Ruth Works SF

Pink Tandem Stokers bag

2012-02-26T10:00:00.002-08:00

Swift Industries

2012-02-24T19:26:00.000-08:00

(Image borrowed from Swift webpage without permission.)

I had the pleasure of meeting Martina of Swift Industries this week. I hope we can visit Seattle sometime soon for some riding and sewing. My son Finley really had a lot to say to her about Star Wars and race cars.

Ruth

2012-02-23T17:55:00.001-08:00

When my wife and I got married, she took my last name and I took her middle name, Ruth. Our old names are inscribed inside of our wedding bands.

Mustard Randonneur Handlebar Bag

2012-02-23T17:47:00.001-08:00

Black and Brown Randonneur bag

2012-02-23T17:45:00.002-08:00

Klickfix mounting systems available at Wallbike.

Randonneur bike in Sacramento

2012-02-21T22:15:00.000-08:00

Fenders with mud flaps, handlebar bag, bell, lights (two front lights are in the bag), bolt on rear light, and wool.

Small seat bag

2012-02-16T22:42:00.000-08:00

Inspired by Greg Merritt, who mounted my small handlebar bag backwards, upside down, to his saddle, and it looked pretty nice. Thanks for the idea Greg!

Waiting for trim.

2012-02-15T13:23:00.001-08:00

More work

2012-02-14T13:44:00.000-08:00

First, a Valentines gift to my son, a heart blanket and pillow for his bear, Ga.

In the works

2012-02-14T07:16:00.002-08:00

In the works

2012-02-09T10:22:00.001-08:00

Mustard Randonneur Handlebar Bag

2012-02-09T09:08:00.000-08:00

Green and Brown Randonneur Handlebar bag

2012-02-08T11:16:00.000-08:00

Waxed Mustard in the works

2012-01-30T09:37:00.000-08:00

rackless front bag

2012-01-30T09:36:00.001-08:00

small handlebar bag

2012-01-25T12:21:00.000-08:00

Leather and lotus blossoms

2012-01-23T20:20:00.000-08:00

I hope John likes this.

Panniers: Portland to SF in the works

2012-01-22T08:54:00.000-08:00

A set of four large sized panniers.

Bags waiting their turn

2012-01-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

Mud flaps

2012-01-20T12:09:00.000-08:00

If you know why these are shaped this way, then you must have done a brevet in the rain with your friends riding behind you.

The mud flaps on the right fit longer full fenders, like Gilles Berthoud, Honjo, or Velo Orange.

Black Panniers

2012-01-20T11:19:00.000-08:00

Black and Blue Randonneur with gore-tex liner and leather bottom

2012-01-20T11:17:00.000-08:00

my sons rocking chair, it was not easy biking it home from the thrift store.

Black and Green Randonneur handlebar bag

2012-01-18T11:43:00.001-08:00

Happy MLK day

2012-01-16T11:27:00.000-08:00

Porteur

2012-01-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

Mud flaps

2012-01-13T12:22:00.000-08:00

Hau 'oli Makahiki hou!

2011-12-31T14:05:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone for helping me out this year, it has been a lot of work. I hope your next year is full of good rides.

Burgundy and leather carry bag for Jane Logan

2011-12-14T10:57:00.000-08:00

Grey and Black Randonneur handlebar bag with full leather trim to Washington DC

2011-12-13T12:12:00.000-08:00

Take it to the Sky

2011-12-13T11:23:00.000-08:00

This is for Augie, who has passed on.
Please support his father, the artist Jon Grant and his artwork as he has lost his son to leukemia.

Take it to the Sky by Earth Wind and Fire.

Waiting for leather trim

2011-12-13T10:33:00.000-08:00

Leather details

2011-12-11T17:23:00.001-08:00

Leather tools

2011-12-08T20:48:00.001-08:00

Black Randonneur bag from Cork Grips

2011-12-08T07:28:00.001-08:00

Beautiful image from Bob Myaing, author of Cork Grips Blog.

Guu Watanabe

2011-12-08T06:55:00.001-08:00

Image taken without permission from unknown source (web)

When I began sewing a year ago, I researched several bag makers and became entranced by an atelier in Japan, the work of Shoichi. From what I understand, and I may be wrong about this, every bag made in his shop is made to order for a specific bicycle, rack, handlebar height, and owner requests. Panniers, randonneur handlebar bags, saddle bags, instrument cases, the randoseru, carry bags, purses, attache', and much much more.
The work is stunning.
I enjoy seeing images on their flickr page, showing the countryside, food, trees, birds, funny signs, bikes, and beautiful beautiful bags.

Please visit his website here: Guu Watanabe
More images and videos on his flickr site here: Guu Watanabe Flickr

Series of five zippered carry bags.

2011-12-07T13:14:00.001-08:00

Big thanks to Carlos for supplying the leather for these pieces.

PInk roll top porteur

2011-12-01T11:09:00.001-08:00

Gille Berthoud GB192 attachment system

2011-12-01T06:23:00.001-08:00

The Gilles Berthoud 192 bag with the Klikfix attachment system.

Here is the Gilles Berthoud, using a Nitto rack.

The Klikfix hardware for this bag is available from Peter White and Walbike

The Nitto rack is available at Rivendell or Walbike

Green saddle bag

2011-11-30T10:18:00.003-08:00

Testing bag sizes

2011-11-30T10:18:00.001-08:00

testing the size of some bags on a five day tour, packing very light.

five day ride, modified Ostrich handlebar bag

Sadie

2011-11-30T00:20:00.001-08:00

Lily

2011-11-30T00:18:00.001-08:00

hearts

2011-11-28T20:29:00.001-08:00

Sologne inspired panniers, awaiting trim

2011-11-26T10:13:00.001-08:00

Kali, Arnis, and Escrima weapons case

2011-11-25T11:48:00.001-08:00

This piece is for a fantastic martial artist and former instructor at the International Martial Arts and Boxing Academy, home of the great Master Richard Bustillo, who was a Jeet Kun Don training partner of Bruce Lee. http://www.imbacademy.com/default.asp

He has also studied Pangamot with Master Dong Meyong http://www.myfma.net/video/dong-meyong-trailer-pangamot whom I was able to study with for a short few weeks many years ago.

Pink whale porteur bag in the works

2011-11-24T09:29:00.001-08:00

This is for my good friend Dave, who has the first bag I ever made and uses it every day. He has been inspirational in my bike riding and has really encouraged me to try and go beyond what I think I can do. If you know who Dave is, then I'm sure that you love him as much as I do. I'm thankful that Dave supports my craziness. My wife however, does not think the whale speaking spanish is funny. My son, however, thinks its funny. Personally, I can't stop laughing.

panniers in the works

2011-11-22T18:51:00.001-08:00

Small Burgundy randonneur handlebar bag for Nitto F15

2011-11-21T18:31:00.001-08:00

Roll top porteur bag

2011-11-21T16:22:00.001-08:00

In the works

2011-11-20T18:17:00.001-08:00

Leather stamp

2011-11-20T10:21:00.001-08:00

First try, the mistake looks pretty cool actually.

Happiness

2011-11-19T17:06:00.001-08:00

Nothing makes me happier than to see some bags ready to be used every day, for a very long time, in rain or shine. I look forward to seeing these bags after many years, and doing some repairs or touch ups on them. Thanks John for your design. I plan on making John another matching set, larger capacity, like the large Gilles Berthoud.

Small burgundy randonneur bag with kimono lining

2011-11-19T15:31:00.001-08:00

after a few weeks, these two pieces of fabric will hopefully come together into a bag.

New leather working tools

2011-11-19T13:52:00.001-08:00

rawhide hammer, edge beveler, scribe, edger, and alphabet/number stamps

leather trim

2011-11-14T09:41:00.001-08:00

Grey and black randonneur handlebar bag, to Finland.

2011-11-13T19:56:00.001-08:00

A lot of new ideas and techniques on this bag. It came together well.

Hopefully, the extra reflective material will help on the long winter nights.

Randonneur bag with full leather front pocket

2011-11-13T09:48:00.001-08:00

Tysasi

2011-11-13T06:54:00.001-08:00

It is always nice to see the work of other bag makers, especially folks who are just starting up. We often face the same challenges. Images from the randonneur and bag maker, Tysasi here.

Images from Greg Merit

2011-11-12T06:55:00.001-08:00

applying reflective panels

applying reflective piping to the edges

Nothing better than spending the day in good company, with one of his home made pecan pies, burritos, lots of music, and stories about 600k's and randonneuring. Thanks again Greg!

Tool carry pouch

2011-11-09T12:47:00.000-08:00

My friend Dave gave me a tool pouch a few years ago and I liked it so much I made a smaller version. This is designed to slip into your rear jersey pocket. It has a pull tab and reflective material, elastic strap for a mini pump. It holds tools, tire levers, and a 700x23 inner tube.

Trying out some ideas with leather

2011-11-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

Cord lock

2011-11-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

Some folks like to use these cord locks on the inside/underneath their shock cords to adjust the tension of the cord to the hook closure. You can get them from most outdoor stores like REI. This way, if you decide to overstuff your pockets, you can loosen the tension and still use the lid closure.

Just make sure the lock fits the width of two cords going through the hole.

Image from Bob Myaing

2011-11-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

Beautiful sunrise, or sunset. Photo courtesy of Bob Myaing.

Porteur bag on the Del Puerto 200k

2011-11-06T22:16:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of Franklyn Wu, http://www.flickr.com/photos/franklyn/sets/72157627702347766/with/6318968698/http://www.flickr.com/photos/franklyn/sets/72157627702347766/with/6318968698/

Greg Merit enjoying some East Bay hills.

2011-11-06T15:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the photo!

Cutting leather

2011-11-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

In trying to thin out some leather today, I ended up cutting grooves into the six ounce belting leather.

This lead me to try some grooves in a set of mudflaps.

Mounted on Bethoud 40mm fenders.

Gore-tex backpack with reflective trim

2011-10-30T19:11:00.000-07:00

Single wall gore-tex with an outer wall of ripstop nylon, padded back and reflective trim.

Patches

2011-10-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

Frame bag

2011-10-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

Great day, complete with a wonderful pie, made by Greg.

Frame bag for Surly LHT, to hold his nunchuks on his 600k's.

Pannier progress

2011-10-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

Some reflective material for safety, leather buckle closures, 18oz cotton duck.

waiting for trim and main flap closure.

Saddle bag

2011-10-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

Mud flaps and fender lines

2011-10-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

No rattling on todays 20k brevet.

Small black zippered carry bag

2011-10-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

1050 Ballistic Cordura, inner pocket, full #8 zipper, external key loop.

Panniers in the works

2011-10-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

The final hardware arrived this week. This set will use a lacing system to secure them to a Toei front lowrider rack.

Porteur Attache'

2011-10-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

Front View. I forgot to mention, the porteur bag in the previous post converts into this attache' case. Thank you Kevin at Firefly Titanium, for your ideas for your bag, enjoy.

Black Porteur with Leather Straps

2011-10-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

Add caption

Rackless handlebar bag

2011-10-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

On the day my sewing machine broke, my friend Angel happened to find me at the Taco truck, with my friend Rai from Mission Workshop. I was a bit sad that day, but Angel went and picked up his Singer15-91 sewing machine and gave it to me, to keep. This bag is my thank you to him. Thanks Angel.

The hardware, leather, and attachment points were sourced from an old 1960's handlebar bag. The fabric was very worn with many holes and rips. A new bag was made with the exact dimensions, stronger fabric, pockets, map case, and internal sleeves. With the other components to secure the bag to the stem/bar, it is surprisingly solid. I wish they still made these attachments, similar to the Nitto.

Pro Mechanic Tool Roll

2011-10-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

1050 Ballistic Nylon outer, leather and brass, 1" nylon webbing.

Leather inlay.

Clear pockets for small parts, velcro closure, key ring.

Flat pockets, bellow pockets, snap closures, all kinds of stuff.

18oz cotton duck, 1050 Ballistic Nylon, leather, brass hardware. This is a very large tool roll for races.

Custom size black mud flaps

2011-10-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

Mud flaps for my sons bike, just in time for the rainy season.

Burgundy Porteur

2011-10-15T22:37:00.000-07:00

For a Cetma 5-rail rack.

Dancers leather wallet

2011-10-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a leather wallet made for dancing, it holds your ID, credit card, and keys, no need to leave your purse on a chair or table to get stolen. My wife is a salsa dancer, her old wallet no longer worked, this one should last a while.

Hand cut 6oz leather mudflaps with brass grommets

2011-10-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

Brown and Honey leather mudflaps

2011-10-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

Simple, pretty, and available. *these have been sold 10/12/11.

Trying new things.

2011-10-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

Leather

2011-10-05T11:45:00.000-07:00

hand cutting the strap guides, punching holes for the hardware.

first lay up.

trimming the straps to size

punching holes, spaced 1" for the closure.

the coffee always gets cold.

Inspired from a Sologne bag, I thought I should try it.

Making the template to scale.

First cut.

Adding the belt slots.

Mock up.

Staining the leather, and allowing it to dry until tomorrow. All of the leather has been sanded down. This is my first time trying this.

Adding the inside lining to the body, before trimming the excess.

This is what three hours of work looks like before I go to my full time job.

Black Randonneur Handlebar Bag with leather bottom

2011-09-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

Burgundy Porteur waiting for some parts

2011-09-25T22:41:00.000-07:00

Waiting for 1" triglides. Bungee net on top, zippered inner pocket, velcro inner pocket, and side sleeves with internal sorting pocket. Double layer of burgundy waterproof coated cordura, with neoprene floor and 1050 Ballistic Nylon bottom.

Orange carry bag

2011-09-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

Grey Randonneur handlebar bag and matching saddle bag

2011-09-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

Black Porteur Bag

2011-09-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

More Here:

Fabric

2011-09-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

Black and Red rack top bag.

2011-09-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

Ostrich Handlebar bag modifications

2011-09-10T16:25:00.000-07:00

Ostrich Pannier modifications

2011-09-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

Grey and Pink Saddle bag.

2011-09-10T10:36:00.000-07:00

Tan saddle bag with brown leather trim.

2011-09-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

Original artwork from Alice Stribling

2011-09-08T19:29:00.000-07:00

Alice contributed her beautiful drawing of her Pelican 650B Randonneur for the poster I made for an upcoming San Francisco Brevet.

Dimensions

2011-09-05T18:16:00.000-07:00

Having the bike and rack in person is helpful sometimes.

Saddle bag size

2011-09-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

I like this size.

Grey and Brown saddle bag

2011-09-04T18:41:00.000-07:00