Code Name: CURTAINS! Bon Voyage!

3 hands in plaid!

My old friend Jim, from art school, asked me to help him with his curtains for his Mitsubishi Delica van.

Now, I know how to make custom curtains. As a matter of fact, I made our curtains for our 1972 VW Van that I had with my partner Richard at art school back in the nineties.

The sewing part was easy the hard part was for Jim to figure out the way to hang to curtains. His van was not camperize. So he did it from scratch making his passenger van into a camper. Jim and Jen went to a fabric supplier and they suggested a plastic light blocker that is efficient but not pretty. It's used as a liner to be hung with another fabric as a curtain.

Jim says, 'This is a temporary rod system."

They were a little tight in their deadline and measurements. So, I suggested a plaid fabric that I could donate to their cause. The project code name: CURTAINS! was suppose to be cost as little as possible and be very quick to make and install.

Jim was over for an afternoon and while he was on the rod system, I was back and forth measuring then installing. It was challenging. I was working with pre-cut fabric. The vans' windows were all different sizes. We just had to make it fit. Considering the time we had, it looks pretty good and will work fine. I'm happy.

Jim and Jen are on their way across Canada then into part of the US, a month of well-deserved vacation. Jim assured me that when they return he may want something more permanent... ie less plastic!

Beautiful craftsmanship...

the open bed and side shelving!

Jim's special storage that goes under the bed...

What is he going to put here?

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!

Emily's Quilt

At the beginning of Summer 2010, our friend Guy (the other half of the 3b's) announced that he was going to be a dad. With this wonderful news, this was my chance to make something for the new baby. By September, I realize that I had to make something special that Richard can partake in. That's how the idea of the babies quilt came to be. When Guy announced that it was a girl, I was so excited to make the quilt very girly-girly. I made the design in Illustrator and scanned Richard's Campagnolo chain ring to keep a cycling twist to the girly-girly quilt. I realized, even with Richard's help, and juggling the business that the quilt would not be finished until after the baby is born. We were so busy with the business, I even forgot to photograph the beginning stages of the quilt.

Ready to sandwich the bamboo batting

between the quilted sides.

This quilt was a journey, and self-taught. It really opened my mind to the vast world of quilting. I remember my Ma Tante Phonsine quilting away at night. Small pieces of fabric that she lovingly assembled by hand. Pure Magic!

Quilter's safety pin...

with a bend.

These days, quilters have a vast variety of tools to choose from. Safety pins, a simple material, is specially designed for the quilter. Who could ever imagine that! 

My first overstitch of hearts & flowers...

8 more to go!

I never did applique until now. So, I don't even know if this was the proper way of doing it ...but I love the result.

Making a pattern for the Scallop Edge...

sure helped!

When I first designed the quilt, I didn't know I was going to make a scallop edge. I was online for help on how to finish the edge and saw someone making a scallop edge. What a perfect way to compliment this quilt.

Front...

the girly side with the large E for Emily!

Back...

complete Campagnolo chain rings.

No quilt shall go into the world unsigned.

I'm extremely happy with my first quilt. Without Richard's help of cutting and prepping everything, Emily would probably not have her quilt until she starts to walk. It was fantastic to complete it and a joy to present it to Shelly & Guy and to see seven month old Emily happily rolling on it! What a happy family!

Recycled Bike Inner Tubes on Recyclart

Our Galstudio recycled La Piccola bike inner tube wallet.

For some time now, I'm following this excellent Recyclart website on everything about sustainability and creativity.

It's one of those websites I check out daily because I like how people recycle in a creative way.

I'm very proud to be amongst the ones that re-cycle, re-duce and re-use. And I would like to thank them for showcasing Galstudio's La Piccola bike inner tube wallets, today!

The Rubber Traveler

The one of a kind

rubber inner tube custom bag with recycled

pop bottle felt liner... 

I just made a 'custom special bag' for one of my friend's who's off to Thailand next month. He's requesting a bag with adjustable detachable straps for his Netbook.

If you remember, I used to have a laptop sleeve made of recycled rubber inner tubes on my Etsy shop. The bag is a cross between my SoMa iPad Envelope  and the Laptop Tube.

This Netbook has specific dimensions: 10 1/2 X 7 1/2 inches tapered at the front (1/2" thinner at the front).
The rubber is inconsistently crooked to begin with, difficult to have a completely flat sheet. It's not perfect.
And the only way for me to figure it out is to make a 3D model in foam core.

As much as I love to work with rubber, it is challenging to work with. I find that I can't impose my ideas onto it. Often the first idea changes. I have to constantly adapt my design to follow the natural movement of the material. But when it works, it's fabulous.

I'm very happy with this design. I love working with the imperfections of the rubber. I'm in the zen of sewing taking a flawed material working with it to make a wonderful final product!

Velcro closure...

First time I used metal clasps!

Loving the Entrelac Way!

The Entrelac Bible!

I came across this excellent book from the library. It's called Entree to Entrelac.

My first Entrelac design,

The Queen of Diamonds Scarf.

Two years ago, I found online, a scarf with an interesting diamond pattern. A free pattern was offered and I tried it. The pattern was written without graphics. And, it took me a few trials to follow the pattern. It was difficult to understand. I sketched it out and discovered it was ....easier.

I made my first Queen of Diamonds Scarf and it sold right away.

After my second scarf I wanted to knit something else. I came across this book and it all made sense. Everything I figure out two years ago, was here in this book with fantastic easy to follow diagrams. I'm so excited with all the different patterns that you can do with Entrelac but I don't know which project that I'll knit from this book.

One things for sure, my next project will be something with the Entrelac design!

My Queen of Diamonds Scarf #2.

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!

Stretching My Rubber!

Richard with the new Musette de Ville bags...

We've been very busy! And, I have gone crazy developing new products with the help from Richard. Our new 3 panel caps were just the beginning...

Our new SoMa Rubber iPad Envelopes. 

I woke up with the idea of the envelope and put it to paper, make the pattern & the prototype. I just love when it goes together, smoothly.

A few days ago, we discovered a new supplier of fabric. I couldn't find this fabric until now. It's called Ecospun felt, made from post consumer pop bottles. Not too thick but the perfect thickness for the
SoMa Rubber iPad Envelope. I don't own an iPad, but I tried my prototype envelope at the local Apple Store. We couldn't be more excited when we touched the iPad. I'm in love! I turn towards Richard and declared, "I want one!"

It was the perfect fit and I knew I didn't have to re-adjust it . We took it back to the studio and started production. Richard got busy washing all the inner tubes and had them all dry for me to start. I like the different colors of felt on the inside and it's so beautiful.

This is our 2nd generation of musette called Musette de Ville. The first musette was more simple like the classic design except for the added zipper. We felt that we needed to redesign the strap. Everyone prefers to wear it at a certain length. So, we made the strap adjustable and we designed a stronger strap with fabric & rubber inner tube. It was Richard's idea to have the musette match the 3 panel caps. I added the stripes & corner tabs to solidify the bottom of the bag. It's stronger than a typical musette bag but lighter than a messenger bag. It's the perfect day bag on or off the bike.

I'm so proud that our two amazing products are now on sale on Etsy & available at  Bird On The Wire Creations in Vancouver!

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!

Big Chief Heating Pad

Hot nite with the Big Chief!

Once in awhile, all you need is to cuddle with your heating pad. I had a week from hell but to be able to go to bed with my heating pad is wonderful.

I discovered my heating pad years ago but I hardly use it. I don't know if it's due to the weather getting colder here in Vancouver, but I now use it every night. Now, I've ad-Dressed' it. Richard had an old shirt that was too large for him. I always love this shirt and I wasn't ready to let it go. 

So, I decided to recycle this wonderful design to wrap my naked heating pad!

Notice I kept the 'Indian' label!

Getting Cozy!

