Author Kathy McGee provides comprehensive instructions for making your own bicycle accessories in her book “The Happy Bicycle – Make Fifteen Stylish Bicycle Accessories,” Stash Books, © 2014 ($5 – used, $18 – new).
While several projects are suitable for construction pre-teens or scout troops, serval require at least moderate sewing skills. In this former category lie saddle covers, flower, bumblebee and ladybug bicycle bells (a glue together project), handlebar streamers, and a jeans “clincher.”
More advanced projects include several panniers/bags – all with apparent attention to functionality while not sacrificing attractive styles. There are cold weather knitted and sewn rainy-day helmet covers and a skirt guard for commuting. There is even a picnic basket for a relaxed visit to the Corning Riverfront Park and a ride on the CDPHP Cycle! BikeShare bicycles.
The book leads with some helpful hints on the techniques, fabrics and supplies/equipment needed for the projects. Templates or patterns are included for some of the projects.
Kathy McGee graduated from the (NY’s) Rhode Island School of Design. She has designed apparel and accessories for large retail companies but her love of textiles, handicrafts, and bicycling led her to start her own sewing pattern and fabric design company, Hemma Design. She is passionate about creating functional-yet-fun accessories and draws her inspiration from Scandinavian design and the contrasting seasons of the northern climate. Kathy lives … with … an ever expanding collection of bicycles. For more information, visit www.hemmadesign.com .
Albany Bicycle Coalition 