the fabulous thing about Gonzo as a character is that we can excuse any inaccuracies by him being a Weirdo. I'm positive he's wearing incorrect shoes for the reason Nichole mentions with the availability of research given how they all come together, but it's hilariously reasonable that Gonzo just wanted women's style shoes and wears them on the wrong feet because he's Gonzo, even when he's Charles Dickens.
Nicole: “I’m going to do some thing I’ve never done before.” Then proceeds to film herself making a stunningly beautiful and complicated thing with enormous success. You are amazing.
It's pretty funny how if the shoes in the movie had been for a human, the costume makers likely would have noticed your point about the lacing going on the inside, but those shoes were made for a puppet, which did not dress itself.
I've seen a few muppet skits where Gonzo is involved in discussion on nonbinary/cross-dressing etc. So I was wondering if him wearing women's shoes was on purpose and is a nod to that.
Love this series, can’t wait for the final reveal!!! Also to play Devil’s advocate, if Gonzo was wearing women’s side-lacing boots that would 100% be in character considering Gonzo is a “whatever” rather than a male or female human and thus would have no qualms with the concept of gendered clothing
As for Gonzo wearing the shoes on the wrong feet, we have no idea how Whatever knees bend (if they even have knees). Sometimes, you have to sacrifice historical accuracy for actor comfort
"They obviously didn't have masking tape" True. But you know darn well if they had, they'd have used it... I do medieval armour metalworking and yeah, we use a lot of new tools they wouldn't have had, or tools that looked a lot different from what we have now... because we don't use apprentices for cheap labour and we need to get the product out the door at a price people are willing to pay. Also, power tools like drills and grinders not only get the work done faster with a minimum of wear and tear on the armoursmith, but also make a more consistent and often better quality :) My mentor always said "So what if they didn't have X tool? You know if they HAD they'd have used it." And historical accuracy doesn't stop us from using modern personal protective equipment in the shop either. AND OMG YOU HAVE AN AGLET SETTER!!!
As some have pointed out, the costume department could have put the shoes on Gonzo backwards on purpose as an inside joke or as a quirk of his wonderful character. Wearing old shoes or women's shoes or anything out of fashion would also be possible for characterization. However, if Gonzo's shoes are ahead of their time, would that make Gonzo the fashionista of Victorian London? I can see him stomping down the haute couture runway during fashion week! What an image. lol
I kind of like the idea of Gonzo wearing women's shoes. He has always been the queerest of the Muppets, and has always been described as a 'whatever' instead of a man or woman. Especially with the recent appearance of Gonzorella in Muppet Babies, Gonzo occasionally enjoying traditionally feminine fashion and footwear seems very accurate to his character!
how are you able to post so frequently? i have ZERO skills in or knowledge of dressmaking, tailoring, shoemaking, millenry, etc. but they all seem incredibly time consuming. kinda feels like youre half magic!
@@NicoleRudolph it's been said that I am fae aswell, but I couldn't do what you do. At least not yet. Having some previous knowledge and skill probably cuts down a lot on the time you need to figure out a new skill with in that realm. And practice helps a lot aswell. Do you have an overview of how much time you actually spent on the diffrent garments?
@@melinnamba I'd love it, if creators would routinely time themselves doing their projects (or relevant parts of it anyway) and include the results (as well as financial spreadsheet) in their reveal. I mean, I know the results wouldn't be transferable 1:1 because of different skill levels and work speeds (and the price of materials)...but it would still give you a rough idea of the scale of a given project. And maybe forewarn you about unexpectedly time consuming or expensive exploits. As far as I'm aware, no costumer on TH-cam does this and I can't be the only one, who would find this information both useful and interesting. I had the same issue regarding my diy camper van and (loosely) researching Tiny Houses. A lot of people show the building process, but few talk extensively about the time and financial commitments.
Love the stripped socks/stockings. Makes me smile. Love watching you make shoes. Visited a church member just before Christmas and she had several lasts in her curio cabinet and some was a straight last. She had shoe makers for several generations back.
when you did the waistcoat episode I was like ‘I’m going to make a 1940’s waistcoat too’ and here I sit. watching you and still working on the waistcoat.
Loved this. My thoughts are maybe Gonzo has really tiny feet and couldn’t wear men’s shoes. Also with the laces on the outside, probably an asthetic choice for the movie but we all know that Gonzo can pretty much fold up like a contortionist. Maybe his knees bend better the other way and it’s more comfortable for him. Just my weird Gonzo and Muppet loving mind running with these guesses, lol! Love this entire series!
I am positive there are multiple references in the Muppets re: Gonzo wearing women's clothing, so it tracks. Also those shoes are freaking PERFECT snd entirely keep the spirit of the shoes and look historically plausible and also...Muppet-y.
