alloneword

barcelona yup in spain...

2011-08-30T22:27:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
So, I got this order from Jordi in Barcelona. I asked where they found out about little old me. And he sent me a link to this amazingly cool blog.

hunchbacksociety

Here is what Jordi said about it "in february 2011 you can find one post talking about your caps. have a look there. It's in Catalan language, just explaining your web site and your caps.

very useful"

Of course I know how to read Catalan perfectly. I checked it out. Even if you can't read it -- it is darn cool. Fab pictures.

The Heartland Velo Show was great.

Cheers,

Mary

New digs and art - attack!

2011-07-03T00:16:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
I have new studio space at Bridgehead Studio right here in Alameda. I'm pretty tired from moving in, but very happy to have such a great place to create. My studio is not quite set up yet. As soon as it is pictures to follow.

At Bridgehead there are monthly events: The-Estuary-Art-Attack and open studio events too. I can't wait to attend. Just the small amount of art I have seen in the hallways is FAB!

Well, I'll have a party to warm up the place. I'll send you an invite soon... See you at my place.

Cheers,
Mary

Treasure Island Flea -- I'll be there -- come by and say HI!

2011-05-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I'll have a table at the Treasure Island Flea tomorrow and Sunday. I gotta say that it looks like it is going to be a great time. First -- Yummy Food! Second -- amazing views of San Francisco Third -- you can see me!

There is even a fancy Groupon for Treasure Island Flea for the event. So if you are in the know what that is and how it works -- man I am impressed! If you don't just click on the link - and join those who are in the know. :)

It is my birthday too. No need to bring gifts :) Just stop by and say Happy Birthday!

Mass Love to all ya' all,
Mary

a good wind a blowing...

2011-05-08T21:25:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya,
This is so exciting. One of my alloneword caps is on the gal who writes one of the best bike blogs around. Her blog is called change your life ride a bike. I feel so happy about this. I got to meet her at the San Francisco Bike Party on friday. Which was wonderful. I'm not very comfortable riding in traffic nor with other riders. I had a great time anyway. Next time will be even better.
Cheers,
Mary

Bina Bilenky & alloneword caps...

2011-03-29T23:56:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Bina Bilenky emailed these fab photos of her family in my caps! They can be found at Bilenky Cycle Works in Philadelphia PA.

Bina Bilenky, Stephen Bilenky, Justin Trahan, and Bob Kamzelski

Bob Kamelski, Stephen Bilenky, Bina Bilenky, and Justin Bilenky

Stephen Bilenky, Bob Kamzelski, and Bina Bilenky

Here are two articles about Bina Bilenky.

momentum articles she-cut-her-teeth-on-bicycles

tandem-geek bina bilenky the san diego custom bicycle show

I met her last year at the Philadelphia Bike Expo. It was my first big bike event. She was (and is) extremely helpful. I am pretty darn happy she is working on the San Diego Custom Bicycle Show -- April 8,9, and 10 -- and I get to work with her again.

Cheers,

Mary

new web site!!!!!!

2011-03-11T11:40:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Here is my new website allonewordshop Stop by and check it out! It is still in the building stages -- please tell me what you think. I'll have current shows, new items, listings of great places to find nifty fabric, and much much more.

My bad for the long lag time between posts. It seems that I am not so much of a Blogger. I will add postings and keep you up to date on my events and shows. The new website allonewordshop will be the main hub of Mary information.

Thank you all so very much for following my blog, it means so much to me.

Here are two blogs I follow. (so very good both of them)

First:

monkey and seal

Give them a look see. It is written by two local San Francisco artists.

Second:

The Enchanted Square

Give her a look see. She lives right here in the East Bay.

Both blogs are wonderful. monkey and seal have great insight in how to live as an artist. The Enchanted Square shows how to make everyday, everything art.

Rocket Reuse in Alameda Calif.

2011-01-21T12:15:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
Cool shop alert!

They just got these nifty vintage patterns in. LOVE.
have a good one.
Mary
PS It's kinda a new shop -- so no sign out side. It is on the Peet's side of Park St. next to the Golden Donut.

bike/car bike

2011-01-20T11:34:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
Well, I have tried the non - car life. It just is not working for me. I LOVE riding in Alameda. I get scared when I ride to the local Bart station. Sad but true.

So If ya know anyone who has a cheep good car for sale ... I'm right over here.

It is really beautiful outside today. I'm going for a bike ride in my wonderful little town.

Peace out,
Mary

look Mom no hands...

2011-01-19T20:55:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I just miss my Mom.
I silently dialing her number.
as if I could really call her.

in the fullness of time

2011-01-17T18:11:00.000-08:00

 The Canary

The song of canaries
Never varies,
And when they’re moulting
They’re pretty revolting

by Ogden Nash

Happy New Year!!!!!

2011-01-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!!!!
Well, you may have guessed that I not the new years resolution kinda gal. My philosophy is that - you notice something is f@%ed-up then fix it (if you can - or just get the ball rolling). The other thing you may have noticed about me is that I'm so good with the daily blog entries.

To get this blog rolling I am having a give away. The first person to email me at: alloneword.etsy@gmail.com gets this super cool Neil Gaiman Two Plays for Voices. It has two stories first one Snow Glass Apples stars Bebe Neuwirth and the second Murder Mysteries staring Brian Dennehy. I love these stories but alas no longer own a tape deck.

Every week a new item! and I'll pay the shipping! yup - free shipping.

Happy Happy New Year!!!!
Mary

now get back to work.... :)

old and young peer pressure ...

2010-11-29T13:15:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

It seems when I hear of peer pressure it is in reference to teens and or young kids. However, I find that even as an adult I am swayed by peer pressure. I can see my Mom telling me to stand up and do what I want (she was like that). "What were you doing? Sitting there with your finger in your ear?" Mom would say.

The problem is even though I am older, and I like to think a little more savvy, so are my peers. They are not even being mean, these folks are my friends. They want me to be happy no matter how much I don't like it.

Good news: no new crapy tattoo like the last time this peer pressure thing happened (I was in my twenties then). Don't get me wrong. I love me a nice tattoo. I don't have a nice tattoo. My tattoo is a La drunk guy and flash. Sad thing is my friend that I went to the tattoo place with was peer pressured my me. Yes, that is the insidious thing about this very problem. You can do it to others without knowing or even trying to.

What did I do? I got my hair dyed brown. Not a big deal. I know. However, I liked the color my hair was before: a pretty soft darkish blondish brownish. I spent 100 bucks (I can ill afford to spend) to change one of the aspects of my appearance that I LIKE. Man. and darn. And I want my 100 bucks back. And I would like a spine, ninny that I am.

