Macedon Ranges residents are jumping at the chance to design and custom-make their own boots.
James Roberts, one half of Roberts and Hassett Bootmakers at Kyneton, has already run two packed-out workshops over four Sundays in January and February. And places are quickly filling up for the next on March 19.
Mr Roberts started making bespoke footwear a decade ago, then he and his business partner opened a Melbourne store in 2010, offering repairs, handmade leather belts, wallets and custom shoes. A move to High Street, Kyneton, stumbled at the startline a few years ago, although Mr Roberts says it’s off on the right foot this time.
“I’ve got two or three of everything you need to make shoes, and I thought I might as well get some use out of them,” he says. “My first two courses were full, and quite a success.
“We go through the whole process of shoemaking, from choosing a style, pattern making, choosing the leather and fitting the shoe to your foot.
“I did a short course a decade ago, similar to what I’m offering at the moment, and I got addicted to it.
“I’m addicted to the tools and the leather … then the opportunity came up to put a studio in a cafe here in Kyneton, and I grabbed it.”
Workshop participants can make either a lace-up derby shoe, a Chelsea boot or a veldtschoen – a Dutch sandal. All the styles are unisex with classes open to all. Call 5422 2659.
