Darklight Posted July 21, 2005 Someone I know used to run a bootmaking business, making bespoke motorcycle boots from scratch. They're not doing it anymore, and need to clear their garage to make some space. Reluctant as most craftspeople are to get rid of their tools ( in case one day inspiration strikes them and they head back to the shed ) it's time to drop the old- hopefully to someone who can actually use the stuff and will appreciate them. The gear could be flogged on ebay, but really its kinda a specialist area, and there's a fair variety of specialist hand tools and nails and leftover bits and pieces as well as shoe lasts and an old electric/hand operated bent needle stitcher. Some of this might be applicable for saddlers or other leatherwork as well as shoe making. I'm trying to find a more specific group than ebay to put the advert to but I'm stuck after trawling the net for aages. Does anyone here have any idea or contact with groups or websites that work with leather, saddle making etc? I know its obscure, but there are so many people here from so many different backgrounds that I figure someone somewhere will know someone else... who might well be interested. From here it kinda looks like a lot of that community isn't necessarily online, so looking online might be a waste of time Ah yeah, and Aus groups only for preference- this stuff is waaaaay too heavy to send overseas. [ 21. July 2005, 05:21: Message edited by: Darklight ] Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wandjina Posted July 21, 2005 sadly, shoe-making is now a relatively rare craft, but a mate of mine did a little in some tafe course/fashion design thing a few years ago. Perhaps you could contact someone via the sydney Institute of TAFE? I know Jodie Morrison started out making her own shoes. There may be some young up and coming cobbler who'd jump at the chance for bargain tools. This may be of help: http://www.sit.nsw.edu.au/news/archive.php...q=2&Link_To=422 [ 21. July 2005, 06:01: Message edited by: wandjina ] Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2b Posted July 21, 2005 Why not bundle it all up as a business ? A shoe making business , that has no clients. Saddle and rug repairs are a big business , why not try a horse forum ? What about B&D /S&M ? Leather work is still a big part of that scene . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darklight Posted July 21, 2005 2b: Why not bundle it all up as a business ? A shoe making business , that has no clients. Saddle and rug repairs are a big business , why not try a horse forum ? What about B&D /S&M ? Leather work is still a big part of that scene . As a business it requires a fair amount of skill and practise, it's not just a walk in job. Add to that I don't have a complete kit, they sold the industrial sewing machine years ago.I thought about BD/SM scene but don't have many contacts with leatherworkers there- hang on, you've reminded me... But wandjina's idea about TAFE students is a good one, and I just found a phone contact for the NSW leatherworker's guild Keep the ideas coming, and thanx [ 21. July 2005, 19:20: Message edited by: Darklight ] Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waterdragon Posted July 21, 2005 a mate of mine is the local upholsterer, he might be interested in tooly additions. costs me nothing to ask. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bundy Posted July 21, 2005 I know some people who make corsets, whips all kinds of leather stuff they might be interested. I won't see them till the first week of aug though. If one of em is intersted i'll give your e-mail. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nabraxas Posted July 22, 2005 quote: two men who have transformed themselves from being designers and makers of dowdy moccasins and school shoes in traditional shoe factories to being the gurus of boutique shoe making. Graham and Robert now teach passionate fashion students at TAFE how to make strappy stilettos out of cane toad leather. Connie Hart Head Teacher Fashion Technology and Theatre Costume Sydney Institute of TAFE, Ultimo Graham Alexander Teacher of Footwear at Sydney Institute of TAFE, Ultimo Robert Irvine Teacher of Footwear at Sydney Institute of TAFE, Ultimo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
