Gitty Duncan

Duncan's approach to bootmaking emphasizes learning traditional techniques through hands-on creation of a variety of classic boot and shoe styles. This educational focus reflects a commitment to understanding historical construction methods and proper fitting techniques, pursuing knowledge from experienced bootmakers to develop comprehensive bootmaking skills.

Gitty Duncan has pursued bootmaking education through workshops with established craftspeople, including a weekend intensive with Jeff Mandel from exIT Shoes in Portland, Oregon. This workshop focused on fundamental fitting skills including foot measuring, last selection, making proper foot tracings, taking accurate measurements, and determining appropriate length and width for various last styles.

This structured learning approach demonstrates Duncan's commitment to understanding the technical foundations of bootmaking before advancing to more complex construction techniques. Proper fitting represents one of the most critical skills in custom bootmaking, as even expertly constructed boots provide little value if they do not fit the wearer's feet correctly.

The workshop training supplements Duncan's hands-on practice creating boots and shoes, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. This dual approach of formal instruction and independent practice follows traditional craft education models where aspiring makers learn from masters while developing skills through repeated production.

Duncan employs hand-stitching techniques using two colors of linen thread, creating both functional seams and decorative visual elements. This multi-color stitching approach allows for aesthetic differentiation while demonstrating precise stitch control, as maintaining consistent stitch tension and spacing becomes more visually apparent when contrasting thread colors are used.

The welting process incorporates two colors of thread along with leather cording, combining structural necessity with aesthetic intention. Welted construction provides durability and repairability while creating the characteristic visual profile of traditional welted footwear. The use of contrasting thread colors makes the welting visible as a design element rather than merely structural component.

These traditional construction methods require significant time investment compared to modern manufacturing techniques, but produce footwear with character and durability characteristic of handmade goods. The hand-stitching process allows for adjustments and refinements impossible with machine stitching, accommodating material variations and ensuring structural integrity.

Gitty Duncan creates a variety of classic boot and shoe styles, working through different patterns and constructions as part of ongoing skill development. This approach allows the bootmaker to understand how different designs present unique technical challenges while building versatility in construction capabilities.

The range includes dance boots, as evidenced by the Dance Boot 001 model reviewed on Patina Project. Dance boots require particular attention to fit and flexibility, as they must allow for extended movement while providing support and durability. Creating footwear for specialized applications like dance demonstrates Duncan's ability to adapt traditional bootmaking techniques to specific performance requirements.

Duncan's hand-stitched boots won second place in the Fine Craft Division of the Marin County Fair in 2023, providing external validation of craftsmanship quality. County and state fair craft competitions maintain rigorous judging standards, with experienced craftspeople and judges evaluating entries on technical execution, material quality, and overall design.

This recognition indicates that Duncan's work meets standards established by the broader craft community for traditional bootmaking excellence. Fair competitions provide important exposure for independent craftspeople while offering benchmarks for assessing skill development against peer makers.

As an independent bootmaker, Duncan operates outside the structure of established bootmaking companies or traditional apprenticeships with commercial makers. This independent path allows creative freedom and direct customer relationships while requiring self-directed skill development and business management.

The independent model has become increasingly viable for craftspeople through online platforms that provide marketing reach beyond local markets, allowing small-scale makers to connect with customers interested in handmade goods. This evolution has enabled more individuals to pursue traditional crafts as sustainable vocations rather than hobbies.