Etsy's Handmade Blog
How-Tuesday: Like-New Shoes From Crochet Adorned
Story by mtraub
Published on September 22, 2009 in How-To 		Photo by

Heather Weston

When my fingertips begin to get antsy, overambition tends to get the best of me. Weeks and weeks later I end up with a bag of abandoned crochet squares in my closet, yet no afghan under which to cuddle and drink hot tea. Linda Permann's book, Crochet Adorned, is a bounty of pretty crochet projects that prove crafting satisfaction is attainable for all! With cheerful ideas to spruce up old cardigans, tote bags, and aprons, this autumn will be the season to refashion, renew, and renovate. For this week's How-Tuesday, Linda answers some of our questions on inspiration and design, and shares her Like-New Shoes project for those extra bits of handspun yarn you've been saving in your basket.

Purchase Crochet Adorned

There is something so simple about sitting down with a hook, some yarn, and an idea. And yet the thought of making something to wear can be so intimidating! Notions of shaping stitches to fit your body, making sure you have the precise gauge, and wondering if you even measured yourself correctly in the first place can turn off beginners — and plenty of more experienced crafters! — from making crocheted garments.

Last summer I started thinking about ways to incorporate crochet into my wardrobe that took away the intimidation factor. I kept seeing crochet details in fashion and thinking, "I could do that... better." There's something about having a hand in making your garments that gives them longevity — for me, no store-bought piece can compete. So I started to design embellishment projects from simple trims to vintage-inspired, motif-based yokes and collars, and from there, this book was born. I hope you find the projects quick to work, inexpensive, and fun to make.

 

Interview With Author Linda Permann

Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
My name is Linda Permann and I'm a crochet and craft designer and writer. I design crochet patterns and craft projects, write articles on techniques, and write a crochet advice column for Crochet Today, among other things.

What draws you to crocheting and how did you get started with it?
I think I've just always liked to work with what I have and do things as I go, and crocheting lends itself to both of those practices. My grandma taught me to crochet when I was little but I really never went anywhere with it, and then in 2001 I went to the Knit Out and picked up some crochet pamphlets — no idea why I decided to do crochet instead, but there you have it. I mainly wanted to make some hats and scarves for myself and then I started making more for friends, coworkers, etc.

Where do you find inspiration for your creative process?
Everywhere! For this book I looked at a lot of fashion and ready-to-wear catalogs — not only at crocheted things, but knitted, sewn, machine produced, etc. I find a lot of inspiration by reading blogs and in real life attention to little details. I work at a yarn shop and I love seeing what people are making and touching all of the yarn. Yarn is probably the #1 thing that inspires me; even if I have a somewhat predetermined idea of what I want to make in my head, the yarn tells me the best way to make it.

What's next for you?
More writing, more crafting, and more crochet designing! Although I can't divulge the particulars, let's just say I don't see myself stopping anytime soon.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Check out my blog at www.lindamade.com and, if you make something from or inspired by the book, please add it to my Crochet Adorned Flickr Group.

 

Like-New Shoes

Give your tired shoes a mini-makeover with these easy trims. They work up so quickly that you'll be able to coordinate a pair with every outfit. You'll only need a tiny bit of yarn for each shoe, so try working with odds and ends you have on hand.

Skill Level
Beginner

Finished Measurements
The completed Chain Stitch Trim measures 1/8" (3mm) wide; the length of the trim is determined by your shoe. One completed Ruffle Trim measures 3/4" (2cm) wide by 3 1/4" (8.5cm) long.

Materials
Yarn
Size D-3 (3.25mm) crochet hook (for ruffle trim) or size F-5 (3.75mm) crochet hook (for chain trim), or size to obtain gauge.
Yarn needle
Shoes to embellish (look for a pair that's easy to sew through)
Hand-sewing needle
Sewing thread to match yarn
Fabric glue (optional)

Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this project. Refer to the finished measurements, and make one ruffle or one length of chain to check gauge.

Ruffle Trim (Make 2)
With yarn A and a size D-3 (3.25mm) hook, ch 14.
Row 1 (WS) Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn — 13 sc.
Row 2 Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), (3 dc, hdc) in first sc, *hdc in next sc (hdc, 3 dc, hdc) in next sc; repeat from * across.
Fasten off. Weave in the ends.

 

Note: If you'd like a longer ruffle, work a longer foundation chain. Make sure to work a multiple of 2 chain stitches.

Attaching Ruffles
Sew one ruffle to the toe of each shoe. Use a sharp needle to sew the foundation chain loops to the front edge of the shoe opening, then tack some of the ruffles in place from the inside of the shoe. Knot off the thread and secure the end with a dab of fabric glue, if desired.

