what's wrong with my pucker mocs?

[scoutman77]

I didn't use a pattern, just cut and stitched. any advice on making them look better? or something else I should be doing with them? hopefully these links work, I couldn't embed the images.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

[Sir William]

I didn't use a pattern, just cut and stitched. any advice on making them look better? or something else I should be doing with them? hopefully these links work, I couldn't embed the images.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

One suggestion is to use softer leather, such as deer or elk. Cow is too stiff which is one reason why your puckers look like Christmas ribbon candy. Your "pattern" looks good though.

Remember too, that these are "disposable" shoes, designed to be worn for a few days and then replaced with a new pair. Looks were not a consideration.

[longhuntr74]

Agree with Sir William's advice about the type of leather. I've never made a pair of mocs like this for highland wear...but I've made several pair of eastern woodland pucker toe, center seam mocassins in my day. Simply from observation I'd suggest:

• More supple leather (Moose and deer are top choice...elk works but has some sort of grain difference that makes it inferior if memory serves).
• Make the distance between your lacing holes closer together to give smaller puckers and more of them
• I'd make it a tad bit wider to extend up the ankle a bit higher...my personal opinion there...not sure that it reflects any historical accuracy
• Finally, Not sure if this was done by highlanders, but I like to wrap the thong around my foot at the instep and then up around the ankle...it keeps the moc more securely attached to your foot and reduces stretching, slipping, and sliding (especially as your leather gets wet/damp and likes to stretch).

[scoutman77]

I changed them a bit in the advice given, (except the leather, I have alot of cow leather, but no deer or elk). I laced them across the top a little way also. what would a person wear under these? knit socks? bag socks? with flashes? nothing? maybe some fur lining?
thanks
rob

[troxel87]

Mind you that my "pucker mocs" are only used for ren-faire, I wear them with nothing most of the time. However, as far as what's "wrong" with them, I'd say you didn't allot enough for the toes. Maybe they didn't go up the instep enough? That's just my opinion, take it with a grain of salt (and a shot of tequila).

[scoutman77]

Some changes, I will use mine for renfest as well. also probably wear them to a Halloween party.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

[troxel87]

That looks much better. As Sir William said, they are meant to be a somewhat "disposable" shoe, but mine have lasted me quite a while now. At least 5 or 6 weekends worth of ren-faire straw/gravel pathways for me. The lacing up the instep definitely gives it a more tailored/tight/finished look, IMHO.

[scoutman77]

Yes, I needed to pull them together at the instep. they fit alot better that way too!

[Ryan Ross]

Some changes, I will use mine for renfest as well. also probably wear them to a Halloween party.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

Those look almost exactly like a pair I made a fews years ago... save that yours are probably a bit nicer. I think they look good, and so long as they're comfortable, I think you should pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

And if you have the time, materials, and inclination, you should wear them with cut and sewn (on the bias) tartan hose and tie-on garters.