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The Sandalmaking Workshop: Make Your Own Mary Janes, Crisscross Sandals, Mules, Fisherman Sandals, Toe Slides, and More
Custom-fit for comfort, custom-designed to suit personal taste, and stylish and satisfyingly DIY? Shoemaking checks all the boxes! Making shoes is a surprisingly accessible and increasingly popular craft, and with this photo-rich guide, even a beginner can make a comfortable pair of sandals in the course of a day with just a few simple tools and materials. From setting up a workshop and refining a design to making uppers, attaching soles, and adding finishing touches like buckles or studs, The Sandalmaking Workshop takes readers step by step through the process of creating modern leather sandals that are stylish and comfortable. The book includes traceable patterns for 14 of author Rachel Corry’s original sandal designs—both open- and closed-toe styles, including mules and slides—and covers a range of techniques so readers can build their skills and stretch the creative possibilities with each new pair they make. This publication conforms to the EPUB Accessibility specification at WCAG 2.0 Level AA.
- GenresCraftsFashionNonfiction
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 25, 2020
This is a well illustrated and well written guide to making sandals. The author got into the hobby herself after a house fire when she tried to repair some favorite sandals and saw how they were made, and eventually made all kinds of sandals and taught others how to. There are many step-by-step illustrations and she focuses on not needing a lot of expensive tools. There are quite a variety of projects.
This would have been a five star book for me except for two things. Firstly, she only gives instructions for using leather. The leather making process is catastrophic for the environment, and has ruined the water supply of whole communities in the U.S. and around the world. While I am usually a fan of natural things, commercial leather is as far from natural as you can get and is very, very polluting. She acknowledges this a bit and offers a few tips like sourcing scraps or leather from used shoes, and she says you don't need a lot, but we all know that the vast majority of shoes these days are made without leather so it obviously can be done (and her lovely example folk shoes from around the world use many other materials). She uses a special type of leather for the soles and insoles (and stacked for the heels) even when she uses fabric and other materials for the straps and even when she uses rubber for sporty shoes like slides, so there are no projects that don't call for leather even when you would assume the projects are leather-free. Also, all of the projects vary but they all use her basic technique. I always wish these books had even just one very basic, simple project for those who want to do things an easier way. You can find all sorts of tutorials online for re-purposed shoes, simple fabric tie-on sandals, etc. and I would love an easy project like that to try with my kids if I didn't want to invest in all of these materials to do it "right." This is definitely a book to do it right, which is as it should be for most readers but is not the best fit for lazy dabblers like me. :)
All that said, it's a wonderful guide and I hope it helps to further nourish the movement to go back to learning to do things ourselves and make things well.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
This would have been a five star book for me except for two things. Firstly, she only gives instructions for using leather. The leather making process is catastrophic for the environment, and has ruined the water supply of whole communities in the U.S. and around the world. While I am usually a fan of natural things, commercial leather is as far from natural as you can get and is very, very polluting. She acknowledges this a bit and offers a few tips like sourcing scraps or leather from used shoes, and she says you don't need a lot, but we all know that the vast majority of shoes these days are made without leather so it obviously can be done (and her lovely example folk shoes from around the world use many other materials). She uses a special type of leather for the soles and insoles (and stacked for the heels) even when she uses fabric and other materials for the straps and even when she uses rubber for sporty shoes like slides, so there are no projects that don't call for leather even when you would assume the projects are leather-free. Also, all of the projects vary but they all use her basic technique. I always wish these books had even just one very basic, simple project for those who want to do things an easier way. You can find all sorts of tutorials online for re-purposed shoes, simple fabric tie-on sandals, etc. and I would love an easy project like that to try with my kids if I didn't want to invest in all of these materials to do it "right." This is definitely a book to do it right, which is as it should be for most readers but is not the best fit for lazy dabblers like me. :)
All that said, it's a wonderful guide and I hope it helps to further nourish the movement to go back to learning to do things ourselves and make things well.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
October 9, 2020
Let me begin by saying that I highly recommend The Sandalmaking Workshop by Rachel Corry. I'm truly thrilled that this book exists. Corry takes the reader through the process of shoe-making and explains what tools and materials you need in concise terms with clear photos. She then includes directions/images for 14 sandal and shoe styles as projects the reader can make.
Corry demystifies one of the last remaining handcrafts that tend to intimidate modern makers, and it's not that there aren't books out there on shoemaking already, but nearly all of them are out of print, use archaic language and poor safety protocol due to the time in which they were written predating OSHA, and include poor quality photos (if any).
I teach a shoemaking/altering unit in one of my classes and i'll be adding this book as a reference text for that course.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Corry demystifies one of the last remaining handcrafts that tend to intimidate modern makers, and it's not that there aren't books out there on shoemaking already, but nearly all of them are out of print, use archaic language and poor safety protocol due to the time in which they were written predating OSHA, and include poor quality photos (if any).
I teach a shoemaking/altering unit in one of my classes and i'll be adding this book as a reference text for that course.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2021
Great idea, but really hard to do by yourself. I think this would work so well if taught as a class, especially as a beginner getting started. The book is well presented and if explains the process well. It just would cost a lot to get started and imagine would take some practice to make really nice sandals.
At this time, I can’t get the supplies and would need some help. I love the idea of this and think it just would be so fun to do :)
At this time, I can’t get the supplies and would need some help. I love the idea of this and think it just would be so fun to do :)
October 1, 2020
Excellent book with tips and instructions on how to make modern leather sandals. There's lots of information on setting your own workshop, getting the right tools and so on. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Rachael Corey, and Storey Publishing, LLC for an ARC of this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Rachael Corey, and Storey Publishing, LLC for an ARC of this book.
October 1, 2020
To be published on my blog at release: Nonstop Reader.
The Sandalmaking Workshop is a tutorial, style, and crafting guide to making wearable stylish footwear by Rachel Corry. Due out 30th March 2021 from Storey, it's 208 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
As shown on the cover, there are numerous beautiful shoes to create with a surprising amount of detail and style. The author shows step by step how to source tools and materials, design and create the shoes. The first 10% of the page content is given to a thorough introduction of tools and materials including specific appropriate tools and supplies (mostly leather, no alternatives given for vegan readers, although experimentation would surely provide appropriate non-animal materials - repurposed rubber soles with woven uppers?).
The second chapter covers the sandalmaking process - making patterns, cutting, lining, fitting, finishing, gluing, etc. The individual project tutorials are divided into two chapters roughly thematically: sandals and shoes. The projects are beautifully stylish and really professional looking. These are bespoke level shoes (literally - the author does bespoke work and these are at least some of her processes and techniques). All of the tutorials are well and clearly photographed.
The end of the book includes all the templates for the projects (in the final release version, not included in the eARC), along with an index, links for further info, metric conversion chart, shopping sources and lists, a short links list to other shoe artisan crafters, a glossary, and author bio.
There just aren't that many shoemaking books out there, and this one is quite good for beginners as well as intermediate learners.
Four stars. Well worth a look for the crafty reader. This would also be quite welcome for self sufficiency folks, smallholders, and the like. I would definitely recommend it to makers' groups, school library, scout activity groups, etc.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
The Sandalmaking Workshop is a tutorial, style, and crafting guide to making wearable stylish footwear by Rachel Corry. Due out 30th March 2021 from Storey, it's 208 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
As shown on the cover, there are numerous beautiful shoes to create with a surprising amount of detail and style. The author shows step by step how to source tools and materials, design and create the shoes. The first 10% of the page content is given to a thorough introduction of tools and materials including specific appropriate tools and supplies (mostly leather, no alternatives given for vegan readers, although experimentation would surely provide appropriate non-animal materials - repurposed rubber soles with woven uppers?).
The second chapter covers the sandalmaking process - making patterns, cutting, lining, fitting, finishing, gluing, etc. The individual project tutorials are divided into two chapters roughly thematically: sandals and shoes. The projects are beautifully stylish and really professional looking. These are bespoke level shoes (literally - the author does bespoke work and these are at least some of her processes and techniques). All of the tutorials are well and clearly photographed.
The end of the book includes all the templates for the projects (in the final release version, not included in the eARC), along with an index, links for further info, metric conversion chart, shopping sources and lists, a short links list to other shoe artisan crafters, a glossary, and author bio.
There just aren't that many shoemaking books out there, and this one is quite good for beginners as well as intermediate learners.
Four stars. Well worth a look for the crafty reader. This would also be quite welcome for self sufficiency folks, smallholders, and the like. I would definitely recommend it to makers' groups, school library, scout activity groups, etc.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
March 17, 2021
The The Sandalmaking Workshop: Make Your Own Mary Janes, Crisscross Sandals, Mules, Fisherman Sandals, Toe Slides, and More is a visual delight. Rachel Corry, a shoemaking enthusiast, introduces the curious step by step to how to make a pair of sandals.
By the end of the book the reader will be familiar with a repeatable process for making sandals and closed toed shoes in a variety of styles. But, what happens along the way goes well beyond a standard "how-to" as Corry takes us on a journey into how shoes are crafted.
The beautiful hand-drawn and photographic illustrations are irresistible. Along this journey we are treated to a visual feast of shoes in a variety of styles, colors and materials. If you love shoes you'll enjoy dipping into this book for the photos alone! The book also features an illustrated introduction to basic tools, materials, supplies and even a shopping list for shoemaking. At the conclusion of the book is an invaluable resource of shops. I really enjoyed The Shoe Folk section, a veritable homage to other women shoemakers featuring brief bios and an iconic photo for each shoemaker's speciality style, craft, or location.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for access to an advance reader's copy of The SandalMaking Workshop.
By the end of the book the reader will be familiar with a repeatable process for making sandals and closed toed shoes in a variety of styles. But, what happens along the way goes well beyond a standard "how-to" as Corry takes us on a journey into how shoes are crafted.
The beautiful hand-drawn and photographic illustrations are irresistible. Along this journey we are treated to a visual feast of shoes in a variety of styles, colors and materials. If you love shoes you'll enjoy dipping into this book for the photos alone! The book also features an illustrated introduction to basic tools, materials, supplies and even a shopping list for shoemaking. At the conclusion of the book is an invaluable resource of shops. I really enjoyed The Shoe Folk section, a veritable homage to other women shoemakers featuring brief bios and an iconic photo for each shoemaker's speciality style, craft, or location.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for access to an advance reader's copy of The SandalMaking Workshop.
March 27, 2021
The Book You Need if You Want to Make Sandals
I remember my mother making my older sister a pair of sandals when I was a child, so when I saw this book at a favorite book review site, I had to check it out. I am so glad I did. This book is well organized, first discussing setting up tools and the space for making sandals. A very long section on the different parts of the sandal-making process follows, with excellent explanations and lots of well-lit, tightly focused photos. I'm very impressed at the level of detail the author goes into in this section. If you read and follow along, you will undoubtedly be able to make the sandals that follow. The next section has the actual sandal projects, from simple to complex. If you like sandals, you will undoubtedly recognize a few of the simple styles; the author does make some of the more complex ones her own. Lastly, the author provides a few closed-toe shoe projects. The author's passion for sandal-making comes through, and I found myself itching to gather a few simple tools and try my hand at it. If you've ever had a desire to make your own sandals or simple closed-toed shoes like mules, this book will most likely make your attempts a success.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I remember my mother making my older sister a pair of sandals when I was a child, so when I saw this book at a favorite book review site, I had to check it out. I am so glad I did. This book is well organized, first discussing setting up tools and the space for making sandals. A very long section on the different parts of the sandal-making process follows, with excellent explanations and lots of well-lit, tightly focused photos. I'm very impressed at the level of detail the author goes into in this section. If you read and follow along, you will undoubtedly be able to make the sandals that follow. The next section has the actual sandal projects, from simple to complex. If you like sandals, you will undoubtedly recognize a few of the simple styles; the author does make some of the more complex ones her own. Lastly, the author provides a few closed-toe shoe projects. The author's passion for sandal-making comes through, and I found myself itching to gather a few simple tools and try my hand at it. If you've ever had a desire to make your own sandals or simple closed-toed shoes like mules, this book will most likely make your attempts a success.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
December 22, 2020
Imagine having the perfect sandals to go with your favourite dress or being able to create a unique design for a special occasion. This book takes you from concept to design, advising on choice of tools, design, fabrics and styles. Each step is accompanied with step by step instructions and advice on how to avoid pitfalls. Creativity, economy and sustainability are at this book's core. This book is very user friendly and is written in a wonderfully simplistic and informative way to ensure that it can be followed by eceryone. I found it extremely helpful and informative. It has designs from simple sliders to more elaborate fishermans sandals. If you worked through every design in the book you would have a bespoke collection tailored to you and your wordrobe.
