I have several pairs of expensive shoes of a similar design.
These shoes are moccasins with a short leather loop at either side of the instep.
Connecting these loops are a variety of metal pieces.
These metal linkages are supposed to resemble items from equine saddles and harnesses, and carry names like snaffle.
I find these shoes a pain to polish.
I find the metal digs into the shoe (and occasionally me) damaging the leather.
I find, despite their cost, some of the metal links are corroding.
I am planning to remove the metal linkage from one pair of shoes and replace it with a lace, cord or other item familiar to IGKT readers.
There are numerous designs of loops, bows and tassels already used in shoes.
I am looking for suggestions for decorative ropework which takes into account the fixed configuration of the existing shoe, has an attractive appearance and which performs a practical purpose in holding the shoe together.
I can then modify the other shoes with my favourite IGKT design.
Will your replacement technique be a means to adjust the fit of the shoe (to snug or loosen) or mainly a decorative means to hold the side lacing in place?
SS369
Thank you for your reply #1.
I understand your request for picture(s).
I have tried in the past to attach photographs, and failed, because I could never produce a file small enough to meet IGKT specifications.
An example of what I have tried to describe can be found on Amazon UK “Tod’s Men’s Dress Loafer”.
This also shows another reason for shoe modification, to stop “designers” so called, using me as a mobile advert.
I understand that I am asking members to undertake extra work which is really my responsibility.
I am not intending to stengthen the shoe or provide a, currently non-existent, adjustment device.
What I am intending to achieve is :-
a) A modification that can be easily removed to facilitate polishing and replaced equally easily.
a) A modification which can be used to mask existing damage to the leather due to the incorporation of metallic elements.
c) A modification which will limit the width expansion of the shoe in the same manner as the existing design.
As for image resizing, there are many options. The simplest way I use is via a small, free program called “Image Resizer” for Windows. http://www.bricelam.net/ImageResizer/
There are many online image resizing sires as well. Give something a try and not be limited anymore.
I’ve attached an image from Amazon, that is a suede example and it seems doable if you’d care for the look of knot work..
SS369
Thank you for your reply #3.
I have had experience in the past of “free” downloads.
What was free was the malware that attached itself to the download.
The resources of decorative knotting are effectively inexhaustible. What I was hoping for was a “I did that, it worked well, here are ten pictures of I how I did it”.
If I produce anything which I consider attractive and functional IGKT members will be the first to know (photo problems excepted).
The last picture, which I was unable to reduce in bytes was of a tombstone just outside the South Door of St Mary’s Church, Hopesay, Shropshire. There is a nicely carved knot in the stone, which is, I believe, a round turn and two half hitches. Might be of interest to someone.
Of course there are online photo hosting sites that could be of use to you.
I understand the wariness of free program downloads. I recommended the one because I use it myself. That said, most image editors can do the reductions, perhaps not in one simple step though.
I personally have doubt that what you’d like to do has been done enough times for someone to chime in with a tutorial. But, some bracelets or watch bands may provide acceptable ideas for you to consider, maybe even modify to your liking.
Hopefully someone else will also contribute here and offer additional ideas.