11/29/10

The color has mellowed and it looks good up close as well as from a distance.
Peace out,
Mary

PS: Just a little note to the men folk out there. When a woman (any woman - friend, lover, wife, sister, Mom, stranger on the street) asks you what you think of the new hair cut and color. Do not say that it "looks good from a distance." Yes boys and girls he said "looks good from a distance." Close friend or not I like you a little less now (not really but - ouch). The worse part is that the hair dresser said the very same thing. "No! he didn't" (you would say if you were here). Oh yes, yes the hair dresser did.
m

Ear flap caps

2010-11-21T23:23:00.000-08:00

Hi All,
I am in the workshop working on warm caps that cover the ears! Yup and Yep. It is getting cold and don't I know it. I hope to have photos for you tomorrow.
Sew Buttons,
Mary

Miss Joie in a proto-winter cap.

San Francisco Bike Expo Fashion Show!!!!!!

2010-11-20T00:31:00.000-08:00

San Francisco Bike Expo Fashion Show!!!!!!

San Francisco Bike Expo Fashion Show!!!!!!
Three alloneword Caps...

More to come.

Peace out,

Mary

super fast day...

2010-11-17T22:48:00.000-08:00

Hi Ya,
I just can't get it. It is time to go to sleep. What happened to my day? I worked hard, completed task, went to appointment, ate dinner... then poof... the day was gone.
See you tomorrow.
Mary
PS Everything has been kinda fast once I got home from Philadelphia. Even when I was flat out with a hurt back... quick ... gone. Is it the holidays? Already?
m

Special Order Cap for Shenita Strecher of the Liberty Belles

last names...

2010-11-12T00:04:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
I was watching Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie today. Suddenly, I remembered that when I was newly divorced I would look at movie credits for a new last name (as I no longer wanted my ex's last name and no longer felt like a maiden). You know try on a few new names to hear how it sounds. Sometimes, I would try out famous author names, or the parents of authors I like. My favorite is Mary Shelley's mothers last name: Wollstonecraft.
Peace Out,
Mary
PS I'm looking for a home for my friends cat named Toby. He is healthy and 16 years old. See, my friend had a baby boy who is allergic to cats. (drat) If you are interested in having the coolest cat in town live with you leave a comment on this blog. I'll get back to you directly.
m

Tough as Nails -- alleycat race with Prizes (one of my caps...)

2010-11-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
Cool event for those Alleycat riders. Looks like fun and it is for a wonderful cause SFMBA (broken bones fund). Lots of nifty prizes too. Maybe I will see you there. :)

One of my Lupe caps is a prize. :)

More to come.
Yours,
Mary

alloneword booth in Philadelphia Bike Expo and in San Francisco Bike Expo

2010-11-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
Here are my booths in Phila and San Francisco:

Philadelphia Booth

San Francisco Booth

Both Expos were wonderful and I meet so very many great folks. I can't wait for next year -- in Phila and SF.

In the first booth they supplied the white curtains and metal poles. I thought that was normal and would always be curtains at all expos. But, no they are not. This is why it is good to read the entire rental agreement. The poles and curtains are an "extra". My plan of hanging my caps al a Phila would not work. After a few minutes I got an another table, and put them on end, covered them up with fabric. Then the booth was looking good. It looked like I knew what I was doing. Nice.

A few folks remembered my caps from the Handmade Ho-down from last year, and the Dia Di Los Muertos from last month. So very happy.

Peace out,

Mary

Home again Home again.... S F Bike Show here I come...

2010-11-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

I can see my house!

Hi Everyone,

I'm home safe and sound. The trip was great and here is a little photo log of my travels.

I'm glad that I am home. And looking forward to the San Francisco Bike expo this weekend (alloneword booth #189)

See you soon,

Mary

Inside Independence Hall Looking at the entry doors (note the big old lock)

The Key to the entry doors of Independence Hall (yup, I'm holding it!)

The Armory (Where the Phila Bike Expo was held)

Ultimo Coffee Bar -- thank you very much!

2010-10-31T23:29:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick shout out to my peeps at Ultimo Coffee Bar right here in Philadelphia. They gave out free -- YES -- free coffee all day on Sunday at the Phila Bike Expo! Saved me they did. Not only was it free but it was wonderful tasty coffee. It was pretty hard getting going for the second day of the Expo. But Ultimo Coffee did the trick. Thank you guys very very very much.

A big shout out to all my new pals in Philadelphia. I am so glad that I got to know you. I hope to see you soon, or at least next year. Because, I am coming back to Philadelphia as soon as I can. Maybe you will be at the San Francisco Bike Expo. If so I will see you next weekend at the Cow Palace.

I broke even or pretty darn close to it at this show. Never thought it would go that well. I was just glad to come and get my name and a few of my caps out there. Well, that is done and a whole lot more.

I'm missing Luna and my home. See you soon,

Mary

Love this town -- Philadelphia and these folks...

2010-10-31T05:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick update. Everything went really well at the show. I talked to so many very kind and wonderful folks - many of whom bought caps (not required but very nice).

I got to get going and do it all over again. :) and I am looking forward to it.

See you on the flip side.
Mary

This is how happy I am... new bike happy.

alloneword all set up in Phila ... finds out she has some love here waiting for her.

2010-10-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
I got my booth all set up. It looks very good even if I do say so myself. :)

Got to talking with these cool guys (Matt and Patrick) from liberty sports magazine. Found out that they did a write up about my caps (and me). Patrick even took some pictures of the caps and my insanely cool booth. I think he is going to write about my caps again. Give them a look see. As I said pretty darn cool guys, and a great zine.

Well, peace out all. I gotta wake up before 8 tomorrow. Harsh man harsh. :) (wake up and have MaryBeth make breakfast for me just the way I want it! Nice.... I tell you this place is so good.) Then a 4 block walk to the Expo. After that look at beautiful handmade bikes... talk to cool folks. Yeah. It is harsh. :)

Miss you,
Mary

The Lippincott House ... my home in Philadelphia

2010-10-29T00:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
I am loving Phila. It is just a great town. I went to Independence Hall today, it was even better then I had hoped. Wonderful, wonderful town. It is past 3 am here and I am pretty tired so I'm going to keep this short.

However, I want to give you a link to the place I am staying in Phila: Lippincott House. The folks who run this bed and breakfast are so kind and attentive. It feels like home.

I set up my booth at the Expo tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday are show days. I feel really good about this. I have the tools and materials I need. Now, just off to the races (as my Mom would say). Or as I say: Let's get her done.

Peace out,

Mary

out the door... almost...

2010-10-27T04:30:00.001-07:00

Hi All,
I'm almost ready to go. Just a little packing and a tiny bit of sleep.
Please wish me good luck. I miss you already.
Cheers,
Mary

Phila Bike Expo-- booth number 1044 (not the battle of Hastings but cool none the less).

2010-10-25T23:23:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I got my booth number for the Phila Bike Expo. I'll be at booth number 1044. I'm sharing the booth with this great company called Fabric Horse. Her stuff is great -- well made and cool looking.

I am sewing & packing and all that jazz. I'll post photos of the big box o' caps I'm bringing to the show. I just decided to bring my earrings too. Now to find boxes for folks to take them home in.

Luna and my head for business.

Part of my prep for this show was getting a credit card reader for my iPhone. It is pretty cool and it will work well. However, while I was setting this up I watched a bunch of tutorials about the app and how to use it. Part of the sales pitch (for me to buy the reader) was that most Americans buy twice as much with a credit card then without one. I knew that this was true for me as well. Humm. Kinda made it less fun.

More soon,
Mary

Days of the Dead in Hayward

2010-10-17T12:16:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

The Days of the Dead Festival was fab! The dancers were amazing. I haven't smiled that much in such a long time. I can't wait for next year. Please don't miss the art exhibit in Meek Mansion. It is really good.

See you soon,
Mary

Pedal Savvy and alloneword...

2010-10-14T01:57:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, I have been sewing and more sewing. I love it.

Look at this nifty blog -- Pedal Savvy. It is all about me. :)

More soon.
Cheers,
Mary

NPR and Radio Lab...

2010-10-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,

Often I listen to the radio while I am sewing. I have a new favorite RadioLab. Two shows ago they did a program about the ways Language effects thinking and the brain. It was very interesting. The theory was that words and language facilitate thinking so much that it actually creates the ability to think. Like I said it was a great show.

It got me pondering whether language was the only discipline that has this effect. Or rather scientist look at language because it is the easiest to test. How would one test for thought and its effects of music? Or Dance? Or Color Or Math? It seems to me that these would have create the neural passageways and the electric jump of creativity as well as language. Maybe it would be too difficult quantify? Science is limited by what is testable.

Any thoughts? Any shows or music stations you would like to suggest?

Have a great day,
Mary

Yippie! a new iron for Mary.... it is just like Christmas...

2010-10-01T23:50:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
It is just like Christmas too. I'm not sure if that is sad. You know being so over the moon happy that I got my new Iron in the mail to day. When I was a kid and my Mom got some kind of practical gift - and she was happy about it - I would think to my self: Self I never want to be that old. Excited by undies! or worse socks! Now here I am Super excited over my new Iron. I really am - Super Excited. Even though it is almost midnight I am going to sew sew sew. :) With a big smile on my face. Because I got a new Iron.

Boys and Girls let me tell you a bit about fine bit of equipment. First a beauty shot:

Continental Platinum Dry Iron

It is a dry Iron. That means that the sole plate is smooth and that it does not emit steam. What I use instead of the steam is a spray bottle with a water and Sta-Flo (starch) solution. This way I am able to control exactly how much starch I want to use and the flat sole plate does not leave waffle marks on my fabric. Extra bonus, I mix the Sta-Flo myself so I don't use any of those nasty for the environment spray cans.

I got this beauty for 30 bucks plus shipping from the The Vermont Country Store. If you haven't checked them out you should. They sell bread in a can, lots of yummy candies, and really good household items that are hard to find since 1960.

I have a personal theory that some things and ideas are named incorrectly. For example I think that my iPhone is a "smarter than me phone" not just a smart phone. Sailing should be called Swimming -- at least for me. Another example of this pet theory is Sewing, I feel that it should be called Ironing. Simply because I iron more than sewing, cutting, or even shopping for fabric.

Well, enough of my geekout. I gotta go Sew -- I mean Iron. :)
Much Love,
Mary
PS I also love socks now. Especially Sock Guy Socks because they are wonderful, comfortable, and they make me laugh. m

3 Square cool tees by Emma Rose..

2010-09-30T00:49:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
My 8 yr. old house mate is designing and decorating tee shirts. And I just gotta say: they are GREAT. Here is a link to 3 Square. She has an Etsy site just like me. Emma Rose the little kid is just that good.

The Artist At work!

This little guy is my favorite

Mass props and much love to her, her Mom, and brothers. I am sad that she will be moving out. Glad that they found a great place, but sad I won't see her create great stuff as often.
Peace Out,
Mary

Hayward Days of the Dead

2010-09-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
I have been sewing and sewing and .... wait for it..... sewing. I ordered two more BOLTS of fabric. That's right bolts of fabric. Each bolt equals 18 yards of fabric or 144 caps. This will be the third bolt of Black fabric I have ordered.
I also ordered several new colors of thread--nifty variegated thread for the name tags and construction.
My next show is in Hayward on the sixteenth of October. Here is a link to the event 16 Days of the dead 2010 Please stop on by and say Howdy.
Cheers,
Mary
PS LOVE the Days of the Dead logo! LOVE. m

Interbike Fashion Show!

2010-09-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Exciting news! My caps are in the Interbike Fashion Show. Really. I know I can hardly believe it myself. And alloneword is included in a bike blog too, a really cool one called Cyclelicious. I am hoping to get pictures of my caps on the cat walk (I mean cat ride).

I'll post them as soon as you email them to me. :)

Peace out,
Mary

Another alloneword folk...

2010-09-17T23:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Just a quick picture of Gwen in a soft gray and plaid cashmere cap by alloneword.

Seems that the folks who wear my caps are very photogenic. :)
Cheers,
Mary

Happy alloneword Folks

2010-09-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Here are photos of two alloneword caps and the folks who love them.

Owner of the cap.

Kid of the owner of the cap.

Have a great day!
Mary

San Francisco Bike Expo! Featuring.... alloneword Cycling Caps :)X

2010-09-15T01:51:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Exciting news. I'm going to the San Francisco Bike Expo. Yippie. It is on November 6th at the Cow Palace. Look at this!

I am so excited about this. It is the bike show that inspired the Philadelphia Bike show I am going to be in October 30th and 31st. Both shows have fashion shows too. Which my caps will be in. Nice.

Lots of Love,

Mary

PS to my NiaH peeps from Sunday. It was wonderful to have you in the shop! Thank you for reading my blog too -- Valerie and Lisa. You made my day happy.

What runs the internet....

2010-09-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya,
As you well know... cute pictures of kittens and well pictures of pussy - cats.

Here is mine:

Shauna (my housemates cat). I just could not put mine on the web.

Have a great day/night. Enjoy all the net has to offer.

Mary

Party People...

2010-09-06T00:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya,
Almost at 100 sales on my Etsy site. Nice. Feel like I'm doing the right thing.

This news just in:

One last chance to get--

Yup. I have just enough fabric for one more Just the plaid Man. I can't get anymore of this fabric... Strike now while the iron is HOT.

Yours,

Mary

Crustacean Time .... can't touch this....

2010-08-27T22:47:00.000-07:00

Hi,
Here is this cool ... thing ... I put together today.

Broken Watch + vintage Lobster = Crustacean Time
It's like Hammer time but with out the dance .. and pants.

