DIY kicks

Man, I had just stumbled across a link to Rotering Shoes, an incredible-looking shoemaking workshop, and then TCA reader Anne forwarded me an email from owner Sarah Rotering announcing the fact that it's closing up shop this summer. What a bummer - DIY cobbling is where it's at - especially in this city, where shoe shopping frankly sucks (anyone care to prove me wrong? Pretty please do!). Here's a note about their final workshop - act fast as classes are teensy:

Hello! Rotering Shoes will be closing its doors this August. Before that happens, I'll be offering a final round of introductory shoemaking classes.

The project for this class is to design and fully create a pair of mules or slides. You will learn the basics of designing on the last, creating and cutting a pattern, skiving and stitching leather, lasting, and applying the outsole. At the end of the course you will have designed and made yourself a pair of beautiful, wearable shoes.

If you are interested, please contact me and I will add you to the list, and explain payment. You may phone (416-596-9854) or email.

Please look over the following schedules and see if any of the dates are convenient for you.

EVENING CLASSES

Starting Wednesday May 31, 6-9pm
Wed June 7, 6-9pm
SATURDAY June 10, 11-3pm (Please note: this is not a Wednesday eve!)
Wed June 14, 6-9pm
Wed June 21, 6-9pm
Wed June 28, 6-9pm

WEEK-LONG INTENSIVE CLASSES
These take place Monday to Friday, during daylight hours.
June 12- 16, 10-4pm
July 3-7,10-4pm
July 17-21, 10-4pm

Each class costs $575, which includes all tools and materials. A deposit of $175 is needed to hold your place. Classes are comprised of four people, and if fewer than three register, a class may be cancelled.

Thank you, and have a happy shoemaking summer!