In my relentless pursuit of Fashion, I have gotten it into my head that it would be cool to make a version of a pair of Jeffrey Campbell smoking loafers that I have loved in stingray leather.
The rounded metal studs reimagined as stingray dentin pearls, and the fact that this hide can be used to grate wasabi, just speaks to me. And I’ve got the pattern already made for the lasts I have.
However, it sounds like a huge PITA to work with, particularly to sew. I’m wondering, is there any way that just contact cement along the topline would be sufficient, without sewing?
Also wondering how the bit of the upper that folds over the edge will treat the midsole/outsole layer it has to touch. Like if you inseam it, will it grind down the bits of welt it touches? Would I need to use a dremel to sand the bottom bits flat? I was kind of thinking of cementing the lining and then turning out and stitching down the upper, and using a bench mounted punch to punch through it (and assume i’d need to resharpen/replace the awl in the punch?). That way the rough bits are only ever on the outside.
Also…how does it stretch? A whole cut oxford or something would be pretty sick/would minimize what needs to be sewn or otherwise attached.