Simply Shoes - Q&A, Recap, and Review

Hi Everyone! This week we take a look back and review the topic :) I've included a few questions/answers here that I've collected from FB or comments. I also have a few polls posted below, I'm curious to know if you've made shoes and enjoy it or have moved on to other things! Which shoes do you use most often and what fabrics do you like to sew with the most....

Q&A:

• Q: Is it okay to use your good fabric scissors to cut out the vinyl?
• A: I wouldn't recommend this, but it would depend on the thickness of the vinyl.It would be best to have a separate labeled pair of scissors for vinyl, foam, and other crafty items.

• Q: Where did you get the colored trim (for the No-sew Janes, Pink, Turquoise, Orange, etc)? 
• A: We found this in the trim section at JoAnn Fabrics, it measures by the yard, and is usually in stock during the spring/summer.

• Q: A question regarding vinyl for making vinyl shoes...what thickness is best?
• A: It depends. For sandals the thinner stuff is OK. For hiking boots you would want something with more body. Many recommend Marine Vinyl. (Check out the links below for vinyl resources).

• Q: If using a faux leather trim that isn't fabric backed, will it stain my doll?
• A: Yes! Be sure to line any dark colored fabric, vinyl, or suede like fabrics with a light or neutral woven cotton to prevent stinging. Also be sure to use light colored bobbin thread.

• Q: Any tips for making that adorable "Janes" tag on the heel?
• A: Sure :) The one pictured is made using sheets of printable fabric, Heat N Bond and 1/4" Blue grosgrain ribbon. Step 1 - Set up a document to print that places your text or logo in narrow rows nicely spaced apart (this will need to fit on a 1/4" worth ribbon). Print this onto a sheet of printable fabric. (You can even iron on a piece of freezer paper to a woven cotton and run that through your printer). Step 2 - Apply a sheet of Heat N bond to the back side of the printed fabric. Step 3- Using a paper cutter or rotary cutter, cut the rows of text into long strips that are just shy of the 1/4" ribbon width. Step 4 - Cut ribbon into lengths of the printed rows. Peel of paper backing and place the text onto the ribbon, in long strips. Iron to set the heat n bond. Once it's cool, you can apply one more thin strip of heat n bond to the back side of the ribbon (optional to help secure the ribbon to the shoe before stitching). Cut the labels apart and place them on your shoes!

• Q: Do you have tips for cutting foam?
• A: It takes a bit of practice to get it cut out with smooth edges. One trick is to file rough parts with a finger nail file. Another thing to do is use a craft knife or have your scissors perpendicular and cut slowly. - Olivia
• A: When I cut foam, usually I’m using the 2mm. I hold the scissors steady straight up and down and instead of moving the scissors around my traces cut line, I move my foam around as I open and close the scissors slowly. Never in a chopping motion. - Bee

• Q: What would you recommend as a replacement for the chipboard?
• A: For my Love U Bunches Plain Jane shoe pattern I use Pellon® Peltex 71F single-sided fusible ultra firm stabilizer. It’s a craft Pellon product available at JoAnns. - Chris S.
• A: Cut several layers of thinner "cereal box" or "shoe box" cardboard and glue them together to create a thicker sturdier piece.

• Q: Won't Hot Glue burn my fingers? Help!
• A: Two suggestions :) Purchase a low temp hot glue gun, this makes a huge difference! Also, check out the resource list below for Finger Guards, these tiny fingertip covers will protect your fingers and help to spread the glue evenly and thinly!

• Fun embellishment tip idea from Janet! "I have made several pairs of shoes and I sew a heart charm "Made with Love" firmly to the upper back of each shoe to give a little extra charm and a tab to help pull the back of the shoe on."

Participate in the Polls below:

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Pattern Overview:

• Liberty Jane JANES Shoes - 18" Dolls (Shape 1 sole)
• Liberty Jane JANES Shoes - 13-14.5" Dolls (Shape 2 Sole)
• Liberty Jane JANES Shoes - Journey Girls Dolls (no pre-cut sole)
• Liberty Jane JANES Shoes - Maplelea/Karito Kids Dolls(no pre-cut sole)
• Liberty Jane No Sew JANES Shoes - 18" Dolls (Shape 1 sole)
• Liberty Jane No Sew JANES Shoes - 14.5" WW Dolls (Shape 3 sole)
• Liberty Jane No Sew JANES Shoes - 13-14.5" Dolls (Shape 2 sole)
• Liberty Jane No Sew JANES Shoes - Journey Girls Dolls (no pre-cut sole)
• Liberty Jane Open Toe JANES Shoes - 18" Dolls (Shape 1 sole)
• Liberty Jane Open Toe JANES Shoes - 14.5" WW Dolls (Shape 3 sole)

Resource and Supply list (new items added at the bottom of the list):

• Pre-cut Shoe Soles (all sizes)
• 2mm Foam Sheets - Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JoAnns, Amazon
• 6mm Foam Sheets - Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JoAnns, Amazon
• Cork Sheets - Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JoAnns, Amazon
• 1/4" wide Steam a Seam - Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JoAnns, Amazon
• Heat n' Bond - Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JoAnns, Amazon
• Cotton Fabrics - These are the easiest types of fabrics to find! Places like Jo Anns, Hobby Lobby, even Wal-mart usually have a variety of quilting cotton or fat quarters available. Check out online stores for packaged sets from brands like Moda Fabrics too!
• Middy Braid Trim - Amazon
• Braided Natural Trim - Amazon
• 1/4" ribbon
• 1/4" elastic
• CordingAmazon
• Narrow Lacing
• EyeletsAmazon
• 1/4" Buckles - crscraft.com online doll supply store or possible Hobby Lobby.
• 2" Cluny TrimAmazon
• 2" Embroidered TrimSimplicity.com
• Marine VinylFabric.com
• Sparkle VinylFabric.com
• Pellon Fusible Interfacing
• Hot Glue GunAmazon
• Chipboard sheets Amazon (if you have a die or are interested in cutting it out yourself) 
• Non-stick Foot  Amazon (General use, some machines. Check your manual to see what type you will need)
• Walking Foot Amazon
• Double sided adhesive sheets Amazon (we cut ours in smaller squares)
• 8" Faux Leather Ribbon Hobby Lobby (thanks Sandra for posting the link - others say this works great for shoes!)
• Roller Foot (Suggested by Marilyn, link goes to Bernina but you may be able to find this for other machines as well)
• 3/16" Camel Suede Stud Trim (For wrapping sole edges - suggested by Sandra and others say they like this for shoes and sandals)
• Finger Guards for use with a hot glue gun! (Thanks Jane for the suggestion!)

Week Four Task:

• Practice making shoes, conquer your fears, and try something new!