Journey Shoes Were Not the Initial Intention

The idea of Journey Shoes has always intrigued me as a form of self expression. The point is to create your life story or focused experience by first choosing a pair of shoes that best represents the time you are working to portray. Use a variety of materials that represent your experience, apply them to the shoes in a way that will best express yourself.

I've completed a pair of Indigo hand dyed shoes covered with patchwork cotton. I used indigo dyed fabric using Shibori techniques, upcycled men's designer shirt fabric, denim jeans and donated print. I've read about and taken a class on Boro stitching, or some call it Sashiko stitching. I added the decorative stitching to the patchwork. I love this technique because it is forgivable. Perfection is optional.

It was not my intention to create journey shoes but it was what they became. Of course, everything one makes is a reflection of self. Therefore, these shoes became a reflection of my life journey.

Here's Why:

1) Converse shoes are meaningful in that they were one of my first pair of athletic shoes in high school. I loved basketball but was unable to participate in the extracurricular sport due to environmental limitations. I could certainly wear the shoes that represented my desire to be active in sports.

2) Denim was a rebellious fabric for girls growing up in the 60's. It was a social statement. Add my pair of orange high top converse, and I was on top of the world with my rebellious ways.

3) Upcycling materials has always been of interest to me. What can I make from objects others think is junk. I made a covered wagon from an oatmeal container as a child. I made kites from newspaper, sticks and old sheets.

4) Hand sewing brought calm to my life as a young person and it does the same today. I embroidered my jeans as a teen and made quilts by hand.

5) These shoes represent my recent transition into the indigo dyeing process, something I have always wanted to master and now can. My hand dyed indigo shoes represent my search for peace within the indigo color, representing nature.

I challenge you to consider making your own Journey Shoes. Please share if you like.

J