Shoes
Friday, 19 June 2026
Making now — Cobweb Boots | Pink, Ochre, Moss and Lichen - Queenie shoes | Campion pink.
The pink I am using is a tad darker than these from the archive, but delicious colour all the same. Should be ready in July.
Ren x
Tuesday, 9 April 2024
I can't believe how fast time seems to be flying by, yet also dragging on. I blame it on the relentless rain we have been having. I feel as if its been raining forever. My youngest informed me yesterday that its been raining since September and she is most probably right. However, I keep seeing patches of blue and everything here at home is flushing green so Spring is here!
I look forward to walking the lanes with warm sunshine on my back and little birds busy in the hedgerows. Tea in the yard, morning, noon and night. Evening trips after work to the seaside to eat fish n chips in the van and stare at the beauty of the sea. A happy thought.
Ive spent the whole year so far buried underneath custom orders and can safely say that I am now completely burnt out ;) its been a hard slog to the finish line but I am 4 orders away from completion, yippee! Lots of pairs still on their lasts and yet to be laced and packed for posting but thats a matter of weeks away now. I most probably shall'nt open custom again this year, but you never know.
Once completed I will be moving onto stock making as since the 'clear out' sale the Faerysteps shop is all but empty! The horror of it! Stock will be slowly added but I do have a great deal of catching up with home projects and work here so when I say slow I do mean slow. Ive been working 7 days a week for months so I'm owed some slow time ;)
Ive got some shoes already cut out from back along which I will make first, but then am keen to get going on a pile of Wisp short boots. They are so useful for any season so Im thinking its a good style to start with. Lots of limited edition leathers I can use for these so many will be one of ones. I don't plan on making anymore of the very small leathergoods this year (hence the sale), but I will make some Withy, Jinks & Hazel belt pouches as well as a few Wela wallets. Also planning lots of Natter bags, simply because its a great little size and fits a phone and essentials. There will be other larger bags made too.
Well my dears, I think that pretty much sums up future making plans. As always, updates are via Instagram (I tend to use facebook less and less) and can also be seen on the home page of the website. Plus do check out the 'Latest' collection which will always show the newest items added to stock. Its going to be a few weeks till anything new is added though.
Till then, keep smiling, Ren x
Wednesday, 8 July 2020
Have to say I was rather pleased with this new style. Let me introduce Maisie to you all...
Simple, super comfortable, great for wide ankles and wide fittings, lovely and airy for the Summer, what's not to love. Everyone on the 'look see' pages ( thats social media ;) ) really liked her and requested more, so I shall make a full size run. Have to draft the patterns for all sizes first of all so it will be another week or so me thinks.
In the meantime I have cut oodles of Flittle sandals in this stunning black crackle leather! A full size run as well as duplicates of the most popular sizes. Hoping to have the first ones of these in the shop either later today or tomorrow. Exciting stuff eh ;)
The black crackle leather is limited edition. I only have 2 hides so when it's gone, it's truly gone.
FAIRYSTEPS home updates: It's been busy. But when isn't it busy? Much to do as ever and chipping away at things. Mr Fairysteps has worked wonders on the Whisky Wagon and although you can't see most of his hard work, mainly because its welding underneath, we know its there. He has insulated inside and the fit out can begin very soon :) Ive bought curtain wire ready to make and hang the curtains. Ive got lots of shirting weight cotton in all different patterns so I think I will use that.
It has gone in for MOT today so please cross fingers that it passes.
Teapot and kettle is back up in the Potty Hut, but the weather has decided that Summer is over and seems to have gone into Autumn mode home here. It's a bit depressing really, as I was rather enjoying the sunshine. Even managed to go outside not wearing thermals... Let's hope it returns soon and warms us all up again. I will have to write to someone about it else...
Mr Fairysteps in true self sufficiency spirit reinstated the long neglected vegetable garden. I don't know how he works so hard! Seen tending the potatoes here, but behind is the HUGE cage he built for the cabbages, mainly to keep cabbage white butterflies out as well as pigeons. A pair of them have been eyeing the young plants up, and at one point I swear I saw a recipe book under a wing...
At this point Id like to point out that Mr Fairysteps is 6ft 4 (giant) and the 'cabbage run' is also 6ft 4... how big is he expecting the cabbages to grow I asked? Didn't we laugh! It is in fact so he can stand up in there without having to stoop over and knacker his back. Wise man.
The blueberries need picking so I must do that this week. The blackbirds have been evicted and kept out with netting so they should be safe for a day or two.
