What is in a good design?

A pair of shoes are made up of many parts.

There are:

-the uppers
-the linings
-the soles
-insoles as cushion for the feet

As such, there are many different kind of material required to make a pair. Material used in making shoes are:

-leather
-textiles
-rubber
-synthetics materials like polyurethane (PU)
-foam

On top of that, there are various types of footwear.  You can check out the types available in the market at the following link:

Different Types of Footwear and Their Names

Other than protecting the feet, they are also designed for:

-different activities.
-climates.
-occasions.

Feet generally stop growing when the growth plates in the bones fuse, which is typically:

-by age 14-16 for girls.
-by and 16-18 for boys.

Feet for some individuals can continue to grow until the early 20s. The number of pairs, school-age children, can go through in a year depends on:

-their activity level.
-how quickly their feet grow.
-the durability of the shoes worn.

People who can afford it may own many pairs of the same type of shoes and in different colours, even though they have not worn out or outgrown what they already own. According to an article I read, "10 Shoe Facts Everyone Should Know", on Shoeaholics, Celine Dion has over 10,000 pairs of shoes and one in eight people own over 100 pairs of shoes. 8.43% of people buy shoes because they make them feel good.

We may not be able to cut down on material for making shoes for those who are into following current trends in fashion but we can adopt Kenton Lee’s shoe design that he developed for children in developing countries. You can see from this video that the shoe is designed to last five years as its size can be altered as the child’s feet grow.

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The design is very suitable for school-age children living in tropical countries. For normal activity, they can wear socks with the adjustable shoes to protect their feet. Their regular school shoes will last longer when they are only worn during athletic activities in school. However, in countries where there are four seasons, can thermal or thicker wool socks keep them warm during the colder months?

Let us also work on belts for school children. According to Size Guides from Your School Uniform, a child's waist line from age 6 to 14 years can be from 22" to 30". Based on a review shared by Sammy Lu about Willbond belts that she bought for her children, I think its concept is good as it has:

-a magnetic buckle which makes it easier for a child to put on and remove.
-an adjustable belt which is also elastic so that it is more comfortable to be worn over time, as the child grows.

Buying such adjustable shoes and belts for children will be cheaper if they are sold in the schools they are attending. It will also help reduce material wastage since children, as they grow, will not have to replace them as often compared to other regular shoes and belts sold in the market that are not adjustable.

This is something that parents can highlight during their Parent-Teacher Association meeting to make it happen.

My Versatile Fanny Pack

My handbag was snatched once before and eversince then, the kind of bag I usually carry is a fanny pack.  I finally designed and created one that I can use it as a crossbody bag too.  This is how it looks like.  

I can convert it into a regular bag.  It is large enough to store the worn out Elle fanny pack I have been using for years. 

What about the straps?

I can hide them in a pouch that I have created to tuck them in when I use it as a regular handbag.

This is another way I can use it. The flap can be used to hide this pouch.  

If I use the bag inside out, the pouch is large enough to store my handphone.  I can leave the flap inside the bag.

This is how it will look like if I take out the flap.

I like the idea that I can change the handle of the bag to match the shoes or clothes I will be wearing for the day or an event I will be attending.  With a broader strap attached it works as a unisex bag.

Instead of creating compartments in the bag which will require more yarn, I can insert a cosmetic pouch I have or fanny packs that I no longer use.

I shared the instruction on how to crochet this fanny pack cum shoulder bag at Creative Recyclers.

New chairs from discarded chairs

Interested in getting your kids new chairs made from discarded office chairs?

If your answer is, "No way!", it is obvious that you have not read about the Nakadai Project.

It's an effort by Japan’s Design Association in collaboration with industrial waste processing company, Nakadai, architects and designers to make stock that are no longer wanted into useful material for creation of new artifacts.

Guess what they could make out of bases from these discarded office chairs?

Need a clue?  Here you go.

Are you getting any closer to the answer?  Still guessing?

Here is the answer.

The bases are made into colourful benches that can be lengthened or shortened to meet a child's need.

I think this project is a great way to teach our children what upcycling is all about.

You can read the full article at the following link:
Nakadai Project: Block Chair by sugiX

Reading this article has inspired you to upcycle what you have on hand?  You can pick up some upcycling ideas from best selling author, Kitty Moore.

When a piece of cloth will do.

Do we really need more clothes?  Maybe a piece of cloth with holes cut in the right spots will do.



I hope that the "Vestido Multi Look" will inspire more fashion designers to work in this direction.

Need more inspiration?  Here it goes.

Discards? Keep them for decor.

It is alright to run out of ideas on how you can refresh your home decor because French designer, Pierre Lota of LOTA DESIGN is willing to share some of his decorating trick.



So, now you know.  When you plan to redecorate your home just do what Pierre is doing and don't run out of discards.