SKETCH BOOK
Initial ideas generated from chameleon pictures.
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| Page 102 |
I experimented with adding wire through the cord to give it more body, to help support the fabric of the shoe. The cream cord (without wire) is graduated in width but I decided that this would not make a big enough difference to the overall design of the shoe. The small mounds on the right below were stitched using a template very similar to the one I used for the Maltese cross in Module 1!
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| Page 103 |
More design ideas below.
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| Page 104 |
Starting to experiment with ideas to make the crest around the edge of the shoe. I thought that interlinked triangles might be the answer. However, they were very fiddly to make and it was difficult to create a sharp point at the tip.
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| Page 105 |
I started to create the shape of the shoe by using the template that was provided with the soles. I cut the pattern out in Stitch and Tear and it proved to be strong enough to hold its shape but also very flexible.
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| Page 106 |
Having decided on my design (Page 104), I made my own pattern (without seam allowances).
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| Page 107 |
Pinning it together to see if it all fits!
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| Page 108 |
Next I cut and sewed the design in calico. I decided to stitch the crest with 'raw' edges. This allowed each point to be sharp and the frayed edge is attractive.
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| Page 109 |
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| Page 110 |
I started to try out different designs with the twisted, wire, cord.
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| Page 111 |
I thought I might need to put a loop between the join on the inside to give the shoe more strength. I continued to loop the cord round the shoe.
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| Page 112 |
At this stage I tried it on. It was slightly loose across the front so I made a tuck, which will be changed to a small dart on my embroidered fabric. This allowed me to remove the loop on the inside across the join.
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| Page 113 |
I looped the cord round the heel for more support.
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| Page 114 |
On the front I made a mound, using the design on Page 103 and wound the cord up to form an eye. I added a pearl for the pupil. I also added a piece of craft vilene round the heel for extra support. This will be sewn into the lining on the finished shoes.
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| Page 115 |
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| Page 116
My design ideas for the shades and tones for the espadrilles are on the following pages. I plan to make a patchwork fabric, with the fabric pieces being larger and darker at the back of the shoe and gradually getting smaller and lighter at the toe. (Pages 117 and 118)
I would like to add the stitched embroidery after I have made the patchwork shapes, because I want the pattern I create to follow the shape/line of the shoe.
I haven't yet decided whether to have the cord running dark on dark, or reversing it so that the lighter end of the cord runs over the dark heel area of the shoe.
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| Page 119
The crest will be graduated in tone to match the main fabric of the shoe, possibly with the bold lines of embroidery on the shoe going up to the peaks of each crest.
When I have made the embroidered fabric and before I cut it, I plan to print the fabric design onto cotton and use this for the lining, so that the fabric inside the shoe will be smooth and wearable.
Making the Espadrilles
I dyed a new batch of fabric. Some pieces I tie-dyed, some were pleated first and others were left plain.     
Page 121
I designed a template for the back of the espadrilles using the Fibonnacci Sequence. I decided to have darker fabrics on the inside of the shoe, gradually getting lighter round the heel and towards the toe. I then embroidered my fabrics in threads to meet this idea. 
Page 122
I colour-coded the sections of the design, as all the different shades and sizes of fabric were rather confusing! 
Page 123
I stitched all the pieces together. The toe section is not patchwork. My diamond shape tie-dye fabric was too beautiful to cut up so I stitched pin tucks along the lines in the design and then stitched in the gaps. 
Page 124
Once it was stitched, I printed the design onto cotton, using an inkjet printer and used this for the lining. I did this because I didn't think it would be appropriate to have stitching inside the shoe. 
Page 125
Next, I cut strips of my dyed fabric to make the decorative cord. I wound the fabric with wire to provide the sides of the shoe with more rigidity. 
Page 126
Page 127
I used bondaweb to cover insoles for the base of the espadrilles. 
Page 128
I stitched the cords in place. This time I contrasted lighter shades in the cord against the darker tones of the shoe. 
Page 129
Page 130
I added a flower for the chameleon's eye. 
Page 131
I thought the back of the shoe needed some decoration as well! 
Page 132
Page 133
The final test, wearing them!
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