Chain Stitch Trim
Make two foundation chains, each about 1" (2.5cm) longer than the opening of your shoe. Fasten off the yarn and weave in the ends.

Place one end of the chain trim at the instep of the shoe and sew the trim around the entire edge. When you reach the beginning of the trim again, overlap the excess 1" (2.5cm) and securely sew the trim in place. You can also try gluing the trim in place, but be sure to test the glue first to make sure it won't discolor the shoe or yarn.

Looking for more ways to embellish with yarn? Check out a copy of Crochet Adorned for delightful inspiration. Thanks to Linda Permann and the good folks at Potter Craft for sharing this project with us.

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Tags applique, author, book, craft, crochet, Crochet Adorned, DIY, embellishment, fashion, HOW-TO, How-Tuesday, knitting, lifestyle, Linda Permann, pattern, Potter Craft, project, shoes, trim, tutorial, yarn
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119 comments     Login to add your own!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. BlueGremlin

love the cute handmade mary janes!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:04 p.m. Morado

I loveee me some crochet boot socks! :o)

http://twitter.com/MoradoShop
http://www.facebook.com/MoradoShop

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:04 p.m. alisondahl

I <3 crochet. Those shoes are so cute!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:06 p.m. MyMoms

I love crochet! Great colorful finds! I love them all!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:06 p.m. PoppysVintageGarden

oh this is such a cute idea! I keep thinking of making some shoes too;)

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:07 p.m. vivikas

Lovely!!!!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:07 p.m. OffTheHooks

great idea!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:10 p.m. lilworkerb

I just got into crochet, and I LOVE these ideas! Check out my first hats, www.lilworkerb.etsy.com

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:13 p.m. louloudo

oooh! So cute! I have got to get round to learning!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:16 p.m. AnniesWearableArt

cute!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:21 p.m. BabbidgePatch

Looks like a fabulous book & thanks for sharing the project! I've been a subscriber to Crochet Today for some time :)

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. VintageEye

Shoe makeover...I love it!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. bijouxdellostregatto

Lovely idea! Thank you very much!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:38 p.m. monkeyandsquirrel

such cute ideas! now i just have to learn to crochet :)

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:39 p.m. pinkytoeclothing

What a great idea! I hope to add crocheting to my bag of tricks soon, this will be one of my first projects :)

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:41 p.m. BeadinBabe

Those are adorable!!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:43 p.m. BohemianThings

Beautiful selection!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:46 p.m. PurseParts

Very cool! I think Linda's book needs to become part of my collection very soon!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:51 p.m. uncharted

sweet idea

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. worksofwhimsy

That settles it--I really need to learn to crochet!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. lovelygifts

Love the maryjanes!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 5:11 p.m. nightowlcraftworks

I love the pattern & stitch key. Great idea... wonderful project!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 5:14 p.m. lilyja

Great finds!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. starvingartistbazaar

love the turquoise laced guillerminas!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 5:24 p.m. WickedDarling

Love these! I have got to learn how to crochet!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. greencouchdesign

Gotta figure this crochet thing out! I really like the finds.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 5:32 p.m. hellobrowneyes

I love this idea. Off to go create. :)

Sept. 22, 2009 at 5:38 p.m. MetroGypsy

Fun idea!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 5:49 p.m. VixVintage

Love it, wish I didn't have 8 thumbs!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 6:01 p.m. 2RavenChicks

Love your picks! Would love to learn how to crochet, but almost scared to - the last thing I need is another obsession!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 6:03 p.m. magickalrealism

This is a great idea for giving new life to some beat up canvas shoes. Very cool!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 6:03 p.m. KOALACaddie

Wonderful! If it wasn't for crochet, there wouldn't be a KOALA Caddie. Linda Permann is an inspiration. The Turquoise laced Guillerminas from lepiedleger's shop are are so unique and they look COMFORTABLE!!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 6:10 p.m. eighthandmaple

I'm reaching for my hook!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 6:31 p.m. PipocaHandmade

What a fantastic idea! So cute and chic!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 6:33 p.m. lepiedleger

I love to crochet!!!!
Nice to share the passion! :-)

Sept. 22, 2009 at 6:47 p.m. netamir

Nice idea,
I have been using crochet trims for my handmade shoes and slippers for already three years, it gives the shoes unique touch.
From my experience I wouldn't recommend use glue for it.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 6:47 p.m. LHogan

Beautiful! Other ways to use stunning handspun yarn! Very creative!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 6:56 p.m. infraredstudio

Neat article!!!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 7:01 p.m. susanstars

