If you just want a needle with an eye at the pointy end, you could try a largish sewing machine needle.

Diane

Are you using a leather needle? Try a larger size but that is the only shape needle to use. If not get a diamond shaped handsewing awl in the size you want.

Tim

Yeah, I need a better awl. It takes so long to order things and wait for them to arrive. I managed pretty well with my homemade stitching awl. I was able to finish the stitching anyway.

I was surprised my sewing machine was able to work on the leather. I have an old Pfaff, not a special machine. I used a heavy-duty needle and no thread and manually turned the wheel to make the holes. Perhaps I could try with thread next time.

Here is a little picture tutorial on how my Chelsea uppers go together.

Cool Rick,

Thank you very much. That's very generous of you.

I'll spend some time studying it later.

Back to the bench,
Paul

Question . . .



The designer is using the leather not being struck through as a design element. Has anyone done anything similar but having the lining be the accent?

What I'm asking is, can the lining and the upper be constructed together in such a way that the lining acts as part of the design? Rather than having the lining and the upper constructed as separate units and united at the collar, can the toe be built as one unit, lined and skived, set under the forefoot (apologies for not looking up the correct part name) so the lining of the forefoot shows? Ditto for where the next piece fits together? Marry the lining and the upper and construct it as if it's an unlined shoe so the lining color (say RED), shows around the edge of the upper (say BLACK)?

Thanks. Seeing what other people do sparks my creative "what if" core.

Why not? Your example (above) is just an oxford with unfinished edges.

I've got some lovely red goat . . .