Harder than I thought

[winebuyer]

Daughter needs elastic sewing on her new ballet shoes for school tomorrow,

Wife came home worn out. I said Go to bed, I'll take care of the ballet shoes.

Does the elastic go inside (where it might chaff) or outside (where it will show)?

I've done one side of one shoe and it looks all wrong. This is harder than I thought. I should have done this earlier.

[Ice.Maiden]

Preferably on the inside, winebuyer, and if you leave the elastic that goes down into the shoe long enough (to touch the sole), there won't be a rough edge to hurt your daughter's foot. If not, you could try superglueing, so there'd be no added stitching to rub against her.

[winebuyer]

Hi Ice.M

Hadn't thought of superglue. Bit late now. I've started trying to sew.

Thanks for the answer. Luckily, the side I've done, I've done it on the inside, so Hoorah.

Wouldn't want to muff this up, or I'll have a stroppy nine year old to answer to in the morning.

[Ice.Maiden]

I'm sure you'll make a class job of it - and from your daughter's point iof view, i'm sure you're bound to've done, 'cos daddy's done it.
Go and get her a new pair as soon as!!!

[winebuyer]

... ps

Is there anything you don't know, Ice.Maiden ??

[winebuyer]

This is a new pair, bought today. The elastic was in the packet with the shoes.

[shivvy]

I agree with Ice Maiden - go for the inside - much tidier and shouldn't rub her foot if the extra elastic is long enough.
Well done you for sitting up and getting the job done. Have a glass of wine to treat yourself!

[winebuyer]

Just thinking (as I try to sew) about the "daddy did it" answer.

Does it mean that dads can get away doing a bit of a botch job by playing the "dad + daughter" card?

[Ice.Maiden]

Gosh - do they give you that nowadays????? I used to have those ballet shoes which laced up the foot and tied round the ankle!!!!! Truly - they were my sister's!!

And yes - lol - there's a lot I don't know. Computers, for one...not very good at all. Ask some of the ABers on CB. Think I'm seen as pretty simple and naive sometimes!

[figure]

Winebuyer, Ice is a lovely person - she's well spoken, extremely knowledgeable, kind, a lovely person, makes a great a friend. Everyone should have a friend like Ice.

See Icey ... just like I said last night. You always have the right answers and know what to say .... xx

[winebuyer]

Actually yes, I am having a small "night cap" thanks shivvy.

This ballet shoe stitching thing is going on my list of "things you thought looked easy, but aren't".

[Ice.Maiden]

Well now I've gone as red as a beetroot! What a very kind thing to say, hun. I can assure you that i've thought similar about yourself - but I'll HAVE toget cracking with that email now, hadn't I, to tell you off for embarrassing me!!! LOL. Oh dear....I can be a very simple-minded creature sometimes. i just do my best to help folk. x

[winebuyer]

That's a very nice thing to say figure. Ice.M sounds equally lucky to have you as a friend.

Since I've been looking at AnswerBank, Ice.M has:

1. Put me off Coke.
2. Told me off (quite fairly) for making a mean joke about horses.
3. Helped me sort out my daughter's ballet shoes (with your kind assistance, of course).

So yes, perhaps everyone should have an Ice.Maiden handy at all times. How useful would that be!

[winebuyer]

Surely beetroots are more purple than red?

(until the next day ... if you see know what I mean)

[Ice.Maiden]

Oh dear!! Lol! well I can only give an opinion. It doesn't always mean that I'm right.
And sorry - to answer you, yes.....I think your daughter might find her shoes very special, now that daddy's had a go for her! Of course - if she complains, you'll have to grovel your apologies....tell her that "daddy always tries his very best for her" - and promise her some even NEWER shoes - ha ha ha - to make up for any "botch".
To answer about figure - I feel awful because I promised to email her...like ages ago...but things've cropped up. She writes brilliant notes, and yes, I like her. x

[winebuyer]

Ah, that's really nice.

I'm just unpicking one side, which I've muffed.

[Ice.Maiden]

Won't the shoes stay on without the elastic to support them? Whatever, you're doing a fine job there. If my husband was to give it a go....no, I won't go there! Then again.... our boys don't wear ballet shoes......

You're absolutely right about the beetroot of course!! Lol. I was going to say something ruder, but thought the old saying was more appropriate!

[winebuyer]

Ice.M

They seem to have a big opening for little feet. I didn't dare play the "won't they just stay on as they are?" card.

Besides ... I'm on the last side now.

Why does boys' stuff all come ready to wear, and girls' stuff all in need of alteration of some sort?

[winebuyer]

Tah Daah !!

Ballet shoes all finished and deposited next to daughter's school bag. Elastic on the inside, as advised.

Thanks for your advice on this. Now I can go to bed. Goodnight.

[Ice.Maiden]

Well done! A late job - but you can't let that little girl down!
Night to you. x

[shivvy]

Well winebuyer, were the shoes a success or are you being sued by another childs parents for injuries sustained when the shoe flew off and knocked their little ballet queen off the stage?!