It's apparently canon that Gonzo is somewhat nonbinary so it is fun to imagine that they are intentionally women's boots! Even though with the research available it's probably not. :) I love watching you make shoes! It's something I don't get to see often :)
Every time I watch someone else sew I’m so worried that they’ll stab themselves with the needle but when I sew, I’m incredibly careless with that sort of thing
I love how even though you're a professional, wearing safety gear, and clearly very competent at what you do...I still feel nervous watching you cut things. Still absolutely adore this series 💕
When I first saw her doing that saddle stitch on the bottom of the shoe, I saw her fingers where discolored. I got worried for a second because I thought it was blood before I realized it was probably just the stuff she used to color the thread.
Watching video and counting the number of times I would have lost a finger or jabbed myself in the stomach with the super sharp Japanese tool. This is truly an endangered skill/trade (whatever one wishes to call it). Always amazing.
@@werelemur1138 I actually would, but I have two problems: I have hands issues (I'm waiting for surgeries) and I don't know if I have the right materials at home. Please, don't encourage me: lately I've been trying my hand at sewing (and having fun with it, who knew?), but it's painful. 😭
watching you do this is both relaxing and making me give all the cobblers and shoemakers of the past mad props for having the patience to ply their trade day in and day out!
This was fascinating! I had no idea footwear construction is so complex. I love learning more with every pair you make. Do you ever get "second shoe syndrome"? That moment when you complete the first one and then groan and put off doing the second one for a while? I learned the term with knitting socks/mittens/sleeves. Thankfully there's a method to make both at the same time. Have you done that with shoes to make sure they're exactly identical? I'm looking forward to the final reveal!!
I do sometimes make them simultaneously, but it requires right/left lasts (when using a straight last I only have one). The second one is SO hard because I know what I did wrong the first time but I can't change it otherwise I'll have mismatched shoes!
@@NicoleRudolph Deliberately making the same mistakes after you know better would be so hard! So even if you do have 2 straight lasts and make your shoes simultaneously, you'd still probably have to make the same mistakes anyway to keep them identical. Ugh. No winning. I think one of the hardest parts of crafting for me is knowing I'm wearing/using something with mistakes that I can't fix. Even if nobody else can see the mistakes, *I* know they're there.
I knit, and I like to think that the mistakes I make in my sweaters and mittens are the "signature" that show that they're made by me. I don't know if that helps, but the people I've shared these items with have appreciated that detail.
With my jewelry-making, I had an instructor I took a number of classes with years ago who used to tell me, when I'd get upset because I made a mistake, "Good. That shows it's handmade, and that you are not a robot. Anyone looking to buy handmade items WANTS those quirks in the products they buy." It helped me a lot.
Definitely need more videos of you making shoes. Any type of shoes you are down to make, doesn’t matter to me. It’s very relaxing. And the end product always turns out stunning 🤩
Your skills are amazing! I am shocked that this is your first time making this style. The soles look very sturdy and the stitches and edging look very tidy.
The sheer skill of this! Watching and listening to the heel part specifically just really drove home for me the skill and talent of shoemakers and cobblers throughout time. Thank you!
Wow Nicole! Your knowledge and understanding of this era of shoes are phenomenal. Add to that your skilled craftsmanship and voilà, another beautifully constructed pair of shoes! Your shoemaking art is a pleasure to watch.
My goodness you are an amazing craftsperson. This ensemble is fascinating! I think you should consider doing a historically accurate costume from a Christmas movie every year. I find this so captivating and educational.
Such an amazing accomplishment, not to mention it’s meticulously shot and edited video presentation. I am beyond impressed - there should be an award of recognition for things like these shoes (though I guess the likes and views sort of does that) - the serious amount of scholarship, skill, mastery of technique and time helps one to appreciate the world of the handmade and bespoke. You are indeed well on your way to becoming a Master Cobbler, Nicole. Alas, the Guild is long gone.
There actually is a society of Cordwainers in the US which does still do apprenticeship systems! Unfortunately they reformed the system just after I had done most of my training and I have yet to join as they are on the opposite coast, but perhaps in the future.
I LOVE the BATA Shoe museum. Living in Buffalo, pre-pandemic, I could pop up to Toronto for a day trip. Can't wait to do that again. Great video, as always.
Just notice that I have never seen your work space! U do really close up shot which i love but i think would be amazing to see your work space since making shoes is a very niche skill and i would love to see how u get organize with all your tools!
Fascinating!! I never knew that men's shoes from the 1840s could look like that. I really enjoyed learning more about this era, and, as always, watching you make the shoes was incredibly cool. Thank you for the video!
It is fascinating to see how much work goes into a pair of handmade shoes. I am thinking of all the literary references to shoes and shoemakers that I never really understood, just passed by. Your videos are so educational, but also a pleasure to watch.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoy watching you make a pair of shoes 👞 Nicole…it is so satisfying. I can absolutely appreciate why it costs so much to have a pair of shoes custom made…I’m sure Gonzo would love them too…🥰🇦🇺
Every time I see you pull that chisel toward yourself when you're carving, it gives me anxiety. I never expected to love a shoemaking video, but it's magnificent. Thank you.
I had to stop the video midway through just to tell you that I'm nerding out so hard at the whole series, but especially this one. I'm loving every second since you began on this journey. Thank you for fueling such creative juice to all of us
The shoes are very dandy! Two questions: 1) isn’t the leather sole extremely slippery and 2) how would they be cared for in terms of dirty wool in case of rain/mud?
The sole is slippery on modern surfaces, but does really well on historic ones. And it does suede up quickly. As for wool, it's water resistant so the dirt and mud keeps on the surface and you brush it off when dry. It's surprisingly easy to care for!
@@NicoleRudolph very interesting, thanks for answering. I have to put the anti-slippery sole on all my fancy shoes, otherwise it’s like walking on ice :)))
High end men's shoes still have leather soles to this day. I've never worn these myself, being a woman, nor a comparable version for women (as far as they exist, women's shoes are unfortunately usually about fashion and brands, not quality of craftsmanship or materials). But I'd assume, if it lead to regular accidents, we would know about it - that's just not the type of customer, where manufacturers can get away with selling unsafe products. There's very interesting content about this on TH-cam, btw...if you're looking for a new rabbit hole, to dive into 😉
@@raraavis7782 ralph lauren heels and ferragamo flats are made this way. You just stick a criss cross of masking tape across the bottom until the sidewalk scuffs the soles enough to prevent sliding (mostly 🤣). Another hack is to stick on a sliver of adhesive coarse grit sandpaper on the heel and under the toe pad. Or, if you have nice floors you don't want to wreck, a third option is to stick on nonslip bathtub appliqués.
I really need to thank you for making all these incredible videos, i've been struggling a lot with life lately because my job is.... Not really that great... So every night i just lay in bed in agony of waking up the next day to go to work again. A big saving grace have been your videos because it gives me something to look forward to and i usually watch them at night to calm myself down before bed. They really help me not focus on the next day i'm contracually obligated to spend with bad coworkers and customers
Watching you make these shoes is a marvel as always. Your striped socks made me smile. They really make the impression of Gonzo-as-Dickens in human form (which, wow, didn't realize how many layers we're on until I wrote it out.)
You must be incredibly talented and patient to be so successful in shoe making (in general). Not to mention discovering and researching the historical methods..I’m a pretty crafty person, but I could never imagine getting into such a complicated craft! Thanks for all the information and entertainment in your videos. I definitely don’t look at shoes the same now..happy new year Nicole. Edit: hang on, I just saw the socks. Sooooooooooo cute!
Oh wow, I guess I was expecting the shoes to be the least interesting part of this outfit, being that they're a style I was totally unfamiliar with, but you put so much care into making them and the finished products are LOVELY. Thoroughly enjoyed watching them take shape 😍😍😍
Honestly Gonzo wearing women's shoes pn the wrong feet fit in with his character so well. Also maybe lacing them on the outside made them easier to put onto puppet feet?
I must gush a bit that I am a admirer of how deep you dive into your subjects/projects. I too dive deep. For example; when in my soap making phase, I made friends with a butcher. I got the Free beef trimmings to make my own tallow. (My cats enjoyed this new environment of beef fat steam in the kitchen for days). I was trained in college in the 1970's when there was no degree in historical costume, only fashion design, which I got in a trade school achieving a trade certificate, and a BFA in Fashion Design. Dear lady, I am a true devotee.
Beautifully done. I know this is probably not intentional but the way you talk makes it so nice when listening. My husband watches great historical content but some of the people speak so fast that my brain can't keep up with all the new information. 💘 I love watching your channel as it is the highlight of my week.
In abstract I knew you could make shoes, you have a few videos showing them, but for whatever weird reason this is the first one I’ve actually watched. I am gobsmacked! There are no words. You did good, girl! 🤩
Open pumps are definitely _not_ winter footwear in Northern Europe, so I 100% agree that Gonzo would be wearing boots, or at least something that actually covers the whole feet, in December.
Every time you have a shoe making vlog, I'm transported to a beautiful and wonderful world of shoes. I learn something from each and enjoy the time watching. Happy New Year's. BTW what will you do now that your BFF - Abby is moving?
Every single video of yours I watch, I always marvel at your skill set, Nicole. Cool video as usual, and the shoes look really cool. I’m sure Gonzo would aprove.
