Wirkkala Designs, Custom made Accessories for Fine Flutes

04/27/2026

After weeks of RA flare ups, I’m finally able to work with my hands, again.

I finished my prototype for the Piccolo Case Cover, to fit over a Wiseman case.

I just sent it to the customer today to make sure that it fits. Once I get the OK, I will then make it out of Leather and velvet.

04/02/2026

Hello Everyone!

After 1.5 weeks of arthritis flareups, I am finally back at the flute accessories.

My post from 2 weeks ago, I showed a photo of the pattern I was making for a cylindrical, Wiseman, piccolo case. (Say that 3 times quickly.)

I finished the first pattern in 2 days. And, made a mock up to check the fit. Well, that was telling. You can only do so much before you have to try it out, and learn from the practice piece.

It was much too small. Today, I was able to go into work, with no arthritis in my hands, and walking and standing much better, as my ankle is almost healed. Thank goodness for PT.

I started making a new pattern. Trying to figure out the changes it needed. And, sometimes, it’s good to swing the pendulum and make a larger change than you would expect.

When I was designing the Piccolo Sling, about 2 years ago, I made it 5 different times, before I was happy with the result. I was prepared to have to do that with this one.

I think I got it figured out on this second pattern. It’s significantly bigger than the first. And, after making up another sample (ugly fabric has it’s use) I was very pleased with the size and fit.

We (Northern Wisconsin) are expecting a snow/ice storm tonight through Friday. And, another storm Friday through Saturday. Spring, where art though? If I can, I will continue this adventure tomorrow. If it’s slippery, I am not going to the shop. I am almost healed from slipping on ice in January.

The next step is that I have to figure out the lining and the interior pocket placement. Then, I will make one with the materials I use for my nylon case covers. I will send it to my customer to have them give me feedback. Once we are happy with that, I will make the final one out of Leather and velvet.

Here are some photos to show you the difference between 1st and second tries.

03/22/2026

Here is an article written by principal Flutist, Lorna McGhee, of the BSO.
https://slippedisc.com/2026/03/boston-principal-confronts-board-over-sacking-of-music-director/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQtUVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xNzM4NDc2NDI2NzAzNzAAAR43hzp4JNrJe-k4Nsf6CC_iGKXTxFA4XK-Rj1S-g1_VcWjvOms_nU-EthQxUw_aem_cSWZa_kOeQXUXBarLR9zGA 

One of our commenters has published the following...

03/22/2026

I imagine that many of you are aware of the difficulties with the administration of the Boston Symphony Orchestra dismissing their music director, Andris Nelson. I’ve known Elizabeth Ostling Klein, associate principal Flute of the BSO, for over 30 years. She has been sharing some very interesting articles and updates about what’s been happening. I thought I would share them with you. 

When Boston Symphony Orchestra leadership abruptly announced the termination of Andris Nelsons’ tenure as music director, it caught almost everyone off-guard. A collective statement from BSO musicians said they “strongly

03/18/2026

My first day back at working on Flute accessories.

I’m drafting a pattern for a case cover, which will fit a Wiseman cylindrical case. I’ve never done a round case like this before. But once I had this figured out, I have another order for someone in Scotland to do, but there will be a Flute case.

I mocked up the size of the case with a mailing tube. I’ve made so many patterns over the past 35+ years, that I rarely have to make a new pattern. This one I definitely had to make one. And I’m straining my brain to remember how I did it in the past.

But, I’m going to do a mock up out of less expensive materials before I do a leather and velvet case cover.

 I’ll show you more of my process over the next so many days.

03/18/2026

Update on my ankle.

On Friday, March 13th, I was given the go ahead to transition to an ankle brace. And, I am allowed to drive again.

We still have a lot of snow and ice in Northern Wisconsin. But, I have the most excellent cleats on my boots. So, I will not fall again.

