Categotry Archives: handmade

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CONVERTABLE BACKPACK/MESSENGER BAG

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I’ve been swamped at work, mostly on upholstery projects, but I managed to find some downtime to make something for myself.

I can wear this bag as a backpack or as a messenger bag. The latter will be perfect for keeping my back cool and having access to my stuff while riding my bike, and it will be great to be able to carry my load on both my shoulders. Of course another essential factor is that the bag looks good.

red messenger bag red backpack red messenger bag back

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It measures 11″ wide and 14″ tall. Not too big, but my laptop will fit in if I ever need to carry it around… or a 6-pack of beer. The bag has one long strap that runs through two loops at the top. If I pull the strap in the center, it’s a messenger bag. If I pull the strap through the underside of the loops I can wear it on my back. There are snaps on the straps to keep them in place.

It’s made out of a durable red twill and lined with a grey and white floral cotton I got at Fabric Planet. I think the twill will age really well, so it will keep getting cooler the more I use it.

red bag lining red bag interior red bag pocket

I’m really pleased with the 2-way zipper top. I can close it up securely or leave it open if I need to keep getting in the bag. There’s also a pocket at the front of the bag and another on the inside, and the zippers on those compartments are oriented so that I can easily get in them while riding my bike.

I try not to amass things, particularly of the fashion nature, but this bag is just what I needed. I’m looking forward to carting it around on plenty of adventures.

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BICYCLE SEAT COVERS

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This new batch of seat covers is a synthesis of many earlier versions, but I feel like I’ve finally gotten everything right. Check them out in my Etsy shop!

cycledelic saddle cover cycledelic saddle cover cycledelic saddle cover

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cycledelic saddle coverThe tops are all hand painted and original designs. The glossy sealant makes the saddle covers UV-proof, water-resistant, and highly durable to butt-wear. The sides are made out of some truly fabulous spandex with elastic around the bottoms to keep the covers fitting tight (I loved using underwear elastic for some of the covers).

Within each set there are differences in the drawings and color, so that even though I made three swallow seats each one is unique.

What’s great about these covers is that the painting allows me to do some really fabulous designs as well as customization. I’m currently working on two different designs that feature college mascots.

swallow bicycle seat covers Swallow bicycle seat cover Swallow bicycle seat cover

The fact that they are removable covers make them less of an investment to the customer. I love that they are so easy to store and I can ship them for almost nothing. Plus, I get to share my dual loves of bicycles and making things!

I’ll be selling these in some upcoming LA markets, and they’re always available in my Etsy store!

If anyone’s got some suggestions for new seat designs, particularly more masculine covers, I’d love to hear it!

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SEWING BANDOLIER

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I’ve been sewing for Burning Man 2010 since September of 2009. I’ve improved last year’s costumes, made plenty of new ones, and have been making wonderful things to gift on the playa. I wanted to continue this personal sewing theme at the event and share my love and skills with Burners in need, and so I made this renegade mending bandolier.*

sewing bandolier sewing bandolier sewing bandolier

Just call me Rainbo.

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I really love the idea of taking something that is normally made out of animal hide to hold bullets to kill humans and completely changing it around. Instead of bullets I’m packing thread and safety pins! My bandoleer* is for helping people by mending their costumes for free. It’s rainbow and beautiful but also completely functional. Admittedly, it was largely inspired by the Mad Hatter’s thread bandoleer, but I feel like I’ve made it my own.

sewing bandolier sewing bandolier safety pins

I bought rainbow webbing at Joann’s, as well as the spools of thread (there was an awesome notions sale many months ago) and the plastic vials at the top. Everything else was taken from my stash. The belt is adjustable and attaches with an overall-style hook. The green shank button holds the hook very securely, but it’s also easy to take off (or I can slip the whole thing over my head). On the back I’ve got a row of gold safety pins to hand out to burners in need.

sewing bandolier sewing bandolier sewing bandolier

The plastic vials are actually glitter containers that I emptied out (no glitter on the playa!). I’ve got pins, needles, and buttons handy, and the loops are also the right size for a Chapstick.

The spools were from a basic cheap-o sewing kit that I wound with my own thread. They are attached to the belt with some heavy gauge wire that has drops of hot glue on the cut ends to prevent them from scratching me. The wire loops aren’t attached to the belt, but the tension of the wire keeps them from moving around on their own. It was important that the spools can spin when I pull thread, and I placed them on the belt so that the notches face me, to secure loose ends.

sewing bandolier pocket detail sewing bandolier pocket detail

The pockets are made out of scraps from other projects. One is the perfect size for my fleur de logo stickers, while the other holds my folding scissors, tape measure (not really necessary but fun), and any other little tools I might need.

sewing bandolier vial detail sewing bandolier pin detail

In addition to walking around doing repairs in the wild, I will also set up at a table in Center Camp with a sign advertising my free repairs. For this, I’ve got another bag with larger buttons and some gold patches. I can’t wait to wear and use this on the playa, and I’m really looking forward to all the people I will meet through this project.

Thanks to my blue eyed man Jason for taking such rockin pictures on his new camera!

sewing soldier salute

SEE YOU ON THE PLAYA!

*Both spellings are correct!

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