Studio... Hiatus

Checking in on the blog I've realized I have been woefully remiss in posting an update. Hopefully, I'll make an update with more detail soon, but here is an abbreviated version.

I recently closed my studio and put a portion of my equipment into storage. For the foreseeable future I am stopping taking commisions. I am getting ready to try something very different, which I'll happily share once it's under way.

For the time being, I'll try to post the occasional picture or thought. I'm still knitting, so maybe a bit of that.

For those of you who were on the fence about some of my small leather goods, I do have a small number of inventor items - if you check out my Facebook page, you'll find some pictures. It's in storage, but I'll be pulling some of it out before the end of the month, so shoot me an e-mail!

Until sooner or later!

K

Velo Trials and Taking Commissions

I mentioned in the last post that I'm planning some major changes coming up soon. Until then, I am taking commissions! I'd also like to do another Velo shoe trial. My timeline doesn't really afford to order new lasts, but I do have opportunity to make shoes. To do it, I need at least six pairs ordered. Did you want to know what sizes I have of the Velo last? Well, here they are: 6C, 8C, 9C, 9.5 C and D, 10C, 10.5 B and C, 11 B and C, 11.5 B, 12C, 12.5 D. Thanks and goodnight!

It can't really be July, can it?

I'll try to keep this short, as I need to get to the studio.

July is here and I'm busy with projects continuously nearly ready to set free upon the world. I have a ridiculous number of things on the fire at the studio. It's not set in stone, but I'm planning a pretty major life upheaval at the end of the summer, so I'm trying to move my projects forward.

New Work

A couple of items I've shown on the Facebook page, like the Beltpouch and the Envelopes are essentially done, but I need orders to accommodate purchasing materials. I may put a few Envelopes together from semi-random materials I have floating around the studio and sell those for somewhere around $120 (I kind of desperately need to do some inventory cataloging/reduction, so who knows what they'll look like!).

I need to purchase a number of supplies for the Beltpouches, but depending on the materials an all woven fabric one will hover somewhere around $80.

Velo Shoes

I would really like to do another trial of the Velo shoes before the summer ends, but I need at least six pairs on order to start. I can't purchase new last sizes right now, so I need to limit the run to what I have on hand - if I have a chance, I'll put up a list of sizes, but contact me soon! I have to assume at least a month to get a run completed, and I need the run completed before the end of August.

Etsy Sale

I need to sell some of my Etsy inventory to clear space for new items, so for July I've created a coupon for twenty percent off - at checkout, use the code MINUSTWENTY to get a deal.

There is also a code for free shipping if you're within biking distance of me (I'm more or less downtown Chicago) - you can contact me to find out if you fall into my area (sometimes subject to the whims of my bike - not me, I swear!).

May Update and Projects.

In addition to new commissions, I am continuing with the Velo shoe development - I need a minimum number of orders to do another trial run - so send me an e-mail if you're interested either!

Through my Etsy store, you can get in touch with me for my small leather goods and request custom variations on those pieces.

__________

Since I've finished my recent commissions, I've been busy working on personal projects and trying out some shoe ideas. Two personal projects I've just finished are a bag and an experimental pair of shoes.

This bag is for my mother - I found this plaid fabric that looks really great with the green Horween leather I have on hand:

 

 

It doesn't photograph well, but it has a facing layer of leather on the bottom that wraps up in the back and sides.   

 

__________ 

 

When I bought the chestnut leather as a potential substitute for the rust - I got an idea for a casual shoe on the Chris last that would use some of the features I'm using in the Velo shoes.

I've been wanting to do something with the Chris last and I happened to need new shoes, so I took advantage. It's an experiment - they're a bit more rustic than I envisioned and some technical details I need to work out, but still fun. 

These are an unlined skimmer in a stitchout construction - veldt to heel. The midsole runner is also the insole the seat is lasted and cemented to. It has a very slight leather wedge that doubles as shank stiffener, and then finished up with a rubber sole

Thanks for looking and don't forget to like my Facebook Page to follow my works in progress!

Finished Projects!

This past week I either finished or shipped my most recent projects - the ankle boots and the second trial versions of the Velo shoes.

These ankle boots are done in Horween leather from my library. The upper design is a blend of a derby and a balmoral design - well suited to using contrasting materials:

The foot is a Black-cherry Chromexel that I've been holding onto for years (gorgeous, but too heavy for most of my work), and the tops are out of the Vintage Buccaneer London-bus Red. The lining and tongue are the Vermont lining leather in the Wakami color.

The construction is my stand-by of the semi-stitch-out construction, finished with a wedge heel and a ripple sole.

I happy with the way these came out!
__________

I've also finished the second trial of the Velo shoes:

The first two are in the Buccaneer leather with Vermont facings:

  

This second one was done as a special request. I had the lasts available, so I was able to make the pair in two different sizes. You might be able to pick it up in the full size image, but I altered the facing pattern a little to minimize bulk around this customers particular foot:

  

This pair is done in a new leather I picked up as a potential replacement for the Rust Buccaneer. It's a bit too thick to use as both uppers and facings - especially in toeclips - but this customer doesn't bike, so it's not an issue. My supplier hasn't been stocking the small sizes of the rubber sole I've been using for walking soles, so it has a different option:

 

I did make a pair for myself this go-round. I used an odd piece of Horween leather I had lying around with some of the scraps from an Italian veg-tan I had left-over form a project several years ago. They match a set of toeclips I wrapped when I was working them out for a customer. I'll try to grab a shot later of them together:

 

Overall, I'm happy with this version of the Velos. There are some definite improvements over the first version, but some of the others I'd like to find a happy medium on. As far as time and efficiency, it is better for me to do a larger number of pairs in a run, but it was good to see the results of some bits on a small scale.

__________

I'm working on some non-paying projects currently, but I am taking new jobs - and don't forget to check out my Etsy store for my small leather goods!

Velo 2 Update and Facebook

I thought I'd show you some more progress on the new Velo shoes. The uppers are on the last, though not affixed to insoles yet, but now you can see some of the changes I've made to the design:

I've reduced the toe stiffener, but extended the toe facing towards the tip - it takes up some of the work of the stiffener, while adding some visual interest. The small alteration to the last and the pattern has significantly improved the toe - I think that at this point it might ultimately be down to firming up the procedure. I'm using three different types of leathers on this iteration - that may become a critical factor once I have these at the "production" stage.
__________

Facebook stuff:
I've been posting most frequently on the Facebook page. To help with continuity and keep information flowing, it makes the most sense to focus the WIP stuff on Facebook (images mostly), while using this site for finished work and essay type stuff. If you like seeing the random WIP pictures, make sure you follow me on Facebook so you don't miss out!
__________

One last thing (yes, sometimes I act like Columbo) - a reminder that I do take custom orders. Whatever you're looking for - shoot me an e-mail to curious@riotgeer.com and we can discuss the possibilities! This is a custom pair of boots that are nearing completion:

 

Until later!

Velo V2 Update

I've been waiting to post an update on the new version of the Velo shoes until there was visual evidence. I'm pressed fro time, but here's a couple items.

A big plus has been working machines - I'm no longer forced to run all over to sew bits and bobs elsewhere! After some fiddling, I figured out what was wrong with my one machine for zig-zagging the seams. Much neater and they only require minor reinforcement before the facings get sewn on:



Recently, I acquired a new walking foot machine. This one can sew pretty heavy materials - and specifically - I can use a very heavy sewing thread which I like the look of. With a special attachment I can apply seam binding easily - initially I wanted this for building bags, but it also makes a particularly vexing part of the Velo's much easier and cleaner. I'm still working trouble shooting a bit, but it is a vast improvement over V1:


The tongues now have retainer tabs on them to keep them from wandering off to the side:


There are some other changes to the patterns, but I'm waiting until they're lasted to show them. Some relatively unseen changes are to the internal structures and the lasts, that should improve some of the problematic finishing on the first ones.

I'm about to finish the backs, and move on to the toes and tongues:



In non-Velo news, here's a picture of a pair of ankle boots I'm working on:


Don't forget to check out my Etsy store to see my new wallets!

Gotta run!

Etsy!

I was traveling last weekend, so I didn't have many opportunities to post my new items to my Etsy store - but some of them are now listed!

I've made some new variations on my wallets, as well as a few of my card cases. The first items I've freshly listed are the wallets I'm tentatively calling the "Apiary" group - they are named for different types of bees and wasps.



Not up yet are some one of a kind wallets from limited materials Maybe tonight or tomorrow?

If you were missing my other wallets - they are back after a momentary disappearance from my store!

I have not posted about my Velo shoes in a while - I'm planning on posting about the changes to this next group, as well as some new stuff in my studio that's going to help with one of the processes that was being difficult - as well as making a huge improvement to my wallets and opening up the possibility of some bags in the future.

Clip Wraps

I'm busy working in the studio - in addition to shoes, I have a significant pile of wallets cut and ready to assemble. I'm pretty excited about the new variations on the wallets - I'll post when I get the listing up on Etsy.

In the meantime, one of my Velo customers asked me to do matching leather wraps for his clips. Here's a picture of the trial:


While I'm waiting for his clips to arrive, I decided to do a set for one of the Velo V2 pairs I'm working on:


I'm thinking of offering these as a kit: if I do this, you'd get a set of pre-cut and punched leather pieces, special flexible needles (I make those myself) and pre-measured stitching cord. No price yet, but you'd need scissors and little else besides a rudimentary sewing skill:



What do you think?

March-ing forward!

Ha! Sorry, couldn't resist.

I'm keeping busy. Working on some new accessories (really - don't laugh!), continuing some custom commissions... and of course the second trial of the Velo Shoes!

With only a bit of hesitation, I think you can expect to see a couple new additions to my Etsy store next week. It came up this evening, so I though I should mention it - I don't sell my shoes through Etsy - maybe in the future? Anyway it's all small goods and accessories. Someday I'd like to have a second shop to delineate my Velo items from my others. Still just an idea for the time being.

Velo updates:

I received the New iterations of the Velo lasts on Friday, and I finished cleaning them up and making a couple of small changes yesterday. Today I started "felling the masking tape forests" as part of the patterning process. There will be a few small changes to the uppers - a combination of functional and aesthetic considerations.

In addition to the shoes, I'm also prototyping an ankle boot version... we shall see.

I made a trip to Horween to look at some new leather - one of my most popular selections is at it's end. It was purchased several years ago, so it will be very nearly impossible to replace it. I'm really taken with this new one - here is a wallet I made to demonstrate the colors for a Velo customer:



While it's too late to order more sizes, I do have a decent size selection as of now - let me know if you are interested in Velo Version 2 and we can talk sizes.

I've finally gotten new cards using the bike-centric motif I'm using for the Velo project. Just the start of promotional materials I need to put together:



I think there're a few other things, but they can wait. Don't forget to like my Facebook page - I've been adding WIP pictures a little more frequently than the blog posts!

I Should Be Asleep, But Here's an Update!

I updated the Velo Project page a couple of days ago - if you're not keeping up on all the latest, I am going ahead with the next trial stage of the bike shoes. They are still at a special reduced price (albeit a little higher), until I'm rolling out the finished version. So if you want in, e-mail me and we'll discuss the particulars.

I've sent the last models to my lastmaker - they should have arrived there today, so I need to send a list of sizes. This needs to happen in the next couple of days! Because this is still testing, I need to keep the last orders to a minimum until I've collected more real world feedback. What this means to potential customers is that I cannot guarantee your size unless I know it before the order, so don't delay!

Velo Trial stage 2!

I still need to work up a proper post, but the condensed version is that I already have new orders for the Velo shoes, so the second trial is happening sooner than expected! I'm taking sizes and deposits - the last models are already on their way to the last maker, so if you're interested e-mail me at curious@riotgeer.com soon!

I feel like I have a million things to update about, but I need to eat now.

Velo! Velo! Done!

Last week I finished the Velo shoes! On Saturday, I delivered most of them, with the very last ones delivered and shipped yesterday.

So far the feedback I've gotten on them is good. It's not the best riding conditions for many people to ride in them, but yesterday a customer left our meeting on her bike with Velos on her feet!

Before delivering, I took some better photos and this morning I did a little color correction. Please enjoy this slideshow - you can click over to Picasa to see them full size:


I'm pretty excited to move to the next phase of the Velo project, though i think it's safe to say there will be some hiatus. Once I get some new projects progressing and catch up on some others, I'll make a page dedicated to the Velo Project. I have a number of ideas for moving forward that I'll share once I digest them a bit more.

I'll update soon!

Velo Delivery Is Imminent

The Velos are basically done - all that's left is purely cosmetic.


I'm delivering them with a basic removable insole that people can swap out with one of their choice - the only problem is the pesky brand name of a major sneaker company! So I'll be sticking small logos on top of those.

I'm in the process of letting people know that their shoes are about to be done, and I'll be delivering them to people or bike shops on Saturday.



Woo hoo!

Velo, Velo, Velo!

If you aren't following my Facebook Page (which you should, of course!) - you don't know that I've gotten the Velos stitched. I picked them up this weekend, and bought the last of the supplies needed to finish them off.



There was some question of whether I'd be able to get the preferred type of stitch put in. That might have required me to treat the bottoms differently - needing different supplies - so I delayed buying the final bits. Consequently, the supplier ran out of the soles I wanted to use and won't have them back in for a few weeks (ugh)- Fortunately, I had a back up style that should be good and sticky, and textured for bike pedals!

Today I sorted the soles and heels and started prepping the heel parts and the Velos will be the bulk of what I'm working on this week.
__________

Other items of note:

I should also be working on those wallets I mentioned last post - I'm restocking my snap fasteners, so look for a couple of new wallet styles to show up on my Etsy store very soon.

My wallets weren't a hit at Wolfbait - I'll try some other items there again in the future - but for now you won't find my items for sale there (you should still visit - they have some great stuff!).

If you check out my Etsy items, you'll find that I've lowered the prices on the more expensive items - it's a great time to shop if you're looking for a gift for that special someone (it's basically February, after all). If you are local and you are willing to pick up an item from me (or depending on your location - I'll bring it to you!) there's an Etsy coupon against the shipping - contact me to see if that is an option and get the code!

I have a new phone - if you need to reach me, please contact me via e-mail, as the number on my cards from the last several years is no longer active.

First Update of 2012

Updated - see below!

Oooh... momentous!

Not so exciting really, but I needed to put something up.

So far I've been unable to take the Velo Shoes in for the needed stitching so I can finish them up. I'm crossing my fingers that I'll be doing that this week. The boxes of shoes are making me anxious - they are so close!

In the meantime, I've been prepping some lasts and fitters for non-Velo customers - I have a couple of pretty cool pairs of boots in the pipeline.

I'm also working on some new wallets/card cases and some carry-alls. The carry-alls are still in the planning stage, but I've been using the working wallet prototype for several days - it's pretty nice:


I plan to have this and one or two other wallets available at my Etsy store before the month is over.

I said I didn't want to use my name for my Facebook artists page. I made a decision that sort of solidified that - Facebook doesn't allow renaming pages, so the only option is to scrap it and make it anew. The new page is active! there isn't much on it at the moment, but you should like it! The old one will remain until I catch up with myself - but I will not be posting anything new except reminders to switch over.

Well, anyway, Happy New Year! My 2011 was wonky - here's hoping 2012 is excellent!

Kirsten-Erick