Working from home, and a seemingly random, but important, question

[cupcake_goth]

Yes, I am taking advantage of my remote connection and working from home again. Which meant I got to sleep in today, mmmm. Sleep. Of course, this means I will probably NOT be posting a Shallow Fashion Details photo, as I am wandering around in stripy tights, bloomers, an Emilie Autumn t-shirt, and bunny slippers.

I saw Sherlock Holmes last night, and was thoroughly delighted with it. In fact, I would like to see a movie just like that, but with more paranormal/supernatural plot points. And vampires. Because really, a not-very-historically-accurate Victorian-esque action film with pretty costumes, quippy dialog, and vampires? That would pretty much be my perfect movie.

So my random but important question: where on earth can I find shoelaces made from black lace or ribbon? I need actual shoelaces with the rigid plastic tips, because the brand new lace-up Victorian-esque boots I found at the thrift store yesterday (they're not by Fluevog, but they look like the baby sister of the Babycake/Lambchop/Lover family) are not capable of being laced up with a regular length of ribbon or lace. (No speedhooks, and the holes for laces are far too narrow to smush the end of ribbon through.) No, I need actual shoelaces, but I want fancy ones. Yes, I already looked at Hot Topic, and while the idea of I ♥ Vampires laces is entertaining ... um, no.

Comments

[bork.livejournal.com]

Would these work? http://www.abunchofbows.com/rish.html

You can get them in many different colors, including pink. They also have an option where you can add cupcakes to them for an extra $1.50. I misread - the 'cupcakes' option is a 'color', no telling what they actually look like. But hey! Cupcakes! And you can get them in different lengths!

[cupcake-goth.livejournal.com]

Ah-ha! You are a clever person. Thank you!

[bork.livejournal.com]

You're welcome!

(And now I'm thinking of ordering some for my Docs. They have *4* different shades of pink.)

Shoelaces

[islenskr.livejournal.com]

Hmmm. I will hunt around, but I am sure that you can get the plastic tip thingies to put on ribbon. Or, better yet, you can get metal ends to put on ribbon or lace for shoelaces. I'll trawl through my bookmarks and see what I can find...unless one of your other groupies commenters knows where to find these...?

Re: Shoelaces

[cupcake-goth.livejournal.com]

If you do find the link to such things, please let me know!

(Groupies, hee!)

Re: Shoelaces

[islenskr.livejournal.com]

Well, I just did a quick search (but I'm sure I have something else around that's even better...) and came up with this:

http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/aglets.htm

I'll keep looking!

Re: Shoelaces

[islenskr.livejournal.com]

I wonder if these would work? They sure would look cool!

http://www.pillagedvillage.com/~pillaged/cgi-bin/cart.cgi/AX_50748.html

Here's another link:
http://www.venacavadesign.co.uk/Products/Metal_Lace_Tips_Aglets.html

So, they're definitely available. I had thought that corset tips (aglets) would be the right size, so that's what I searched for. With the explosion of corset popularity these days, I'm sure you can find a million aglets out there. Please post a picture of the finished product if you can! :)

[loree.livejournal.com]

How about stitching lace or ribbon onto an existing shoelace and binding the tip with an aglet (http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/agletrepair.htm) (or aiglet) yourself?

[cupcake-goth.livejournal.com]

I've tried making aiglets using heat-shrink tubing, and it never works properly for me. The holes on these boots are really damn narrow ...

[loree.livejournal.com]

Are the holes grommetted or just punched through leather? If the latter, you might be able to enlarge them a bit through persistence and a leather punch of the correct size, or find a traditional shoe repair shop that could do it for you.

[cupcake-goth.livejournal.com]

Just punched through the leather, and I probably could enlarge them through some persistence. But I think I'd rather find/make black ribbon shoelaces. :)

[javagoth.livejournal.com]

FYI - I have a leather punch. It's in my tool kit at the old place at the moment but I can get it if need be...

[loree.livejournal.com]

Heh, no doubt.

In unrelated news, I finally got a copy of the job description for the tech writer position, and I'll be forwarding it to you from my work account momentarily.

[cupcake-goth.livejournal.com]

Ah-ha! Thank you so much for forwarding me the job description.

[brockulfsen.livejournal.com]

Ask a BIG electrical wholesaler for semi-rigid heat shrink tubing.

It goes really shiney when shrunk and is only very slightly flexible.

Also, what did you use to shrink the tubing you used when you tried?

[sophiabrooks.livejournal.com]

You might be able to make your own aiglets on ribbon/lace with one of the following methods.

http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/agletrepair.htm

I have also, in a pinch, wrapped adhesive tape around the ribbon melted it with a lights, and then, while it was still sticky, smashed it flat with something (usually my fingers, but I do not recommend it)

[theda.livejournal.com]

I had the same thought and found these http://www.lacesforless.com/theshoelacetip-2.aspx

[trystbat.livejournal.com]

If you're feeling DIY-ish, get some clear heat-shrink tubing. Rooting around at a hardware store should find some. I bought a length from Farthingales (http://www.farthingales.on.ca/cable_cord.php#lacing) ages ago & have been using it ever since (you don't need very much per application). That page also has instructions.

