New look for the recycled journals.

I'm excited to introduce a new series of handmade journals. As you all know the inner tubes are recycled and now I've included a textured plastic that was destined for the dump. This material is used as photographic background and is tough & waterproof. The enclosed recycled paper is neutral. Two journals have white pages while the other two have gray pages. I'm happy with the product and it now gives the journals a beautiful sporty finish!

A new series of cycling caps.

I'm presenting my new crop of cycling caps. Top right corner and going clockwise: Hammer, Gruppetto, Chronometro, Cima Coppi & Passista. I'm very excited and I know folks will like them. I've now reinvented the Cima Coppi because the previous fabric is no longer available. The new fabric pattern is very classic Italian!

Gold Apple Olympics!

Well, there's one GOOD thing about the Olympics, is the offer from Apple. A few days ago, I kept Richard company by going over to the Apple store. His Macbook needed repair, his airport was kaput. We walked inside and I discovered a pleasant surprise. One of the blue t-shirted personal shoppers handed me a cool pin for free. It was an iPod special edition Olympic pin. We both took one. I admit I'm a Mac nerd so I noticed right away he was wearing another one with the apple design. So I inquired and he said that each store has a different one. I told myself to avoid the downtown area during the Olympics but this was an emergency. I had to get this pin. Last Sunday we parked and walked through the maze of Olympic tourists and Russian coaches to the downtown Apple store. Inside, I wasn't disappointed, as a personal shopper handed me the Apple pin. I'm complete and happy. Mac happy!

Enjoying my new studio.

New fabric of linen/cotton has graced my work table. I found some beautiful colors and working on a Dutch cap for Hans. Richard is busy naming the new caps and I can tell you they will be fun. There will be 10 new cycling cap designs over the next few weeks. I'm really enjoying my new work area. Now, with Richard on board there's more space to work in.

Galstudio + Richard.

Finally!

Richard from cyclingart and myself are working together. We have a common passion to share...

Design and produce the best handmade cycling caps & accessories for the urban lifestyle.

Richard's the perfect partner; due to his background in cycling, to bounce ideas, test products and share what's in the fridge with!

Big Scarf, Big Addi!

Remember the big sale I told you about? Well I finished my first project. I made this great big 8 foot long scarf! I just love the mix of different size wool. I was so excited and enjoyed so much to work this pattern that I never stopped. I didn't consider that Vancouver never gets cold enough to wear this kind of scarf... Hum! There's a good chance that this scarf will make it to the 'knitting selection' of my shop next winter.

I didn't lose any time and started another project right away. This time I'm making a throw. Last November, I bought this super big 15 mm Addi hook and never had a chance to use it. Until now. I know why some knitter's work exclusively with large size needle's and hook's, it's so fast!.... it made my head spin!

Sharing the Vaynerchuk love.

A few weeks ago my partner, Richard told me that I should check out this wine guy. We both love our weekend wine and this could help us make a better choice. At the same time, I was telling Richard that I had bookmarked a video that he must watch. It's about this really inspirational guy who was at the Web 2 Expo. Well, it turn's out that we were talking about the same guy! Talk about synchronicity...

If you don't know Gary Vaynerchuk, PLEASE check him out. I can't promise you will love him but I will tell you that he is the kind of guy that you ether love or hate. With his unique 'in your face' presence one thing is for sure, you will not be indifferent. I love you Gary!

My work studio grown up!

Before & after.

I love my new work tables!

Efficiency is the key to working well.

I called my old friend Jim to create two working tables to enhance my work area. Jim's in the movie industry as an carpenter and he has the know how to make it happen in a relatively short time. What he created was incredible. He used nice birch at a sale price and he made heavy steel brackets able to hold up the L-shape table. My surger & sewing machine are quite heavy so a speciality made bracket had to be welded for solid support. The 4X6' table top fits over my preexisting round table or can be used with legs on all four corners on itself. I discovered that it's far easier to cut fabric with a 90 degree corner. There's so much wonderful room to stretch out. I suggested the bracket to Jim with NO legs to get in the way. Now, there's storage a plenty down there.

Bring on the production!

A major story with Major Tom.

Steve with his Major Tom!

One of the wonderful things selling my cycling caps is that I sometimes come across interesting stories. I received a very nice image from Steve over in Whitney UK. That's Steve above in the top image sporting the Major Tom cycling cap. He's standing under the Bridge of Sighs and looking very cool. I want to thank Steve for sharing his story and letting me use his image.

Steve wrote me that his mother was a track cyclist and knew the famous Tom Simpson. Talk about a fabulous connection with the two Major Tom's!

"The Major Tom Simpson"