❤ Completely fascinating. I love shoes so much, and I make a lot less historical fashion than I used to, but that is a labor of love, patience and talent. Why am I so enamored with the shoelace end press? And the striped socks are *chef's kiss*.
Beautiful, absolutely gorgeous. You are so talented, so accurate and make it all look easy, which it isn’t. It’s hard work and a huge thought process. Ive subscribed after watching this video, and excited to go through your back catalogue. Oh, as for ‘correct tools’ go for tools that your happy with, after years of using tools, sometimes you need a little help especially when the fingers, wrists and shoulders start to ache😊 it’s great being a purest, but as you get older the body needs protecting. Thank you so much I really enjoyed watching.
Yay these turned out well! I’m also amused that you mentioned that the seams on your originals aren’t squared up at all. Maybe they were rushing production?
The stripey socks are perfect! The shoes are so beautiful and look like they'd be very comfortable. I know I will never make a pair but I love seeing the process and the skill involved.
Nicole, love the channel. I have been making mens dress shoes for about three years and I know how difficult it can be. I can’t speak On the fabric end of it, but your preparation of the holdfast, welting and outsole stitching were excellent! The heel and sole finish were very nicely done! 👏
love the video! I grew up in Toronto and went to the Bata shoe museum in the second grade and it blew my little eight year old brain that there was a whole museum for just shoes
clarks in street somerset uk have had a shoe musem for 50yrs+, it seems verry comprehensive and has shoes from pre tudor to their most modern ones,though i havent been for twenty years. a great day trip if you need to uk any time
Happy New Year, Nicole 🎉 I absolutely adore your information-packed videos 💖 Also wanted to add that your hair is especially flattering - and I love seeing you in jewel tones !!!
the fabulous thing about Gonzo as a character is that we can excuse any inaccuracies by him being a Weirdo. I'm positive he's wearing incorrect shoes for the reason Nichole mentions with the availability of research given how they all come together, but it's hilariously reasonable that Gonzo just wanted women's style shoes and wears them on the wrong feet because he's Gonzo, even when he's Charles Dickens.
And he's a time traveller!!!
This is why gonzo is the best muppet 😂
Nicole: “I’m going to do some thing I’ve never done before.” Then proceeds to film herself making a stunningly beautiful and complicated thing with enormous success. You are amazing.
It's pretty funny how if the shoes in the movie had been for a human, the costume makers likely would have noticed your point about the lacing going on the inside, but those shoes were made for a puppet, which did not dress itself.
Clearly Gonzo is an enjoyer of the latest in androgynous fashion trends. We stan 🙌🏻💕
The Great Gonzo does noting conventionally.
And I stan this comment! 🙌💓
My thought exactly. Gonzo is the type to not care if side lacing and dainty toes is a feminine style if he liked it!
@@elizabethnewell3133 because theyre artistic goddamn it and *he’s an artist*
I've seen a few muppet skits where Gonzo is involved in discussion on nonbinary/cross-dressing etc. So I was wondering if him wearing women's shoes was on purpose and is a nod to that.
Love this series, can’t wait for the final reveal!!! Also to play Devil’s advocate, if Gonzo was wearing women’s side-lacing boots that would 100% be in character considering Gonzo is a “whatever” rather than a male or female human and thus would have no qualms with the concept of gendered clothing
I considered going with it for a bit, but the fact that they'd be 10 years too early was the bigger problem!
Not to pick nits, but while Gonzo absolutely is a "whatever" he was playing Charles Dickens in the movie....
@@inerlogic definitely a fair argument, but looks like we’re both picking the wrong nit as Nicole pointed out in the previous reply lol
As for Gonzo wearing the shoes on the wrong feet, we have no idea how Whatever knees bend (if they even have knees). Sometimes, you have to sacrifice historical accuracy for actor comfort
@@CapriUni 🤣
"They obviously didn't have masking tape"
True. But you know darn well if they had, they'd have used it... I do medieval armour metalworking and yeah, we use a lot of new tools they wouldn't have had, or tools that looked a lot different from what we have now... because we don't use apprentices for cheap labour and we need to get the product out the door at a price people are willing to pay. Also, power tools like drills and grinders not only get the work done faster with a minimum of wear and tear on the armoursmith, but also make a more consistent and often better quality :) My mentor always said "So what if they didn't have X tool? You know if they HAD they'd have used it." And historical accuracy doesn't stop us from using modern personal protective equipment in the shop either.
AND OMG YOU HAVE AN AGLET SETTER!!!
