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!
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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.

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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.
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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!
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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.
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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

Soled and Waiting!

Well, the leather soles are on and the lasts are out!

The Velo shoes are in boxes and waiting to meet a special stitching machine before I can put the heels and rubber half-soles on. I'm looking into shoe repair shops to do the work and I'll be taking them in next week after I do a little extra research.

It's not quite the weekend, but have a good one! Please enjoy the slide show of the Velo shoes so far...

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.

Soling the Velos

Quick update - I've attached the soles to the first ten pairs of the Velo shoes. I started with the duplicate sizes first, so I'm making speedy progress getting the duplicate sizes lasted and caught up with the rest.


Once all of the shoes have the leather soles attached, I'll take them to be sewn with a special stitching machine I do not have. Once that is done, they'll get their rubber half-soles and heels.

"Like" my page on Facebook to see more process WIP pictures!

Do you Facebook?

I did it. I created a Facebook page for my work and there is now a "Like" button over there on the right hand side of the screen, above the blog description. Among other things, I'll be posting more WIP photos so people can see what I'm working on between blog posts. Go ahead - you know you want to!

In other news, the lasting of the Velo Shoes is going well. Currently, all of the lasts are occupied, so the remaining pairs must be patient.

The lasting that I've been showing off so far have not been cemented to the insole boards yet - if you were my students, I would have called it pre-lasting.

I have started cementing! These are the ones with more uppers waiting in the wings:



This is good!

Current Projects and Events!

I've been pretty busy the last few days, so I thought I would post another update.

Lasting continues on the Velo shoes. Between pairs I've been working on some other components and progress is becoming steady.

Just as a point of curiosity, these uppers were designed to last easier/faster - and they are - sort of. Simply being unlined speeds up the process greatly by having less layers and steps, but physically they've been more demanding due to components and materials. The heat activated stiffener material requires additional dexterity between grabbing different tools while warming the material and pulling it into place. The spread of material characteristics adds some intrigue - all of them are suitable, but there is 'just' enough variety to make very distinct differences in the processes and how I compensate for more or less malleability.



I'm using a number of techniques that are either new to me, or I just don't use very often because there isn't any advantage when I'm making things one at a time. I am keeping a list of considerations for the next round - things involving patterns, techniques, and materials/component considerations. I'll definitely have a good idea of how things can be sped up to avoid many of the delays of this trial run.


My other projects are gaining momentum as well.

Currently, I'm in the process of adjusting two pairs of lasts for some boot projects. Soon I'll be fitting those, so pictures will follow once the designs get approved.

I'm working on a few new items for Etsy and Wolfbait and I hope to put a few out there in time for the current gift giving season. A note about the Strap-on Neckties: the current ones were a test batch I was selling at a reduced price. The next time I make a new batch, the price will be going up - so, get them cheap while you can.
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On Saturday evening, I made it out into the world and actually interacted with humans, hurrah!

I like talking to bike folks and meeting framebuilders, and Rob Vandermark of Seven Cycles was in town to speak at the Get A Grip bike fit studio.

It was very cool to hear about the methods Seven uses to build bikes out of titanium, steel, and carbon fiber. Virtually all of their production is custom, so they work with fit studios like Get A Grip who interface with the customers.

I got to chat about the company and a bit about the region. The Boston area has quite a framebuilding history and a special place in my heart , so I hope to get out there again soon. My schedule was very tight the last time I was out there, and I missed Seven when I was visiting framebuilders, but I'll correct that next time.

I was busy talking and listening, so I only took a few pictures of some stuff I've been geeking out over lately:






Until later!

At Lasting!

Sorry, I couldn't resist - as it implies, I have officially begun lasting the Velo shoes!


At the moment, my studio feels like an icebox - I have a spare space heater to bring to the studio, but I am waiting on a Zipcar reservation to drop it off and run an errand. Since I find myself with a few minutes to burn, I can point out some new things on the blog.

I did update the News page, but it is old news if you've been following the blog posts.

In addition to the link to my Etsy store and Wolfbait & B-girls in the side bar, I have added an Etsy page up top. While I was updating the Etsy site, I ran across code that allows me to include a preview of my store or my favorites on the site. I'll be tweaking the dimensions and perhaps ultimately scrapping it, but now you can go to the Etsy page up top and see a selection of my available items, as well as a means to click directly to the actual listings.

For more networking and promotions, I am considering creating a Facebook page. I've almost decided what to call it. Someone has created a completely unrelated page using the same spelling of Riotgeer as me. It leaves me a bit grumpy since I have very specific reasons for spelling it as I do - but I don't think I can do anything about it. Most likely, I'll wind up just using my name (though a few people will understand why I'd rather not do that). As far as business purposes I'd like to not add paperwork to my pile, so I don't want to do an assumed name for my design studio right now.
That said, I would like to get some feedback on the idea of a FB page.

Updates on Velo shoes and the site

Hello all! I am out of town for the holiday, but I have some updates to share with folks.

I think I mentioned this already, but when I was offered the opportunity to use my former employers machine to pick up where one of mine went down, I've also been picking up some shifts. At this shop we make mostly commercial costumes and props and it's all soft sculpture, working with foam and fake-fur and spandex and the like. It's a whole different world from making shoes and small leather goods - and it's been fun.

Between the costume shop and my studio, the Velo shoe uppers are now done - as soon as I get back to Chicago, I can start lasting. Eventually I'll make an album and include the close-ups, but here is a shot of the whole group of completed uppers:


Since I can't be at the studio working, I am taking the opportunity to make a few updates to the site/blog. I've added a new section to the sidebar for links to where you can find my stuff:

I am slowly working on updating my Etsy items (just in time for holiday shopping, right?) - don't forget that I am happy to hear inquiries into custom items through Etsy.

If you want to see some of my small items in person, I do have some items available at the Chicago store Wolfbait & B-girls - they are a great place to see various local and independently produced designs.

There are a few other changes afoot, but I'll save any announcements until they are more concrete.

Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, I hope you get to enjoy good drink, good food and good friends!

Sometimes it looks like a factory

Progress progresses on the bike shoes - a person I worked for back in school is letting me use one of her machines to stand in for mine. I'm also doing a bit of work for her which I'm enjoying.

Because of the order of processes it's taking a bit longer moving between studios, but slow progress is better than no progress - yes?

And sometimes, yes, it does look like a factory - there's something satisfying about shots like this one:



I've finished the backs, so I'm ready to join the fronts with the borrowed machine and then I can finish the uppers on my own machines and start lasting:



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Since the holiday season is nigh - I'll be putting a few items back up in my Etsy store. Keep an eye out for the link to be resurrected. On a somewhat related note, I'm contemplating some additions/changes to the site... we'll see.