The vest is everything I hoped it be and more, but in my mind I was wearing an outfit with it that looked a little more like this:
Even though these boots are 100% ok (in fact I just had them resoled a few months ago), I've just been kind of bored with them. Turning them into studded booties served the double purpose of getting me excited about these things again, while also providing the missing element in my imaginary outfit!
Also, I got an amazing new punch tool that I've been excited to use on a project, so studding the strap on these boots gave me the perfect chance to break it out! Now I have boots that feel like brand new and some cute pouches to match. Double win.
Boots**One thing to note before getting started, if your boots are lined in fabric you will probably want to skip this project. This is great for unlined, leather, or suede lined boots. Other stuff, not so much.**
Step 1: Mark the height you want your boots to be and cut.
When you've finished cutting, your boot will look something like this.
The next step is to figure out the placement for your studs. I had some screw studs on hand, so I needed to plan out pretty carefully where they'd be placed. (After you punch the hole it can't be undone!)
Step 2: Measure the length and width of the strap.
Step 3: Cut a piece of paper to the size of the strap and fold in half. Make punch marks into the folded paper and when you open it up, the spacing will be symmetrical. Add a last hole directly in the center of the fold line.
Step 4: Binder clip the pattern directly onto the strap and punch through the holes.
Step 5: Remove the pattern and put the screw post through the back of the strap, so that the post is facing out. Tightly screw on the tops.
When you've finished your boots will look like this.
The PouchYou can stop right there if you want to, but do you seriously want to waste these beautiful boot tops when you can turn them into awesome pouches?? They're sturdy and beat up in just the right way.
Step 1: Cut off one of the pull straps by snipping off the outside and then the inside.
Step 2: On the other pull strap, snip it free only where it's sewn on in the inside. Cut the edge you just cut into a pleasing shape.
Step 3: Cut down the side of the boot top without the strap. This will help the pouch to close properly.
Step 4: Flip inside out, cut away the lining.
Step 5: Binder clip the two bottom corners, then make punch marks across the open bottom edge.
Step 6: Sew straight across into the holes you've just made.
When you've finished sewing your boot top will look like this. *Note: I used a contrast thread so that it would appear more visible in the photograph, but you'll probably want to use a color that matches your leather.
Step 4: Finish by flipping inside out and giving it the closure of your choice. (I went with snaps, but a button will work just as well.)
May the rest of this year make us all as happy as the cat vest:)
TOOLS:-scissors-tape measure-handsewing punch-needle and thread-binder clips