Singin' the Opera Cake.

I love cooking but there's a certain magic about baking. My fascination first started as a little girl. Around 6 years old. I was too small, so I had to stand on a chair so I could be high enough to stir the cake.

Mom would put out the ingredients. And I would mix everything together. Then Mom would bake it. I would make the icing. My favorite thing about baking is creaming the sugar & the butter. You know when you have a good foundation. It's so important. I love it when I have company over so I have an excuse to go all out and bake something extra special...

Ricardo Larrivée is one of my three influential cooks. When I received his magazine in the mail I looked at the recipe for the gateau Opera and just had to make it. Even my partner, Richard, screamed for it.

After reading the recipe, at least three times, it looked complex but not complicated. It's a real thin almond cake that is dipped in coffee with three different butter creams: vanilla, chocolate & coffee... topped with an ganache. It always iffy when you go about tackling a new recipe for the first time. Especially for guests. I felt confident and it turned out perfectly. Jim, Jen & Richard went twice. I called it successful.

I'm already thinking of how I can modify this wonderful cake to give it a festive feel to it. Baileys or Contreau? How about egg nog? I'm certainly keeping this cake in my book!

The finished creation:

my Opera Cake.

And... five more!

We've been working hard since February 22nd with five more cycling caps. Introducing: (Top center clockwise) Orangeman, Tempo, Routier (French for road racer), New Pave Racer & Amore.

The New Pave Racer is back and is a slick darker color than the previous model. This crop of new caps are extra special. With a request by Hans for a good fitting cycling cap, we introduce the Orangeman our tribute to the cycling nation of Holland. All five are now for purchase on my Etsy site!

The Ventoux on the Isle of Islay!

I now have an association with thewashingmachinepost in a good way that Richard from cyclingart.ca has. Sending off my Ventoux cycling cap for a hopeful review has garnered an positive & warm reception over on the Isle of Islay. Scotch is the drink over there and I approve of it. I definitely love my Single Malt Scotch after a hardworking day. My half Scottish side supports it.

Brian sent me a response on his famous cycling review website about Galstudio's Ventoux cycling cap. Of course, it's name is from the famous volcano in the Tour de France. And yes we (the minions) are producing more Ventoux's as I speak. I've put down my scissors to write this, of course. It's a popular cycling cap, probably my third best seller.

I like the fact that Brian referred to the tweed run in London. Vancouver just had one in February. My tweed cycling cap would go very well on the heads of all riders. Brian writes well and I enjoyed his review very much. I feel honored to receive such a positive review.

Thanks again to Brian at thewashingmachinepost!

Under my cycling cap.

Galstudio's Paris-Roubaix Cycling Cap.

Today marks the first anniversary of selling my very first cycling cap. With the Belgian Classics starting it's appropriate that it was called Paris-Roubaix cycling cap.

Upon reflection, I started to sell my knitting goods on Etsy and that was my plan. Until, Richard came up with a request for a good cycling cap. Richard was searching for one and he was stuck with store bought ones that was ok but lacking in style and quality. I looked at his existing cap and I knew that I could make one much better. I took measurements and made a paper pattern and made my first one. My first cap was made from a cheap cotton that's used as a model to make sure it fits perfectly before cutting into the good fabric.

Surprisingly, the first cap was the ugliest but between the actually pattern & sewing something had happen. The brim was too wide, not deep enough and just too big. No problem, I made another pattern thinking it should work. It didn't. I had to calculate what a really cap should fit like. The challenge is how a flat form can fit on an egg shape. Not every fabric can do your bidding. I knew somewhere in the back of my mind that I could do it. I do have a diploma in fashion design from Quebec. It's been a long time but it's like riding a bike. Eventually it will all come back to you!

Measurements are crucial and to get a good fit is important unless you don't mind to have a diaper on your head! Overall it took me ten trials and trying different fits with three, four and seven panels. I finally came back with the four panel with darts, it fitted the best. Why? It fits deep, feels snug not tight, the brim is nice and soft and will bend without damage. The fabric is pre-washed so no unsightly color bleeding. And you can re-wash it without shrinking. Of course, Richard loves the sportiness and urban look.

When Richard saw the final project, he went nuts and said that you gotta sell this. I'm happy to say he still wears the Paris-Roubaix as well as a dozen more. Galstudio has grown since the very first cycling cap. I've added all sorts of accessories ranging from recycled inner tube pouches for Macbook Laptops, keys/ID/coins & the latest for the iPhone. Soon I will start selling a coffee cozy made from inner tubes. Just after this cup of coffee!

Eureka!

My Eureka Moment!

You know it when a eureka moment happens. Well, I had one and as I looked at Richard we both knew...

We had Peter over for dinner on the weekend and asked him for his iPhone. It's important to have the actually item to model with. Our idea was simple make a fun iPhone holder, the Galstudio way. My first prototype was a sad one. Just a sleeve. Even Peter wasn't moved by it. But, then on his second visit over he liked it. Caressing it he liked the second version the best and even gave us input on how to close it.

My inspiration came from my handmade journal and kept with the design of the gray & black textured strip. I've added a new sexy twist like a corset with reusable bicycle chain links. It's stunning.

Look for it in my Etsy shop in a week or two!

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!