20 steps to my cycling caps!

Getting ready to sew the darts.

I mentioned to Richard the other day about our cycling caps and wanted to know how many steps it takes.  Every hat maker has their own method and not to mention standards. I thought it would be fun to compile a list. Here goes…

1.              Designing the cap.

2.              Finding a name & description

3.              Buying the fabric & trim

4.              Washing all fabric & trim

5.              Cutting the fabric & interfacing

6.              Assembly of darts.

7.              Ironing

8.              Tucking in all the loose threads

9.              Assembly of all panels

10.          Finishing  the inside cap

11.          Sewing the stripe on the cap

12.          Assembly of the brim

13.          More Ironing

14.          Sewing the inner band

15.          Sewing the Galstudio logo

16.          Trying the cap for size

17.          Sewing the elastic

18.          Finishing the inner band

19.          Threading

20.          Putting on the hang tag.

 After all those years as a production manager, I still think in terms of breaking down a project into shorter tasks. It comes in handy as I now have Richard in production!

Oh, and let's not forget. The secret ingredient that is part of all the steps in making a good cycling cap...
LOVE!

Finishing the Orangeman!

The Great change in fashion history.

I have many interests. Back in the day, quite a few years ago, I studied fashion design in College back in Quebec. My love for fashion has always been based historically. Years later I graduated from the Emily Carr Art School touching upon art history. Their both share a rich, visual & social history. None couldn't be without each other.

Living close to a brand new library, just a walk away, means so much to me. The library is so exciting for me. I remember when Quebec City opened it's new centralized main library around 1984. The library means to me an endless amount of knowledge and inspiration for free. Everything is there. I love the internet but I do enjoy holding and reading a book. It's all visual & tactile.

I've come across this wonderful book, The Empire's New Clothes by Christine Ruane. When I took fashion history class it was unexplained how Russia was influenced by European fashion. There was no choice for the people. On January 4th, 1700 Peter the Great imposed a reform stating that all Russian dress will not be worn. He said, "All residents of the city of Moscow must wear German dress, French & Saxon coats and ride in German saddles..."

Peter the Great in European dress.

From: The Empire's New Clothes.

Today, It hasn't changed much, there's still a few fashion 'dictators' who choose what we will wear. But at least we can all make a choice!

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!

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"

The February Blowout Sale!

I'm making room for the introduction of newer caps. So, with the January sale on it's way out, now it's time for my February Etsy Blowout Sale.

It will be on selected cycling caps & knitted wear. Up to 50% off!

Production, production, production!

Great production day involving twenty pouches. Half are already sold. So back to making more.

I'm in the middle of prepping five new cycling caps. And I've already named them next is to make them.

The crazy yarn deal in Vancouver.

I was shopping yesterday for fabric and found sweet deals at Dressew here in Vancouver.

To my surprise I found name brands like: Nashua (kid Mohair), Rowan, Gedifra and many more. All yarn is on sale for $1.99 CDN a ball. I know for a fact the Nashua sells for $10.00 CDN per ball. I went nuts!

The only thing that held me back was that Dressew doesn’t take credit cards. It’s rather annoying when you could only pay in cash. The sales clerk told me that another shipment is expected just before or after the Olympics. I’ll definitely be there afterwards. So far I have declared a "no-go" zone for the downtown area. I won’t go anywhere close to downtown until March. I’ll stay around my home nice and quiet knitting & sewing during the Olympics!

It's in the mail!

Recently, Richard from Cyclingart Blog was willing to pose for my project.

Last Christmas, I ordered gifts through Etsy and it was so nice to receive a personal message to confirm shipment. I thought it would be a fabulous idea that I do the same. So, as Richard was going off for a ride, I grabbed him and told him to position himself in front of a mail box.

From now on, my Etsy customers will receive this image with their shipping confirmation!

"Make my day..."

"The Badger"

You know when something makes your day? Well, today was the day...

I love what I do and take pride in my work. When I make another sale I add another pin to my world map and imagine my cap's being worn somewhere in the world.

Please read the review and the comments from the Badger about this Winter Cycling Cap. This is definitely the gift that keeps on giving...

The Gentleman Winter Cycling Cap.

More Inner Tube journals.

I love making handmade books. Here's my newest ones. During the holiday season I sold out of my books in my Galstudio Shop. So it was time to make more.

This time I made all the covers with recycled bike inner tubes. I let my imagination run wild with the free motion stitches design making each book unique. Inside I used different material from felt to "faux" animal print. The pages are made with a wonderful thick reclaimed paper in white and gray and l also included a ribbon page marker with 3 bike chain link.

I am pretty happy with the results. To see more pictures look in my Galstudio Shop.

Another gift for me!

After knitting my last pair of socks I was really excited to be done. But it didn't take long before I got knitting withdrawal. Quickly, I turn to my stash and found this beautiful clover color Patons sock FX. I know socks would've been great with this color yarn but I really needed a scarf.

I use 2 balls of 50g, cast on 35 stitches on my Addi Turbo #10US and knit with this simple pattern:

1 row - K3, *K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SKP, K3* (SKP = slip a stitch, knit the next, pass over the knit)

2 row - K3, *P5, K3*

repeat row 1& 2 until desired length.

That pattern was so easy and relaxing. Then again I may just do another scarf because I can always use some more relaxation!

Ready for the big January sale!

The new year just started and I thought it was a good time to do an inventory of my stock. I decided that it was good time to offer free shipping for January. I need to make room for the new models. I now have 49 different cycling caps in my Galstudio store! When I started making cycling caps I would never dream of having so many different models. Now, I am already shopping for the fabric for Spring!

The holiday season was definitely crazy and I could not be happier! I reached a milestone with 100 online customers. To celebrate the occasion I gave a free Piccolo Pouch to the lucky customer and I shared a good bottle of wine with my partner!