Thank you netgalley for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Thank you netgalley for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
January 28, 2024
"The Sandalmaking Workshop" by Rachel Corry was a lovely read, and I can't wait to put what I learnt into practice!
The book is written in a practical and easy-to-understand style, and the photos and drawings are very clear.
My only worry (which might turn out to be unfounded, who knows?) is that a pair of sandals made with no stitching at all isn't going to last very long. I do realize that introducing leather stitching into the project is going to make it more complicated, possibly too complicated for the scope of a book aimed at complete beginners, but I still feel I would like my creations to be made to last.
Anyway, I haven't tried this yet, so let's wait and see. If my first pair of glued-together sandals falls apart and leaves me barefoot halfway through my day, I'll come back to this review and update it.
The book is written in a practical and easy-to-understand style, and the photos and drawings are very clear.
My only worry (which might turn out to be unfounded, who knows?) is that a pair of sandals made with no stitching at all isn't going to last very long. I do realize that introducing leather stitching into the project is going to make it more complicated, possibly too complicated for the scope of a book aimed at complete beginners, but I still feel I would like my creations to be made to last.
Anyway, I haven't tried this yet, so let's wait and see. If my first pair of glued-together sandals falls apart and leaves me barefoot halfway through my day, I'll come back to this review and update it.
January 5, 2021
This is the first shoe making book that I read and I really found it fascinating.
It was complete and very comprehensive, starting with the presentation of the necessary tools, an explanation on different leather types and sole types, and followed by a nice array of sandal patterns and explanations on how to make them.
The language is clear and all is made to feel how accessible this craft is. This is a great beginner guide and while I don't feel ready quite yet, I do want to try it out in the coming years. Shoe making always felt so inaccessible and hard! This is not the case anymore. All the photos show all the steps of the way and make it extra clear.
A wonderful book to have.
It was complete and very comprehensive, starting with the presentation of the necessary tools, an explanation on different leather types and sole types, and followed by a nice array of sandal patterns and explanations on how to make them.
The language is clear and all is made to feel how accessible this craft is. This is a great beginner guide and while I don't feel ready quite yet, I do want to try it out in the coming years. Shoe making always felt so inaccessible and hard! This is not the case anymore. All the photos show all the steps of the way and make it extra clear.
A wonderful book to have.
May 8, 2021
DIY for Your Feet!
I was provided an advanced reader copy by Storey Publishing through NetGalley, and here are my thoughts:
This will be a short review because you either want to make sandals or you don't.
If you want to know how to make your own sandals or other casual footwear, this book will guide you step-by-step into the unknown terrain of shoemaking. And it does so with clear instructions and wonderful photographs. The author teaches shoe-making classes, and this book enables so many more people to benefit from her knowledge.
Click on the "Look Inside and see if it appeals.
There now. Go get it.
I was provided an advanced reader copy by Storey Publishing through NetGalley, and here are my thoughts:
This will be a short review because you either want to make sandals or you don't.
