We're Moving Forwards!

It's a whirlwind of activity, here.

Hard to believe it's Christmas, the smell of roast turkey from my kitchen pleasantly reminds me of it. This year has passed by so fast that all I want to do is relax and sleep in and have a glass of wine or two.

Three years ago, I was between jobs, I stumbled onto Etsy. And, being a knitter, it made sense to sell my knit goods online. I had no idea what to call my new business. That's when Richard helped me with the name... Galstudio.

Remember our first logo design?

Gal is the first three letters of my last name, and it was my dream to have my own working studio. Selling my knit goods online was, as I discovered, not very successful. Definitely, not enough to make a living. My goal was to have my own home base business.

Richard had been looking for a well made cycling cap for some time. Like his old and used Campagnolo cap that he liked so much but wanted a classic cycling cap with a urban look. He asked me, "You know how to sew, why not make a cycling cap?" And, soon in March, 2009 I was selling my first handmade cycling cap on Etsy.

Richard wears the very first caps sold in March 2009...

The Paris-Roubaix (first version) & the ever so classic,

The Capello da Ciclismo Nero.

Quickly, Galstudio became a handmade cycling cap company. Soon afterwards, we worked with bike inner tubes creating different rubber accessories. That first year I must've modify the cycling cap pattern ten times to get it just perfect. It was a crazy year, I was working by myself and often asked Richard for help during the evenings. It just made sense when Richard came on board full-time. I suggested we re-brand the company to reflect more of the cycling cap/inner tube accessories.

We both utilize our talents: my sewing expertise/computer knowledge and Richard's cycling passion. It's a match made in cycling heaven.

After three years with the Galstudio name, we believe it is time to grow and move further. Importantly, to come up with a new name that better describes who and what we are. We came up with a few names but we haven't made the final choice ....yet! I'm already sketching  a few ideas for the new logo.

The new name will be launched in January 2012.

And looking at my remaining stock with the Galstudio labels I suggested to Richard that it would be impossible to remove the old labels and put on the new ones. So the simple solution is to have... a MEGA SALE!

This mega sale will start on December 26 and we expect to sell out quickly.

I guess I won't relax, but I'll be comforted to know that I'll be working in front of the computer through the holidays ...with a much needed glass of wine (or two)!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Cheers to all of our customers & friends...

past, present & future!

Climbing with the Polka Dots!

Hurray! Let there be DOTS!

Guess what I found at my new supplier, today?

As you may know, I've made two different versions of the popular Polka Dots cycling cap. Of course, no longer available due to discontinued fabric from my supplier. It's difficult to obtain the red dot pattern fabric. I'm thinking most fabric designers are not in tune with the Tour de France.

Today, Richard and I was about to leave the fabric shop with our notions when I saw, from the corner of eyes, the familiar red dots on white. I immediately zoomed onto it and purchased as much as I could.

I love it, it was meant to happen since I didn't find what I first was looking for. Next, I will wash the fabric and rework the design because the fabric seems like a lighter cotton.

This will be fun project!

The Zesty Orangeman

Based on our Orangeman cycling cap.

It's hectic around here.

The Make It show maybe over, but our online business is humming along nicely. From time to time, I make custom cycling caps and here's one that I just completed.

It looks like Spring is back. The demand now is for winter caps, and whenever I have an order for a regular cap it's time to re-learn.

Here's a custom Orangeman with yellow stripe, bright and colorful!

The Flemish has landed

The Make It Show is over and done ...and it was fantastic!

With the addition of another day, the show was intense. Saturday being the most intense. They broke a record: 1000 customers passed through the gate in 1 hour. A grand total of 8400 in 3.5 days.

I don't know how I managed it, but I found the time to make a Bike sign that really made our booth stand out. People loved it and kept complimenting us all throughout the show. I used christmas lights.

