December is always a busy month, so I want to catch you up on all the other things going on other than my blog posts. Between the blog, Twitter and Instagram, it is hard to keep up, I realize, hence this ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) post. Highlights of the month were the Ligne 8 jeans, two packages from Australia, some sewing and lots of knitting from my mom.
- I reviewed the Ligne 8 Aubrey jeans for The Discerning Cyclist. I quite like these jeans, and will most likely buy them in the spring (since I had to send them back). I thought that the quality is really nice, and it makes me want to try out some of their other stuff. I really want the Camille red stripe long sleeve tee. I can see this being a really useful part of my wardrobe.
- I got a fun package of reflective trim and zippers from Susan at Measure Twice/Cut Once, in Sydney. We have connected through the amazing world of social media, and she’s “in the business,” and able to send me some stuff. I can’t wait to play with these! I’m not sure what I’ll do with everything, but I have an idea for the glow-in-the-dark zippers already.
- Another social media friend, Oanh at Unique Schmuck, coordinated a reflective fabric purchase, woo hoo! Oanh bikes and sews in Melbourne, and also makes clothing with reflective trim. I don’t know how she found the reflective fabric at King-Tech, but luckily for us, they were willing to sell her some remnants, which meant we got decent size chunks of some great fabric! Again, not sure what I’ll do with all this, but it will be fun to compare notes with Oanh as we go. Don’t worry though, I’m already getting ideas…
- I retrieved my sewing machine and serger from the repair show. Neither were actually repaired, so I didn’t pay anything, but they weren’t even cleaned either. #annoyed. Immediately I made my first ever infinity scarf, and cranked out the skirt I’ve been dying to make for a while. I’m not in love with the scarf, since the fabric that seemed really cool is too limp to hang properly, but the skirt came out great and I can’t wait to wear it! I had hoped to finish it before The Mechanic and I went out to dinner on Christmas Eve, but I got sick and finished it Christmas Day instead. It will probably get its own post in early January, so check back for that.
- My mom has done some fantastic knitting for us! The stuff she made with the Red Heart reflective yarn she sent earlier in the month, but then surprised us both with some lovely things for Christmas. I got a beaded shawl, which I love, and socks in my favorite color, while she made The Mechanic a hat and scarf. She even added reflective stuff to his hat, so while he is walking to and from work, he’ll have a bit of reflective detail on him. She makes the knitting look so easy that I’m tempted to take it up, but I still have bad memories of trying to learn it as a kid. I think I should stick to sewing.
The Mechanic’s hat and scarf
Hat with reflective detail
New shawl!
Beaded scallops on my new shawl
Yay, Mom Socks!
Infinity scarf without flash….
… and with flash! - Last but not least, The Mechanic got me the Christmas present I asked for – a nicer handle for my bike. No, there is technically nothing wrong with the 550 cord wrapped handle me made for me when we moved into our apartment… but there are nicer options out there. And now I have a lovely black leather “Little Lifter” handle from Walnut Studiolo. It matches my black leather handle bar wraps. Tres chic!
550 cord handle being taken apart
Lovely chic Walnut Studiolo “Lifter”!
It’s hard to believe that 2014 is almost over; my, it has been a momentous year! Between The Mechanic graduating and starting a new job, our wedding, and our honeymoon, it has been very exciting! I think we are both looking forward to a slightly more low-key 2015. I’m not sure if that will happen, but I’m busy setting some goals anyway! Have you started your list yet?
tinlizzieridesagain 
Many thanks for the heads up on the reflective yarns! I’ve been working with them the past months and they’re so much fun! I’m working on a cowl right now http://rustyredriding.blogspot.com/2015/01/currently-convalescing-with-crocheting_21.html when I show them to people (knitters, too) they say: “Wow, I didn’t know they made reflective yarns!”
Oh my goodness, I love your reflective knitting! That is so cool, thank you so much for sharing! 😄
I never knew those bike lifters existed. I could do with one. I struggled lifting my bike up the stairs to the office and finally gave up a while back – adding a pannier rack seemed to be ‘the straw that broke the donkey’s back’. I now risk it by leaving it chained up outside – I’ve only had one back light taken so far! (I now realise you need to remove all lights….) I shall have a look for one in the UK.
I’m also very jealous of the reflective fabric, it looks fab.
And your mum’s knitting – I so love hand knitted socks.
The bike handle is brilliant, really, I just love it. I have to carry my bike up and down stairs to our apartment every day, and there are days when it’s so loaded down and heavy that I’m afraid I’m going to drop it and fall down the stairs! So I understand. But I bet the company ships internationally, if you are interested. My mom’s knitting is amazing, I am so lucky! Thanks for commenting! : )
I did look at the price in UK£ and will check out the shipping. It looks really good and there is a chance the bike could get stolen / vandalised so it would be a good investment. (hey, that’s Manchester for you!)
I normally don’t create New Year’s like lists of goals. Just do the same stuff or stuff I need to do, in a good way.
I asked for Ergo handlebar grip for right hand for my folding bike and got it. Plus unasked for, but gratefully needed are a set of commuting bike panniers from dearie. Only a cycling couple would understand how romantic and useful it is to receive a bike handlebar grip as a present. 🙂
Haha, only a biking significant other truly understands, it’s true! Others see it as being unromantic – then again, I wouldn’t be excited about kitchen appliances, so there you are. : )