Matched Plaid Happiness

Hi,
Here is a photo of the custom Christmas Cap

She loved it, He loved giving it.   Now that is Christmas Joy.
yours,
Mary

Got a nice cold for Christmas...

yup I am under the weather.  But I did have a great Christmas and I hope you did to.  The gal that got the custom cap love it!  Happy Happy Joy Joy
Yours,
Mary

Christams Caps! And Christmas Happy...

Hi Everyone,

I've been working hard making caps all month.  There was lots to do and very exciting to be so popular.  :)

I just finished my last special order cap for Christmas delivery.  It was easily the cap that I have ever made.  I thought it would be hard to give up.  But, it wasn't.  Because he loved it!  And it is for his sweet lady.  He got all verclempt thinking about giving it to her on Christmas.  It felt so good to be apart of someone's Christmas joy.  I will post photos  --- After the 25th --- of course!

Yours,
Mary

Sold the Cap right off my head! Really.

Ghost Lobster Get yours while you can...

Hi Everyone,
I was showing a friend my caps.  She liked them and she really liked my Ghost Lobster Cap (the cap on my head).  I mean she really really wanted it.  What is a gal to do?  My ride home was a little chilly without my GLC.  I am happy that the guy is going back to his home to the land of Lobster = the East Coast.

I made some new cashmere caps and got them posted on Etsy and BOOM I'm in a treasury.  Take a look... and Find the cap....  Or mind the Gap...  Any who.  Click on the link and see my Sumo Cap.


Good night,
Mary

Space Happy at Park and Central in Alameda California -- oh ya my caps are there!

Hi All,
Just a quickie for tonight... I am a bit sleepy.  I want you all to know that my cashmere wool caps can be found at Space Happy a great shop right down town Alameda at Park and Central.  They have over 20 for you to choose from!

I have lots of caps to make and ship before the 16th (USPS mail by date) to make sure that the little caps make it to there new home on time.

As most of you know I am not much of a church going kind of gal.  However, I went to a Romanian Christmas all Men Choir Concert and it was amazing.  2 + hours in Romanian and it was well worth it.  The choir -- Corul Barbastesc Lauda Mileului was fantastic.  The whole evening was delightful and full of Christmas spirit.   Sweet folks that go to that church.  Just a big thank you from me.  It filled my heart with joy.
Yours,
Mary

Ear Flaps -- and wow it really is cold out side...

Hi,
Well, I have been thinking about this ear flap thing for my caps.   The problem is that they look  kinda silly and yet are warm (which out weighs silly).  I have this idea to make the "flap" part not as big -- maybe just an inch or so more would be enough.  And I think that if I made it in a dark color or a *blendie color it could work.
I have to get some orders done then I can make some prototypes.  Photos to follow...
Please feel free to make suggestions.  I was also thinking about making the flapie bits removable (velcro).  Hummmm
Yours,
Mary

* very technical term referring to a color that does not stand-out.  There for it "blends" in.  Ergo the word Blendie.
m
P.S. "the reference was obscure" Indian Ink by Tom Stoppard.

Baby it's cold outside.

Good Night Everyone,
I am frozen.  I would just like to say I am sorry for not making caps with ear flaps sooner.  I'm going to make them tomorrow.  My ride home was great once my ears lost all feeling from the cold.   Really, I live in California.  I am not made for this kind of cold.  I mean really cold outside.  If only Dean Martin would sing to me into staying in doors.  But, alas no Dean for me.  But earflaps -- that is going to happen.
Yours,
Mary
PS I am featured on this nifty Flicker site: Cold Iron .  It is written by Dave, the guy at Cycle City that I got my Simple City from.  He also bought an Orange Cap from me.   Dave took this great photo of my Daruma- San bag.
Anyway he is a cool guy.  Check out his site.  I am, however, still frozen.
nite,
m

Daruma!

Originally uploaded by Cold Iron

Found Mag. advertisement! Yup. I'm in issue #7

Hi Everyone,
I am so glad to be busy making caps for folks near (in Alameda) and far (France).  The big news is that the issue #7 of Found Mag. is out and my ad is in it.  I could not be happier with it.  I feel like a big shot in a national zine.
Yours,
Mary

Love that Ho-Down!

