DIY Network

Getting Started Preparing to knit a shoe! From "Knitty Gritty" episode DKNG-309

Today's guest is knitting expert Tina Marrin, who's demonstrating a cutting-edge knit boot that will definitely put a spring in anyone's step!

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Knit Boots

The guidelines provided are for a size 6 (U.S.) shoe. This is an intuitive knitting project, and adjustments may need to be made to adapt for your shoe size. Do try to knit both shoes at the same time. Take your time with the project, and have fun!

Materials:

1 skein Brown Sheep Burly Spun yarn in color of choice
1 pair size 6 Jr. Footlight #550 shoe by Capezio
double-pointed needles, U.S. size 9
crochet hook, U.S. size E
Post-it® tape (or other low-tack tape)
power drill
3/32" drill bit
5/32" drill bit
flexible measuring tape
permanent marking pen (in yarn color if possible)
scissors
darning needle

Note: Remember that many yarns are seasonal and could be discontinued. If the specific yarn called for is not available, purchase a substitution yarn that comes closest to the specified gauge in your pattern. And be sure to make that all-important swatch to see whether the yarn works for your particular pattern.

With 1 Skein Brown Sheep Burly Spun in color of choice make 2 center pull balls of equal yardage.

Shoe Preparation

	Figure A
	Figure B

This shoe by Capezio has a strap that is easily removed with scissors (figure A) or a razor knife.

1. Run Post-It tape along the outside bottommost part of left shoe upper.

Note: You will need to tear small (approximately 1⁄2"-1") pieces of the tape to conform to the curves of the shoe upper (figure B).

2. Perform the same activity to the right shoe upper. This tape makes an even 3/8" tall "line" around the bottom of the shoe.

3. Looking at the front toe area of the left shoe, make a mark at the center of the toe box of shoe (eyeball it) just above the tape line so that you are marking on the shoe (not on the tape).

4. Perform the same action to the right shoe.

Note: Use a permanent marker in a similar color to the yarn you will knit with, if possible.

5. Take fiberglass measuring tape and marking pen and, while holding the measuring tape up to the tape line, make a mark 1⁄2" to the left of the center toe stitch and just above the tape line.

Figure C

6. Continue making marks every 1⁄2" (figure C) until you reach the center back seam of shoe.

Note: Do not mark on center back seam of shoe or any shoe seam.

This activity should give you 21 marks (not including center mark).

7. Return to center front mark. Now make 21 marks 1⁄2" apart to the right of center front toe mark until you reach the back of the shoe. You will end up with 43 total marks, including center toe mark.

8. Mark the other shoe in the same fashion. Remove tape.

Figure D

9. Install 3/32" drill bit in the power drill. Drill into each mark, beginning at the back of the shoe (figure D).

Note: Be careful not to drill into any insole or midsole materials. By creating the marks 3/8" above the bottom of shoe upper we have most likely avoided this possibility.

10. Drill straight through the upper. These holes will be the "pilot holes." As you get to the toe area, be careful not to drill into toe insole

11. Insert a piece of thick leather or suede (cut to the shape of the toe box) inside the toe box. The leather or suede piece will help protect the insole near the toes from the moving drill bit.

12. Drill all marks on both shoes. Remove the 3/32" drill bit, insert a 5/32" drill bit and drill all holes on both shoes with the larger bit. Again, never drill into any seams.

Note: Be more careful when depressing the drill trigger when drilling with the larger bit. The larger bit "grabs" more forcefully and quickly than the smaller bit.

13. Dust shoes and remove protective leather pieces from toe box area.

RESOURCES :

Brown Sheep Burly Spun yarn
Website: www.brownsheep.com

Capezio shoes
#550 (Jr. Footlight )
Website: www.capeziodance.com

GUESTS :

Tina Marrin
E-mail: tinamarrin@hotmail.com