An old craft, new to me

The middle section, blue

We have two shoemakers in town, one of whom is expert and rather pricy (but makes outstanding shoes), and the other of whom is more of a “workhorse” shoemaker...less emphasis on elegance and style and more on “get it done, now, and don’t charge too much” type of artisan. I’ve used him for several of my beloved pairs of shoes, but must confess that (I suspect due to his advancing age), they are getting rather less expert with time.

The toe cap, grey

However, I have always wanted to learn how to make shoes, and I know how to sew garments. I had a brilliant idea: ask Signor Zoppini if he would teach me how to make shoes! I figured my younger eyesight and steady hands combined with his experience could be a good combination. The good news? He agreed! The bad news? Not much...he’s clearly never taught anyone before, and would really rather do it himself than let me learn by making mistakes. But he’s an absolute darling, and I’m having a great time.

The paper pattern

He’s now 93 years old, still goes to work every day (six days a week), despite the fact that his wife’s increasing infirmity means he now has to do the shopping, cooking, etc. He told me today that they eloped to Rome 72 years ago because her family thought she was too young (at 21). He confessed that married life was way more fun in the beginning, especially at night; now, it’s all complaints about being too hot or too cold! But we could agree that long-term companionship was a wonderful thing.

Yes, we sniff glue together

I’ve only gone three times so far, and I have done (or watched Sr. Zoppini do) the leather selection, form tracing, and cutting out of one shoe (the one-at-a-time approach might also explain some of the vagaries of his work). I’ve also sewn together the back portion with the lining, the toe cap to the middle and the back portion to the middle. Essentially, at this point I have the upper nearly done, but not so soon! I still have to do the toe reinforcement, the lining of the front, and I’m sure more before we can connect the upper to the sole.

The pattern for the back and lacing section, black

My maestro

Ribbon for reinforcement of the edge

You glue a tiny selvedge underneath

The back seam plus the blue heel reinforcement

Signor Zoppini really wants me to come every day, “That way they’re done more quickly!” Unfortunately, my time really only permits twice a week. Plus, I feel bad taking him away from his other work. In any case, I hope that perhaps my second shoe will require a minimum of intervention from him and he’ll be able to do his own thing while I’m in the workshop.

Love,

Alexandra