Skip to main content Skip to footer

Clothing & Jewelry

Shoemaking with the Cordwainer Shop: The Pathfinder

previous slide
next slide

Course Overview

Learn the age-old art of being a cordwainer. Using the original patterns designed in the mid-1930s by Paul and Edward Mathews of The Cordwainer Shop, Molly will teach you to hand-stitch and hand-lace your own pair of Cordwainer Classics of the same design worn by Hollywood legends such as Caesar Romero, Shirley Temple, Mary Pickford and the original Henry Ford. Class will begin with a brief presentation on the history of the business and the original designs. Then we will move on to leather and color selection, cutting of patterns, and hand lacing using antique hand tools. The uppers will then be laced to the soles, placed on shoe lasts and baked before finishing. Made of non-synthetic materials, your handmade, one-of-a-kind shoes will only get better with time and last a lifetime with care. Upon enrolling, students will be sent a foot outline form, with explicit directions, to be sent back to the instructor prior to class.  Students can choose to add a crepe sole or dress lightweight tread for an additional cost of $50. NOTE: Due to materials preparation needs and sizing, students must register for this course at least six weeks in advance.

Dates

Mon, Jun 24th, 2019  –  Thu, Jun 27th, 2019

Course Details

Length: 3½ Days
Skill Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Hours: Days 1-3: 9am-5pm; Day 4: 9am-1pm
Intergenerational age: N/A
Tuition: $570.00
Materials fee: $220.00

Required

You will need the following tools for this class:

All required tools/materials are provided by your instructor and North House and will be available once the course begins.

Upon enrolling, students will be sent a foot outline form with explicit directions to be sent back to the instructor prior to class.

Optional Tools

  • Sharp pair of scissors for cutting leather

More Information

Once registered, students will receive a confirmation email with further class information. Please call us if you haven't received it within 24 hours.

Latest Update: View recent changes →

Meet the Instructor

North House Folk School photo of instructor, Molly Grant
Molly Grant
Deerfield, NH

Request a Catalog

Enjoy the tactile sensation of browsing our newsprint catalog of courses? Request your free copy of the North House Catalog here! And browse the digital edition while you wait!

Stay in touch!

Subscribe to our e-newsletter

Be the first to know about new courses and events!

Shoemaking with the Cordwainer Shop - 6/24/2019