As some have pointed out, the costume department could have put the shoes on Gonzo backwards on purpose as an inside joke or as a quirk of his wonderful character. Wearing old shoes or women's shoes or anything out of fashion would also be possible for characterization. However, if Gonzo's shoes are ahead of their time, would that make Gonzo the fashionista of Victorian London? I can see him stomping down the haute couture runway during fashion week! What an image. lol
I kind of like the idea of Gonzo wearing women's shoes. He has always been the queerest of the Muppets, and has always been described as a 'whatever' instead of a man or woman. Especially with the recent appearance of Gonzorella in Muppet Babies, Gonzo occasionally enjoying traditionally feminine fashion and footwear seems very accurate to his character!
I think the real issue is that they're from the 1850s. Gonzo is a many-splendored thing, but can't buy shoes from the future.
God I want to be called “the queerest of the muppets” from now on.
I’m knitting socks while watching you make shoes and something about that makes everything feel right in the world. Fabulous video!
I'm knitting socks while watching this video, too! How delightful!
I’m knitting some gloves while watching this, gloves are basically socks for your hands, right?
@@veerpeer9 Absolutely right! It counts ;)
Knitters unite! I'm working on a cardigan.
@@veerpeer9 gloves are Handschühe in German(I think?) which is hand shoes! So definitely!
I was at UofT when the Bata Shoe Museum opened. Thanks for saying “only opened in 1995” - that makes me feel less old. 😄
how are you able to post so frequently? i have ZERO skills in or knowledge of dressmaking, tailoring, shoemaking, millenry, etc. but they all seem incredibly time consuming. kinda feels like youre half magic!
My friends joke I'm fae. But really I just haven't left the house in 2 months 😂
@@NicoleRudolph a rare female brownie?
@@NicoleRudolph it's been said that I am fae aswell, but I couldn't do what you do. At least not yet. Having some previous knowledge and skill probably cuts down a lot on the time you need to figure out a new skill with in that realm. And practice helps a lot aswell. Do you have an overview of how much time you actually spent on the diffrent garments?
@@melinnamba
I'd love it, if creators would routinely time themselves doing their projects (or relevant parts of it anyway) and include the results (as well as financial spreadsheet) in their reveal.
I mean, I know the results wouldn't be transferable 1:1 because of different skill levels and work speeds (and the price of materials)...but it would still give you a rough idea of the scale of a given project. And maybe forewarn you about unexpectedly time consuming or expensive exploits.
As far as I'm aware, no costumer on TH-cam does this and I can't be the only one, who would find this information both useful and interesting.
I had the same issue regarding my diy camper van and (loosely) researching Tiny Houses. A lot of people show the building process, but few talk extensively about the time and financial commitments.
@@raraavis7782 Nerdforge likes to include a clock in the times lapses, it's amazing how long it takes to do even simple tasks!
Love the stripped socks/stockings. Makes me smile. Love watching you make shoes. Visited a church member just before Christmas and she had several lasts in her curio cabinet and some was a straight last. She had shoe makers for several generations back.
Gonzo is just made different.. he loves stealing shoes from different eras and genders and wearing them backwards. It's a fashion statement
when you did the waistcoat episode I was like ‘I’m going to make a 1940’s waistcoat too’ and here I sit. watching you and still working on the waistcoat.
I love these videos. It helps me to appreciate and understand why a decent pair of leather shoes (loafers in my case) cost so much.
I think it would be completely in character for Gonzo to wear woman’s shoes that non-binary legend!
I agree! If they had been a style from 10 years earlier I probably would have gone with it. But 1850s shoes for 1842 was too much 😂
Gonzo is not nobinary.
@@yeoldebanjo5470 Proof?
Loved this. My thoughts are maybe Gonzo has really tiny feet and couldn’t wear men’s shoes. Also with the laces on the outside, probably an asthetic choice for the movie but we all know that Gonzo can pretty much fold up like a contortionist. Maybe his knees bend better the other way and it’s more comfortable for him. Just my weird Gonzo and Muppet loving mind running with these guesses, lol!
Love this entire series!
Eh. Shoes were still largely custom at this point so.
@@CraftQueenJr Unless you buy used I guess. I wonder how prevalent used shoe sales were back then.
I am positive there are multiple references in the Muppets re: Gonzo wearing women's clothing, so it tracks. Also those shoes are freaking PERFECT snd entirely keep the spirit of the shoes and look historically plausible and also...Muppet-y.
It's apparently canon that Gonzo is somewhat nonbinary so it is fun to imagine that they are intentionally women's boots! Even though with the research available it's probably not. :)
I love watching you make shoes! It's something I don't get to see often :)
Every time I watch someone else sew I’m so worried that they’ll stab themselves with the needle but when I sew, I’m incredibly careless with that sort of thing
Nicole. I am in awe. I was fully absorbed in watching this shoe come to life. Amazing process. They are just beautiful!
I love how even though you're a professional, wearing safety gear, and clearly very competent at what you do...I still feel nervous watching you cut things.
Still absolutely adore this series 💕
Nicole, with bare hands: "...glass them down with a little bit of broken glass..."
Me, sweating: Sure uh huh cool and normal yup
When I first saw her doing that saddle stitch on the bottom of the shoe, I saw her fingers where discolored. I got worried for a second because I thought it was blood before I realized it was probably just the stuff she used to color the thread.
Watching video and counting the number of times I would have lost a finger or jabbed myself in the stomach with the super sharp Japanese tool. This is truly an endangered skill/trade (whatever one wishes to call it). Always amazing.
And.... you had to do this twice..... for two feet............... wow. I am beyond impressed
Every time I watch you making shoes I get the urge to grab my grandfather tools and attempt the same… Happy new year!
Doooo eeeeeeet! :D
@@werelemur1138 I actually would, but I have two problems: I have hands issues (I'm waiting for surgeries) and I don't know if I have the right materials at home. Please, don't encourage me: lately I've been trying my hand at sewing (and having fun with it, who knew?), but it's painful. 😭
watching you do this is both relaxing and making me give all the cobblers and shoemakers of the past mad props for having the patience to ply their trade day in and day out!
Very dapper! I can’t tell you how many times I said, “Wow” but I assure you, I am very much in awe of yours skills and diligent research.
This was fascinating! I had no idea footwear construction is so complex. I love learning more with every pair you make.
Do you ever get "second shoe syndrome"? That moment when you complete the first one and then groan and put off doing the second one for a while? I learned the term with knitting socks/mittens/sleeves. Thankfully there's a method to make both at the same time. Have you done that with shoes to make sure they're exactly identical?
I'm looking forward to the final reveal!!
I do sometimes make them simultaneously, but it requires right/left lasts (when using a straight last I only have one). The second one is SO hard because I know what I did wrong the first time but I can't change it otherwise I'll have mismatched shoes!
@@NicoleRudolph Deliberately making the same mistakes after you know better would be so hard! So even if you do have 2 straight lasts and make your shoes simultaneously, you'd still probably have to make the same mistakes anyway to keep them identical. Ugh. No winning.
I think one of the hardest parts of crafting for me is knowing I'm wearing/using something with mistakes that I can't fix. Even if nobody else can see the mistakes, *I* know they're there.
I have four single socks and two sweaters with one sleeve! Second sock syndrome is a disease!
I knit, and I like to think that the mistakes I make in my sweaters and mittens are the "signature" that show that they're made by me. I don't know if that helps, but the people I've shared these items with have appreciated that detail.
With my jewelry-making, I had an instructor I took a number of classes with years ago who used to tell me, when I'd get upset because I made a mistake, "Good. That shows it's handmade, and that you are not a robot. Anyone looking to buy handmade items WANTS those quirks in the products they buy." It helped me a lot.
Every time you do a shoe video, I learn new respect for cobblers.
I must admit, I always assumed that Gonzo was meant to be wearing galoshes/overshoes
Definitely need more videos of you making shoes. Any type of shoes you are down to make, doesn’t matter to me. It’s very relaxing. And the end product always turns out stunning 🤩
Your skills are amazing! I am shocked that this is your first time making this style. The soles look very sturdy and the stitches and edging look very tidy.
The sheer skill of this! Watching and listening to the heel part specifically just really drove home for me the skill and talent of shoemakers and cobblers throughout time. Thank you!
Wow Nicole! Your knowledge and understanding of this era of shoes are phenomenal. Add to that your skilled craftsmanship and voilà, another beautifully constructed pair of shoes! Your shoemaking art is a pleasure to watch.
My goodness you are an amazing craftsperson. This ensemble is fascinating! I think you should consider doing a historically accurate costume from a Christmas movie every year. I find this so captivating and educational.
I notmally dont care about being early, but your videos makes me feel like im getting a special preview. Very excited to watch this!
Such an amazing accomplishment, not to mention it’s meticulously shot and edited video presentation. I am beyond impressed - there should be an award of recognition for things like these shoes (though I guess the likes and views sort of does that) - the serious amount of scholarship, skill, mastery of technique and time helps one to appreciate the world of the handmade and bespoke. You are indeed well on your way to becoming a Master Cobbler, Nicole. Alas, the Guild is long gone.
There actually is a society of Cordwainers in the US which does still do apprenticeship systems! Unfortunately they reformed the system just after I had done most of my training and I have yet to join as they are on the opposite coast, but perhaps in the future.
@@NicoleRudolph Wow…I had no idea such a group existed…so yes, maybe in your future. 🤗
I LOVE the BATA Shoe museum. Living in Buffalo, pre-pandemic, I could pop up to Toronto for a day trip. Can't wait to do that again. Great video, as always.
I am enjoying this series so much and your shoe making always fascinates me! Thank you for sharing your research and your skills, :)
Watching you make these was so fascinating. I love this series!
Just notice that I have never seen your work space! U do really close up shot which i love but i think would be amazing to see your work space since making shoes is a very niche skill and i would love to see how u get organize with all your tools!
Fascinating!! I never knew that men's shoes from the 1840s could look like that. I really enjoyed learning more about this era, and, as always, watching you make the shoes was incredibly cool. Thank you for the video!
Every time you make shoes I am in awe. Each pair more wonderful than the prior pairs. Love the toe box on this pair.
It is fascinating to see how much work goes into a pair of handmade shoes. I am thinking of all the literary references to shoes and shoemakers that I never really understood, just passed by. Your videos are so educational, but also a pleasure to watch.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoy watching you make a pair of shoes 👞 Nicole…it is so satisfying. I can absolutely appreciate why it costs so much to have a pair of shoes custom made…I’m sure Gonzo would love them too…🥰🇦🇺
Oh my goodness the craftsmanship is spectacular and the victorian stocking reveal at the end just grand LoL
Once again, an amazing learning experience. And such great music choices. Thank you for a perfect rainy January evening treat!
Every time I see you pull that chisel toward yourself when you're carving, it gives me anxiety.
I never expected to love a shoemaking video, but it's magnificent. Thank you.
Something about your videos makes them all so soothing and comfy to watch. Thank you for the great content once again💕
Watching you use that new knife is incredibly satisfying! And the shoes look so amazing too 💖
I had to stop the video midway through just to tell you that I'm nerding out so hard at the whole series, but especially this one. I'm loving every second since you began on this journey. Thank you for fueling such creative juice to all of us
The shoes are very dandy! Two questions: 1) isn’t the leather sole extremely slippery and 2) how would they be cared for in terms of dirty wool in case of rain/mud?
The sole is slippery on modern surfaces, but does really well on historic ones. And it does suede up quickly. As for wool, it's water resistant so the dirt and mud keeps on the surface and you brush it off when dry. It's surprisingly easy to care for!
@@NicoleRudolph very interesting, thanks for answering. I have to put the anti-slippery sole on all my fancy shoes, otherwise it’s like walking on ice :)))
High end men's shoes still have leather soles to this day. I've never worn these myself, being a woman, nor a comparable version for women (as far as they exist, women's shoes are unfortunately usually about fashion and brands, not quality of craftsmanship or materials).
But I'd assume, if it lead to regular accidents, we would know about it - that's just not the type of customer, where manufacturers can get away with selling unsafe products.
There's very interesting content about this on TH-cam, btw...if you're looking for a new rabbit hole, to dive into 😉
@@raraavis7782 ralph lauren heels and ferragamo flats are made this way. You just stick a criss cross of masking tape across the bottom until the sidewalk scuffs the soles enough to prevent sliding (mostly 🤣). Another hack is to stick on a sliver of adhesive coarse grit sandpaper on the heel and under the toe pad. Or, if you have nice floors you don't want to wreck, a third option is to stick on nonslip bathtub appliqués.
@@lisettegarcia or take a metal file and rough them up
I really need to thank you for making all these incredible videos, i've been struggling a lot with life lately because my job is.... Not really that great... So every night i just lay in bed in agony of waking up the next day to go to work again. A big saving grace have been your videos because it gives me something to look forward to and i usually watch them at night to calm myself down before bed. They really help me not focus on the next day i'm contracually obligated to spend with bad coworkers and customers
I love the shoe making videos. Everything you do is amazing, but I think these are my favorites.
Watching you make these shoes is a marvel as always. Your striped socks made me smile. They really make the impression of Gonzo-as-Dickens in human form (which, wow, didn't realize how many layers we're on until I wrote it out.)
Thank you so much for your continued teaching! its much appreciated! Gonzo is coming together!
You must be incredibly talented and patient to be so successful in shoe making (in general). Not to mention discovering and researching the historical methods..I’m a pretty crafty person, but I could never imagine getting into such a complicated craft! Thanks for all the information and entertainment in your videos. I definitely don’t look at shoes the same now..happy new year Nicole.
Edit: hang on, I just saw the socks. Sooooooooooo cute!
I love your shoe videos, they’re so fun!
Oh wow, I guess I was expecting the shoes to be the least interesting part of this outfit, being that they're a style I was totally unfamiliar with, but you put so much care into making them and the finished products are LOVELY. Thoroughly enjoyed watching them take shape 😍😍😍
This entire series is a delight. Thank you.
I am in total awe of your shoe making skills along with everything else you do; and absolutely love watching you work!! 🥰
This was absolutely fascinating ... I love seeing the level of skill required to make these :)
Amazing work! Your shoe making videos always delight me with your skills, process, and the beautiful reveals. Thank you.
