31 Days of Pintrest: Day 12 DIY Lace Up Boots

I love boots. The are still so popular this season. Obivously everyone else agrees, because there are tons of them on Pintrest. I don't know about you, but I have found that boots look great on everyone else, but not so much on me. I am stricken with a common ailment that affects millions of American women each year, it is called:

"FATTY CALF SYNDROME".

If you or someone you love is affected by Fatty Calf Syndrome you may have the following symptoms:

Boots are too tight for your legs.

You can get into the boots, but you need someone's help to get out of them.

You feel self concious in public, sure that all of America knows you can't bend your legs because your boots are too tight.

You suffer great embarassment when trying to try boots on in the store because you huff and puff, and sweat trying to get them off.

You are sure that somewhere in a sweat shop in China, they are laughing at Americans who are afflicted with this condition and purposely make the boots even smaller than they are supposed to be.

You notice people watching only your feet and legs when you walk past them on the street, they never look at your face. You are sure they are thinking "How did she get those boots on?"

Fortunately, there is now a treatment for Fatty Calf Syndrome (FCS).

First find a pair of great boots in your size at a thrift store. Pay only $7.00 for them.

 Then find an ugly 1990's era long suede skirt in the same color at the thrift store. Pay less than $4.00 for it.

Gather all your supplies, in addition to the boots and the ugly suede skirt, including sharp scissors, a hammer, a nail or leather punch, leather cement and suede cording. Pay less than $6.00 for these supplies.

Step one is to split the back of the boots down to the ankle. Cut right through the layers with your scissors, you will be amazed how easy it is to cut. Don't get squimish,  you can do this.

Your calves are gonna thank you.

Then measure your calf and try not to cry.

Calculate how much fabric you need to add to your boots. I decided on 4" which is probably way too much but that's okay. I will never again have Fatty Calf issues.

Remove a panel of suede from the skirt, mine was 9" long.

Cut two identical gussets, mine were 4" at the top and narrowed to 1" at the bottom. The gussets are 9" long.

You will also need four 1" strips of suede in the same length.

Using the nail and hammer, mark the lacing holes 1" apart on all four strips. Punch the holes through the suede.

Put a small amount of Eco Flo leather cement on all the edges of the gusset. Place inside the boot, and press down until dry. I used books to hold it in place.

After it dries, it looks like it's been there forever.

Glue the lacing strips on the outside of the boot, covering the edges of the gusset. Press with a heavy objects until dry. Repeat on the other side.

Make sure your lacing holes line up on both sides. Remove any excess glue, let dry under a heavy object.

Lace up the back of the boot with the suede laces. I found it the aid of a large upholstery needle helpful.

Fatty Calf Syndrome (FCS) is cured!

They fit great!

Designer Mom