I reinstated Sunday sewing to sort out my wardrobe. Starting with trousers... It's been a mixed bag to be honest. I perfected the flares pattern and its great, looks good etc, but Im not 100% sold on it. Got to admit that having reached the grand age of fifty, comfort seems to be my top priority now. That and simplicity. Im just not so keen on anything remotely fussy anymore. Not to mention the fact that my stupid tummy balloons to the size of a beach ball on a regular, sporadic basis and is useless in a tight fitted trouser waistband (why didn't I think about this?).
Looking in my wardrobe at all the frilly bloomers and myriad of colours I feel uninspired to wear any of it. Maybe the whole weight loss thing is to blame, and maybe I 'hid' in my clothes before without really knowing I did it? Who knows.
What I do know is that change is afoot and I must evolve. I mustn't be afraid of change, but instead must explore new possibilities.
So my dears, I have bought a sewing book and some cotton jersey, as well as special hand sewing thread and needles and decided to tackle some of the Alabama Chanin wardrobe staples. I love the simple clean lines of it all. I may even adapt some of my own hand drafted patterns and make them for the shop, who knows.
My biggest challenge will be the EZRA coat, which I have to admit I fell in love with as soon as I saw it. Gosh it's a corker!
The layering possibilities for this coat are beyond beautiful. It has the perfect, in my opinion, swish factor, a lovely nipped in waist too.
Huge deep pockets, that fit and flare cut, tailored to perfection. The woman's a genius! I have bought some UK made cotton single jersey to make a double layered one for Winter warmth. The outer will be Forest green with an Aubergine lining. No pattern work, all plain.
This is the shorter blazer option on the pattern which may be worth making first as a test on sizing and construction. Can you imagine Fairysteps Borrower buttons on this.
Yes, I thought so too.
I am wearing my AC fitted dress constantly and missing it something dreadful when its in the wash, so I think making another one of those first is a must. Ive ordered some chocolate brown jersey and am just waiting for that to arrive. Then its a sploosh in the washing machine followed by the tumble rumble to make sure its fully shrunk, then snip snip and sew :)
Next will be an underskirt in olive green jersey, simple A line fit and flare. Im going for layers for my future wardrobe. Layer upon layer of simply cut natural colours. And dare I say it... simple leggings underneath on colder days, long socks or no socks for warmer ones. Coupled with my Arrietty shoes I think its a good look for me. Comfy, adaptable for all seasons and above all highly practical.
UK made single cotton jersey from: Richer fabric on ebay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100-Knitted-Jersey-Cotton-Stretch-Interlock-Jersey-Fabric-Material-Made-in-UK/180684868630?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=480067527169&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
Button thread (cotton thread with a strong poly core) as recommended for hand sewing jersey from Empress Mills here, also good for needles - https://www.empressmills.co.uk/36s-polycore-thread
As ever my dears, its been a joy talking to you all. Take care and have a lovely rest of the week.
Ren x
Friday, 29 May 2020
Well my dears, what a strange few months this has been for everyone. Ive been self isolating since 1994 when my first baby arrived so its not been very different for me... up here. But, I do know its had a profound effect on many, which is a very sad business. Bearing in mind that much like Brexit, we have probably, mostly, all started to suffer with Brain Numbness when we here any news on the subject, so that's As Much As I Will Say on the matter.
Let's talk shoes instead and pass a jolly few minutes in Fairysteps Land :)
What have I been up to? Gosh, what haven't I been up to! I think a list is needed because there is so much to catch up on.
- Obvs the Scotland trip was cancelled. Whisky Wagon is up on jacks in the big shed as Mr Fairysteps has moved onto more pressing matters. This consists of his yearly battle with Mother nature, mainly brambles, stinging nettles and ivy this year, plus veg growing on an industrial scale... I know nettles are great for caterpillars etc... but for heaven's sakes. If we left them all the caterpillars would in fact overrun the property, possibly even Devon (the entire South West of England might even sink under the weight of the invasion), and isn't there enough going on without us causing that sort of calamity? Maybe the van will be finished this year for local trips to the seaside, crossing fingers. He is also super busy getting our Airbnb ready for next year, masses and masses of work to do yet ;)
- I changed my name back to its original one, Fairysteps. It was strange but it just felt the right thing to do. It almost feels like time travel in an odd way. I can't think of how else to describe it, but it was most definitely the right thing to do. Anything that turns back time has to be a winner ;)
- I closed custom orders. I know, what am I like! But by golly it was needed. I honestly haven't had this much enthusiasm and joy in my work for years. I literally am working my socks off, yet I feel like Im on constant holiday. Well as far as Im concerned that says it all. Sadly there have been grumbles about custom going :( but the majority seem very happy about all the new stuff I am making. Alas, I can't please everyone, as much as I try. But I do know that if I burn out there won't be any shoes for anyone, custom or otherwise, so I simply must follow my instincts on how I need to work and what options I offer. Note: I still feel guilty though...
- I revisited an old style and have been busy tweaking that pattern to perfection. Ive made several size runs now and I am so pleased with them. If I was doing custom I wouldn't have had time.
- On a personal level, all my grown up children are back home living which has been a wonderful treat to have the whole litter back together. Obviously I don't want them to stay forever, I mean come on, I know I'm a good Mother but there are limits ;) but it's good to see them safe and well and busy. I am so lucky!
- My Slimming World journey continues, happily I can say, because I just can't imagine living any other way now. Eating healthily every single day feels so good. I am now lighter than when I met my Husband when I was just 17 years old. I am not at target yet, but it's so close I can almost touch it :) I honestly don't know why the government doesn't promote the programme? All the NHS diet advice programmes seem to be for calorie counting. Ive don't that. Yes I lost lots of weight. Yes I was utterly miserable. Yes I put it all back on. I was hungry all the time and it made me obsess over how much food I was eating, which is most unhealthy. Slimming world taught me about all the healthy foods I can eat as much as I want to of. It was simply a case of filling up on those and waiting for my tastes to change so that I didn't crave junk foods anymore. I am 1.5lbs away from my 3 stone loss award ;) Thats in just under a year. Woo Hoo.
So thats me caught up. Lots of other bits too, but I daresay you've developed a nervous twitch in your left eye by now so that will be enough for now. Lets have some shoe pictures instead :)
 Finally faced my buckle hang up and decided that buckles are in fact rather blooming marvelous, so for heaven's sakes Ren, get on and start using them more. Having embraced this new found love of buckles, and true to form, I haven't made a single shoe without a buckle in weeks 🤣 |
The little butterfly on the Tea Bar shoe really suits it I think. I've also used a flower accent on the next batch which are all shamrock green. Just you wait till you see those wonders!
The next variation is Petalstrap. Initially with a different coloured, narrow centre strap, but Ive changed that now to the same base shape as the Tea Bar shoe. I have some simply beautiful jade leather which will be a full size run of these, with a limited edition printed leather for the flowers in lilacs and pinks. O my goodness, soft, subtle, beauty.
The original narrow centre strap.
And the latest tweak of this design. Im a terrible pattern fiddler. Notorious in fact, so there will be more tweaks ;) its the perfectionist in me...
Well my dears, the worktable calls and once I have made another pot of tea I shall continue on these shamrock green Tea Bar shoes. After that, its Jade Petalstraps in a full size run. Then I think Luna is calling.
Take care and wherever you are, I hope your sun is shining.
Ren x
Friday, 22 February 2019
Its been a while since Ive written a post so apologies for the long time away.
Lets drop right back in with a round up some recent makes... Lots of Clara's on the order books recently so had to share the 'rear' view of these glorious peacock blue ones. Gosh I love blue so much. Its the colour of sky and water, life essentials, maybe that's why Im drawn to it so much as I get older?
And green, there's another life essential... Holly in zest. Possibly my last of this leather as I plan on keeping some of the remainder for some bags. I have an itch to make some cross body Meg bags soon, time permitting.
I havent blogged about my latest new style have I... please meed Pod. Rather fine even if I say so myself ;) Im so chuffed to bits with how this turned out. Named after Pod, Arriettys father in one of my favourite books, The Borrowers, by Mary Norton. Pod is a seamless delight for your feet. Ive been holding off choosing a colour for myself while I gave it some thought. They will be my new walking shoes for several years to come so I wanted to make sure I picked a universal colour scheme for my current wardrobe. I wear so much dark blue and black and grey now that I feel inkwell is my best choice. Its also super soft leather. A little brown wren for me.
Willo continues to be our best seller of the winter so far. There is a quite a following for this little boot and its so much fun for me seeing what exciting colours you choose. Im probably as excited as you are when you order!
These plum and chocolate and mermaid with 'ragglebloom' additions were particularly pretty. Very different, but subtle all at the same time.