Yay, Linda!!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 7:28 p.m. MinceCo

I too have a stack of crochet squares, I keep them in a STASH IT, which is a folding yarn holder I make. See them in my store.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 7:29 p.m. BabyEtte

I love to crochet! Thanks for the inspiration!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 7:29 p.m. KasaCollection

i love chrochet too (=
though i am not selling it, my daughter is the lucky one to wear all the cute pieces i make (=

very very nice pics here... love the boots

Sept. 22, 2009 at 7:41 p.m. WhiteFlagDesigns

I wish I remembered how to crochet :(

Sept. 22, 2009 at 7:45 p.m. nadene

a fantastic book and so nice to hear from Linda! beautiful etsy pics too, inspiring!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 8 p.m. GgaBulShop

adorable!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 8:27 p.m. theferngate

So cool! I've just gotten back into crochet and I forgot how much I love it!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 9:05 p.m. kellykramer

such great ideas! i just learned how to crochet, and I'm very excited to try these out!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 9:17 p.m. SecondHandNews

WOW, the talent amazes me. I'm speechless

Sept. 22, 2009 at 9:49 p.m. southernladysvintage

Great article and featured items!! I love crochet!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 10:16 p.m. Yokoo

OMG I need that Yarn Keep from inklore!!!!!!!!!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 10:32 p.m. lealerjcreates

very creative crocheting.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 10:37 p.m. ChloesRuffleButt

So cute! Thanks!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 10:58 p.m. pancakeandlulu

I love this--I was thinking of this idea today--deja vu!

I want to cover a hole in some crochet Uggs I have and this is just the thing.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 11:07 p.m. OwlandMouse

oh my! those are so cute! I'm going to have to pick up her book for more inspiration.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 11:08 p.m. clubviv

**********************************
wow I love it so much!!!!
Thanks for sharing this to us
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Sept. 22, 2009 at 11:08 p.m. PonderandStitch

Really wonderful article!

Sept. 22, 2009 at 11:33 p.m. ArtTales

How great! Really awesome read.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 11:33 p.m. madbird

Yay! Awesome article - and so happy to have one of my organizers featured :)

Sept. 22, 2009 at 11:37 p.m. worksandfinds

Cute.

Sept. 22, 2009 at 11:55 p.m. drawandquartered

Wonderful ideas!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 12:17 a.m. spange

i love crochet!! awesome job at giving this little craft the attention it deserves- go etsy!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 12:59 a.m. RenJewels

Those homemade mary janes are adorable!!!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 1:23 a.m. COGnitivecreations

My problem is I get distracted following patterns, so it's all straight scarf "cast on-knit-cast off" for me. :o)
All knit and no purl makes a plain mary jane... but there are so many amazing hand dyed and hand spun yarns on Etsy, you can't even go wrong with a straight, unadorned knitting/crocheting.
Thanks for another burst of inspiration from the Storque!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 1:26 a.m. ConservationClothing

All really nice pieces, love those turqoise shoes too!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 1:44 a.m. spacejam

those shoes look so cute!! and you can always change the colors.love it!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 2:04 a.m. 1AEON

all those items look warm and cozy:)

Sept. 23, 2009 at 2:09 a.m. rebeccasanchez

Reminiscing about the pink crochet slippers my gradmother made me once upon a time....

Sept. 23, 2009 at 2:27 a.m. tealandgold

Wheres the boys crochet apparel? always left out.

Sept. 23, 2009 at 2:43 a.m. evihan

sooo creative....great picks....

Sept. 23, 2009 at 4:35 a.m. chocolatecreative

Gorgeous shoes!! So cute, I love making crochet so i may try to so something similar.

Sept. 23, 2009 at 4:37 a.m. ovgilliesdesigns

Love the shoes & great selection of items! Thanks a lot for the ideas!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 4:49 a.m. craftaria

Love the work of Linda Permann! Wish you the best!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 5:07 a.m. ilovemysewingmachine

amazing picks!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 5:43 a.m. LazyTcrochet

Great book for trims and embellishments!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 6:33 a.m. Apogigi

Netamir's shoes are so cute!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 6:43 a.m. ThePaperTray

I need to learn to crochet! My grandma would be so happy!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 7:42 a.m. germandolls

What's with the spamming in the comments? Any way to stop this?
Loved the article on crocheting!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 9:43 a.m. DalkullanJewelry

mtraub, thanks for a great article! Congratulations Linda on your wonderful new book, love the cover photo!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 9:46 a.m. FluteTeacher

Great idea! Thanks for sharing.

Sept. 23, 2009 at 10:09 a.m. cassidycay

I love this idea! I need to learn how to crochet to do this awesome project! Thanks.

Sept. 23, 2009 at 10:14 a.m. breadandroses

Shoe envy. It's so hard to find anything besides dress heels in extra narrow widths. Been thinking about this and maybe making casual shoes, too. Inspiring!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 10:16 a.m. DreamzBoutique

very nice items.. check this one.. you'll love it and very low price too
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Sept. 23, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. thirtyonedesigns

Lovely shoes... I want one :)

Sept. 23, 2009 at 10:53 a.m. recycledwares

i wish i knew how to crochet. guess this goes on my list of what to learn before i die.

Sept. 23, 2009 at 11:27 a.m. DalenaVintage

Thanks for doing a write up on this book. I've always been so intimidated by crochet but those shoe trimmings are just too cute...Perhaps I'll have to give it another go.

Sept. 23, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. innovationdesign

Wonderful idea!!! Thank you SOO much for including me:))))

Sept. 23, 2009 at 11:33 a.m. birdie1

I LOVE to crochet but haven't had time to in ages!! This is just what I needed to get inspired again - thank you!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 11:43 a.m. ArtDecoDame

oh so cute

Sept. 23, 2009 at 12:04 p.m. warpedLaurie

really cute. Personality to boot.

Sept. 23, 2009 at 12:18 p.m. katec9377

That is a great idea! So cute!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 12:28 p.m. LadyLuLus

GREAT IDEAS!!!

As a fellow crochet-er these picks are so beautiful and very inspiring!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 12:47 p.m. EENCArt

Those gold shoes are Gorgeous!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 12:58 p.m. EENCArt

A great way to personalize your shoes....thanks for such great ideas!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 1:28 p.m. handjstarcreations

really cool, love the crochet hook holder

Sept. 23, 2009 at 2:39 p.m. divababy

These are really cool, I love it!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 3:06 p.m. paramountvintage

great idea!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 3:21 p.m. bythewayside

Great way to upcycyle and refashion!

Sept. 23, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. sineminugur

Great Finds! So cute.

Sept. 23, 2009 at 4:01 p.m. thewhimsytrove

Love this. I've been doing just this kind of thing for years to my sweaters and shirts and skirts. It's the only sure way to make certain you have things no one else has without making an entire garment from scratch.

Sept. 23, 2009 at 5:23 p.m. voleurdebijoux

Fabulous inspirations!! lovelove

Sept. 23, 2009 at 7:22 p.m. stockannette

Loving the 3-D flower!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:37 a.m. RubberStampPress

Just beautiful!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 6:48 a.m. ddots

what wonderful artistry! congems on the related iwunder.etsy.com!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 8:11 a.m. nikid

Nice! I love iWunder's shop!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 8:28 a.m. designsbyericakortz

Great article. I love the 3-D flower applique by iwunder!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. vintagedazzle

I love iWunder's flowers, too! I have a couple that I sewed onto an ugly black backpack. Instant chic!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. billyandwinston

Love them all!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:03 p.m. Iammie

Love them all too :D

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Sept. 24, 2009 at 2:07 p.m. bhangtiez

Great finds...luv it on tops!!

Sept. 25, 2009 at 12:28 a.m. StitchnStudio

I just found a pair of black maryjanes today at a second hand shop. Never worn and I have full intentions of adding some crochet or knitted pizzaz to them. Was so glad to see this article. Great minds think alike.

Sept. 25, 2009 at 1:18 a.m. ThompsonMade

wow! I don't normally like crocheted clothing, but I love what they did with that shirt!!!

Sept. 25, 2009 at 6:58 a.m. MyPatternedMind

Cute shoes!!!

Sept. 25, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. BELLACOSAART

such fun shops...I love iWunder's flowers and fiber...

Sept. 25, 2009 at 11:05 a.m. botanicalcreations

Beautiful!!!

Sept. 25, 2009 at 5:52 p.m. PaperUlixis

LOVE iWunder's shop - have some of her flowers & they rock!

Sept. 25, 2009 at 7:31 p.m. missbatch

Beautiful projects- this book is one of my faves-- so is Linda!

Sept. 28, 2009 at 2:03 p.m. lassandaliasdeana

ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! BEAUTIFUL!!!! ;>)

Sept. 29, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. 2harrisons

I LUV crochet. Fun stuff here. Have you tried crochet w/ eyelash yarn around the straps on a pair of flip-flops. Very cute.

Dec. 6, 2009 at 7:41 a.m. kokabu

hi!!everyone would you help me do me research by fill my questionnaire at link below
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewfo...

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