Fixing Footwear
A Florida cobbler repairs worn soles and broken heels The Sharp End: Cobblers to the gentry
In a day's shift at a Chelsea shoe-repair shop, Dave Waller discovers his sole. The story is that shoe repair is a goldmine in a recession. Broken in, but not worn out
Richard Purpora began working at the shop when he was only 14 years old, under the tutelage of his uncle, Frank. Richard agreed to take over the family business in 2007. Ukrainian cobbler finds destiny in shoe repair
Alex Marshtein opened Alex's Shoe and Repairs in 1985 in Charleston but moved to Mount Pleasant two years ago for cheaper rent and better parking. Snapshot: Shoe repair is all in the family for Raymond Torcaso
Raymond Torcaso , 51, is a seventh-generation shoe repairman and has been practicing the trade in Kenosha for 40 years.
HELP...I have red fabric slingbacks that have been ruined from cleaning. Not velvet or satin, not sure exactly what the material is. The area above the toe (on both shoes) turned a darker color so I took them to the cobbler. He said humidity in the closet got into the fabric and dying them would produce an uneven result. He suggested I try soap and water at home. I did twice, once with a stain soap (don't remember the name) and then got desperate and resorted to Wisk. Now the shoes are half red and half black! I re-rinsed and even tried to dry them with the blower dryer. They look completely horrible now. Can these be cleaned, re-dyed red or do I now have to resort to black? I have only worn these shoes one time and could really use some advice.
FABRIC SHOES STAINED
Posted - 12/09/2009 : 3:09:33 PM
