Monday 21 February 2011

Pimp my bike?

Yesterday we went to Cambridge. Just because. It was cloudy and grey and not good for photographs. I took lots but I'm sure you all have your own views of "grey and miserable" right now without seeing mine.



Cambridge is known for its uni, the students and bikes. Bikes everywhere. Tied to anything and everything. I found myself checking out THE BIKES! I might have mentioned I have a vintage bike from the 50s. It has yet to be ridden to any useful purpose.



As I wandered around Cambridge it came to me - my bike lacks its own personality.
Now I'm not saying these bikes have much and it will be a challenge to decorate mine in a way that is rain and wind friendly. I can't see me adding plastic flowers to mine. But they must make the bike easy to spot in a crowd.



But in Norwich a couple of weeks ago I spotted a bike sporting a natty skirt guard and on looking at Etsy I find a design for this skirt guard over at JustDo and think this may well be my first project when I start my crochet class in a couple of weeks.



Anyone have any better ideas?

Love Wend

17 comments:

  1. How brilliant to see the craft thing flitering into student trends, that guard cover looks far too nice to be on the back of an oily bike wheel though!

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  2. Love the individuality of those bike baskets but as for all that work on the crochet skirt I think not as it would be muddy in no time!! But what about a vintage fabric pannier or two? Come in handy for the shopping.

    J

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  3. OMG! How fantastic is the crocheted guard skirt! I love it - and those flowers! What a fabby idea!

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  4. How neat is that crochet guard skirt!! I wonder who thought up that idea? Very pretty!
    Z xx

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  5. Wow i love that guard cover what a unique colourful idea, i think its great fun to personalise your bike its like an extension of yourself, good luck with your crochet class, dee x

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  6. Wend,
    I'm not sure about the crochet guard cover but I do like the way the students have pimped their bikes. That sort of kitsch appeals to me. Enjoy your crochet class - adding yet another string to your bow I see! Where do you find the time to fit all these trips and interests in as well as work full time? Just amazing! Lesley

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  7. Just wow - as a cycle rider I love the decorated baskets - might have to do something with mine as its getting rather tatty. Not sure the crochet would cope well with our muddy/wet lane though.

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  8. The crochet pretty impressive, makes you wonder what else they might have made Linda x

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  9. Loving them! I was thinking that you could crochet that skirt guard in that plastic string that you can get in cheapy shops! Wow!

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  10. That skirt guard is brilliant, but your crochet would have to be better than mine or you would end up with a ball of wool round your spokes!

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  11. I'd be so heartened by spotting any of these bikes - yes, go for the crochet guard! And wear flowers in your hair.

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  12. Well - I've never ever seen a crocheted skirt guard bike cover whatever! I think I would draw the line at that, but I may now stick plastic flowers on mine as I like that idea!

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  13. That crocheted skirt guard is fabulous..what an unusual and creative idea...wish I could crochet. Have a great week.
    Jo xx

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  14. i'd have to use the crochet for a lampshade , but i'd fit the lampshade onto the back carrier and wire it up to the dynamo....

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  15. oooh, I love the idea of a flower garland decorating the basket (not that I have that sort of bike!).

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  16. Well...WOW!!!! What else can be said about that crocheted guard? I would never have dreamt up making anything like that but how totally fabulous and so right for a bike in Cambridge! Thanks for sharing, has made me smile!

    Julia x x x

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  17. love the personal touches on the bikes x

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