Good evening,
Just got back from the Ho-Down!  I was great.  I sold some caps and even more ear rings.  Mostly I got to meet nice folks and have some laughs.
It seemed like a good time was had by all.
Yours,
Mary

Handmade Ho-down Raffle

Hi,
I am so excited.  I just found out that the Handmade Hodown blog put a photo of my cap (that you could win in the raffle) on there blog.  This is just too cool.
Thank you Too Live Crew!
Cheers,
Mary

Handmade Ho-down Dec. 3rd! TOMORROW!

Hi Everyone,

I am off to get some last few things done for the Handmade Ho-Down!   Come on down ya'll!

Yours,

Mary

Ho-down treasury! I'm in it! Look.

Howdy!
I am in a new Etsy treasury.  It is a special one for the Ho-down on thursday this week (oh my).  Please check it out Ho-Down Treasury.  This way you can see some of the nifty art and items available at the show.
See ya real soon,
Mary

Handmade Ho-down Dec. 3rd! just days away....

Good Morning Everyone,
    Caps Caps Caps Caps!   Making and preparing for the big Ho-down.  I can't believe how quickly it will be here.  I feel like I did as a kid getting ready for Christmas.  So much to do, and so little time.
   I work a bit at NiaH and then sewing!  Yippie!  Fun Fun Fun.  The thing is -- that it is fun.  I am tired and could use a bit of a break.  However, I really enjoy creating and making things people like.
Affectionally Yours,
Mary

Happy Thanksgiving! Luna y Lucy - and the tiny bed...

Happy Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I am just glad that I live where I live, and that I have such great friends and family.

Here is a picture of Luna in Luna's bed.

Here is a picture of Lucy in Luna's bed.

Lucy is my friend Dolores' dog.  Lucy is a silly black lab.  Luna is my dog.  She is a toy poodle.  Don't tell Luna but her bed is really a cat bed!  Lucy used to circle around and a round and scrunch in to fit into Luna's cat bed.  It is the cutest, funniest thing I have seen for ages.

The photos are from my phone (sorry about the quality).  Dolores and I watch TV and Lucy would circle in to the cat bed.  We would both laugh so hard.  Then I did a reenactment of Lucy getting into Luna's bed for Dolores.  No Photo of that!  (thank you)  But it was super funny and great to see Dolo laugh so hard.

Best Wishes,

Mary

(and Luna y Lucy dog pals)

Lucy y Luna in a dog bed

Featured in Handmade Ho-Down Blog...

Good Day!
I have been featured in the Handmade Ho-down blog.   Please tell me what you think.  Here is the link, but you have to scroll down quite a bit to get to me:
http://handmadehodown.blogspot.com/
See ya soon,
Mary

the whole cap from the article. m

Featherweight Singer circa 1938

Good Morning,

    Been making caps like a fool.   Then all of a sudden the needle tention stops working on my Featherweight sewing machine.  This is not good.  I use this machine on every cap I make.   I grab the tweasers and the oil can and get to work.  Within 15 minutes the Featherweight was humming along making those perfect little stitches it is so famous for.   Yippeee I am smart!  I fixed it.  

Yours,

Mary

FRIDAY! my Monday...

Good Morning,
I had a great day with my pal MO.  We went to fourth st in Berkeley and I got some new craft stuff.  Yippieeeeeee.
Best of all if felt like Sunday.  A real Sunday with breakfast out and just hanging out.  Thank you MO.  I needed that.
Now off to make caps!
Yours,
Mary

Gabe at new shop super nice.

Hi All,
I did not make it to SF yet.  But I sent an email to Gabe.  He was super nice and I am looking forward to working with him.
Yours,
Mary

New shop in the City (SF) for my caps...

Good Morning,
Exciting news not only did I get 3 orders for caps on etsy but also have a sales lead on a shop in the city for my caps.  :)  good times

I've been making cool key chains out of bike inter-tubes for Handmade Ho-down swag.  My Grandpa was a cattle ranch owner and I found this great book of his "How to make Cowboy Horse Gear."   It has directions for a Magic Braid.  And that is the pattern I am using for the Handmade Ho-down swag!

Have a great one,
Mary
PS off to make more caps today.  Check out the bike shop in the city tomorrow.  wish me luck!
m

Excited about the Handmade Ho-Down!

Good Morning,

I can't sleep.  I am so excited about the Handmade Ho-Down.  This is my first real craft fair and I want it to well.

Yours,

Mary

Veterans Day, Armistice Day, Remembrance Sunday

Good Night Everyone,
I used to always thank my Grandpa for being a Veteran.  He passed away earlier this year, anyway, Grand-dad - Thank you.  If you are reading this and you are a Vet (or family of one) Thank you.  From my heart I thank you.
Yours,
Mary
PS Also in my heart is a longing that the Wars were over.  I don't comprehend what that would entail, nor what it would bring that about.  It just seems like we could all be doing something else.  Then I remember that Albert Einstein was a pacifist, until he couldn't be anymore.   I have no answers.  I can not make watches so I make caps.
m

More caps at Alameda Bicycle... soft wool ones.

Hi,
Delivered some soft wooly caps at Alameda Bicycle today.  Here is a picture of the shop.

and my caps within:

I need to get going on my sleeping now.  More caps to make tomorrow.   The Handmade Ho-Down is right around the corner!

Yours,

Mary

New Tori Amos Album! and lots of new wool caps.

OOOhhhh Hi everyone,
Happy Day.   The new Tori Amos album just came out (13 min ago -- downloading now).  It is called Midwinter Graces.   There are some Christmas songs as well and some winter songs on the play list.  Well, I have to go and listen to it now.
Bye,
Mary
PS Made bunches of wool caps to take to Alameda Bicycle tomorrow (Tuesday - today really).  I am also thinking about taking some caps in to the City.  An alloneword cap owner emailed me about a shop that might like to have some.
m  

Night Rider on Watershipdown

Hi,
I am super sleepy so this will be too short.  I love bike riding at night.  It is so calm and cool.  Luna was with me and she was sniffing the air the entire way home.   I must admit that I was breathing the night air deeply as well.  Hard to resist that fresh autumn sent.  The moon was half illuminated, in the fog on the horizon, peeking out between trees and houses.

I am reminded of a passage in Watershipdown.  Were it is explained so eloquently how the sun was needed and expected.  However, the glow of the moon was pure pleasure not to be counted on or useful.  Rather the moon light was intermittent and therefor to be savored.   Well that is what my sleepy head recalls at this late, or early, hour.  I will post the passage if anyone requests it.

Good Night Luna,
Mary
PS Got lots of sewing done today.  11 cap crowns and bills done.  (just need bands and tags.)
m

10 caps done! and three more finished! It is a personal best.

Good Evening,

Yup I got a bunch of caps done.   I am glad because the hodown is right around the corner and I would like some new caps at Alameda Bicycle, Bushwick Bikeshop, SewImages, and Velo Montano.  After listing all of them I feel like I should still be sewing.   smile.

Luna came with me to the shop.  She slept and looked cute for hours. 

Here is a studio pic of Luna:

Good Night,

Mary

off to sew caps! wool of course.

Hi All,
I am off to my workshop to make some more nifty soft wool caps.  I modeled a black wool cap for my sister and she said I look like one of those well dressed New York City gals.  I am beaming with happiness and pride.
Love,
Mary
PS Handmade H0-Down is right around the corner.  It is going to be fun!
m

No Map = No Ride

P.S. Got lost and then got lost again.  Got frustrated, then I went shopping.  I bought some more wool cashmere blend (faun, dark navy, dark gray, and black).  It is so soft and yummy.
m

Nice Rack Cycling and Social Club first ride

Hi,
Well I am going on my first NRCS ride tomorrow.  Yvonne is going to meet me at Tilden Park here in the East Bay.  Here is a link to the park map:  http://www.ebparks.org/files/EBRPD_files/brochure/tilden_south.pdf

I'll tell you how it goes.  The next Nice Rack Cycling and Social Club meeting will be on 11/13/09.  Yes that is Friday the Thirteenth -- at Peets in Alameda (park and central) at 6:30pm to 7 ish.  I'll be at the benches out side.  See you then.
Yours,
Mary

Wool Cycling Cap a big hit!

Hi,
I have been making wool caps, because it is so cold here in California.   Okay, it may not be as freezing as other places but, it gets cold.

Any - hoo, I have been making these wool cycling caps.  Last year I made a few and did not really care for the process nor the end product.  This year it is great!  I love making them.  The wool is easy to work with (i.e. forgiving, not wrinkling, keeping its shape).  I was super choosy and got some really nice very soft cashmere blended yummy wool.

I have sold two just today!   I am so glad that folks like them.

Here is a picture of the new grey plaid ones:

When I bought the plaid the bolt was marked "Michael Kors."  I don't know why.  However, It is a pretty rocking plaid.

You should know that Jim of Alameda Bicycle got this one, but I can make one for you too.  :)  (in less than a week)

I hope you are well.
Yours,
Mary

Dia de Los Muertos for my Mom and Family

Good Morning Everyone,
Its Dia de Los Muertos and I have been thinking of my Mom for weeks now.  As most of you know my Mom passed away almost ten years ago.  She was a fun lady and a great Mom.  Her name is Ruth Ann Dodge and she grew up in San Lorenzo, CA.  My Mom could make and sew anything.  She was just brilliant at it.  I like to think that a bit of her rubbed off on me.  At least I know that she taught me how to make all kinds of wonderful stuff and how to have a good time.  Often when I am sewing I feel like she is with me.  At those times it seems like she is proud of me.

Here is a picture of my Mom standing behind her Mom (Rosemary Bernice Dodge):

They both look so young here it is hard to believe that it is truly them.  My Grandma, at 92 years old,  still lives in the same house where my Mom and Uncle John grew up.

And here is a link to Wiki about Dia de Los Muertos http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead.  It is a holiday observed in Mexico.  I have always liked it because it brings the people I love and lost back to me for a little while.

All the best,
Mary

P.S.  A quick shout out to my peeps: Daddy, Grandmother and Grandfather Knutsen (I wish I got to meet you), Grand-dad, Uncle John, Great Aunt Ruth, and Auntie Dorthy and Uncle Cliff, Grandma with the White Hair aka Great Grandma,  Jim, Aunt Fae, and last but not least Uncle Bud and his daughter Linda.  I love you all, and miss you everyday.   (few add on for friends: Chris, , Wes, & GeS's Mom.)
m

Two shops in Piedmont! They have my caps. happy happy

Happy Halloween Eve,
It is almost Halloween and I am glad for it.  Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and it just seems to get better every year.  Here in Alameda we take it pretty seriously.  It seems that every block has a giant spider infestation, and the island has become a graveyard.


My caps are now at Montano Velo on Piedmont Ave.  Jason (the very cool man in charge) bought over a dozen of my super soft cashmere and wool caps (in black and navy).  My largest cap order yet.  He was so nice, and said thank you for the caps and everything.  Just a class act that guy.

Here is a pic of his shop:

The second shop that has my caps is SewImages also on Piedmont Ave.  I was a bit concerned about having my caps in two shops so close, but no one else was.  Here is a picture of Cecilia's shop:

  It is a great place that specializes in sewing machines, embroidery machines, and surgers.   They even do repairs.  They have a new section set up for consignment items.  That is where I come in.  I had my caps in my basket and they asked to look at them.  Right a way they were hooked, and I could not have found nicer folks.  Next week they are going to stock my earrings too.  Yippiee.

It has been a busy week, and now a fun (and busy) weekend.
See you on the flip side,
Mary

Handmade Ho-down We (Ruth and I) got in!!!! 12-3-09! yippie!

Hi All,
Great news!  Ruth (The Enchanted Square) and I (alloneword) got in to the Handmade Ho-down!  This is going to be great.  First it is in San Francisco and in a night club.  yup!  In a night  club -- it is free -- however, you need to be 21 or older to get in.  Here is a link to the blog:  handmadehodown

Have a great day.  Update tomorrow on caps in Piedmont.  (Montano Velo ROCKS! And SewImages is wonderful.)
'Night,
Mary

Alameda Bicycle Sheila Moon Fashion Show and W.O.W. event WAS Wonderful!!!!!!

I got to meet Sheila Moon.  She was so nice and fun to talk to.   Her dog is named Luna too.   How cool is that.
The event was super fun and I got some light up handle bar thingies for my MB-6.  Yippy! I love light up stuff.
Yours,
Mary

Alameda Bicycle Sheila Moon Fashion Show and W.O.W. event

Good Early Morning,
Today - well tonight at Alameda Bicycle there will be a super fun event.  The Women on Wheels  cycling group is having the end of the season bash.  It is a party and fashion show featureing the 2010 collection of Sheila Moon Cycling Clothing.  Joie is the host so you know  this party is going to kick it.

Here is a picture of Joie -- in the cap I made.

Last year this party was great, I have to work so I can't make it -- so you should!  Actually, I am going to bike as fast as I can across town just to say Hi before everyone leaves.  Maybe I will see you then.

This year she has added door prizes and other nifty cool things.   Tomorrow I will drop off two caps for the raffle.  Yup -- two caps.

Here pics of the caps in question:

Everyone who attends gets a ticket and A. B. will just pass out the goodies until they are all gone.   Get there early and say that I sent ya.  :)  I'll be there as fast as I can pedal from Webster St.

Yours,
Mary

should be making caps.... check out this blog :)

Hi All,
I should be making caps, but I am not.  For some reason I am super tired.  Tomorrow is another day.  In the mean time here is a link to a cool blog I found:

velo vogue

I hope you like it.  They post photos of fancy folks riding around in The City (San Francisco).  Maybe one day there will be a pic with a fancy bike rider with one of my caps on!   A girl can dream can't she.  :)
Yours,
Mary
PS I was at the 40 year anniversary party for Alameda Bicycle and three (yup, you count them three) people were wearing alloneword caps!  I am still so happy about it.

5 black wool cycle caps (say it as if you were the Count on Sesame St.)

Good Morning,
Left the shop late tonight.  But, I got 5 caps ready for Wednesday.

I just love riding home on my bike after a long day.  The moon was out and very beautiful.  It was so warm I did not even want a jacket.   Just like Heaven.

Yours,
Mary

Cap Orders and Cap Happiness

Hi Everyone,
Good news.  I have two new shops that have my caps.   I am so happy.  This means that I need to sew sew sew.
Everyone I show the wool and brushed cotton caps loves them!
Yours,
Mary

Brooks Saddle and Wool Caps

Hi Everyone,
Well, I made the commitment to a Brooks Saddle.  It has been on my bike for less than a week.  It is fantastic!  I can't believe it.  I love it.   And as they say in elementary school:  Would you marry it?  yes, yes I would.   Here is a link:

http://www.brookssaddles.com/

I also just got a new rack (the "Payload" from Portland Design Works) for the back of my bike.  For some reason I kept over loading the old one.  Apparently they really mean 40 lb. capacity.  Here is a link to the folks who make it the cool new one:

http://www.ridepdw.com/

I got the "Payload."  It has as 77 lb. capacity.   It looks great too.  I will keep you up to date on how it goes.   BTW, Dave at Cycle City recommended PDW.  He's got the 411 on everything.  He also said the Brooks was fantastic.  And it is.

Yours,
Mary
PS  I am off to make more wool caps and see how the home craft fair went.  I just emailed PDW and got a response with in seconds!  Dan you rock!
m

Renegade Craft Fair

Hi All,
I found out that I did not make it in to the Renegade Holiday Craft Fair this year.  As they say in Baseball -- There is always next year!
Yours,
Mary
PS Making lots of wool caps!  Some are matched plaid.
m

Wool Cycle Caps! Get your Wool Cycle Caps Heeerrrreee!

Hi Ya!

As promised here are some picts of my new caps (just the wool ones).

This one is called Hamlet.

This one is called ... Well just Blue Heart.  I would like to call it something better.  Suggestions?





There are more to see on my Etsy page.  Take a look!  (Please)


I am also in an Etsy Treasury.  Please take a look at this too.  (They keep track -- more lookers the better!)
Here is the link:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=88135

Cheers,
Mary

new caps!

Good Morning,
I made some new caps last night.  I will post pictures in the a. m.
yours,
mary

Central Ave. Featured in nifty blog!

Good Morning!
Central Ave (my co-op shop with Ruth Tillman) is featured in super nifty blog!  Here is a link:

inkspotworkshopblog

I hope you have a great weekend,
Mary

Batmas Tree By Emma Rose

Hi,
This is a  Batmas Tree.  It was named by Emma Rose.  Emma Rose is one of the smartest and most creative artists I have ever met.  This is her Batmas Tree:

With the night vision goggles:

Then with the CSI photo enhancement:

I truly love living here.
Yours,
Mary

Stranger than Fiction

Hi,
Stranger than Fiction, is a wonderful movie, and it has a darn good soundtrack.  Give it a try.

Still sick, slept all day.  I am hopeful that tomorrow will be more energetic, or that I will be.
I'll tell you how it goes,
Mary
PS Luna had a good time today looking out the window from my bed.  Her little nose twitching away for such a long time.  Every once and a while she would growl.  Sometimes she seems like  a dog twice her size
m

Handmade Ho-down

Hi Everyone,
I am still under-the-weather.  But there so many things to do and plan for.    I just submitted my application for the Handmade H0-down in San Francisco.
 Link:  http://www.handmadehodown.com/

It is going to be a great event.  First it is in a Night Club! 1015 Folsom Street.  You have to be 21 to enter -- really.  Yup. It is that cool.

Again it is a juried show.  Application is in, my money sent, and I wait.  I wondering and how all of this is going to work out.  Anyway in for a penny and all that.

Hoping for the best,
Mary

Sick as a cat. & here is the Members Choice Gift Guide from the Etsy Voter

Hi,
Still down for the count with this cold.  I did go NiaH for a few hours last night.  I wanted to go to my work shop too.  But, alas, I am still at home.   :(  Lets just turn that frown upside down!
Here is the Etsy Members Choice Gift Guide that Heidi Cap won a spot on.

etsy gift-guides

It is pretty cool I think that you will like it.  I was up against some pretty cool Etsy-ians.  Please take a look.

Peace Out,
Mary  :)

Sick as a dog! and the Votes are in!

Hi Everyone,

I just checked the Etsy Voter and Heidi did not win, but placed very well indeed.  Now she will be included in Etsy gift guides and such.  Very very cool.  Thank you all I could not have done it with out you.

Not much else to say as I have been sick in bed since last friday.  I haven't stitched, drawn, written, walked the dog, or been on my bike.  I have only been outside in the back yard for Luna.

My Sis pulled through and hooked me up with some OJ and Apple J.  Go Sis.  Ruth gave me some cold meds.  And dear Roberta helped me out when I was just standing in the Rx section of the store not knowing what to do next.  She is always my cellular shout-out.
Peace out to my Peeps for helping me pull through.

Love,
Mary
PS I am planning on going outside tomorrow.  Yeah. m

ETSY VOTER!!!! vote-which-oktoberfest-item-fills-your-stein-

Hay Everyone!
Vote for me!  Or look at all the cool stuff and vote for me (and you favorite -- they are the same -- right?).
  Here is a link

/Vote Which Oktoberfest Item fills your STEIN!

You need to sign up for Etsy to vote -- but it is really easy.  So get out the Vote!

Here is the cap that made it in to the Voter:

Lots of Love,
Mary
PS Thank you to Leila Jo for the cool name!  you are the winer! m

Left Coast! and Right Coast!

My Cycle Caps are taking over the world! I am so happy! Alameda Bicycle is .... you guessed it.... Presenting... alloneword cycle caps! (and the crowd goes wild). Yippee! Yes! finally a local shop! Yippeeee!

Okay, no more exclamation points. I am just so happy. See, Alameda Bicycle got me started in the cap making game. Joie even has the first Lupe cap I made. Here is a quick snap of her in that historic cap:

Joie got me going and Jim is my very best customer. They both work at A. B. This is also the shop where I got my bike fixed up for commuting to work. Which, as you know, is how I lost 45 lb. and kept it off.

Alameda Bicycle has a special place in my heart because they have been so very kind to me. First they got my body in motion, then my mind. Here is a link to Alameda Bicycle:

alamedabicycle.com

Just a quick note. A. B. will have first pick of my newest caps. Caps so new that they are not on my Etsy site, nor any shop this side of the Mississippi. You would have to go to Brooklyn, NY (http://www.velobrooklyn.com/ ) to get caps this fresh.

See you biking around town,

Mary

PS a shout out to all my peeps over at AB. You know I love you.

m

Family Photos of Caps!

Hello Everyone,

I hope you are well. I am buying fabric and making caps. Here is a quick photo of the caps I have in stock right now. Note that cool reflective action!

I'm going to make some Halloween trick or treat bags. They are going to be super cute with some retro fabric and some extra reflective strips on it for safety. It is like the strips I use for my caps. And you can use them for a pillow case too!

Yours,

Mary

PS and in honor of one of my favorite movies:

Renegade Craft Fair AND SF TWEED Ride

Hi Everyone,

Dave's orange cap is done and waiting for him at work. I hope he likes it! And Mary-Beth loved the Christmas Stocking. :)

I have been making quite a few caps but haven't kept up on the photos. That is part of my Friday plan: 1. make more caps 2. photograph caps 3. everything else that needs to get done (including washing the dog)

Ruth and I have submitted our application for the Renegade Craft Fair. It is a juried show. Now we wait to see if we are in or out. It is a great fair check it out. :)

http://www.renegadecraft.com/holiday

I would like to show my earrings, caps and tote bags. Guess I better get to sewing.

Yours,

Mary

Post Script: The SF Tweed ride is coming up. Here is a link:

http://sftweed.com/

I plan on attending and may bring Luna. I have my outfit all picked out too (black and white dress, pink pumps, new cap by alloneword.

m

I'm in a Treasury on Etsy! Check it out!

Hi Everyone,
I am so excited. I am in a treasury on Etsy. It is very cool and a big deal in the Etsy-verse. Click below and check it out.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=76342

Look ma no hands,
Mary

Orange Cap for Dave of Cycle City, and a Dutch Girl Cap for a lady in Brooklyn

Hello Everyone,

I can't believe ten days have passed since I last wrote to you. I have been super busy finishing the Christmas stocking for MaryBeth's grandkid Conor. The pattern was a bit complex but it is all done! Yes. We are very happy about this. I turn it in tomorrow. I hope she likes it.

Now back to alloneword's cap land. I have two orders in for caps (see title). I will be working on them in the a.m.

I also sent off 10 caps to Boston to be silkscreened by e5Charlie and his peeps. I am so excited about this. I will post before and after photos when I get them back. (FYI his stuff is more for folks than kids)

Here is a link to the e5Charlie site:

http://www.e5charlie.com/

I hope you like his stuff as much as I do. My favorite is BFF. Which only makes sense, because it is my BFF.

Making stuff and hoping,

Mary E.

PS here is a link to Cycle City (FYI a great shop/site folks tall & small....)

http://cyclecityusa.com/

And a query: Should I start making bike basket liners? There are folks who make fancy ones on Etsy and the net...... hummmm....

m

Emma Faerie Cap

Hi,

I spent the day making my work shop workable. Here is a pic of a cap I made on Saturday night while listening to NPR.

The other cap sold already. But I will make more in the morning. :)

Hope you had a great weekend.

Yours,

Mary

Found Mag. and Velo Brooklyn Two great things that taste great together with alloneword...

Hi Everyone,

I feel just like a big company CEO!

First: I was featured in this great bike blog:

http://velobrooklyn.com/bikeblog/

for this fab shop in Brooklyn called Bushwick Bike Shop. Here is a link to their shop:

http://www.velobrooklyn.com/

I love the pic on the site opening page of the sexy lady on the bike. Please note that the Flicker slide show starts with a pic of alloneword caps. Yeah. I am that good. :) Well I don't really feel that good, however, Bushwick Bike Shop is so cool that I feel a little cool just knowing them.

Next: I'm actually going advertise in one of the premier zines in the whole omni-verse. (drum roll please) Found Magazine !!!! If you don't know who they are please click on this link:

www.foundmagazine.com/

They are fall on the ground funny. Be careful not to read it to much at work. :) The find of the day is a bit addictive.

Page me later,

Mary

the enchanted square ... my housemate ....

Hi Everyone,

At last an entry all about my housemate Ruth. She is the artist behind The Enchanted Square.

Here is a link to her shop:

http://www.theenchantedsquare.etsy.com

She is also has a blog about her home design work:

http://studiopaint.blogspot.com/

And a blog for her art/craft:

http://theenchantedsquare.blogspot.com/

Take a look at her stuff. She is just amazing. I can't believe that Ruth gets all of this done and she is the Mom of three kids. (great kids -- but three of them). To top all of it off she is stunningly beautiful and dresses well daily (real clothes -- no t-shirt and jeans, unless she is painting a house). This last bit is hard for me to admit, but she also makes her own bread, cooks real dinners, & makes lunches for the kids.

It is a good thing for me that Ruth is such a good person, funny and gregarious. Otherwise I would have to dislike her on principle. Nonetheless, I count her as a dear friend and artistic inspiration.

Check out her stuff! Right now! Go!

Yours,

Mary (aka just happy I make a few caps now and then -- and care for my dog)

PS I forgot that she also makes Wedding Cakes and does some catering too.

(makes me tired just thinking of it all)

M

PPS And she has been instrumental in getting me set up on Etsy and started our shop Central Ave. There links to both of these to the right of the screen. Ruth has also taught me how to photograph for posting on the web, and .... Well all that etsy stuff. Thank you Ruth!

m

Hay, I'm walking here... new Taxi Cap

New Cap!

I hope you like it.

Yours,

Mary

PS see how small they fold up? Then presto back to shape!

Tres Amigos

Thursday P.S. Three new caps. Here is a snap!

M.E.

lost 45 lbs in the last year....

Hello,

Just a quick note today. It is my day off and I have so much laundry to do it is beyond silly. Lucky for me there is a washer and dryer here at my home. No laundry mat for me. Such luxury.

January of 07 I made a commitment to ride my bike to work. Well, lots of things have happened in the last year and a half but I have kept up the bike riding. Now I ride around town and drive when I go outside of Alameda.

The big news is that I have lost over 45 lb. and three sizes.

Yours,

Mary

caps from around the world......

Hi,

I am making a new series of caps inspired by international traditional dress. Here are the first two:

Dutch Girl

German Girl

I need to come up with a better name. Do you have any suggestions?

Yours,

Mary

Oakland used to be called Brooklyn (circa 1860)

Hi Everyone,

It is silly how late it is and yet I am so excited I want to write and share it with you. Today is a big day in alloneword history. I sent my first wholesale order to this cool shop in Brooklyn. Here is a link:

http://www.velobrooklyn.com/

Take a look at their web site. It is nifty. The shop looks great too. I hope that I get to visit them sometime soon.

Yep, Bushwick Bike Shop ordered 10 caps on tuesday and I mailed them out Saturday. I can't wait for them to see them.

Here are a few pictures of one of my latest cap (Crafty Pirate) and a personal favorite.

Finally a little sleepy (it's 3:08am),

Mary

PS I tried to get these photos to line up all nice and pretty. They know that I am sleepy and they can get away with it. Aaaarrrrrgggg!

Bunch of Caps and Tori too.....

Hi,

I just got in from the Tori concert in Oakland at the Paramount. It is a great place to see a show and it was a Great Show!!!!! Shout out to my peep Rachele for going with me. We rocked it!

Here is a picture of the new caps:

I am going to see how many I can post on Etsy before I fall asleep.

Peace, love and a hard ,

Mary

Post Script: It takes two bites to get to the middle of a Tootsie Roll Sucker.

(I only posted 2 caps. But it is 2:40am. I am going to sleep now)

m

P & P and Zombies!!!!! also new caps! to protect your brains....

Hi All,

You may have been wondering if my brains were eaten by Zombies it has been such a long time sense I have blogged. But no, brains my brains are still intact. I have been sewing up caps, reading, stitching and the 4th of July. Not to mention playing Pool. Yep, a non-geeky hobby! I'm pretty good at it to if I say so myself.

Reading: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahme-Smith. It is strangely captivating. So very much of the text is unchanged in any way. Then all of a sudden these Zombies show up. Seth G-S did a wonderful job explaining and giving a history to the Zombie "Plague". A great read especially if you are an P & P fan. Here is how it all starts:

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains."

Here is a link to a movie gosip website. It has a good description of the book and a photo of the cover. Worth a click!

http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/02/09/hollywood-studios-bidding-for-pride-and-prejudice-and-zombies/

Cap Photos: to follow soon!!!! The cap that went to Finland was well received. So well in fact that the boy friend hi-jacked it! She ordered another one. That one is on its way as I write this. I spent to long working on it. But it was worth it. As you will see in the photos.

Stitching: I have been stitching up a storm on MaryBeth's Christmas stocking, MR 1811 and other unfinished projects.

The 4th: My plans fell through and I spent the holiday alone. I missed how I used to spend my holidays. But it was not all bad. I watched Shaun of the Dead and played Super Maro Bro's Cart on a Wii with my room mates kids. A fine film and a great game. A quick shout out to my peeps Tristan and Ethan and my Pool Sensei.

Thank you for stopping by,

Mary Elizabeth

Cap Photos and Cap orders Cap on its way to Finland :)

Hi Everyone,

It is so exciting that I have a cap on its way to Finland.  Right now as I am writing this it is on the way there.  I can hardly believe it.  And the person who ordered is so Cool and kind.  They are going to email me when the cap arrives.  This is the cap in question:

Joie Lupe Cap Pictured below:

I also have a Red heart Lupe cap going to Brooklyn.  That cap looks a little like this:

I got my resale number the other day.  I am so happy about that.  I am going to see about selling at the local farmers market and maybe some of the Art Fairs in the Bay Area.  There is a great one coming up called the Art and Fire Fair.  It is in Oakland at the Crucible.

All the best to you,

Mary E.

The Art of Dang My Etsy b-day gift to me (from me).

Hi Everyone,

I bought this way cool art on etsy.  It is from The Art of Dang.  Here is a link to the Etsy site:

www.theartofdang.etsy.com

And the Dang website:

www.theartofdang.com

And photos of the work itself:

verge

verge speaks to you of love

I just love both of these images.  I saving up for the Verge Loves you painting.  My Verge painting is looking down at me as I write this.  I just love it.  I can look at everyday for the rest of my life.  It is just so good.

Check out The Art of Dang.  It is just to cool not to.

Peace out,

Mary E.