Two day Shoemaking Workshop with Hetty Rose

Saturday 15 March - Sunday 16 March 2025
10am - 4.30pm each day
£625 per person payable in instalments (initial 25% deposit non-refundable)

Northampton Museum & Art Gallery

Learn to make your very own pair of shoes in this two-day course alongside designer Hetty Rose, known for her use of vintage Japanese kimono fabrics. You will learn the basics of pattern cutting, choosing leathers and kimono fabric to make your uppers. You will then learn the process of sewing, lasting and heel covering to complete your shoes.There are several shoe styles to choose from including flats and heeled shoes. We can accommodate fitting issues (wide/sensitive feet) and you will be expertly guided by Hetty through every stage, so no experience needed.

Day One: Hetty will give an introduction into shoe making and the tools you will be using over the two days. You will tape up your last (shoe mould) and draw on your design from a suggestion of designs by Hetty. You will then create your patterns and use these to cut your upper material and linings. You will also sew your uppers ready to use the next day. You will also learn to cover your insole for the inside of your shoes.

Day Two: To begin you will learn how to last your shoes using tacks and glue, to create the shape of your shoes. Next you will learn how to forepart fill your shoes and attach the soles. The next process involves choosing your heel and covering. You will learn how to cover your heels and they will be attached to the shoes. You’ll finish by inserting the padding and sock inside the shoe. The shoes will be ready to take away from the course this day.

The course will run at a leisurely pace and there will be time for questions and demonstrations from Hetty. You will also receive a suppliers list and shoe making process sheet. All necessary materials and tools will be provided to participants during the workshop. Participants may bring their own fabric if they wish, subject to suitability checks by Hetty Rose.The use of sewing machines is required and students should bring their own. Tea and coffee provided, please bring a packed lunch or you may source lunch locally in the town centre.

Payments can be made in installments over the phone or in person, with an initial non-refundable 25% deposit (£156.25). 3 further payments of £156.25 with the final balance payable by 15 February 2025. Contact our booking line 01604 526322 to book.

We allocate a small number of tickets to purchase in person or over the phone in addition to those tickets for sale on Eventbrite. I f there is no availability on Eventbrite do try calling our booking line 01604 838111 or 01604 526322 Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12 - 5pm.

Host or Publisher Northampton Museums & Art Gallery