Boots
Sunday, 14 June 2026
Fairysteps boot listings, as well as bags were open for a short time, but are now closed - I will be continuing with the small mountain of in-progress stock on my work tables, alongside these latest orders. Many thanks for everyone who ordered, and apologies if you missed your chance :/ hopefully Lady Fate will make the perfect stock pair pop up for you soon.
As always, subject to availability my dears as made to order rarely opens these days.
Find them in the Footwear collection next month - Ive been ruthlessly pruning and have updated the collections accordingly.
Ren x
Thursday, 30 January 2020
Always exciting working on something new, even if it's not strictly new ;)
I haven't made this boot in over 10 years. Originally called 'Ophelia' she was popular at the time but I moved onto other styles and she fell by the wayside. Whilst sorting through old image files I rediscovered her again and decided to revamp the pattern.
I spent a very happy day redrafting patterns and tweaking here and there till they were just right. I then spent another day sifting through leather stock to see which ones would be most suitable for this style. Not all leathers work with all styles so that's a tricky one to be honest. I think the lighter weight leathers will be best to keep the boot super supple so the cut can really tuck in around the ankle and over the instep.
I plan to make an initial full size run, half of which are finished and awaiting lacing and finishing touches, the other half on my table now. Not long for the big reveal ;) I will then continue with stock leathers in some rather special combinations. I have colours for darker basic boots, like browns and dark greys, blues and greens as well as super pretty pastels to mix up. There are even a few patterned ones.
Gosh its exciting making these. As ever, updates on Instagram of when the new stock is ready.
Other news from HQ:
- The shop has had a revamp as well as the leather swatch. Some colours are running out and won't be replaced so I thought it best to remove them from the swatch now.
- My snowdrops are well and truly up so as far as I am concerned Spring is coming... and about time too. I am sick of Winters wet, damp, cold misery. I am finding myself dreaming of light nights and walks without raincoats and woolly everything's.
Till the next time.
Ren x
Saturday, 25 August 2018
There is a definite nip in the air. I felt it on Wednesday and its got progressively cooler since. Plus the ever rampant Virginia creeper is blushing so that's a sure sign if ever there was one that the season is on the move. Summer has dusted off her golden coat and will soon be leaving with the Swallows.
Talking of dust, gosh did I have a good clean up in my workshop. Nothing like a good dusting and clearing of cobwebs to really inspire you. I had a good shuffle round too, although, I must say I did have to move my sewing machine back to where it was again. It threw me completely and I kept trying to sit down to an empty space. Very discombobulating... ;) But some new stock boots did get cut out which is a good start.
See... clean. I even wrote Tidy on the picture to highlight it... ;)
And onto the boots. Gosh I am having fun. I recently had a flower and butterfly stamp made up which for me has meant I no longer have to cut the tiny shapes with scissors (poor old hands are getting creakier every winter...). Can't even begin to tell you how wonderful that is. Only took me 16 years, but never mind. I'm going with 'Better late than Never' on that one. Hence, I am going flower mad lately, squiggle stitching and layering till my heart is bursting.
I bought this glorious lipstick pink leather 15 years ago, and Ive been saving it for so long... Fabric and yarn hoarders among you Will Know just where I'm coming from by writing that. But, its no good chaps. My shelves are literally dripping in leather and I must crack on and use it. I'm just going to go mad and make as many Tinker boots as is humanly possible to eat into my leather stores. I may even break through to Narnia at the back of the shelves by Christmas...
If I sneak in 2 pairs each time in between batches of current orders I should be able to get quite a few made for the Winter ahead. Thats the plan anyway, but its always dependent on time. They won't all be pink, don't worry. I know pink isn't for everyone, but somewhere out there, each pair has its owner waiting for them. Thats how I always see it as I make them.
I shall be making batches of blues, greens, purples and browns. Just like my leathers are laid out. That way I can pick out some rather yummy limited edition leathers which aren't on the swatch. Do expect lots of 'Flutterby Garden' (shown above) and 'Neverland' boots. I am especially excited about the brown ones. Getting more and more drawn to brown as I get older.
Size wise, I am afraid there will be limited sizes :( Only UK 4 / 5 / 6 / 7. I am so sorry if this isn't your size. Its just that UK 3 and UK 8 are so rarely ordered that making stock boots to sit on the shelf isn't really very practical or rewarding. But, on a brighter note... The entire size range UK 3 to 8 is available for the Everyday Collection which does contain our popular Willo and Wisp boots. Yay!!!
Well my dears, it's been fun sharing, as always.
Ren x
Thursday, 30 November 2017
November has most certainly been a month of boots.
Lots to report for November, get comfy. Most notably, new tall boots have just started being added to the shop. Only a couple of Moonshine boots, but, happy to say that we have made lots of Tinker boots in various sizes. I'm fast reaching 'boot out' so its a small batch by manufacturing standards, but a marathon when its a cottage industry like us.
Really liked the first Tinker boots in Dark Oak and Kingfisher.
The November camping stint went well (by camping standards). Mr F got to see his bikey friends, and I camped in the van in frosty conditions in Winter which was a bit of an adventure. I can honestly say that the pub Did Not know how to make a decent cup of tea. It was grey and lukewarm... One was Not amused. I ending up having to move onto the hard stuff at the public bar, having just milk instead. It was a small room, stuffed to the ceiling with leather clad males and a wood burner roaring in the background. I got so dehydrated that I woke on Sunday morning with a splitting headache and was ready for home. Felt very guilty because I did not say goodbye to the party.
On a lighter note... little pink kettle and tea making facilities on the back of our van at 7 o'clock on a frosty Sunday morning drew quite a crowd. I was inside the van, behind the curtain, quietly nursing my head, but Mr F (the trooper) was brewing up out front and chatting to chaps. The conversation with these 'chaps', who we had never met before was quite amusing :) They chatted among themselves for a good 10 minutes. The conversation was mainly about a Woman called Tina's, ample, incredibly wobbly bosom, which was prominently displayed where they sat, propped in front of her on the table for the evening. In thick South End London accents I heard details of how the "sight of 'Tinas t*ts' all night" had driven some of them to retreat and hide in their freezing tents. Unable to contain themselves. Much raucous laughter and expletives followed.
One chap then commented on how organised Mr F was having a tea cosy for the pot 'and everyfink'. Mr F then replied, that it was down to the wife and pointed inside the van.
"What! You've got a lady in there?" one said in a terrified voice.
"Cor blimey, we've been effing and jeffing and all sorts out ere".
Frantic Mumbled murmurings of apologies followed... then one chap said loudy, "Tescos have got medium cheddar on offer at ours, 2 for 1, blimen lovely stuff it is".
Once the 'cheese on offer' conversation was exhausted they drifted away and headed to the sanctuary of the pub. Possibly first checking to make sure 'Tina' was absent ;)
Didn't I laugh :)
I was indeed covered in cling wrap and am happy to say that my inking is complete. Beyond happy with this. I am healed now too with just a smidge of itchyness left. Huge thanks to such a clever artist Flavia Verda, who brought together all my ink, new and old. My story is complete.
Pimpernel Moonshines, now finished and all but ready to list.
Now then, the running bit of the title... Started last week with a friend doing a little bit of off road running. Possibly 'runpuffing' would be a better way to describe what actually happened. I can hear you laughing you know...
Its okay, I don't mind...
We had a good laugh too...
I'm not buying special clothing or shoes. Its a definite, use what you've got activity for us. My thoughts are that if early surfers last century could go surfing with wardrobe doors and knitted swimsuits, then I can do a bit of running in a skirt. Yes indeed.
I wore my Connie shoes, laced up snug. They were brilliant. I did'nt slip, my feet felt great, no sweaty toes or socks and they really enjoyed the adventure. I may make myself some Clara to use exclusively for this past time.
Heart was pumping for England so I'm assuming its going to be good for me. Aiming for twice a week.
What 10 pairs of boots look like partly made. Table now clear and ready for the next batch of marking up. Cobwebs I think. And a new variation of Cobweb which I'm calling Neverland.
Finally cut 2 more tunics in a lovely linen viscose I bought years ago. Yes, I know the curtains are the same fabric... I bought rather a lot at the time :) The colour is a definite no for me, and the pattern to be honest, but over dyed a dark blackcurrant its going to hopefully look rather nice.
My new toy, sorry, meant to write tool then. A stronger, easier eyelet setter. After setting 500 eyelets on the boots my hand nearly fell off... hence, the new, easier to use tool. Pretty colour too, which is always a bonus. Mr F never buys tools because they are a pretty colour. Its a good job someone here knows their priorities isn't it.
Finished Tinkers, taken this morning on the back step. What a trio.
Next boots to list will be Cobweb, Moonshine and more Tinker.
Last words... (thank heavens you gasp).
December tomorrow, we get to play christmassy music and put up the little plastic tree :)
That's about all I'm doing for Christmas. In fact I'm weaning myself off Christmas. I love this time of year, but its driving me a bit mad. Its an environmental disaster for one thing, and the hype and expectation is beyond belief... I'm humbugging so I must apologise if you are Christmas fan. I hope you enjoy every minute x I will too, but in a much tinier way :)
Custom collection is set to open after the 25th December. Keep it under your paper hat ;)
Did you read all that? You deserve a hot cup of tea! I need one after writing it, let alone reading it...
Thank you my dears, Ren x
Saturday, 11 November 2017
Me in reflective mood earlier today. Post boot pattern making, pre boot marking. Hair washed earlier, but unbrushed. How slovenly of me, but, the leather never notices the state of my hair, so preening was going to wait till later. My head has been bursting with boots so I've been keen to crack on.
PYRAMUS from earlier in the week.
Lovely LUNA in waxy coffee leather.
More PYRAMUS which are in the shop :)
Earlier in the week saw me working on the prototype PEASEBLOSSOM calf boot. Round toe shape, wide tongue and a roomy boot body to fit boot socks or wider calf's with tights. I did some major pattern tweaking on these, which in my head worked a treat, but on paper they looked ridiculous. That's the problem with shoe making. You are dealing with a 3D object (the foot) which you make a 2D pattern for. I snipped and sewed anyway, and then cried (literally) because it worked perfectly. Who knew making a boot could be so emotional...
I wanted these to be easy to pop on and not require total unlacing. Happy to report that the wide tops and tongue mean that you can unlace just the top set and slip the boot off.
Someone commented that ski hooks are great for speed lacing, but alas, I once heard a rather dreadful story about ski hooks on tall boots and it completely put me off using them. Someones lace got hooked up from boot to the other, while she was rushing about carrying a little one, and well, you can imagine how hard she fell... gulp. Lacing is good. Time to stop and reflect on the coming day for an extra minute :)
I managed to mark out about 8 pairs of boots today so was really pleased with myself. I only stopped because I must cook tea...
Home, out across the Coombe taken yesterday before it was too dimpsy to see. A deer run heading down to the river. Difficult to see from this image, but incredibly steep and a long way down to the bottom of the valley. I remember when the children would follow deer runs to the bottom and back up again. Happy memories.
Working this weekend because next week has Friday missing and we are going away for the weekend. Those of you who reprimand me for not taking time off (thank you for caring my darlings), will be pleased to hear about this excursion... or horrified. Let me present the facts...
Friday is being spent all day for more inking torture. I use that word quite liberally because its upper back work, and anyone who has had work on their upper back will know Exactly What I am on About. I've got 6 hours booked in...
We then have a three hour drive to a field somewhere (?) to meet up with Mr Faerysteps bike group to spend the weekend camping. In November. Yep. I will arrive covered in cling wrap looking like a squid ink baguette from Subway and aching like mad.
This will either be utter folly and most likely end in our demise (November chaps, November...), or be a great adventure and one to remember. If I return on Sunday, I'll let you know ;)
Ren x
Friday, 10 November 2017
Faerysteps Cobweb fairy boots. My last custom Cobwebs for a while, made for a really lovely customer :)
Mustardseed fairy boots.
Mustardseed fairy boots with starlight applique work. Very much Harry Potter boots these. Intense violet and seaside contrast.
And Wisp in darkest violet, again with that seaside contrast on the back heel covers. So much violetness lately. That isnt even a word, but, you never know... it may catch on.
And finally what a treat on Sunday! I was evicted from the kitchen while my youngest (littlest, who isn't quite so little anymore...) baked up a feast. This included the first mince pies of the season. The pastry was so light and buttery it melted in the mouth. It was such a lovely treat to have with a nice cup of tea.
That's what homemade baking is all about really isn't it. My dear Mum always used to say that the most important ingredient you can add is love, and if you left it out, you can always taste it. She was so right. But then, when you look back, our Mothers were often right weren't they x
Thursday, 9 November 2017
I so enjoyed taking pictures of this batch. It was all so green! But, at the same time, it was like saying goodbye to Summer. Moving rapidly into a season of browns and golds and reds. Followed by the deepest greens of fir.
Queenie fairy shoes in zest.
Mustardseed fairy boots in zest and rhubarb. Love them every time I make a pair.
Together. A green congregation x
Monday, 16 October 2017
Had a great deal of fun with the new boot style WILLO. Timeless in a good dark oak brown as shown here.
Log heap to the rescue for a backdrop :)
I knew you'd want another picture of these beautiful Mustardseed fairy boots.
Oodles of orders for the new violet leather. HOLLY fairy shoes shown here.
And more WILLO boots in that glorious violet leather, with a lovely Mallard green contrast.
LUNA ribbon tie shoes in Damson leather. Very apt for harvest time :)
I was lucky enough to receive a lovely customer share from Helen of the same shoes!
Lastly, COBWEB fairy boots in violet with marmalade accents.
Last words: Blowing a gale outside here today. Hold onto your hats...
Ren x
Saturday, 14 October 2017
You cant beat a bit of silver birch for a good photograph. I had so much fun in the Autumn sunshine taking pictures. Its that time of year again, where everything is glowing.
We are currently finishing orders ready to start on new stock from 1st November onwards. Expect a variety of styles, sizes and colours. Do follow on instagram or facebook for regular updates of whats on the worktable each day. I have to admit I am more than a little bit excited about this. It's when my job ceases to be work and becomes, very much, a case of "What colour shall I play with today?" Expect lots of work in progress shots and lots of special editions.
I have rolls of leather on my shelves that have been left dreaming for far too long.
The euphoria is likely to last several months... 😉
I've made some real beauties lately and there are more to come soon.
Ren x
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