In my previous post, it took Galstudio by surprise how the Inner Tube Cafe Racer Cozy are selling. I have been using the Cozy everyday since last Spring. Part of the morning routine. Now, I'm putting more on to the Etsy site and the rest will be on sale at the Bird On A Wire store.

Using a felt liner in between inner tubes proven to work really well as an insulator. I practice so much with the overstitching that I'm getting better at it. I'm having fun creating simple, geometric lines.

The winter here is all damp & grey. So the solution, get COZY & sit down with nice hot cups of coffee!

Introducing Galstudio's new generation of

 Inner Tube Cafe Racer Cozys!

Gal & Grommet!

I'm over the top. Scaling Mount Everest would be something else, but my new banner is top of the top!

This is exactly how I designed it on my computer. The colors are vibrant dead on perfect. Just fabulous. The Make It Show is next Friday and I'm so READY!

It's so great to have friends in the industry to help me in the printing of this banner on canvas. There's a semi-matte laminate on the canvas which pops out the color. The easiest way to hang it is to place two grommets at each top corner. And I sew around the edge to make the banner rigid. I can't wait to hang it on the black curtain behind my booth.

I've worked in the special events industry on formcore banners that I designed and produced. That was many years ago, and now I'm excited to have my very own pair of grommet pliers. Finally!

If you never had this tool, the other option is to use a hammer and pin which is very loud and iffy. It would do the job if you only need to do it once. This tool is the right tool for the job. At 15 bucks including grommets, it's a steal!

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.

Classic Winners

Galstudio's classic three:

(l to r): Capello da Ciclismo Nero, Tempo & Routier.

The Capello da Ciclismo Nero is the second cycling cap I ever sold. Right from the start it continues to be a favorite. Classic black how can you not like it? Made from Linen/cotton I fell in love with the fabric. Because, it's nice and crisp, light, and wicks. I thought of how it benefits cyclists as the material breathes well. I've received many compliments on this cap, the most ever, on how good it looks and feels. Form follows function.

Next in my classic cycling cap peloton is the Tempo and the Routier. The Tempo is also made from Linen/cotton in gray. The Routier cap started as an army style cap, but I soon realize it would look better as a cycling cap.

At the beginning, I made two or three Capellos, now I have to make twenty at a time just to keep up with demand. Although, I'm always tempted to create colorful caps, quite a few of my clients enjoy the classic colors!

Moo and improved!

New & Old...

My new Moo cards have finally arrived. I'm ecstatic.

The newly re-designed 'G' works very well. It means business. The font is easier to read and the overall look is cleaner. The back is simple with lots of space on top to allow for product description labels. I think it's a winner.

I have a tendency to be over perfectionist. For the first time, in memory, I'm 100% satisfy on how well the card design turned out. Most of the background pattern remains the same but, of course, I added a few more.

20 Moo cards...

Richard and I are working hard for the upcoming Make it show. Products need labels and we're busy tagging them all. I'm working on more wallets & Scoula, too.

One thing, as the fast approaching show is upcoming, it's always hard to determine how much stock you need. So, I'm making sure to that we have enough stock available.

Moo cards allow me to exploit my creativity to the max. Thumbs up to Moo!

Richard hard at ... MOO!

Fun with Belts

The Pac Man Inner Tube Belt.

Bicycle inner tubes are so fun to work with. A short while ago I was approached to make a inner tube belt for a birthday present. I was supplied with a very fun Pac Man buckle (above). I've never attempted to make a belt before and I looked forward to the challenge.

It's always challenging to make something new. But, that's what is so fun about it. It showed me how versatile rubber is and that there's still plenty of room to learn & explore. It was fun sewing the overstitch and picking out the vibrant orange fabric. Very colorful & electric. I think it turned out very well and the customer was extremely happy.

As soon as this one was done, my old friend Joey wanted one made. Well as you can see it's more in a classic style. He hasn't seen it yet. I won't see him for a few weeks as he's on vacation. I think he'll be pleasantly surprised!

The Plaid Inner Tube Belt.

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!