Scandinavian Turnshoe

My husband got this video through Kickstarter, and I'm blown away by the quality of both the instruction and the video production.
About the instruction: Not only does Jason Hovatter break down every step, he demonstrates the difference between techniques that will create success when done right, or failure when done wrong. Each part seems daunting at the beginning, then intriguing, then possible, as you watch the shoes get created. He builds student confidence through his no-nonsense demeanor.
About the video: Each major chunk of work is introduced with stop-motion animation, so you can literally see what will happen with the shoe in this part. Then every technique, from pattern making to stitching, is shot from angles and framed so that the viewer always knows what they're looking at, and can re-create it in front of their own eyes. When there are new techniques to learn, the video shows diagrams that show the correct angle to skive, or to pierce the stitching holes, or to lock-stitch the thread.
My mother and I followed these videos to make our own shoes over the course of a week and a half, using afternoons when I came home from work. It was difficult--especially the turning!--but not only are we thrilled with our shoes, we're already planning our next ones.
Let me be clear: I was a classroom teacher for 9 years. I have a masters' degree in curriculum and instruction. I'm professionally critical about instruction, pedagogy, and method, and I have never seen finer video instruction.

This is a beautifully produced video and the instructor really knows his stuff. I haven't made my first pair of turnshoes yet, but I have gathered all the tools and materials and will start soon. I am confident that I will be able to make a perfectly fitting pair of turnshoes because Jason's teaching is so clear and so enjoyable to watch. I highly recommend this DVD!

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