Tutorial Tuesday - Shoe Make-over

LoveMaegan posted a plea to help her create her own version of this Christian Louboutin shoe last month (this shoe IS hot).

So, I posted this idea:


Little did I know that I would lay awake nights, dreaming of creating this shoe! Come on, girl, let's Re-do your shoes:

Supplies:

Shoes with an ankle and toe strap (you could even do this with a flat sandal, don't be afraid)
Ribbon
Coordinating Needle and Thread/Sewing machine
Scissors
Pins
Matches

I pulled out an old pair of shoes from my closet (these were a TJ Maxx special about 4 years ago). Really, any shoe with an ankle strap would work.



I decided to work with a wide, black grosgrain ribbon. I already have plans to use suede, satin, linen, or even tulle (like Maegan did) for additional options with color and texture.

Begin by measuring, on your own foot, the length of the ribbon you will use a base (apologizing in advance for the bunion):



Fold the ends of the ribbon over the straps and pin in place, then sew (you don't need a machine for this).


I used a contrasting thread to show the stitches:


See how your ankle strap slides right through? At the bottom I stitched it in place, but if I'd had any Velcro I would have sewn that to the bottom to make it removable.


Now, begin cutting the ribbons for your loops. I used 5 ribbons, 3, 3 1/2, 4, 4 1/2, and 5 inches in length (cut two of everything of course). It is really important to burn the edges of each raw end of ribbon to avoid fraying.


Now stitch each length into a loop. (You might be able to glue this)


Here is your collection of loops:


Now begin to attach each loop, overlapping, onto the base ribbon. Begin at the bottom:


The four ribbons should be sewn onto the base like this:


Now, leave your smallest loop round and tack it, from the inside bottom, onto the base ribbon, like this:


Tada! You really could match any dress with one basic strappy sandal. Imagine if these straps were a nude color...the possibilities!!!


These would dress up a simple black dress or spice up some jeans.


Carrie Bradshaw would approve: