I’ve been doing a lot of bike riding lately. Not only has it become my primary transportation for around town, I’ve been training for a triathlon and some long distance rides called brevets. Each week I ride my bike to get from here to there, and then once a week I go for a long endurance ride, and then once a week I do hill, speed work, and sprint intervals. It’s great fun! Cycling has definitely been on the mind.

I have my lovely hybrid Bianchi:

And, last fall I purchased a vintage Motobecane with a mixte frame – c’est super cool, n’est-ce pas?

It’s a french road/touring bike from the 1970′s. I cleaned it up, tuned it up, and just got it back from the bike shop today. It was in for final repairs – wheels were way wacked up and needed to be trued and the gearing cables were really loose.

Anyway, I have these visions in my mind of me cruising along on RAGBRAI on my “super cool” bicycle looking “trop mignonne et pleine de vie” as I wizz by really fast with a cute tank, big necklace, bike shorts, and a cute little skirt fluttering in the wind around my waist. Maybe even a unique little cycling cap. Oh and don’t forget the handmade handlebar bag!

(super cool in french = super cool, trop mignonne et pleine de vie = so cute and full of life – I think, it’s been too long since my last trip to france or my last french class)

Needless to say after sending the bike to the shop, getting a water bottle, a little under the seat bag, and my cycling shorts :: quick digression:: gregory peed on my old pair when he was a kitten – along with my dress shirt from banana republic and my handmade shirt dress :( He’s made up for it with loads of cuteness, purrs, and a lack of pissing anywhere but his litter box for the last 8 months. Anyway, digression over:: …Needless to say I really don’t want to buy any more cycling gear outside of necessities like a rear light and a reflective vest. Crafting time? Yes indeed! I started searching around and found a load of patterns and great ideas for what I can sew, crochet, and knit up myself! While I’m not ready to bust out the spandex and sew my own shorts, I think skirts, handlebar bags, skirt guards, and maybe even a new cap are in order. Here’s what I found:

Cycling Skirts

Over on Pattern Review, there was high praise for this pattern. The little “ballet” skirt actually looks a lot like little cycling skirts that you wear over your skin tight cycling shorts – which I’m not ready to try sewing yet just for the record.

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While there isn’t a pattern for this skirt, I thought it looked simple enough that I could make one up as I go along. I really like the idea of having a few “cover up” skirts to wear while cycling around.

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Same goes for this cute little number, which I found on the same site: LookBook

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The cutest yellow skirt ever!  – no pattern – but inspiring!

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I really like the selfish seamstress, because I often joke that I’m a selfish crafter, haha. She has a nice little selection of free patterns, including this cute ballet skirt, which I think would make for a perfect cycling skirt.

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Miss Celies Pants tells the fun story of making her skirt here, another ballet skirt, which I also think will be great for cycling.

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Super cute, super fast skirt to make. Will definitely give sewing this one a try.

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Cycling Cap

I made a winter cap quite a few months ago, but now I need a summer cap. I think this one looks pretty great and want to give this tutorial a try.

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Cycling Shirt

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Bicycle Bags and toting things

Super cute. love this bag.

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Fun little handle bar bag on Lark Crafts.

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Okay, if I had all the money, I would skip the crafting and just buy this awesome bag, haha. My true colors come out.

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This seems like a really nice messenger bag to carry stuff around town in. I love how it’s so high up on the back.

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I never thought about using a basket as my, umm, basket! Hahah. Maybe I’ll use that Hobby Lobby coupon in the side bar and go grab one for my bike. This post shows several examples.

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This is another “duh” moment. Purses with straps for my handlebar bag, excellent idea!

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Oh re-nest, I love you, and this is a great set of diy pannier bags.

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Cuteness on Dollar Store Crafts.

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And a similar bag on the Vegan Lunch Box.

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Skirt Guards

Love this crocheted skirt guard on Etsy.

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A well-written article about why dress guards and chain cases are so great, not just for fashion, but for the protection of your favorite threads.

A post I found with links to other great skirt guard posts.

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A pattern for crocheting your own skirt guard.

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Link to and thoughts on skirt guards.

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Saddle Covers

Buy a custom made seat cover on etsy.

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Crocheted Seat Cover pattern on HolyCrapYarn&Stuff.

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And it says it’s crochet, but I swear it looks knit, seat cover.

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So I definitely have a long list of things I want to make, but the first on my list will be a little cycling skirt. I’m going to try and make it by the end of this week and get a pattern up for it next week. We will see. I’ve been having these headaches and have been sleeping more than usual – potentially over training, so I’m going to take it easy for a bit. Yeah, I got back from herb class on Saturday and pretty much passed out for the next 2 days! I swear, pillows and pattern coming soon!

Until Next Time!
Kristin