Snip off about a centimeter for each tip. Thread a ribbon, lace, or cord (options are endless!) thru the heat-shrink tube. Hold it over a flame for a minute until the plastic tube melts & wraps around the ribbon/lace/cord. Take it away from the flame, it'll harden quickly, & *ta da* shoe-lace style tip on whatever ribbon, lace, cord, etc. you like.

[javagoth.livejournal.com]

You can also use a hair dryer for this. :)

[fidgetypaleone.livejournal.com]

Yes this! Shrink tubing is found in the electrical supply section. If you're doing your own millinerey work, this is also the place where you can find wire connectors. My boyfriend looks at me like I'm nuts when I open a box I've ordered online from a specialty supplier and it contains items I could find at my local hardware store (if only I knew they were there)

[brockulfsen.livejournal.com]

Haunt hardwares and other homes of bulk weirdness.

Wander the aisles looking in blister packs, rummaging in shelves and bins. Over time you will come to recognize many substitutes for expensive specialty things.

Do the same to haberdashers, leatherwork and craft shops, hobby stores, pretty much anywhere that sells "things" smaller than a 35mm film canister.

The world becomes an interesting place.


Then start looking for specialist suppliers, of nuts, bolts, plastic, everything. Many will deal with the public and fill small orders, and an amazing number will toss you things like a half dozen loose M5x25mm bolts or similar FREE rather than go to the effort of ringing them up on the register, especially if you have purchased a few things there before...

[caleidescopeyes.livejournal.com]

Husbandy and I went and saw the movie today, too, and really enjoyed it! It was very, very entertaining.

[javagoth.livejournal.com]

One thing you can try is to cut the laces an inch or so longer than you need, roll the ends and secure them with tape for the lacing - then cut the taped parts off after...

[phoenixfire12.livejournal.com]

have yet to see the movie. *sniffle*



"Of course, this means I will probably NOT be posting a Shallow Fashion Details photo, as I am wandering around in stripy tights, bloomers, an Emilie Autumn t-shirt, and bunny slippers."

That's ok. Take the picture. It'll show your fans (us) that you know how to dress up for staying at home, too. The only thing missing from your description would be holding Clovis Bunny (insert spooky dramatic music here).

[semy-of-pearls.livejournal.com]

What might work: heat-reactive aiglets (the tips for the laces) and store-bought lace.

[cherry-faery.livejournal.com]

Hmmm...this is indeed a dilemma and you might be stuck with plain black laces but have you considered attaching a small charm to the plastic ends? Obviously for practical reasons, you will want to keep it very small and capable of withstanding the elements (as well as curious kitty creatures).

Good luck with your bootlaces and have a fabulous day at home! :)

[staxxy.livejournal.com]

yes, I can turn any ribbon you have into actual shoe laces.

[triskelmoon.livejournal.com]

"Because really, a not-very-historically-accurate Victorian-esque action film with pretty costumes, quippy dialog, and vampires?"

Have you read Elizabeth Bear's New Amsterdam (http://www.amazon.com/New-Amsterdam-Elizabeth-Bear/dp/1596061634/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262040825&sr=8-5)? Much the same but less with action film and more with female detective!

[bzzzyb.livejournal.com]

Oooo or Souless by Gail Carriger? Tis a book and not a movie......yet...but it's great fun. I think you'd like it a lot.

Bee

[bzzzyb.livejournal.com]

oops. Forgot the clickylink.

http://www.gailcarriger.com/

There. That fixes it.

:D

Bee

[kibarika.livejournal.com]

When the Steampunk gothic detective vampire novel I have yet to write gets optioned I'll let you know.

[m-cobweb.livejournal.com]

You have read the Fred Saberhagen Holmes/Dracula novels, yes?

[typsy-gypsy.livejournal.com]

We had shoelaces made of lace in the 80's (not that I'D know of course), so they must still be around somewhere.

Also, my kid's tap-dance shoes had laces made of ribbon, so try a dance store/supplier?

[schmi.livejournal.com]

I made my own shoelaces for these 20-eye boots I had once. I bought the laces from Jo-Anns, they cut them to length, and I think I melted heat shrink on them or something.

Jo-Anns sells lace and ribbon, so you should be able to find something there that works.

[schmi.livejournal.com]

I think you can get heat shrink from any electrical supply store. Melting it onto a cable/lace is just a matter of holding a match to it.

[fufaraw]

H says try heat-shrink tubing again--or even scotch tape over tightly-wound ribbon ends. Then drip super glue into the open end of the tube. The glue will soak into and harden the ribbon itself; the tape or tubing acts as a mold and can slip off (or stay on, as long as it does) when the ribbon ends are hard.

Alternatively, I've dipped ribbon ends in melted parafin or candle wax and rolled them into as small a tube as possble on a sheet of waxed paper before they cool completely.

[x-andatariel.livejournal.com]

Late comment, however;

Another thing that you could do is get the ribbon and put a small bit of duct tape around the end of it so it's like the plastic bits. I've fixed many shoelaces in this way (: