Happy Feet Quilted Sneakers Class with Joan Radell of Bucklebee Toolbox

Saturday, February 17th was a busy day at St. Matthews Episcopal Church as 16 women tried their hand at constructing a pair of quilted sneakers using traditional shoemaking techniques.  Each member used a fabric of their choice and made a quilted sandwich prior to coming to class.  Soles and insoles in pre-ordered sizes, a pattern, waxed shoemaker thread, a saddlers' needle, a sharp stiletto, and a hard thimble were provided to each participant. Then the fun began!

The pattern for the upper and toe/tongue were cut, binding was attached,  then holes were punched so they could be matched up with the holes in the soles.  Eyelets in many colors were chosen then applied to the uppers.  The uppers and toe/tongues were stitched to the soles.  Shoelaces in so may hues and tones were available to finish off the creations!

Thank you to Joan for being such an entertaining and active teacher, Mary-Meade for coordinating the church, and Susan S, Wendy B, and Dianne W for lunch and cleaning up after everyone.  Special thanks to Lugene F for her passion and creative spirit!

Joan showing a completed pair of high top sneakers.


Cutting out the pattern from the quilt sandwich. 


Punching holes in the uppers.


Karen T stitching the binding to the upper and toe/tongue.


Eyelets in many colors are set with a press.


Paula works the eyelet press.


Elaine B consults with Joan


Danielle M stitching the upper to the sole.


Joan helps Becky W start the sewing on the sole.


Terry T sews her VA Tech upper to the sole.


Ellen was the first to complete her high top sneakers.


Arlene G chose black soles with a contrasting toe/tongue.


Becky W chose a multicolor fabric and green eyelets.


Danielle M will be sporting some new purple batik shoes.


Georgette B used an aboriginal print.  Note the fussy cut medallions on the sides.  Beautiful work!


Tara's sneakers are so happy with flowers on the upper and different colored eyelets.




You can bet that Terry T will be asked, "Where did you get those shoes?"




Sheila Z decided on a blue tone on tone effect with fussy cut medallions to make her toes speak.  Amazing job!



Elaine B did a fabulous job on fussy cutting her upper and set it all off with mauve colored shoelaces.


Karen M-E decided to go with a multicolored design.


Shoelaces can be switched out for a fun and funky look!


Paula's black soles set off the purple and green fabric.  Love the laces!


Linda's stunners are elegant, yet fun! Gold laces really set the pair off!


Awesome job on the fussy cut toes Laura S!


Karen T's sewing themed sneakers are a real showstopper