If you want to know how to make your own sandals or other casual footwear, this book will guide you step-by-step into the unknown terrain of shoemaking. And it does so with clear instructions and wonderful photographs. The author teaches shoe-making classes, and this book enables so many more people to benefit from her knowledge.
Click on the "Look Inside and see if it appeals.
There now. Go get it.
May 12, 2021
One of my favorite sewing bloggers occasionally makes her own shoes, but I had never seen any resources for how to get started in this skill, so I was happy to find this book. The author makes the process understandable and not intimidating. Some special tools are required, but not an overwhelming amount of them. The author explores the folk traditions of various cultures as well as the more contemporary or timeless looks that a beginner can make.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
October 2, 2020
Another beautiful book from Storey Publishing, with excellent illustrations and a great layout. The author has managed to deliver very detailed instructions in a clear manner, and everything is easy to follow. Her vast experience gives the reader a lot of practical tips. As the title indicates, this is more a book for aspiring professionals than for those looking for a once in a lifetime experience.
November 28, 2022
This book does exactly what the title tells readers it does, and it does it VERY well. It is not a book on making closed shoes. For that, one would have to go elsewhere, although the skills learned here will transfer to closed shoes, so it’s a good beginning place. This is a beginners book on making sandals, and it covers everything one needs to know, from supplies and tools to patterns and construction methods. Plus, the book is frankly gorgeous.
March 30, 2023
I only made one pair of sandals yet (yesterday), but the pair of sandals turned so lovely and I am going to wear it. I made the crisscross sandals which is really beginner friendly and looks elegant at the same time. I am definitely going to try out the other patterns from this book.
Anyone wanting to learn how to make sandals should definitely read this book. This book is the probably the only book you need if you want to make sandals.
Anyone wanting to learn how to make sandals should definitely read this book. This book is the probably the only book you need if you want to make sandals.
October 26, 2020
This was an advanced copy from Netgalley that I gor for an honest review. Loved the look of this book with its bright and colourful images. It was well structured and explained. There are lots of projects to try and they go from simple to more complexe. The designs are attractive and all come with step-by-step instructions and illustrations. A winner!
December 1, 2020
4.5 Stars!! This book is very informative and has plenty of photos. Everything was explained and understood! I can’t wait to actually try it out. This book includes instructions on multiple types of shoes. I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in making, or at least trying to make, shoes!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an ARC that was provided to me by NetGalley!*
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an ARC that was provided to me by NetGalley!*
August 8, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I have personally never tried to make my own scandals but I have always been interested in the process. This was perfect even for beginners. I think this book has excellent easy to follow instructions it wouldn’t be too difficult to make pair of sandals and this book shows it is achievable. I recommend this book to anyone interested in giving it a try.
February 16, 2022
This was interesting, but not really what I expected or a book that I would actually use.
The information was clearly written and easily understood. Depending on your interest this book could be very helpful, but you'd have be very interested in shoe making. A good book for a niche group of readers.
The information was clearly written and easily understood. Depending on your interest this book could be very helpful, but you'd have be very interested in shoe making. A good book for a niche group of readers.
June 20, 2022
Great practical intro to sandal making
This is very no-fuss in its approach, which I really like as it emphasizes how accessible it is to make your own sandals. While some may find the information barebones, I think it is just clear and no nonsense. Stoked to start gathering materials for a first attempt.
This is very no-fuss in its approach, which I really like as it emphasizes how accessible it is to make your own sandals. While some may find the information barebones, I think it is just clear and no nonsense. Stoked to start gathering materials for a first attempt.
March 11, 2021
Received an ARC copy of this book. Totally loved reading it. It's really interesting to see the shoemaking process and how she breaks it down step by step. I'm excited to try and make some myself. Looking forward to getting a hard copy when it comes out. Thanks for the advanced copy!
March 16, 2021
This is a wonderful book if you are interested in making your own sandals. This book goes step by step in order to feel comfortable and ready to make you own sandals. I would recommend this to anyone who really wants to learn!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews