Making hats

I've wanted a decent hat for ages and haven't really come across one that i've liked that I can afford (check out  This Is Cambridge for some beauties)... after a bit of doodling, some research and a bit of standing in front of the mirror I decided to see if I could make my own.

 There's quite a few makers out there handcrafting these and a few patterns (some free) that you can have a look at. The best I've come across so far is from Dudecraft, the pattern's a good start for your own creation. I had to call on the considerable talents of my beautiful assistant for this project, check out how we got on.

Gather your bits and pieces (scissors, material, pattern and a pen) and begin cutting out

Once you've cut out all the bits you'll need, pin it all together and check out how it all fits

 Sew it all together

Try it on your head!

Lovely old Triumph 'Sports'

I recently acquired this lovely Triumph and am scratching my head thinking about what to do with it next. It works as well today as the day (i'm guessing) that it was made so mechanically there's not much to do other than a little fettling- cosmetically it shows its history in the various additions, scratches, dents and Heath Robinson adjustments. I reckon it'd be a shame to do any more than simply oiling the frame and checking the brakes








Its a standard 3 speed Sturmey Archer with the original 48t Triumph chainset

 It still has many of the bits and pieces that came with it, original grips, dynamo lighting and a big old bell. I think descibing it as 'sporty' might be going a bit far, it weighs a fair bit but surprisingly you don't really notice it when you're trundling along.








Anyone else got one? 

Bike tyre keyrings

A free afternoon, a pile of bits, an old tyre and a small spillage of blood....look what we made!

 
         





   From this ...

           




  ... to this!