Cheers,
Mary
PS the 8 bucks is not a price. It is how much money I owe Dolo.
m

My New Workshop! It is great

2010-08-26T23:50:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Here are some pictures of my workshop:

I am so happy working here.

Cheers,

Mary

Bond, Heat and Bond

2010-08-25T03:22:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya,
Sometimes I feel like things happen to me that don't happen normally to most folks. Case in point: Heat and Bond. I use heat and bond film when I am sewing. It is a simple process iron on what looks like paper to the fabric. Peal off the paper and iron the fabric unto the other piece of fabric.
I have been making the bills for caps the last few days. I am not sure how the next part happened except that I am very active while sewing. A piece of the Heat and Bond without the paper backing got on my hip. Well, it has been pretty darn hot here in Alameda and I am usually warmer than most folks. You guessed it I Heat and Bond-ed myself to my clothes. Ouch. Right on my hip too. ouch.
It is too hot to sleep but I am going to try anyway.
Mary

The home workshop is great and...

2010-08-23T03:33:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
I have a workshop in my room! Yup. It's all done up fancy like too. I have photos to post... soon. I even have some crafty organizational tips. Yes, that's me all organized. :)X

I do mean all organized. Every box I moved the last few moves was opened and unpacked. Old photos have been sorted. The clothes that are to big for me have been given to charity. Things I don't want or need sold or donated. As of right now the items in this room plus two bikes and a large sewing machine comprise all that I own.

I feel pretty good about it too. As my things here become more compact my caps are going out to far away countries (Finland, Norway, France et. more). Such is the dichotomy of existance for the objects in my life.

See you around town,
Mary

PS I just got back from putting the last load of clothes in the washer. On a whim I double checked the pockets. Volia! My iPhone. :)X sans bath.
m

Silk Screen Printing and more...

2010-08-15T06:31:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya,
So, I went to this book shop with a friend for coffee (it is her favorite coffee). Dangerous for me to be in a bookshop- any bookshop. Of course I found a book that I like: 1,100 Designs and Motifs from Historic sources by John Leighton of Dover Press. Here is a sample page:

At first I'm just looking at the pictures thinking of them in an Art History kinda way. Then I think how cool these images would be on ... well lets say a cap. Only the size is all wrong and I will want to use only parts of some of the patterns.

Then it hits me! I can change the size of the motifs. I can change the colors of the motifs. I can mix, match, and over lap the designs. Because all I have to do is scan the images in to the computer and burn a screen for printing.

Then it hits me -- again. Copy right laws. I don't steal ideas from anyone. Not in school and not now. I take a look at the back of the title page and the heavens open up in song:

"You may use the designs and illustrations for graphics and crafts applications, free and without special permission"

Yippie. and Sweet and also Nice.

Thank you Dover Press.

Cheers,

Mary Elizabeth

Just a small note to say... stay away...

2010-08-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

Found near my home

Yours,
Mary

Just the Plaid Man ... going, going ... gone.

2010-08-08T22:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya,
Well, one of my favorite caps is sold out. I found this beautiful gray plaid last year and bought several yards. Now, of course I wish that I had bought the whole bolt. I can't get any more of that fabric so no more Just the Plaid Man cap. Here is a picture:

First alloneword cap to sell out. Darn nice cap.

Peace out,

Mary

Just Keep Swimming... and repeat

2010-08-06T20:04:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Still trying to get things organized. However, I took a bit of a break to make my second favorite cap. Here it is:

It is based off the Montano Velo shop Logo. I was inspired by it and kept thinking about it. Then I had to make the logo into a cap.

I hope you like it too.
Yours,
Mary

blogger fighting back ... I'll fix it in the am...

2010-07-28T05:07:00.001-07:00

Can't Sleep... perchance to dream

2010-07-28T04:39:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,

I still can't sleep. I worked very hard today (the 27th). Still no sleep. Just keep thinking about business possibilities and listening to Luna snore. Let me explain. There is a potential Retail/Work Shop space in Alameda for my cap business. Can I afford it? How long of a lease? Would I need insurance? Would I hire an employee? Would I need an alarm system? How much does that cost? Up front, per month? What about health insurance?

However, I could make a greater selection of hats and caps. More space = More room for customization of caps. I could even have a "haute couture" fitting room... fitted caps to match your kit or your bike or both. I would have room to dye fabric... Silk screen images I create ... make patterns ... Sew and alter clothes for the bike commuter -- Tweed and non tweed alike.

Can I afford it? Sometimes I wish that I could have a little capital to get things going... alloneword is going so well at this point. Even with the state of money these days.

That settles it. If I am still awake in one hour I'm going to Peet's for Hot Cocoa. And no one is going to stop me.

But for the grace of Hot Cocoa and bikes go I,

Mary

philly bike expo -- getting ready

2010-07-25T16:55:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Joie in earflap cap 2009

I am getting caps ready for the Philly Bike Expo in October. Every time I get nervous about it I sew some more caps. I need to get my winter caps up and running too. I want to have two types of warm earflap caps. One the traditional style like I made for Joie last year (see photo), and one with a twist (to be seen soon).

Daruma-San Silk Screen Print by me

Fabric has also been bought for a messenger type bag. Like the one I made for myself (if you have seen it:) Only the new bag will be made in this nifty black, gray, and white cotton that I am going to silk screen Daruma-San on top of. The big question is flap or no flap? I have this beautiful plaid wool that is for bags too. That one will definitely get a flap to keep water out! (A problem I had last winter with my current flap-free cotton bag.

I can't decide if I should bring my earrings to the Philly Expo. Or to the Hayward, Days of the Dead show on the 16th of October. Humm

See you around town,
Mary

Shop Move...

2010-07-21T00:39:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
I have been so busy. Just running around trying to keep up.

The retail shop where I work moved last week. "The Shop" is Needle in a Haystack" and I love working there. Now I love working at the new there. Come by and check it out.

Also, I have been sewing up a storm. Lots of new caps and new styles coming down the pike. I have been making trim from yardage. Everyone seems to love the new look.

I hope to see you soon,
Mary

two turn tables and a ...

2010-07-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
It has been a while. It is always strange to me how it seems nothing and everything has happened at the same time.

I have been house and hound sitting for the last week. The hound busted out of the back yard. She came right back. I was in shock for a bit.

I bought more fabric and thread. I have almost all the fabric ironed and ready to sew. I got 10 yards of batik fabric ironed and cut in to strips for the cap head bands. Nice. Now I have a gray/black and purple binding.

Just in the last few days I received via Etsy 2 orders for Just the plaid man caps. One to the East coast the other London England. If I get them done tonight I can mail them in the am. So, even though I worked very hard all week -- more to do. Lets get it done and then we can play a bit before sleep.

Cheers,
Mary

the anti anti bumper sticker movement.

2010-06-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

Bumper sticker in Alameda on my way in to work

ONE LESS FIXIE

nice,
Mary

When working with a new product...

