Books by George Koleff.
George Koleff was a Bulgarian Master Shoemaker who I met in Adelaide, South Australia. At the time I was less than positive about my shoemaking, and after doing a course with him, I started putting a lot of things together that had not made much sense before. It was through working with George that I became a teacher, and much of his knowledge can be passed on.
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Shoe & Boot Designing Manual.
This
was George's major work, one that he spent many years perfecting. It is
a testament to him that the knowledge is passed on and used by so many
shoemakers world wide.
George had learned a method of pattern cutting in Europe, that used a geometric method for finding the angles and measurements required. This system seems odd at first glance, but in practice, works remarkably well.
It is ideally suited to a handmaking system because the measurements are taken from measuring an individual's feet.
This method is a really simple one once you follow it, and can be used instantly by anyone. It differs from the covered-last method of pattern cutting in that you build up the last after you have done the patterns.
I taught using this method for some years, and am satisfied that it is a useful, and accurate system, and can recommend it to anyone.
Each copy of this book includes a $5.00 AUD shoemaker's square.
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Cost of "Shoe and Boot Designing Manual": $75.00 AUD
For those purchasing this book, I have written/am writing an amendment to some of what George wrote, as it applied to me as a practicing shoemaker. Sometimes it is just an updating of styles, while at others it alters the patterns a bit. If you find it useful it is to be found here.
Last Designing and Making Manual.
This
book of George's uses the same geometric method as the shoe designing
book, to give you the measurements and angles that you will need to create
your very own set of bespoke lasts.
Last making is not a necessary part of shoemaking as there are ways around this, but the satisfaction of making your own lasts to complete a project is something special.
This book contains a template to make your own shoemaker's square if you do not wish to purchase a plastic one.
Cost of "Last Designing & Making Manual": $25.00 AUD
Last Making DVD
If you want to improve your chances of producing a pair of lasts correctly
the first time, then this dvd of George Koleff making a pair should be
of immense help.
Cost of "Last Making DVD": $20.00 AUD
How To Make Ugg Boots, The Manual.
This
style of sheepskin boot has been popular in Australia for a very long
time and has now become a fashion item in many countries overseas.
Not only is it fashionable, but in cold weather it is a very warm casual item of footwear.
It is not difficult to make, even a sewing machine is not necessary, and it can be designed with many different aspects pleasing to the individual.
It lends itself to applications of bright colours and textures as features so the plain original style is not one that has to be adhered to.
Make a pair for every member of the family, they will all get a thrill and be able to put them to practical use.
This book contains a template to make your own shoemaker's square if you do not wish to purchase a plastic one.
Cost of "How To Make Ugg Boots": $ 25.00 AUD