We brought along a huge diverse inventory. The big star was our wallet, and we introduced our newest 100% winter cycling cap; The Flemish! I redesigned the pattern and modified the ear flap to fit even better. We realize our caps would fit better if we offered two sizes. A great success! We are planning to look at the way we size our caps in order to provide a better choice of sizing.

As you probably guess, Richard has many caps and now he has a 100% wool winter cap. After a week without a ride, Richard didn't waste time to jump on his Marinoni. The next morning after the show, he went out to test the new Flemish cap. It was a cold morning close to 0C, perfect conditions to test the Flemish cap. The picture below is Richard back from his cold weather ride. He was tired ...but warm!

Make It!

We've made it to our biggest show of the season... Make It!

Today starts four days of handmade love at the Croatian Center here in Vancouver. Richard and I are excited to have our Galstudio cycling caps/accessories on sale. 

I invite you all (if you can make it) to attend and come over and meet us. Our booth is located beside the bar in the main room!

Hackett Park Summer Arts & Crafts Fair

This past weekend's Hackett Park Art Festival in Sechelt BC was by far the friendliest show we've been in.

The music was fantastic. The weather beautiful the people that stopped by to chat were very friendly. And, all the vendors were especially nice, too. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the Francophone presence. I had the chance to speak French!

Richard and I had the wonderful opportunity, again, to share our booth with our friend Helene. And, it's going to be fun to come back next year and enjoy the Sunshine Coast rhythm!

Cycling Cap or Baseball Cap?

Benoni Beheyt 1964 Tour of Belgium

Le Tour de France is over.

Richard and I are in withdrawal. And, he is re-watching old Tour dvd's for some satisfaction. I have been thinking of new cycling caps both regular and winter. There's no doubt in my mind, this Tour de France was the most exciting one in years.

During the opening team presentation I question why they wear baseball caps instead of cycling caps? I don't understand why the iconographic cycling cap is seldom worn. Why is the baseball cap accepted as part of the teams kit? It's not that you can wear it during a cycling race.

Greg LeMond 1990 Tour de France.

I'm bias, personally the cycling cap should be brought back on the podium. Just like during 1990 Tour when the proud Greg LeMond and his team wore their cycling caps. I feel that the cycling cap is a proud fashion piece and the cycling world should re-embrace it.

In my utopia, baseball players wear baseball caps and cyclists wear cycling caps!

Just imagine if they all wore the classic cycling cap!

FolkFest & New Rubber.

The new Fanny Packs.

Galstudio will be selling at the Vancouver Folk Festival this Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

We've been preparing for awhile now. In fact, this is the biggest show for us, thirty hours in three days. I never thought that I would have the time to finish this new recycled inner tube fanny pack. It's done and now Richard has one and I have one. 

I love them and I have feeling that folks will ask me if I sell them. Depending upon the demand I may have to put some up on the Etsy website. What a better testing ground, in front of literally thousands, to ask their input. 

I worked in the Special Events Industry for over twenty years and, for one thing, I wore a fanny pack. I could never find one that was big enough, fun enough and durable. The stitch would always come apart and the zipper would go. Now, I have one that finally fits and looks well. Richard's fanny pack has a special pull tab made from bicycle chain links... very cool.

They're both made to our own specifications. Richard wanted the traditional plastic clasp tying around the waist. I went for a loose strap that I can either tie around my waist or across the chest. They are similar to our Scuola Pouch but only deeper for more room to hold things. 

For the show we are excited to reveal three new cycling caps. I can't tell what they are.

I'm back to preparing more food for us to bring to the folk festival. It's outdoor and on the beach without any food concession stands. And Richard will not function without food, it's like a military operation... of the craft kind!

I'll have pictures and upcoming podcast soon!

Richard's excited...

the new fanny pack is a winner!

June Bike Month

Today is June 1st.

And the weather, is a beautiful 14 C Spring day and I feel there's hope yet, for Summer. June is Bike Month here in Vancouver. There's quite a few of bike activities for the month. Here's a just a few: Velopalooza, Car Free Day (June 19th), & MEC Bikefest (June 25th).

Yesterday, Richard and I helped Karen with the June Bike Month window display at Bird On A Wire Creations. Richard took the opportunity to use his retro fun 1984 Team Pinarello wool cycling jersey, looking very nice. Special thanks go to Nic & Jamie of Super Champion Cycle Shop for their beautiful bicycle. The window would not be the same without their bicycle. It's stunning. And, I would like to thank Karen (Endure Upcycled Designs) for the great 'I love Bikes' banner.

Richard has three cycling art framed prints for sale. And, we will be back as the Artists in the Window this Saturday (11-4) producing another handmade cycling cap. He will also have on hand his portfolio of cycling art prints for everyone to look at, too.

I'm not exactly sure which cap to make; the Ventoux or the Espress O. I'll have to decide very soon. Hooray for June Bike Month!

Artist's In The Window: The Return

Remember the first time I was the Artist in the Window? That was last January 29th.

Well, Richard and I was eagerly back and making our famous Polka Dots cycling cap. Yesterday, we were the Artist(s) in the Window at Bird on a Wire Creations. It's such a great idea that Karen welcomes different artists every Saturday to show their craft.

It's nothing liken to a handmade show where you feel like you have to perform to sell your artwork. Depending on the show, you don't always have enough time to share with clients. I like this hands on approach where the main emphasis is engaging with the public. Of course, sales are good too! This is where Richard shines. His fountain of cycling knowledge is advantageous. I believe with Richard, that he presents an non-threatening aspect. Cycling guys feel comfortable enough to enter into a crafty handmade store without their girlfriends! In fact, a father with baby girl stopped in to chat with Richard and to buy a cycling cap.

Richard is now selling his Cycling Art Cards at

Bird on a Wire Creations!

The sun was not there but plenty of people showed up. We learned from a bike mechanic of a newer bike store to check out around Hastings & Nanaimo in Vancouver. We also met a cycling couple from Bellingham, Washington who were amazed at how Main street was so vibrant. 

It's wonderful to meet the new employee at Bird on a Wire, Shelley. She has a beautiful welcoming smile to greet customers. 

A great day, it went flying by. It felt like working in an open studio!

A good sign...

June will be Bike Month in Vancouver and 

we will be both back as Artist in the Window!

Quest for the Orangeman

I'm happy that the Orangeman is back!

We sold out on the Orangeman Cycling Cap last November, and I'm happy to present the new & improved Orangeman Cycling Cap!

The fabric is thinner and more comfortable than it's predecessor. The new version is made from cotton/polyester twill and 100% natural cotton trim.

This was a long quest that lasted awhile, around four months. I hate it when fabric suppliers don't renew their stock thinking that bright colors only sell in the Summer. My quest is actually half done. I'm still looking for the three color Dutch stripe.

I've exhausted my limited resources around town, now I'm ready to go outside Vancouver on a road trip.Tomorrow we'll check it out and go to Port Coquitlam to check out Fabricana's notion sale. Cross my fingers!

Celebrating our new Paris-Roubaix cycling cap!

Richard wearing the new Galstudio...

Paris-Roubaix Cycling Cap!

Today is the 2nd anniversary of Galstudio's very first cycling cap sale. It's hard to believe it's two years ago. And, to celebrate we're proud to introduce our ....new Paris-Roubaix Cycling Cap!

French Tricolore detail...

Vive le France!

Images: Galstudio

When I first discovered Etsy, my ambition was to sell my knit goods. Here are some stats. That was November 2008. By March, 2009 Richard suggested that cycling caps will sell. I listed my first cycling cap in mid march, a few days later it sold in the United States.

That was my first sale on Etsy and I knew that my cycling caps would be popular. This was the first step for Galstudio to become a platform to sell cycling caps. When Richard came on board, last year, it became our real business.

My very first cycling cap was called Paris-Roubaix. It took me many hours to develop it. Richard was picky with the design, he said, “It just had to look and fit right.” The cycling cap had to sit comfortably on top of the head. It's not a baseball cap. So, I had to make a mock up design... many of them. I chose the fabric a classic brown/beige plaid. I haven't seen a cycling cap like it before. I had purchased enough fabric for two caps. And, both sold right away.

Now, I like to bring back the name and a new cycling cap. I love the name Paris-Roubaix, and I'm so excited to present it as a 3 panel cap with a new feature; 2 bold black stripes for that racy feel. Richard's idea was the French tricolore and my idea was the placement of that splash of color. I think it works elegantly well.

After close to a thousand caps made, I’m so happy how Galstudio’s cycling caps have evolved. I feel that, with this new Paris-Roubaix, I’m bringing the cycling cap to the world of haute couture!

Galstudio's New 3 Panel Cycling Caps!

The newest design...

Richard sporting 'The Canuck Cycling Cap'
Galstudio's 3 Panel Cycling Cap!

Over a year ago, I had the idea of creating colorful cycling caps. With a small business, we often wear many types of 'hats' and certain ideas get put away. It seems that time is always scarce for new projects.

Richard and I are excited to present part of our new collection for 2011...

The Canuck, Le Belge, La Francaise, Viva Italia & Good Vibrations.

These 5 caps are all colorful and we believe, fun to own & wear. This project has been so fun to work on. I don't know if it's because of the new 3 panel design or the colors. It's wonderful. Richard has worked hard on each cycling cap description now available in our Etsy site.

We're already working on new design ideas for 3 panel cycling caps!

Red Fabric Love!

Galstudio's Spanish Lover Cycling Cap.

It all started a few months before Christmas. Galstudio sold out on the Vuelta cycling cap and sadly we found out the fabric was no longer available. It had to be retired. We had requests for a red cycling cap so we set out in search of red fabric.

The perfect red fabric was a challenge to find. In fact, we discovered fabric that was too thick, too thin or not the right shade of red... until now. About three weeks ago, there it was, a beautiful cotton twill in the perfect shade of red. I love working with cotton twill and it's a fabric that is so suited for my cycling caps.

Richard suggested the name for our newest cap, The Spanish Lover Cycling Cap. It's a wonderful name, and so much easier, than Vuelta, to pronounce!

Artist's In The Window

After the fun Richard and I had on Saturday, as Artist's In The Window, I enjoyed creating the video on iMovie. The program is wonderful, since working with Bikes, Books & Beers Podcast on it. Playing with the hands on template was easy and proves again that Mac is very user friendly. Adding music completes the video. It's the first time I played with audio in the program. It's fun.

We were there from 11 to 4 PM, and it passed quickly. Likely due to the rain, we didn't see any cyclists. You can't blame them for not going out in the torrential rainfall. It was a fun experience and productive. We finished our newest cycling cap, due out in a few days. This will be the first of many new caps following in the next few weeks.

We're grateful to Karen of Bird On The Wire, for the opportunity. In fact, she has already spoken to us about appearing in another Artist In The Window, sometime this early Summer. We're so excited!

" I never thought I would do it... in the window!"

Our nice polka dot window display!

As you have read, from this previous post, Galstudio is available since December at Bird On A Wire.

Karen has this wonderful opportunity for artists that sell in her store to showcase how they do what they do. I was so excited when she asked me to be the artist in the window. A fun idea. Without asking Richard I booked ourselves for this Saturday January, 29th from 11-4 PM. He's as excited as I am.

We will be there with my lovely Singer Fashion mate 257 showing how we make our fine cycling caps. As far as I know, we'll be the first ones to make a cycling cap live to the public. How exciting is that? And, we will take this opportunity to launch our first new cycling cap for 2011. I 'll give you all a teaser, it's all about... LOVE!

So, I invite you to meet us and see how we make our cycling caps and to check out the wonderful, diverse, handmade products at Karen's store!

A New Nest with Bird On The Wire.

