Express your SoLe!  DIY Espadrilles

Taught by Suzi Ballenger

Course Overview

Let your inner artist shine as you strut forward in your very own, one-of-a-kind pair of Espadrilles you have made yourself! Each pair will exemplify your intention and personal style. Handwoven fabric is ideal to use for this DIY project and encouraging you move with creativity and enthusiasm. The pattern is straight forward and only a firm woven 12” x 24” cloth is needed. You can use bias tape on the edges or a turned lining. Both techniques use a fusible woven interfacing.

This is a two-day workshop. The sewing circle style class will have us discussing and contemplating the role of shoes, sustainability, repurposing, handweaving, process, and friendship. Each pair will exemplify your intention and personal style. Basic machine sewing skills are needed and hand sewing is required.

Tools you will need:

• Sewing Machine or access to one
• Iron and Portable ironing board or access to one.

(We’ll coordinate so we have about 4 people per ironing board and 2 people per sewing machine.)

Supplies and notions you need:

• 12” x 24” woven fabric
• 12” x 24” fusible woven pelon and 5 yards 3/8” pre-folded bias tape OR  12” x 24” fabric for lining
• 6” length of 1/4” or 3/8” elastic
• Sewing thread for machine
• Scissors
• Needle nose pliers if you have a pair
• Straight Pins (Ball head is best)
• Heavy duty large eye sharp needle (optional)
• Leather thimble (optional, but my favorite)
• A pair of Espadrille Soles. https://diegos.com/collections/espadrilles-soles

I use the Ballerina Sole. You will want these to fit snug, so follow the size chart on Diegos® website.

$10 Materials Fee includes:

• Handouts, instructions and pattern
• Extra sewing needles and thimbles
• Thick sewing thread/cord
• Extra pins

Maximum number of participants: 10

Student Requirements

Sturdy handwoven cloth, hand and machine sewing and a willingness to try something new!

About the Artist

Suzi Ballenger was born and raised in Indiana. She completed her BA at Keene State College in New Hampshire and her MFA in Artisanry-Fibers from UMass-Dartmouth. She has worked in New England as a weaver and teaching artist since 1996 and currently serves on the Board of The Handweavers Guild of America.  Her work has been published in Handwoven Magazine, Surface Design Association, and The Textile Society of America. She has a curiosity for material that stimulates her woven language; believing the fullest expression of a fiber can be realized through observation, rhythm, and structure. When not in the studio, Suzi can be found outside in the garden, swimming in the ocean, or walking on local trails.

Artist’s website:  www.realfibers.com

$190.00

Connect with Us