McCalls Patterns (with Bikes!)

Dear readers,

I don't know if you have seen the (new?) McCall's patterns at their website - but something strange is going on.  More than half of their recent patterns are posed with bikes.  Hey, I love bikes and sewing!  My favorite bike/sewing blog is Bicitoro's blog.  I too wish to do more posing with bikes in my posts.  I guess I need to step it up myself.

Here's a sampling of their recent pattern poses:

McCalls 6694:  What in the world is this model doing?  She has five inch pointy heels on and is carrying a track bike around on her shoulder?  Or is the bike mounted to the wall?  I'm not sure.  Trendy (throw the bikes in!) but distracting pose.

McCalls 6709: I actually like this jacket very much - I can see it tailored for bike commuters (add secret pockets?) and high-vis tape at the seams?  This pose isn't bad  - but I would vote for a more sensible heel.  But, hey, who am I to judge  - if one wishes to wear high heels with their bikes - I support your talents!

McCalls 6712:  Again, I do like the top below - I'm not sure about the pose?  "I think I'll fix my bike with white pants on and five inch heels."

McCalls 6710:  Finally, these pictures are just a sampling of all the bikes and patterns on the McCalls new patterns page - and the pattern below is the only "bike" type of clothing featured (I advocate riding in non-roadie gear if that suits you though - why restrict yourself?).

My only objection to the pose below is the male model's haircut.

 What do you think?

I say we need more bike-sportswear related patterns - so maybe this is a step in the right direction - step it up McCalls!

BTW, McCalls is promoting an online sale this week 2.99 for all patterns.

P.

Bicycle Saddlebag (well, sorta).

Dear readers,

I don't know if you know this - but I am an avid cyclist and challenged myself to make the following bag:

 So, I finally finished a small bike saddlebag - let me just say I need to improve the design.

This is what I was shooting for:

Or                                  

Both the above bags are manufactured for the fantastic Rivendell Bikes.

Compare:

Well, I went a bit heavy on the reflective type and binding.

 Side picture (above)

From the back (above).

Yes, I did insert a zipper under the overly large flap - next time I will make the flap out of leather, I think.   Did I mention leather is difficult to sew with - I used a roller foot (bought for this project and other oilcloth projects) - and leather needed (except when I forgot and used a jeans needle, oops).

I ordered the straps (not yet received) from a business owned by a local couple bike-bag making team, called Acorn Bags.  They make marvelous bags if you need one, the below is an example of their large randonneuring front handlebar/rack bag:

Well, I imagined the pattern and thought it would only take an hour to sew up.  Nope.  Six hours later I finished.  The below is the pattern laid out before sewing:

I used duck canvas - next time I will use a heavier sailcloth rather than duck canvas - and perhaps wax it (for waterproofing) before I sew.

I really tried to recycle and re-use all the material:

Above, see the left-over gortex from Seattle Fabrics.  I would recommend a cheaper lining fabric - perhaps ripstock or even the canvas would have been fine.

I used the leather from an old purse I cut up - I would recommend a heavier gauge leather.  I wonder about the durability of this leather - although I will waterproof and condition it well.

I lined the canvas with Peltex, and heavyweight interfacing.  Although if I would doing it again I would use a heavier liner (not too stiff - such as recycled Postal containers), but stiffer than Peltex.

Well, not the best but it's a start, and it is usable.

I post a couple of pictures of two of my bikes posing:)  I am working on some adjustments to them as well.  The first is a bike from Royal H, I'm using it for light touring (10 - 60 miles).  I put my bag behind the Po Campo bag for reference.

Mixte Royal H frame.

Wait, is that a dynamo hub you ask?  Yes, it's a SON deluxe.

Brompton M-6R, foldable, with lowered gearing.  I occasionally take this on airplane trips because it can fit into luggage, I can avoid a rental car (and GHG), if possible, and get out and really see the places I visit/work ala David Byrne's Bicycle Diaries.

It has a raw frame - here you can see the brazing on the steel.

Any bag making or purse making experience out there?  I'm open to suggestions!

P.S.  I'm still finishing up the black pants pattern and took a beginning knitting class - more on that to follow!