2010-06-24T23:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya,

I have been trying out different techniques for team caps. You know with the Logo of the team and the name all spelled out. Well, any hoo. Todays lesson was in Iron On Transfers. And the results were ... mixed. I mean filled with great features. Such as having your team name easily read by drivers in passing cars looking through their rear view.

The next great, um, feature is seeing how interesting the effects of types of transfer paper. Notice how the top one is not so much with the easy reading. And the bottom one looks wonderful when you hold your laptop up next to a mirror.

The nice thing is that, after reading the entire directions, I learned a new way to put fancy images on caps. I also a few ways to make them interesting as well as fancy.

I hope you enjoyed this time at Mary's Craft Corner. A quick shout out to Peter D. - my peep over at Team Alameda. Fun guy to work with. :) I am glad he liked the image ( you know once I fix it).

Lots of love to you all,

Mary

Planning trip to Philly ...

2010-06-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
I have decided to go to Philly a day early to see the sites. I will be downtown near the Armory. I would love to hear your suggestions of must see sights. So far I know I am going to go to Independence Hall.

Cheers,
Mary

blog in new colors!

2010-06-19T00:27:00.000-07:00

Hi ya,
I have been trying to do a little silk screen printing. Well, I have been stenciling and stamping (with my own hand made stamps and stencils). It is turning out really well. I even did a wash test and it worked! Now more team caps... I hope. And I can design my own fabric. It is just hard to find axolotl fabric in the shops these days. Coelacanth fabric is pretty much extinct too. However, I am going to make some! With glow in the dark ink too. Nice.
Pictures some time soon.
Made a cap for a great gal named Kim. She came by the new shop to try it on and pick out trims. She has great taste and the cap is super cute. Win Win.
Night all.
Mary

Going to Philadelphia! For the Philly Bike Expo...

2010-06-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya,
I am so excited. I am going to the Philly bike Expo. Here is a link:

philly bike expo

I'll have a booth for my caps and my alloneword caps will be in the fashion show too.
Cheers,
Mary

New Workshop Pictures.... :)

2010-06-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya,
Just like I promised a picture of my new workshop.

I love it. Big window with a fab tree... so close I can touch it. Nice.

What is not shown in the picture is all the boxes in the hall way and around the room. I have lots to do and I am going to get to it.

Much Love and Thanks to Everyone,

Mary

Taxi Cap has a new paint job....

2010-06-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya,
Hey, I'm writing here. Here are some quick pics of my Taxi Cap with its new paint.

Thank you for stopping by,

Mary

Aids/LifeCycle 2010 Keith G. Mark E. and The Red Pencils

2010-06-05T23:41:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya,
Just a quick shout out to my peeps starting the Aids Life Cycle #9 tomorrow.

Ride Safe, Have Fun, Drink Water! -- I can't wait to read your updates.--

I received a beautiful email from Mark E. who is part of the Red Pencils. I could not be more proud to be associated with a group of folks.

The Red Pencils

Aids Life Cycle 2010

With Sincere Gratitude,
Mary

PS You can still donate. Just click here.

<--- Mark E. (photo to darn cute not to show off & look at that fine cap.)

m

Just the Plaid Man ... going on the Aids Life Cycle....2010!

2010-06-03T23:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya,

Check out this cool guy in my plaid cap. He has an interesting blog too. Here is a link to his blog and a review of said cap:
teamlope

Cheers,

Mary

Just the Plaid Man ... going on the Aids Life Cycle....2010

2010-06-01T22:16:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Just got an order a few days ago for one of my favorite caps -- Just the Plaid Man. And, it going with him on the ALC 2010 ride. Nice. Here is a picture of the cap...

I am hoping he will send a pic of him in the cap on the ride.

The Aids Life Cycle 2010 starts this Sunday. If you are going to the launch party on Sunday I will see you there.

Much love and good wishes for the riders and families.
Mary

I am making a little Axolotl ...

2010-05-31T00:03:00.000-07:00

Hi,
Happy to be home again. Yes, there is quite a lot to set in order. Still it is good to be home.

My friend Phaedra found a great pattern for a crochet Axolotl on Etsy. Here is a link: axolotl-amigurumi-pattern. The pattern is very easy to read. I hope to have one to photograph soon.

I'm very tired. Glad I'm home. Glad Mary Frances is home.
Mary

Last Night at Point Richmond...

2010-05-29T21:11:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya,
I'll be glad to get back to my regular life. However, the living here is pretty easy. I'll miss all of the roses, the extreme pizza, the cats, the really big bed, the bath tub, and of course The Hound. The Hound has slipped into torpor mode again. My dog, the little poodle, is camped out in this huge hound bed.

While the hound and I are snug on the love seat. All is as it should be. Well, almost as it should be. I broke a lamp. I called Mary Frances and told her. She asked "which lamp?" I explained which one. Her response: "Never did like that lamp". Yup she is the nicest gal around. I miss her very much. I can't wait to see her tomorrow.

Peace Out,

Mary

Happy Birthday to ME

2010-05-28T22:02:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
I had the best birthday. Thank you to all my friends and loved ones. I feel loved and happy.
Yours,
Mary
PS: Mo thank you for donating to Aids Life Cycle. Keith G. will enjoy the 1lb weight. :)

tough out there in ALC ride land

2010-05-26T00:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

As you know I made caps for Aids Life Cycle 9 riders this year. Well, it has been a difficult year to get donations. The economy is bad -- like I have to tell you -- and very few folks are donating. Even with my mighty fine alloneword cap some folks still need to raise some funds.

Sadly, Keith Gibson, the Team Captain of The Red Pencils is in this predicament. If he can't make the minimum donation amount -- no ride for him. No captain for his team (who knows what will happen to them without a captain). I'm not sure but, I bet his teammates will haze him forever if he can't ride. Only you can stop this kind of badgering.

Please help The Red Pencils keep their team together with their brave Captain at the lead.

Here are the links: To donate JUST GO HERE or visit ALC site at:

http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/keithbot

Also as you know it is my birthday on Friday. I received a gift of $100 for this special year (I'll be 40). I have already donated this gift to the Aids Life Cycle 2010. Please do what you can too.

Cheers,

Mary

Rain, no rain, a little sun, rain, fog, sunny, ...

2010-05-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Yup still out here in Point Richmond. It is such a nice little town. However, part of my house sitting duties include watering the plants -- if it is sunny. Well, like much of the book Bel Canto it is just kinda gray outside. It seems like time has kinda stopped.

Then I go outside and see that the little plants need water. But, it looks like rain, I tell them. They don't care and just continue needing water. Today I give in and water -- while it is just sprinkling a light mist of rain.

It is raining pretty hard here now.

Cheers,
Mary

PS The Hound looked at me like I was nuts when I was watering in the rain. Guess she was/is right.
m

Splicing and not rhyming... selvage

2010-05-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

Good Evening Everyone,
I just figured out how to attach two pieces of selvage together. I have been sewing them by hand. Which is time consuming and not very much fun. Now I splice them! Doesn't that just sound sexy? And it is too. As sexy as crafting can get. Here is how to do it.

First: One starts with a paper grocery bag of long strips of salvage that are perfectly good and can not be thrown out. Be very carful with these. I am convinced that they breed when unattended.

Second: Take one strip and make a small cut parallel with the sides of the selvage.

Third: Take the next strip and make a small cut parallel with the sides of the selvage.

Fourth: Insert the second strip into the slot of the first strip. See it really is sexy with the inserting and striping.

Fourth: Slip the end of the second strip into its own slot.

Fifth: Pull the strip all the way through the slot.

Sixth: (this is the tricky part) Slide the end of the second strip over the end of the first strip. Then a quick tug. Voila! Spliced.

Clear as mud. Mud can be sexy too. But that would be a different blog. I'm happy to produce photos of the striping, Inserting, slots, sliding, and the singular tug. Available by request, just like my references.

Thank you,
Mary Elizabeth
(and that is what I call eco-friendly)

Post Script (two hours - ish later)
Just fyi the selvage is the edge of the fabric. It has a tighter weave than the rest of the fabric and therefor is removed before sewing. Most folks throw it away. I just can't do that. The salvage is so pretty and strong. For years I would save it to use as twine. Then a few months ago I remembered my Great - Grand ma making rugs by crochteting strips of fabric. It is kinda hard to to but I can do it pretty well. Here is a snap of a tea pot trivet I just made from my spliced salvage.

And what a pretty thumb I have too. I will post this on Etsy in the am.
Thank you,
Mary

Dog Sitting... well Hound Sitting

2010-05-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

Hi,
As you know I am house and dog sitting here in Point Richmond. The dog in question is a Gray Hound. She is possibly the funniest dogs on the planet. Here is a picture of her sleeping:

It seems like she is in some kind of torpor. Creepy how her eyes roll back into her head like that... It is very cute when her little feeties are running while dreaming. However, it takes forever to wake this dog up. I have never seen a dog so slow to get out of bed.

Cheers,
Mary

Point Richmond adventure in plumbing

2010-05-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Well, The sink in the bathroom is draining slowly. I'm going to try and fix it. I have my cell phone all ready to call Dolores if I run into any problems. I also have my credit card ready for when I call the real plumber to fix ... well what was perfectly fine before I got here.
Wish me good luck,
Mary

P.S. I fixed it! Yes, I did. I fixed it! Take that liberal arts degree -- who's free now? Yep, that is me. Free from the tyranny of the slow draining sink. Yup. Go Mary go Mary go Mary.
m

Here in Point Richmond

2010-05-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
I am in Point Richmond until Sunday. It is quite here. One has to really listen for the sound of traffic and people. The main sounds are (for me) the jingle of bells from the cats' collars, Luna barking at said cats, and the wonderful howl/talking of the gray hound I am watching.

There are many flowers here. It seems that Point Richmond is the place to grow roses. It seems that every yard has at least 3 rose bushes of different colors. Not to be out done the Catholic and Methodist Church seem to have every color of rose bush. To my reckoning the Catholic Church (Our Lady of Mercy) has the best roses in town. My favorite is a bright yellow and clean white. However, it is hard to choose because they are all just covered with blooms.

I have been ironing and ironing and ironing. I moved my big sewing machine (a 1914 singer 29-4) out of the car and hurt my had a little bit. That means less cutting and more ironing. Yippy. It is nice to see the stack of perfectly folded and crisp fabric.

Just fyi using a different sewing machine is very difficult. I finished the one cap and mailed it. The others are going to wait until I am home again.

I miss everyone,
Mary

housesitting and dog watching in Point Richmond...

2010-05-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
I am way over in Point Richmond. On Saturday I took a wrong turn and ended up in Marin! I even had to pay 4.oo dollars for the bridge toll. Well as far as mistakes are 4 bucks is not so bad. I just love this little town. Later I am going to go for a walk with the dogs to the "beach", as Mary Frances calls it. We will see how beachy it really is.

First I need to make at least one cap. I brought my sewing machine and the cord... but not the foot pedal. So sad. At present I am trying to figure out how to use M.F.'s sewing machine. How different can they be? :)

Wish you were here to share a cup of yummy tea with me. Maybe you could help me with this machine.

Yours,
Mary

Bike to work day! Yippie! and an Enchanted Square.

2010-05-12T23:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Tomorrow is Bike to Work Day. Lets get out there and ride.
Mary
PS I have been featured in an intresting blog. the enchanted square Check it out!
m

Alameda Magazine -- featuring alloneword!

2010-04-29T14:49:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya,
Here is the article from Alameda Magazine May/June 2010 issue. You can find it on page 27 of the actual magazine or the on line one.

I will send you a email copy if you would like. Heck -- I might just make up flyers and t-shirts. I am pretty happy about this.

Velo Love,

Mary

Alameda Magazine -- featuring Alameda Bicycle and alloneword!

2010-04-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hi,
I am so excited. The next issue of Alameda Magazine will be out this Thursday. It will have an article about Alameda Bicycle and a little feature about alloneword cycle caps. Yup, I can't wait. I am so excited. I was interviewed for this months ago. They said there would be photos and everything.

Today, to prepare for the deluge of orders, I am cutting fabric -- a lot of fabric. I also cut some last night. Tomorrow back in to the shop to sew sew sew sew. I have many new designs and a new series of black and white caps to make.

Have a great day,
Mary Elizabeth

alloneword cap sighted in Portland OR.

2010-04-23T23:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya,
Got an email to day from Bobby B. He saw someone sporting one of my caps. Bobby asked him where he got it, and wrote me. This is so exciting. Wow.
Smiling,
Mary Elizabeth
PS this is the cap B.B. is thinking about:

Hey, I'm riding here!

front view Pocket Foldable View

Roller Derby! Gal orders cap from me! alloneword

2010-04-23T01:24:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
I am so excited. This way cool gal in Philadelphia ordered a custom cap from me. I get to put her Roller Derby name, team name, and her team number on a dark blue cap. I have so many ideas! And she let me have carte blanche... wooo hooo ya! and a yippy!

I will post photos when it is done.

Tomorrow I am making a custom cap for my good friend Phaedra! She wants a Dia De Los Muertos cap. I have the perfect fabric -- dancing dead -- all dressed up (even spats).

Photo's tomorrow.

Now perchance to dream,
Mary

Here is a link to the Philidelpha Roller Derby My gal is number 305!
(Hint I really like the black tankish top with the PRD logo on it. If you had to get some gift for me -- for next month. For you know why... on the 28th)
m

paradigm...

