands of matching thread...

...I fought my way through the stiff layers to sew the strap into a loop.

 

After several semi-straight stitches as close to the shoe as possible, I tied off the thread.

Unless you are on eye level with the shoe, the stitches aren't noticeable.

 

I repeated for the other strap.

 

Now it looks like this:

 

Ties

The next hurdle were the ties. I tried it with a ribbon, but that didn't work. Next I tried a length of rawhide cord.

 

I dyed it in Rit Dye with the color Wine. It did darken to close to the shoe color, and softened the cord at the same time.

 

So I tried threading it on the shoe, through the side loops and the center where the elastic had been.

The color worked, but not the knot and kinky ends. 

 

Then I tried some black leather cord to see if I liked that better.

I liked tucking the ends in, but not the way the black looked. Besides, it was so much stiffer it was painful on the foot.

 

So I settled for the burgundy ties and tucked the ends in.

 

Perhaps they aren't quite as Period as I would like, but they are an improvement - and at least I can wear them! 

 

I'm much happier with them now and can't wait to dress up '40s style.

So that's how I made my red '40s shoes wearable. Hopefully from my experience you can gain inspiration for articles of your own that you wish were altered a wee bit. 

Item of the Week - Sparkly Crochet Child's Cowl

Item of the Week in my Etsy Shop is this cute crocheted black sparkly cowl or infinity scarf, scaled for a child but works for adults too. Half price for one week only - slashed from $10.

The Weekly Word - Genesis

And God said, let there be light:

and there was light.

-Genesis 1:3

New Retro Crochet Patterns Available

For some '50s flair with a rhinestone-touched neckwarmer you can style as a shawl collar...

 

...or some retro comfort to your kitchen...

 

...and a dress-up vintage style pinafore for the little miss in your life...

...you'll have to buy Crochet!'s special issue, which features 3 of my retro flavored designs. Read more about it, see more photos, and where to order the magazine on my other blog.

Item of the Week - Lavender Sachets

The lavender sachets in my Etsy Shop are 50% off for one week only - choice of 3 colors - slashed from $5.50 each. See how to make them here.

The Weekly Word - Matthew

Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate, and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction, 

and many there be which go in thereat:

because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.

-Matthew 7:13-14

Valentine's Day Sale

In honor of Valentine's Day, I marked down most red and/or pink items in my Etsy shop 15%. For the month of February you can get great deals on items like these:

Retro Teaberry Shrug, size S/M

 

1980s Raspberry Suede Heels

 

Set of 2 retro Teardrop Earrings

 

1903 copy of The Mettle of the Pasture

 

 Retro Raspberry Lace Vest, size M

 

+ so much more! Drop on over and see what's on sale.

 

Item of the Week - Easter Egg Earrings

These cute earrings with pewter buttons are half price in my Etsy Shop for one week only - slashed from $7.

The Weekly Word - Ezekiel

Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel,

every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God.

Repent, and turn ye from all your transgressions,;

so iniquity shall not be your ruin...

 

For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth,

saith the Lord God:

wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

-Ezekiel 18:30, 32

February Tutorial - Mixed Media Retro-style Necklace

This month's tutorial departs a little from what I regularly post how-tos about. This necklace is not period correct, but it definitely has a vintage influence, and what is even better is it uses up vintage components which otherwise might go to waste. So it falls under the Repurposing category.

It is so simple anyone without beading or jewelry making experience can make their own with what's on hand, freeform style. It's feminine and helps to brighten up the dragging days of winter.

So here's how to make it.

 

You will need:

1/8 in. ribbon

needle and thread (I use quilting thread for extra durability)

vintage lace components or flowers (6 are shown)

small beads that coordinate with your beaded chain, 1 less than the amount of flowers (5 are shown)

18 in. beaded link chain

decorative toggle clasp that matches the metal of your beaded chain

needlenosed pliers

 

Supplies not shown are scissors and small barrel curling iron.

 

A few more words about supplies before we continue.

These flowers I'm using are cut from an antique crocheted doily that was in bad shape. There are many other types of lace you can incorporate for your own mixed media necklace.

They are sun-faded from a bright yellow to a soft pale yellow almost ivory. I had them in a drawer for a long time and wanted to put them to good use. I love them so much I have to post another picture.

The beaded chain I took off a too long necklace I bought at Cato, simply by opening a metal loop on each end of the strand. A vintage necklace could be used instead, or you can make your own beaded link chain with some wire, pliers and wire cutters, beads, and patience.

Now on to the instructions.

 

Making the Necklace

1. With needle and thread, sew the flowers or lace components together, using a small bead between each one.

Your needle will need to have a small eye. You should be able to pass back and forth from flower to flower, going through the bead, at least twice. Knot each end for security.

You'll have to sew on the tips/underneath edge of the flowers to hide your stitches.

Continue until all the small beads and flowers are strung together. I had 6 flowers and 5 beads.

 

2. With needle and thread, sew the large end of the toggle onto one end of the flower length.

 

3. For the other end, open a loop on one end of the beaded chain...

...and insert it in the other end of the flower strand.

Pinch shut. It's starting to look like a necklace.

 

4. Now it's time to make the rest of the necklace closure. About 3 in. from the free end of the beaded chain, open a loop...

...and in this loop you want to place the other end of the toggle clasp. Pinch shut.

Just below the toggle, take the free end of the 3 in. piece you skipped, open it with the pliers, and loop it up to join the toggle. Pinch shut.

So now you have a necklace with a closure and a dangling loop.

One word about the closure: take care that the beads you put the small toggle clasp beside are small ones so you can insert it through the large toggle clasp to close.

 

5. Now comes another mixed media touch. Cut 3 strands of ribbon, between 5-7 in. long.

Take them in the center and knot them under the small end of the toggle clasp.

Heat your small-barrel curling iron to at least medium heat. Then curl the ribbon ends.

The finished product:

Trim the ends if needed. That's it!

 

Styling the Necklace

As with most mixed media necklaces, this one can be styled different ways. Put the flowers on the side...

...or in the center.

While not period correct, it's perfect for retro hearted gals to wear with a vintage-style blouse and A-line skirt all year round.

There's lots of lovely detail to each angle.

 

I feel much better about hoarding little things that I don't need...until inspiration strikes. Enjoy making your own style of necklace!

 

Till next time...

~ Kristen - Verity Vintage Studio 

 

Look for my new tutorials posted sometime during the first full week of every month. Hairstyles, crafts, repurposing, etc.