Damned Soles

17/05/2025

I will mend where I want to, won’t leave no socks behind. And if you don’t mend, forfend! You’re no friend of mine.

23/04/2025

Headlights: all the better to see you with. I def have that perimenopausal glint in my eyes.

10/04/2025

Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee!
The contrast in an ancient pair of Pendragon jester boots: so sad vs restored (cleaned, steamed, blocked, re-soled + topy, re-heeled, mended, additional counter, additional facing, replaced eyelets, new bells, replaced aglets, and a little recolouring dye).

09/02/2025

Yes, I do repairs: footwear, accessories, garments.

While many things can be repaired, not everything can. I’m happy to discuss options: message photos of items that need mending.

Prices vary. Quotes are drawn from my general rates, and I’ll contact you if things need more work than originally planned.

Turn-around times vary. Generally, repairs will be completed within 2 weeks, but may need specific materials or additional time for complex work. Rollerskate repairs: 1-2 months.

By appointment only.
Address for drop-off (or post) and collection will be provided.
February-June 2025: Tuesday & Saturday, 8-11am & 2-4pm.
Message on arrival and wait at the base of driveway.

For footwear repairs:
Bring both shoes, not just one that needs repair
Unlace shoes and boots
If you are able, remove rollerskate hardware (wheels and plate)

Image:
van der Aeck (1655) _An Old Woman seated sewing_. Oil on canvas. Held at The National Gallery, London.

29/09/2024

“Still banging away on Darla.” I’ve been stripping acrylic paint off some old Altamuras, now down to removing the remains of the old shearling (sheepskin) tongue pad, très sk**ky. Most footwear cements are heat activated, so it’s heat-scrape-heat-scrape etc etc. I’ve a 60 second window of tolerance between wanting to share what I’ve been working on and then my brain deciding it’s A Bad Idea. _I_ know it’s not a bad idea, but my amygdala hasn’t read the memo. Still, I persist.

19/09/2024

Such a perfect day. I invited myself on a nature walk, thrifted homewares, saw the local plover chicks, found some sea glass.

22/08/2024

New work bench, 10th move in 15 years. Diminished collection of sewing machines, much culled library, but the same quantity of hound. I’ve dubbed the new home “Snail Cottage” as I seem to take my home with me wherever I go.

13/04/2024

Witch’s butter, magic boots*, Golden chanterelles.
*Not actually magical but amazing colour combo.

20/03/2024

Blocking eyelets really does help.

16/03/2024

I hand turn the Singer Panoramic for heel seams (lining and shell) and sewing labels on. At nearly 60 years old, this machine is more metal than plastic and easily works through leather. I’ve got enough left of this orange chrome kangaroo for one more pair, pm if you’d like me to set aside for your tangerine dreams.

09/03/2024

Some lovely old Moonrakers arrived by post so that I can attend to their sk**ky eyelets. First step: cleaning with saddle soap and a toothbrush. This step gives me time to get to know the boots, find anything else that may need attention, and plan repairs. Dirty boots may look cool, but they will rot and fall off your hooves sooner.

03/03/2024