My Book is finished!

Here is the big project I've been working on. I won't admit how long it took, but it took well over a week. Most of that time was me fussing with the paper and getting the folds just right. I love how it came out! I got the know how from Sea Lemon  on YouTube. She has some really great videos that are fun to watch.

All sewn up.

I used upholstery thread in three colors to sew the signatures together. It was soothing and the needle was dull so I couldn't hurt myself. I think that was my favorite part, although after sewing for a while my fingers were sore. 

I needed my husband to help me get it in the press (2 cutting boards with clamps) the first time. Paper can be slippery and I was afraid of popping my stitches.

Pretty ribbons!

In my usual fashion I went a bit overboard with the project. I watched the videos so many times I knew exactly where to stop it for the part I needed. I just wanted it to turn out well and not be like any other Book out there.

I love this fabric!

For the spine wrapping I chose a really pretty print. I wanted something better than an old sheet scrap to hold it together. My knowing that it's there makes me smile.

Super soft cover!

The blue leather I used to cover it was what set off this whole project. I originally got it to make power bags 10 or so years ago. I made the bags I needed then put the rest away, I had forgotten I even had it. 

Then I found it again when I was looking to re-cover my old Book. It's a 3-ring binder that I rarely use because it's hard to hold and bites me when I rearrange the pages. I wanted to breathe new life into it, or at least make peace with it. My poor husband said I should make a Book myself. That started the wheels turning and I was off!

The front paper is great!

On our anniversary weekend he took me to get the ribbons, glue and the end paper so I could finish it. He also got me the little corner caps. He's so sweet!

A little wrinkled, but that's ok.

I added a pen holder to both covers so it will always a pen when I need one. The back paper came out a bit wrinkled. I probably moved it getting it back in the press, but I think it adds character.

It opens well!

The real test was opening and shuffling the pages. The Book worked like a charm and nothing fell out. It even opens nice and flat for easy writing and reading. I was a little worried it would be stiff; I went a bit crazy with the glue.

The perfect touch of  bling.

I love the little brass corner protectors. They are pretty and functional. I want to try and emboss a swirly pattern on the cover to really finish it off. I hope it works, if not it still looks great!

It's a big Book!

I'm really proud of how it turned out, especially since this was my first time making a Book. It's around 500 leaves and is 11" x 8" x 3". It's the perfect size for recording a lot of info while still being manageable. I can comfortably hold it while standing if I want. 

I am very happy with my Book and now I need to find my ruler so I can start using it! 

Sylvia's new skirt guards

Here's some pictures of the new set of skirt guards I made for Sylvia. I just don't think she looks right without a set.  They're made of cotton yarn with an iridescent thread running through it. 

It's a simple triple crochet mesh stitch that I finished with a single crochet at the top and bottom. I just used more of the same yarn to tie them on over her fender. They don't interfere with removing the tire because of where and how I attached them.

I like the shiny!

Ready to have her rack back.

Up close view. 

This pair came out lighter and more airy than the others and I like how it looks. I need to secure the drive side one to the top of the chain guard. (Just noticed that in the pics!) I love making things for my bike, it gives me a feeling of accomplishment. I may make some sleeves for her U locks next. I'm also trying to work out a triple lock holster. It's a pain unvelcroing  them from her rack every time I go somewhere. 

I thought about doing a basket liner but I like the look of the wood base to much to cover it up. I haven't placed anything small in there without a bag yet either. Time will tell what I do to the poor girl next! 

Lucy's New Swag

The other day on my ride I came across another cyclist who was walking his bike. He was all tricked out in full Lycra and clicky shoes but couldn't ride because he had a flat tire and no way to fix it.
I felt bad for him, but I didn't have any way to fix his tire. Fortunately he had a ride coming to get him at the park so he didn't have far to walk.
That got me thinking I needed a patch kit of my own. When I go for my rides there's no one who can save me if I get into trouble and I do sometimes get into trouble. As I venture further out I really don't want to walk back. I'm up to over 3 miles now and still going strong.
The tires I have on Lucy are reinforced knobbies with a goo strip and extra thick tubes so it's unlikely I'll get a flat unless I roll over something extreme like a huge nail, but it could happen. I was also worried about possible mechanical failure. It sucks when it happens.
Husband reminded me that I already had a small box patch kit, but it wasn't comfortable in my pocket and I always left my mini-pump at home. I also had a mini-tool so all I needed was a bag.
We found the perfect saddle bag and we also got new patches. Mine were very old. Did you know they shouldn't crack when you bend them? I now carry a bike and people patch kit.

Perfect sized bag, patch kit, duck tape on a pencil, mini-tool, mini-pump with Co2 cartridges. Band aids, neosporin, and alcohol wipes in a plastic baggie.

It fits nice and tightly between her rear rack and fenders. It also took care of the rattle I was hearing from there. Bonus!

It's almost invisible so I won't have to worry about leaving it on when I go places.

Lucy also has a new cable on her seat. I was reading up on how to securely lock her because I'm super excited to go to the store in about 2 weeks and use her for shopping. I will definitely be going on Saturday the 4th and I want her secure. I found this great web page and the videos were very informative. Plus Hal made me laugh. I had already been doing everything except the seat lock. I don't have quick release, but that's not enough. Now she has a beautiful homemade seat cable. As an added bonus if my chain breaks I can take pieces off it and fix it with the mini-tool.

I love the tie-dyed duck tape. The hardest part was finding a pattern I liked. 

Add a bottle of water and we're ready for anything now!

Ginger cat approves.

My prayer beads make me happy.

Over a year ago I made a set of prayer beads based on the mala crossed with the paidirean of the Céile Dé. It has 108 wood beads split into 3 sections by tigereye and with a drop of garnet and tigereye beads. It ends with a small stone goddess. I strung it on steel beading wire to make it last. As the wire stretches with use I close the slack with tiny silver crimp covers.
There's something soothing about slowly working the beads through my fingers as I breathe. It's a great way to start and end the day. It helps me to recharge my batteries. It's also my favorite act of devotion to Goddess.
Do you have any practices that work well for you?