A beautiful & sunny day as Richard and I walked down on Main Street to visit our newest shop selling our Galstudio handmade products. The shop is called, 'Bird On The Wire' nestled nicely in our neighborhood.

I met friendly Karen, the owner, about a month ago spotting her shop on my stroll to the post office. I like what I saw. Ever since the fire, about a year ago on the same block, we can see a new dynamic of different shops created. This is usually a boutique you would find further up Main, and I'm so glad we have it.

Karen asked me if I was an artist. I gave her my business card. And, I was surprised when I received information from her about putting my products in her store. I hadn't consider it especially when I already have my caps in bicycle stores. A shop like this makes sense.

Our entire line of products are selling at her store. And, even my knit goods never looked so good displayed here. Karen has made an extra effort to make the products look their best. She obviously loves what she's doing creating this beautiful & supportive environment.

She gave me that extra confidence to recognize myself as more than a maker of cycling caps. Above it all I'm an multi-faceted artist capable of making a diverse range of products. I feel so good about this.

I'm so excited and proud to be one the artist's to be represented in her shop. She carries eco friendly products made from growing cottage artists within a 100 mile radius of her store. I'm selling my fun products around the world but now I'm selling it in my little neighborhood. It makes me feel part of an artist community... I feel that I'm finally home. I love this Mt. Pleasant area and it's growing on me!

Winter Classics

Galstudio's Condorito winter cap.

If it wasn't for Richard asking me to create a winter cycling cap I probably would not have. He showed me his earliest winter cap a precious red, wool Colnago. He asked me if I could make one similar. I was inspired by how the ear flaps fit on the neck. So I set out to create my first winter cap the Bobet.

Many models later, I'm happy to say my winter caps are popular. I now have seven models to choose from. The newest one is the Presta.

My best seller is the Condorito. I found more fabric and made more. In fact, I have a good supply of caps in stock. But, once they're gone that will be it for that model.

Richard was out riding this chilly morning wearing his Condorito cap and he happily reported how comfortable and warm it is. And, with winter fast approaching I was reminded by Guy when he said, "You cannot think of going through winter without a Galstudio winter cycling cap!"

Richard's precious 1980's Colnago winter wool cap.

Talkin' Turkey & Inner Tubes

What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving Day than talking turkey and Inner Tubes. It's the long weekend and we're sharing it with Turkey and busy producing winter cycling caps & wallets/pouches.

For many years in the past, I was a vegetarian. I always felt there was something missing, the tradition of Autumn the harvest season. Without the smells of roasting turkey it was not quite the same. Most often, we make a 15 pound turkey and we have plenty of leftovers. But, the most important factor is to share it and we do and that's where it counts. In my case, I'm far away from my Quebec family and I try to create my own tradition with friends.

Richard cut about 150 tubes and they're destine to become wallets. In fact, we're getting excited for our first craft show. We figure it's better to make more than be stuck with not having enough. There's been a huge demand for our winter cap's and I anticipate an even bigger success at the show. No one else makes this type of winter cap. With the weather cooling down I'm sure every cyclist will appreciate one of them.

Plaid Tribute to Winter

Galstudio's Winter Cycling Caps.

Winter arrived early to Galstudio.

I was fortunate to find very nice winter fabric this summer at my suppliers. Plaid that is. Three models are back & I've added two new caps for now.

Plans are to add a few more models within the next month. I'm thinking something a bit more neutral. Today, I call it my plaid tribute. I can't get enough of it. I think it's due to my Scottish roots. I love plaid. You know, these caps would also look in place amongst fox hunters in England. Something we would never do growing up in Quebec. How about urban hunting on wheels. Sounds less violent.

The two new winter cycling cap's are from top left to right: Galibier & Lombardia. Of course, Richard named them with the context of two very famous names in cycling. Galibier is the French mountain & Lombardia is a famous classic race in Italy. Three caps are back this season: Bobet (center), Grand Fusil (bottom left) & Gentleman (bottom right).

It's always fun to work on new caps for the upcoming season. Takes the chill out of winter!