Dear Forumites, If the NY TIMES covers a trend, you know that it must be pretty big! https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=cm#inbox/13855c5da5334c34 *** Maybe some folks who have sewn their own foot-wear could chime in here? Yours in Him, Deborah & Heart

 So happy to see this, Deborahmichelle. As a teen in the1970's it was quite popular to sew and customize your clothing. At that time it saved you money though-- not sure if sewing is cheaper anymore. Fabric and patterns are quite expensive. Still great for young people to learn the skills. Showing my age, but does anyone remember Tandy Leather kits- to make purses, wallets, belts, moccasins?

I know I've been pinning instructions for moccasin and slipper making on Pinterest lately. The materials that are often recommended with the instructions are more expensive than I can manage (over $100/yard for wool felt!!), but I can get an old wool sweater from the thrift store, throw it in the washing machine on hot and make my own felt for a lot less. I can get bags of scrap leather pieces at Michael's for not too much, but I don't know if a patchwork moccasin would be very comfortable.

groverscorners:

does anyone remember Tandy Leather kits

I sure do!  Showing my age...

Susan in MI

 Again??!!!! oh gosh I must be old now this is back in style cindy and middle sister wore those cindy still wear her old ones she made 15 years ago.

 Crazy Crow has a good on-line catalogue.  For moccasin soles, do you know anyone who hunts larger animals?  Tawhide is easy to make.  Uppers can be made of cloth or buckskin.  You can also order artificial sinew from crazy Crow.  

Have to say I'm pretty good at cloth mocs, since GD usually has a pair for each dance outfit.

grame, do you have a pattern that you can recommend?

 No, I was taught by my girlfriend who is Lakota, so mine are made 'old school' as she puts it.

sissy:

 Again??!!!! oh gosh I must be old now this is back in style cindy and middle sister wore those cindy still wear her old ones she made 15 years ago.

 

yup again sissy try to make me old crud I am and proud of it woman I wear stuff out of style whoppie big deal they are comfie I get the leather solf elk and do the bootiy from a pattern and the regular street moccasaain.   They arre comfie.

 

groverscorners:

 So happy to see this, Deborahmichelle. As a teen in the1970's it was quite popular to sew and customize your clothing. At that time it saved you money though-- not sure if sewing is cheaper anymore. Fabric and patterns are quite expensive. Still great for young people to learn the skills. Showing my age, but does anyone remember Tandy Leather kits- to make purses, wallets, belts, moccasins?

I started sewing my own clothes as a teen, then branched off into accessories.  When our girls were younger, I did quite a bit of sewing - shorts, summer tops, simple skirts etc. Now that the DD's are older (14 and 20), sewing projects are usually wardrobe refashion projects.  Now I get my "sewing fix" by making accessories or upcycling something into a costume!  Sewing new garments isn't cheap anymore