2010-04-22T00:34:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Well, as you know I sold my car last month. It was totally the right thing to do. For my pocket book, my body, and eco - wise. However, I have been having some difficulty switching my brain over from car ownership to car freedom. I have all of these great options: city car share (just a 10 min walk / 2 min bike ride), Riding my bike, walking ( I live close to everything I need), and Bart/bus. Somehow I still feel stuck here at the house.

The strange thing is I only used that car like once a month, and only if I was going off Alameda Island. Why should its lack effect me so deeply? Why would I want to pay so much every day for something I don't use?

I was talking about this with my friend Jon S. and he said something about going against the socity norm. It was such a big thought that I don't remember his exact words. That was on Tuesday and it has finally sunk in. I am doing something different then most folks -- by choice. Makes me feel powerful and in control.

When I look at some of the aspects of my life it seems like that of a Victorian woman. I own a Millinery, ride my bike around, rent a room (with a watchful lady at the helm), even the foods I eat tend to be "slow foods." I guess that for me the big difference is that I am promoting the right to choose my transportation, not the right to vote.

There are ways that this right is just as important as other rights women have fought for. Some people are surprised that I ride my bike at night or in the rain. Or -- by myself -- a woman alone. I am surprised that I am strong enough to do it, even though it is not physically difficult (given where I live).

My mind is opening as my body is becoming even stronger and healthier.

Thank you for reading this long post.

Velo Love,
Mary

Chaps! Cowboy chaps... i need um.

2010-04-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

Well, I am car free and it is raining -- pretty hard with wind too. Not so good. Do I ask my friend to pick me up on her way to work? No! Are we mice or are we WoMEN. So, I don my bike vestments, get my Bridgestone MB-6 (rain bike) ready to go.

The ride in to work was not that bad. At first my shoes were a little wet. Then my pants up to the knees -- more then wet. At about the halfway point to work every part of me that is not covered in wool is drenched. I get to work sopping wet. Humm. My wool coat kept everything above my waist nice and dry. Needless to say my alloneword cap was snuggley warm and dry too. However, my pants not so lucky... Then I had it! I need Cowboy Chaps! But made of wool not leather.

This is the perfect solution. I can put big snaps on them and do - dads. And I will be able to pass all the other bikers because they will be immobile due to laughing so hard.

Okay. I will make some cute bike pants made of wool. No Chaps. Not yet.

Have a great day,
Mary
PS There I was at work with extra wet pants and socks. Then I had the best idea yet -- Iron them! Then they were toasty warm and dry. Me smart ... You Jane.
m

City Car Share! I am so happy!

2010-04-06T19:23:00.001-07:00

PS City Car Share ROCKS! It could not have been easier.
m

Going to Walnut Creek... ALC 2010 20 caps!!!

2010-04-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hi,
Today is the test of City Car Share. Lets see how it goes. I am looking forward to driving a car that I know is running well, and that is not a "gross polluter".

I am also working on the Aids Life Cycle caps. Trying to get those in the mail today! or at least this week. :)

Yours,
Mary

Etsy, yelp, and reviews... and confessional...

2010-04-04T23:38:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Sometimes when I am a bit puny (as my G-ma would say). You know just feeling a little blue and need to get going but can't. I read the reviews folks have left for my alloneword caps on Etsy and Yelp. Makes me blush a tiny bit -- and then I feel good. I don't know if anyone else reads them or if they help anyone decide to get a cap from me (like to think they do). But, those reviews do keep me going.
Thank you,
Mary
PS Last call for free ALC caps. Email me if you are riding and want one. :) Cut off is Monday at nightnoon.
m

New Blog Templet...

2010-04-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
I keep trying to make this blog easy to read -- and short and sweet. Please tell me if you like this format.
Thank you,
Mary

Baby Blankets! Yup. Thats right Baby Blankets handmade by me.

2010-04-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Before I started making cycling caps I made quilts. I found some fabric in my quilt stash and Voila! - Baby quilts. Nine Baby quilts. I have enough for the Dion Quintuplets with 4 more for you. :) Each quilt is about 3' square. Perfect, I am told, for strollers and traveling.

The quilts are 100% cotton -- inside and out. The top is hand pieced flannel in yummy soft colors and the back is also hand pieced stripes in the same super soft flannel. Hand piecing (sewing the squares together by hand-sans machine) makes the quilt nice and floppy. The flannel gives it a good weight & super warm.

They should be done this week and up for sale. I am not sure if I should post them on Etsy or eBay. Hummm.

Oh Yes! And here are some photos:

top corner back showing hand quilting.

See ya real soon,
Mary

Yelp! I'm on Yelp!

2010-03-31T03:04:00.000-07:00

Hi,
I'm on Yelp. Just FYI. :) Here is a link: http://www.yelp.com/biz/alloneword-alameda.
Velo Love,
Mary

Naps are Wonderful!

2010-03-30T16:13:00.000-07:00

PS: I feel better about selling the car. It was the right thing to do at the right time.
:)
m

car sold...

2010-03-30T15:02:00.001-07:00

Hi,
Car sold today at noon. Mixed feelings. It was my first. And, it is another big change since my divorce. Arggg.
Nap Time,
Mary

Selling my car...

2010-03-25T01:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Well, as it comes down to it I am nervous about being "carless". Tomorrow is the big day and the plan is still on. However, I don't know what the hold up is emotionally. It seems so ingrained that having a car is somehow the adult thing, and might I say it the American thing as well.

I really believe that I don't need a car while I live in the Bay Area. Months have gone by and I have not used it. There is good and great mass transit here in the East Bay. CityCarShare is wonderful, easy and cheep. I will save hundreds of dollars a year (maybe even thousands).

Still I have this hesitation in doing the deed - finally being done with the car. I will be healthier without it. It is a good economic choice. (and it is pretty darn eco-happy).

I love riding my bike, especially in the rain.

Car Owner,
Mary
PS My plan is to mail the Aids Life Cycle caps soon -- so I will cut off the give at the same time. I wanted to give out at least 20 and I am at 18ish. Tell your friends to email me if they are going to ride in the ALC 2010. I will give them a cap -- for fund raising --or just for fun.
m

Happy Patrick on St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-23T01:04:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
I can't find the attachment for my mac that lets me post photos. Lucky for all of us this happy Etsy customer sent me this great photo of him on St. Patick's day no less!

Thank you Patrick! He also has a cool Etsy page and here is the link:

backbackpunch on etsy

Velo Love,
Mary

alloneword face book fan page

2010-03-09T15:32:00.000-08:00

Howdy!
New face book fan page! alloneword . Stop by and see my new logo.
Thank you,
Mary

Great shop in Hayward TU TIENDA AZTECA and Aids Life Cycle cap give a way!!