I am in, today, 3/18, for the first time, since January, to work on my orders. We had snow every other day for a week. The last storm veered south, so we did not get the predicted 27” of snow. Instead, we got about 14”.

I have the orders organized. I was able to do that when I was laid up. I will be contacting you when I start working on your product(s.). Please be patient. At this time, I can stand on that leg, but it’s not ready for full days of work. So, I will do my best to complete your orders in a timely manner.

Thank you all for your patience. Please let me know if you should have any further questions.

A set of photos showing my Flutemaking friends.

07/10/2025

FYI, it’s been a long 9+ months of problems with my RA. (Rheumatoid Arthritis) Finally, in April, it was determined that my injectable medication was no longer effective.

It took a month to have the insurance approve it. Then, as I was going to take my first dose, I got really sick. A nasty stomach bug, which also gave me vertigo. That lasted far longer than expected. And, if you have ever had vertigo, it exhausts you. My PT says that your brain is trying to right things and figure out perceptions, and it wears you out.

I was told to get 2 vaccines before taking the new immune suppressant. And, I had a strong reaction to them. And, the vertigo came back!!!!

I finally started the new med 2 weeks ago. And, right at that time, I started another flare up of RA symptoms, and they were in my hands.

The final, good ending, is that yesterday, I felt “normal.” For the first time in a very long time.

So, I know I’m behind in my orders. If you have an order, I greatly appreciate your patience.

I will not be sending any products to the NFA Convention in Atlanta this year. I am focusing on the work in front of me. But, I have my eyes on the Chicago Flute Festival in October and other flute events.

2 life related events in August:

1. I am moving my home to a much better place, so that will take some of my attention.

2. I am getting cataract surgeries in August. I am very excited about this. To see clearly will only enhance my work abilities. And, there will be some bending and lifting restrictions on me in recovery.

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I am going to start posting products I have in stock. They are what I did not sell at the Wisconsin Flute Festival in April. Let me know if you would be interested in any of the products. They are ready to ship. And, shipping is free (within continental USA.)

Earlier this year, I had been making some flutes resting pads. And, came across this beautiful, brown embossed velvet in my stash. It’s the very last of this gorgeous material. I was able to make 1 flute resting pad, and 1 piccolo resting pad. I think they would make a great set.

$195 for the Flute Resting Pad
$115 for the Piccolo Resting Pad

They are not on my website. But, I can send you an email invoice for the product(s.) The links are secure, and I never receive your card information.

05/28/2025

Hey there! I wanted to let everyone know that I got knocked out by a long lasting stomach bug. It came on quickly and gave me vertigo. I still have vertigo, 2.5 weeks later. I’m just getting back to working on flute accessories. So, if you have been wondering about your order, I will be in touch soon with an estimated time of delivery.

05/01/2025

I came across this video. And, saw the woman with the flute. Had to check it out. She’s a good player! Very good tone. I’m used to 70’s music having doublers, meaning reed players, filling in the flute parts. Here, it’s nice to have someone who is trained on our instrument.

First time I see her play is around the 12 minute mark.

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04/13/2025

Nice Day to be at the Wisconsin Flute Festival. Come see our products in person..

04/03/2025

Hello everyone. I will be having a booth at the Wisconsin Flute Festival festival in a week and a half.

I will have custom case covers and nylon case covers. Piccolo Sling, Flute Covers, flute resting pads, and wiping cloths.

This event will be held at the youth orchestra building, which is beautiful. It opened a year ago. I hope to see you there.

2025 Schedule 2025 Festival Schedule Register for the Festival Schedule coming soon. 9:00am | 10:00am | 11:00am | 12:30pm | 1:00pm | 2:00pm | 2:30pm | 3:00pm | 4:00pm | 5:00pm | 6:30pm 2024 Program Book Exhibit Hall: 9:00am – 6:00pm 9:00 – 10:50am 9:00 – 9:50am Rhythmic Rubricswith Rhonda Lars...