There are lots of videos of people sewing clothes. I think this is the first time I’ve seen someone making shoes. I am super impressed.
Zero shoemaking experience or interest really but was still spellbound watching this, it’s glorious seeing skilled craftsmanship in action xx
Honestly Gonzo wearing women's shoes pn the wrong feet fit in with his character so well. Also maybe lacing them on the outside made them easier to put onto puppet feet?
I must gush a bit that I am a admirer of how deep you dive into your subjects/projects. I too dive deep. For example; when in my soap making phase, I made friends with a butcher. I got the Free beef trimmings to make my own tallow. (My cats enjoyed this new environment of beef fat steam in the kitchen for days). I was trained in college in the 1970's when there was no degree in historical costume, only fashion design, which I got in a trade school achieving a trade certificate, and a BFA in Fashion Design. Dear lady, I am a true devotee.
Beautifully done. I know this is probably not intentional but the way you talk makes it so nice when listening. My husband watches great historical content but some of the people speak so fast that my brain can't keep up with all the new information. 💘 I love watching your channel as it is the highlight of my week.
In abstract I knew you could make shoes, you have a few videos showing them, but for whatever weird reason this is the first one I’ve actually watched. I am gobsmacked! There are no words. You did good, girl! 🤩
Open pumps are definitely _not_ winter footwear in Northern Europe, so I 100% agree that Gonzo would be wearing boots, or at least something that actually covers the whole feet, in December.
Every time you have a shoe making vlog, I'm transported to a beautiful and wonderful world of shoes. I learn something from each and enjoy the time watching. Happy New Year's. BTW what will you do now that your BFF - Abby is moving?
Shoemaking is wizardry and I love it.
The shoes are amazing! And so interesting, the difference between the women's shoes and men's shoes at that moment!
Every single video of yours I watch, I always marvel at your skill set, Nicole. Cool video as usual, and the shoes look really cool. I’m sure Gonzo would aprove.
This is incredible 😱
And the sock reveal at the end made me giggle ^^
Dude I've ALWAYS wanted to learn how to make shoes. You are amazing.
i know absolutely nothing about any of this but your voice is so soothing
❤ Completely fascinating. I love shoes so much, and I make a lot less historical fashion than I used to, but that is a labor of love, patience and talent. Why am I so enamored with the shoelace end press? And the striped socks are *chef's kiss*.
Beautiful, absolutely gorgeous. You are so talented, so accurate and make it all look easy, which it isn’t. It’s hard work and a huge thought process. Ive subscribed after watching this video, and excited to go through your back catalogue. Oh, as for ‘correct tools’ go for tools that your happy with, after years of using tools, sometimes you need a little help especially when the fingers, wrists and shoulders start to ache😊 it’s great being a purest, but as you get older the body needs protecting. Thank you so much I really enjoyed watching.
These are absolutely gorgeous - and loved seeing the process/problem solving/research.
This whole series has been superb.
I really like this series because who knows if making your own clothing and shoes will become a necessity in the future.
Yay these turned out well!
I’m also amused that you mentioned that the seams on your originals aren’t squared up at all. Maybe they were rushing production?
The stripey socks are perfect! The shoes are so beautiful and look like they'd be very comfortable. I know I will never make a pair but I love seeing the process and the skill involved.
Wow! Those are fantastic. Absolutely facinating footage.
Such artistry! Beautiful
Nicole, love the channel. I have been making mens dress shoes for about three years and I know how difficult it can be. I can’t speak On the fabric end of it, but your preparation of the holdfast, welting and outsole stitching were excellent! The heel and sole finish were very nicely done! 👏
I am enjoying this series so much!
Congratulations, you've now made me wanna get into shoe making lol
OMG it's SO pretty!!! 😍😵😲🥳 I love the "glazing up" of the black ink!
love the video! I grew up in Toronto and went to the Bata shoe museum in the second grade and it blew my little eight year old brain that there was a whole museum for just shoes
The end result was the most adorable little rat shoes I’ve ever seen! Awesome job, Nicole!
This series makes me so happy
Oh I would have loved to have heard what you thought them the first time you put them on. Were they comfortable?
clarks in street somerset uk have had a shoe musem for 50yrs+, it seems verry comprehensive and has shoes from pre tudor to their most modern ones,though i havent been for twenty years. a great day trip if you need to uk any time
I know this video is two years old already, but I still want to say how authentically Gonzo it is to be wearing women's boots on the wrong feet
I'm in awe of your skill and knowledge!
Happy New Year, Nicole 🎉 I absolutely adore your information-packed videos 💖 Also wanted to add that your hair is especially flattering - and I love seeing you in jewel tones !!!