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!).

Cleaning House

Totally not an update about the studio.

I desperately need to clean out some stuff from the apartment - and maybe you need a couple last minute gifts? I've posted several items to Craigslist:

Home Pilates Machine in good used condition - Sold!

Pedal exerciser never removed from its shipping box

Collectible Voldemort wand recreation

Dress watch with black croc-print band

Gothic coffin case/purse with metal hardware - Sold!

IKEA wall-mounted folding table never opened - Sold!

Hopefully soon, I'll have time to go through my excess bike accessories and parts as well. For those of you hoping for crafting and making items - once I'm done with the bike shoe trial - I'm planning on making a serious effort to clean out stuff from the studio.

There Will Be More Bike Shoes!

Now that the Bike Chic fashion show is over, it's time to keep going!



I'm really liking the bike shoes so far, but I'm hoping to get a few people into other sizes this summer. The basic design (the red ones) are designed to be pretty quick builds, so I can make them relatively inexpensively. I still haven't costed them out, but I'd love to chat about it if you are interested. The big hurdle is the cost of getting the lasts copied. If I can get a few people in different sizes interested in putting down deposits on handmade - not made to measure - bike shoes for use with clips and straps - we can discuss a reasonable price. I don't have specific sizes in mind yet, so give me a shout and we'll see if a natural range results. I need to know soon, as it takes some time to get the lasts copied.

I'd like to play with composite lay-up, but that may dramatically increase the price - I will discuss it if there is interest.

On a related note (to handmade bike stuff anyway), I'll be visiting the Boston area very soon. I'm hoping to get an opportunity to meet some bike framebuilders while I am there - give me a shout if you are one and you have time for a chat, or maybe you know someone and can get me in touch.

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I need to make space both at home and at the studio, so....

I'm selling one of my bikes - here's the craigslist ad.

I am selling one of my industrial sewing machines. This is the Consew flatbed straightstitch machine with reverse. It has a nearly new clutch motor and K-legs with a heavy wood top - I'll be asking $200 as is (which is a good deal for those parts alone) - I'll up the price if I decide to lug the head to the machine shop to have it checked out. Contact me ASAP if you want it as is- there is no listing for it yet.

These Could Be Yours Now...

They're made of leather and they're for sale!