I've just finished crocheting 1/2 of a skirt guard for Helena!
Yes, the ugly old plastic air filter screen/ skirt guard is still zip tied on, and it's duct taped to the frame and fenders right now. I needed some way of holding it there while I took a picture.
So far, I am mostly happy with it. I've already thought of some design changes (which, if I were to incorporate into this one would mean ripping the whole thing out and starting over. NOT gonna happen.) So right now I'm left with the problem of how to attach it. I don't want to drill holes in my fenders, so I need to think of a way to get it to stay in place there. I think that as far as attaching it to the frame, I'll just add some braided strands that can tie to the frame. There will be much pondering on this before I crochet the other half.
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI caught your post at Lovely Bicycle and love your crochet skirtguard..If you decide to make them for sale could you keep me in mind :) I can knit but cannot crochet to save my life and I'd love it for my vintage Raleigh:)
TIA
Fiona
@ girlcanbike.com
So cool! Based on many, many skirtguards I have seen, I think that drilling the fender is the best way to go aesthetically, as well as in terms of how securely the guards will hold up. But I understand that many do not like that idea. Either way, I am following your progress with delight, because these look truly beautiful!
ReplyDeleteFiona - Sure, I'll definitely keep you in mind! Since I've made mine to fit a fender on 26 inch wheels, I may need to get some measurements for your 28 inch wheels. The skirt guard does stretch some, but I don't know if it would stretch enough. (Something for me to keep in mind as I design this further.) :)
ReplyDeleteVelouria - Thanks! I'm glad you like it. I know deep down inside that drilling the fender is going to be the best option all around, and part of me wants to do it because I like the way it looks, but when I imagine myself going after it with the drill I get just a little faint. I have another fender from another old 3 speed (an old Ross that I found in a dumpster! It was my very first bike rescue/rebuild). It's blue, but maybe I could paint it black and drill that one out and put it on the Hercules, sparing my original fender. Right now I've just got the guard taped on, and since the bikes live in the kitchen I can constantly walk past (or stare blankly at it while eating cookies) and maybe have an epiphany. :)
Amy, this is so beautiful. I think drilling the fender will probably result in the most seamless connection -- it's probably worth it to show off your beautiful work, though I get your hesitation.
ReplyDeleteWhat yarn did you use?
neighbourtease - Thanks! Drilling will be my very last option. I've ordered something that may work, and I'm just waiting for it to arrive.
ReplyDeleteAs for yarn, it's 3/2 Pearl Cotton from Halcyon Yarns.
Use those little paper clips things. Not the regular flat ones but the ones that are for thicker paper stacks. They come in colours and you can get them anywhere that sells office supplies.
ReplyDeleteI was trying to crochet my own guard but I could not figure out how to get the hole for the brake part correct. I think I might put some wire around that part so the crochet would not get caught into the brake.