Spats, Spats, and More Spats!!

WHAT IS A SPAT?

Spats are a type of shoe accessory covering the instep and ankle. They were primarily worn in the late 19th and early 20 th centuries. Originally they were made of leather. Those for horseback riding continue to be made of leather. They can be made of any and all materials, a few examples are wool, polyester, and canvas.

Traditionally they are used as an accessory in marching band uniforms, pipe bands, in various militaries, and in everyday clerical clothing. They are also used for safety reasons in certain industries such as, in foundries, by welders, and even chainsaw operators.

WHY DO I MAKE THEM?

I am inspired by that lovely feeling of completing a three piece men's tailored suit! Or even the completion of a corset. I refer to my spats as, " little mini corset's for ones ankles. " I love to incorporate various classic tailoring and corseting techniques !

A pair of nicely tailored spats can add so much more to one's shoe collection! You can completely change the look and feel of your overall outfit! And when the cold weather comes around you can continue to use your summer shoes year round! I continue to get inspired by glancing though Italian fashion magazines!

MY 15TH PAIR!

This morning I completed and posted my fifteenth pair in my Etsy shop! Eighty percent of their construction is using hand-stitching. The lining and outer wool's, center back and front seams are machine stitched.

Navy Blue & Black Spats- Monjio

I have used a beautiful black Italian wool. Individually I have hand-stitched fourteen silver metal loops for the lacing closure. I love incorporating the lacing closure into various pairs because it allows them to be more versatile. They can be used over a variety of shoes and boots!

Inner side of foot view.

I have a great passion for traditional military uniforms with elaborate amazing decoration!

Of course I will continue to make more! I have an ongoing research and sketchbook with many other designs and styles ready to go!

Each pair is amazingly unique, and I never make the same pair twice! The assortment of styles allow for wear of shoes with heels, or without. To see the other fourteen pair, please stop by and take a look at my shop!

P.S. I always enjoy working one on one with a client for the creation of a one of a kind personalized pair of spats!

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Spats or Gaiters?

Spats are a shoe accessory worn in the late 19th and early 20th century. Traditionaly they are still an accessory in many marching band uniforms in the United States. Internationally they were used and are still to this day being used in various militaries. Today they are also used in various industries for safety reasons. Such as welders and chainsaw operators.

Gaiters are used over the leg and boot lacing they are worn by equestrians. In Latin America, gaiters extending over the knee are traditional. I found it interesting that, until the middle part of the twentieth century, they also formed a part of clerical clothing of bishops and archdeacons of Anglican Communion. The purpose was for riding horses to various parts of a diocese.

One difference I found between the two is that, spats are primarily used for display, and they tend to be shorter, around the ankle mainly. Gaiters main purpose are for practial use and tend to be longer.

I actually find them intriguing. I also found it exciting that they are being used presently. One can actually change the look of one's shoe collection they are also a nice fashion statement. They are reminiscient of the costume of history, design elements of the past can be transformed into the present.

So I just draped my first spat pattern. For me it is a piece of fashion that is constructed by utilizing tailoring and corseting skills. Then embellished as a milliner embellishes a hat.