This is incredible! I've always admired people who could make and repair shoes. In fact being able to make or repair anything from scratch is not only cool, but literally sets the foundation for the kind is sustainable living we're striving for.
If everyone was versed in at least a few core trades, then things would be made to last, and the people you went to for business, were the people who did it the way you liked it done.
Landfills wouldn't be piled high because we wouldn't be merely consuming cheap crap. Instead we'd be buying for quality > quantity.
Cheers!