MYOG: Make Your Own Gear

I've always been glad that we have a sewing machine but never have the motivation (or supplies) to make the things I want to make. Lately I've been interested in upping the cargo-carrying capacity of my bike by acquiring some rad bags that fit within the main triangle of frame (a "frame bag"), and along the top tube. Unfortunately a frame bag needs to be more or less custom, and professional models start around $130. Some internet searching revealed how simple it can be to make your own frame bag, so I am diving in to these new D.I.Y. waters.

I found some really detailed instructions and inspiration from the following resources:

• Type2fun - Frame Bag, clear concise instructions
• Instructional Video - from the maker of Bedrock Bags
• Bedrock Bags Flickr  - detailed pics of different types of bike bags

I would really like to use some ultra-light and super-strong techy fabric called X-Pac, but it is expensive; so I've settled on a a coated (waterproof) ripstop fabric. You can see my purchase list below, from a company called Seattlefabrics.com.  Supposedly I will only need 1/2 a yard of fabric to make a simple frame bag, so I ordered over twice that to account for mess-ups, or hopefully some smaller accessory bags.

With the shipping estimate ($18?!), I am spending about $60, which will potentially provide me with 2 frame bags and more. I'm waiting on the stuff to arrive and will try to update after I get started.

Winter, Fabric, and Money

The author of a popular cycling blog recently wrote this: "For some reason, fall makes me start to look at touring and randonneuring bikes."

Well, in my life, plummeting temperatures makes me want to bundle up in lots of heavy duty layers and I don't care if that clothing is large, baggy, and so ill-fitting like every pair of Carhartts that are available in the USA. I just want to wear boot socks, long-johns, canvas work pants, and as many tops as will fit under my winter coat. Instead of visiting bike websites, I prowl for workwear. I dream of wool and windproof softshell.

It's outrageously dorky. I know.

I hope that, in anticipation of quitting my job and forfeiting our second income, I can get crafty and start making some cool stuff, like shirts and pants and hats and socks... maybe more baby clothes than anything. I've been sourcing crazy, technical fabrics. I bet C should be getting a headache from having to roll her eyes so much when confronted with some of the ideas I've been coming up with lately.

Anyway, we had a really short conversation about money last night. It didn't really get anywhere since neither of us had enough attention to pay each other; but we agreed that maybe we should give up an unessential expense each month, even if only for that month, to better understand our budget. This month, for me? How about, no buying clothes?

Judo kick

I think I just felt the baby kick - no lie!
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Oh yeah - here are the wool socks: