Hi, and thanks v much for your quick reply. I''m in Ladbroke Grove. and get to Central (SB) and dance studios in the West End;. didn't think of asking dance shops--I kind of think they don't offer this, but I'll ask. As far as friends go, they all really hate having to sew shoes, even for themselves, so I haven't asked.-- I'm not around any dance mums. Thanks for the kind suggestion and sympathy.