2010-03-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
Walked in to this great shop in Hayward on B street. It is called Tu Tienda Azteca. This shop is full of wonders from Mexico. And the owner of the shop Oscar is a fab artist as well. I love his Mexican Wrestler Wall Mirror - he made it with stensles and spray paint. It is just so nifty with a 50's vibe.
Here i a link to the shop: http://www.ttazteca.com/. Or better yet go to the shop. Lots of great Day of the Dead items too, and a new Loteria set of cards (& the old one too).

See you soon,
Mary

P.S. Aids Life Cycle riders : If you have ordered your free cap for riding this year -- they will be mailed out at the end of March (I am making them now). If you haven't resquested your yet... well why not. Send me an email at alloneword.etsy@gmail.com with your address and I will add you to the list. It is that easy. The cap will be one of my Lupe caps and I will mail it to you. You can use it for fund raising or just keep it for good luck while riding. You are doing the hard part ... I just make caps. :)X
M

City Car Share! I am so happy!

2010-03-05T21:50:00.000-08:00

Hi,
I am getting closer to my goal of being car free in 2010! I just signed up for City Car Share in San Francisco. I love it, them, the website everything/person about it. Take a look.

http://www.citycarshare.org/

I'll take a photo of the car in the a.m.

Yours,
Mary

New Glam photo of ME by Miss Mo Look --------->

2010-03-04T00:58:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
Hope you like the new photo of Me. Thank you Mo. You are really made of awesome!

Here is a new glam photo of my Red Heart Lupe cap and my wonderful sewing machine.

Thank you Mo for making me (and my caps) look so darn good.
Velo Love,
Mary

New shelves and tables for the work shop... and Darkhorse Cyclocross

2010-02-19T19:14:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I bought four new wire shelves and a new table for my work shop. Then I realized that I had to haul them up a flight of stairs -- then assemble them. Well, that took a few of my shop days and I am struggling to keep up. But the shop looks great. Soon I will be able to find stuff too. Really.

I did not realize how many buttons I have. (to many to say here on line -- but a silly amount to be sure) I need to make more earrings... yup. I ordered the findings and they should be here any day now.

I can't wait to make more caps. I have new fabric and many ideas.

I'll keep you posted.
Mary

PS

Here is a picture of a special order I did for Chris of the Darkhorse Cyclocross team.

buttons buttons and white elephants

2010-02-05T22:44:00.000-08:00

Button Buttons Button Mania !

Hi All,

I bought more buttons! For fancy earrings. I got them at the Oakland Museum White Elephant Sale. Which makes me think that I have been doing this blog - thingy for a year now. I like it and hope you do to.

Yours,

Mary

PS I bought a new helmet at Alameda Bicycle. Now lets hope that I don't have to use it. :)

Ummm, fell off my bike ...ish

2010-02-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

Good Morning,
Well, it has happened. I crashed my bike. Actually, It would be great if it was that interesting. It was more like I fell over while on my bike and smacked a lamp post with my head on the way down. I was trying to avoid a driver who was parking their car. I ended up laying on the sidewalk (still on bike) watching my Daruma bag getting run over by said car.

Lucky the bike and bag are fine. Even more lucky Luna was at home (not in the bike basket with Daruma). Lucky-er was that I near Cycle City -- I went there and the men folk took very good care of me. (Shout out thanks to Mick and Dave)

The Lucky-EST part was that I had my helmet on. The top of my head is a little sore from impact, but that is it. I am thinking that the Lamp Post would have won that fight. At this point I am calling it a draw.

I almost did not put that helmet on. Glad I did.

Yours,
Mary

Earrings on Etsy!

2010-02-03T01:27:00.000-08:00

Hi,
Well, I finally got a pair of my earrings on my Etsy site. Here is a snap:

Glass vintage buttons on sterling silver wire.

I also finished a special order for caps. Pictures coming soon. He wants to surprise his team mates. But in a couple of weeks ...

Velo,
Mary

PS I am still working out the earflap patterns. It will be ready for next fall.
m

got my socks!

2010-01-30T00:06:00.000-08:00

Hi,
I had a great time at Chrome. I got socks! for free! and coffee and a bagel. Yummm. I really wanted a Chrome key chain but they are just testing them out at this time. Maybe for my birthday they will be on the market.
I also bought a pair of shoes. My second pair of Chrome shoes. Which is saying a lot because now my total shoe inventory can be counted on one hand.
And I love the socks. I was talking with the nice lady that works there and she said that Chrome is doing this nifty coffee giveaway on the last Friday of each month. Maybe I will see you there.
Cheers,
Mary

Chrome Coffee Friday!

2010-01-29T08:06:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!
I am off to The City (S.F.) to Chrome's Coffee Friday. I am hoping to be one of the 30 first folks there -- because they are giving away Chrome Socks! I love socks. I might even get a new pair of shoes too. :) Here is the link to the shop: Chrome SF. Maybe I will see you there.

I also want to try out parking my bike at the Alameda Bicycle Fruitvale Station. Should be pretty cool.

Well, those socks are not going to get themselves.

Velo,
Mary

Sales Taxes... Velo Love

2010-01-26T22:38:00.000-08:00

Hi,
I have been working on my sales tax payment. It is my first time. Just so you know it is just as much fun as income taxes, only more complicated. Yep, I am having a great time.
However, I love making caps. This part has to be done too.
Velo,
Mary

Velo = Bike and all the letters in Love

Aids/LifeCycle 2010 Cap for your rider friend...

2010-01-18T14:59:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
I am donating a cap to each person I know (or almost know) in the Aids LifeCycle 2010 ride this year. If you know someone who is riding this year please give them my email address. I will make them one all cotton Lupe cap. I'm happy if they wear it but it could also be used to raise funds (raffle, silent auction, etc.). I can't ride and have super limited funds -- so caps it is. Just please give me some time to fill your order. Cool? cool.

Yours,
Mary

Mary Elizabeth
alloneword.etsy@gmail.com
Custom Caps All Kinds
alloneword.etsy.com

ps
Just so I don't get my self in to much trouble. The cap is my basic cap with a lupe on the front panel with a black crown and bill. I am hoping to make quite a few of these so no special custom orders on the free cap. Thank you.
m

making caps ... pondering craft fairs...

2010-01-16T23:51:00.000-08:00

Hi!

I have been making caps for orders and wanting to try out new fabric and such. Also looking at craft fairs I want to try this year. Maybe I can get in to the Renegade fair (2 in s.f. 1 in L.A. and 1 in Brooklyn NY)

I also need to get some new shelves for my shop... and bins... and... well time.

Luna is a funny little thing and is snoring very loudly. Sometimes when I am typing late at night she will give me the look of stern disapproval. It is so cute when she is mad at me.

I am also trying out the new site 10,ooo markets. I haven't really figured it out yet -- but someone found me and bought a cap. Pretty darn cool.

See you soon,

Mary
PS if you know of a good craft fair near here please tell me! thx. m

Lucy y Luna