These boots are adapted from ones found at the York (Jorvik) dig in England. Instead of blind-stitching the soles as in the originals, these are overcast. This is easier for the novice to handle. For the experienced leatherworker, you can turn the edges of the upper under and stitch to the sole.
Enlarge the pattern pieces and cut out of vinyl. construct the first shoe from vinyl to check the fit. Make adjustments then make a pair with leather.
If you are doing your leather pair, soak the sole in water until it becomes pliable. Place the vamp on the sole with the right sides together and begin stitching at the middle of the vamp using an overcast stitch (fig. 1). If you have trouble sewing through the leathers, use an awl to punch holes. (A leather punch makes the holes too big and you will take in more water than you need to.) Fit the back and side piece to the sole, leaving the "V" shaped flap on the outside of the shoe (fig. 2). Stitch the back and sides to the sole. Turn the shoe right side out and stitch the "V" shaped flap to the outside. To form the fastener, roll the side strip of leather as shown in figure 3 and secure with a stitch or two. Attach the strap as shown in Figure 4 and fasten the shoe by pushing the roll through the loop. While these shoes are listed as men's, they are equally appropriate for women of this period.
