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!

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.