a detour

I have been distracted from shoemaking the past couple of weeks while selling some things to buy a viola. The formula is : 1 viola = 4 typewriters, 1 fagoter (a vintage sewing accessory) and various garage sale items. There was some serendipity to this as folks practically came out of the woodwork looking for typewriters just
when I was willing to let them go.  I have
yet to have the garage sale but it is upcoming.

I am new to the viola and since January have been borrowing one from a generous friend who has been very encouraging. 
 This pair of shoes, made on solid brass lasts I found on Ebay a while back, will be a gift to her.  They are much smaller than the lasts I made from clay and have a wonderful natural shape that I will try to imitate in future lasts. These shoes aren't fancy but I guess not everything needs to be.

I bought the viola on Friday.  It's much too good for me, but I love it.