I even squeezed in 2 stock pairs of shoes with the new chestnut leather. What a colour!
One pair of Kitty and one of Binky. Havent made any for so long. Im thinking of resurrecting one of them for more regular appearances. So far, Im more drawn to Binky.
And finally, something lovely from Faerysteps Land to share with you all...
I found this stunning lichen on a ramble down through the oak woods earlier today. Gosh, it was so pretty. The softest blue tinged grey... Mother nature is so clever isnt she.
Time for a late tea for me, feet up with the teapot for an hour, then an early night. Saturday tomorrow but heaps to do. Have a good weekend all, 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
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
Friday, 27 October 2017
Esther vintage fairy shoes in dove grey.
I've had such a busy week, but then half term always is for parents is'nt it. I am very aware though that these times will pass, and that for me in fact, this is most probably my last half term with my youngest. This time next year she will already have turned 18, and so the luxury of outings mid week etc will be gone forever, never to return. So I made sure I took some time off this week so we could be together. It was so lovely.
I worked last weekend to make sure I really cracked on with the outstanding orders. There were lots of Victory red shoes and I must say, they rather cheered me on to the finish line. I've made so many custom shoes and boots this year that I'm feeling a smidge burnt out... it really is time to take a break from custom.
I did manage to squeeze in cutting out 2 new tunic dresses which made me ever so happy. I have been meaning to for months but have'nt had time. The fabric is glorious linen / viscose blend, and the print is rather pretty too, but... unless I want to look like I just lost a fight with a curtain, the colour is a definite NO. I fear I am too old for white and pink :)
I've bought some dye to pop them in the machine for a colour spin. One will be deep blackberry, and the other a teal colour. I can never find dye colours I like so I pop it in a jam jar and add a teaspoon of different colours to tone them down or blend new ones. It's so exciting waiting for them to finish the cycle...
We went on a long awaited family trip to Dunster Castle. Crossed the border to Somerset which was something in itself. Littlest drove us in 'her car' which was very exciting. Well, I expect it was... truth be told, I was keeled over in the back with my eyes closed for most of the journey. The older I get, the more I hate long journeys and motorways. Give me a lane with tall hedges and barely enough room to get a car down it, and I'm the happiest woman alive.
LUNA vintage fairy shoes in Victory red.
PUCK fairy shoes in Victory red.
I finally sewed up the last batch of Hendreary hats Ive been knitting and got them listed. Hoping these will be popular for gift giving.
Youngest (who is studying Agriculture) did a few days of farming and was in her element. It was lovely to see. I do love seeing my children happy in their lives.
We visited 2 castles in one week! Went to local Castle Drogo and indulged in lunch together. The gardens were going to sleep, but still full of colour and form. Views across the valley to home are always lovely to see from this side.
Don't mention paint to me. I've literally had enough of it now...
The stairs, doors, front room, beams, airing cupboard, floors have all been finished at last. It's been 2 years of what seems like non stop decorating for me. Happily, I washed my last brush out this morning once the porch floor was finished. Home looks the bees knees and I am very proud. These pictures are in progress shots, so the floor probably does'nt have its top coat on. It does now :)
The last thing I would like to do before Christmas is strip the varnish off the kitchen sink and sand and oil it. I should never have put varnish on to start with. It locks in any water that gets under it and stains the wood. We were going to update the kitchen and pop an old stainless sink in that I have, but to be honest, I can't be bothered! Decided to make do and mend and be grateful with what I have already.
Porch floor which was a terrible mess looks so much better. Only finished it this morning!
The stairs all top coated in this picture, but, underneath and floor in progress.
Plus, as if doing the house isn't enough, Mr F has started on the Cabin in the woods. Ripped out the back wall and is shifting the toilet. Here he is putting a new supporting beam up. Unfortunately... I am going to have decorate the Cabin when the building work is finished, but that won't be any time soon so thats okay. I am turning back time in there to 1930. My little time warp to visit and drink tea, and for family to come and stay in.
As all orders are finished (in my workshop at least, Mr F still has work to do on their bottoms...), I dipped into the leather pile and marked and cut my first stock today. It felt a real treat. Absolute creative indulgence. Selfish shoemaking. Non prescriptive creativity. It was a joy. Look out for updates of finished stock. Its all going to be very unique and spontaneous. Proper battery charging stuff, hopefully not just for me, but, for you as well. There are after all, only so many pictures of black Lunas you can show ;)
Happy weekend my dears, Ren x
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Media
Search