Moving

I'm moving, which is why things have been so quiet here lately. I'm in the middle of packing up everything and then on Saturday I move. The landlord gave me the keys a bit early so I'm going to pop over tonight and try to figure out where everything is going to go. It is kind of cool because I have two floors now. My bedroom is in the basement and there is a wee spiral staircase up to the second floor. I have a living room and dining room and another bedroom on the main floor, along with the kitchen, bathroom and a deck (squee!). I'll be turning the dining room and extra bedroom, which are adjacent to each other, into a studio space. Stay tuned for pictures.

Big Hairy Audacious Goals

A few years back I took a course on leadership in Ireland. There I met some amazing friends and the seed was planted to follow my dreams. Our professor said have BHAGs (pronounced bags)- Big Hairy Audacious Goals. That phrase has stuck with me all these years, but I did not know what my BHAG was. At a Crave event a couple of months ago as part of our introductions we always do an ask, something you need help with or desire, and at that time I worked from home and I was lonely. Considering I'm an only child that says a lot. I asked if there were any crafty co-working spaces in Chicago and while people had some awesome co-working spaces, there wasn't a place that I could bring my sewing machine.

My friend Christina and I went for a horseback ride on the beach in Cleggan, Ireland.

Then I realized that I wanted to create a crafty co-working space. I wanted a huge loft to convert into a space that would have room for trainings on screen printing, sewing, wood working or whatever skill someone wanted to share. I wanted there to be a space for movie night and gatherings. I dreamed that people would come to work and there would be a gravitation towards collaboration. I even mocked up the lay out of my dream space! At the same time I read on San Francisco Girl by the Bay (highly recommend her blog) that they were creating a clubhouse for creative people called Makeshift Society. If I was in San Francisco I'd  join in a heartbeat.

The clubhouse is a beautiful mix of vintage warmth, mid-century modern and industrial, but with wood tones, old leather and textiles to cozy up the space.

Image via DesignSponge originally created by Victoria Smith.

I pull sheets out of magazines and have done so for years (the precursor to Pinterest!), and many many years ago I pulled out a picture of a light filled bay window that had two French bistro chairs and a small round table. When I made a mood board for Meandering Design that picture went front and center. So, when I saw two French bistro chairs for sale I had to have them. They are chipped and worn and just beautiful. They will go out on my new deck with a very rusty round table that I found at Josie's in DeKalb.

I am leaning towards white with pops of color. I want to have a space that is restful on the eyes so people feel comfortable to create. I was inspired by this home that was showcased on DesignSponge because the light streams in and it is filled with warm textures and that perfect pop of color.

Via DesignSponge

I pin things that I covet for Meandering Designs space, or that inspire me on Pinterest.


*I was struggling with this post because I am referencing sources that are not my own. I wish there was an MLA or Chicago Style Manual for the internet! I want to note that I hope you go and visit the sites that I have referenced and please know that I am inspired daily by these talented designers and design afficianados.

What do you Crave?

Meandering Design grew out of my passion for sewing and my desire to live a sustainable handmade life. I think that statement alone deserves its own blog post, but today I want to talk about an organization called Crave. Last year I needed a way to connect with people, especially since I was spending my time home alone sewing. I checked out Mac 'n Cheese Productions (which also deserves its own blog post) and I stumbled across Crave.

The first event I went to we made vision boards. I got to spend a Saturday afternoon on a dreary January day sitting around a table chatting with a group of women who had done, and continue to do, amazing things in their life while cutting up magazines and making a collage to represent what I want in my life. Seriously- how cool is that.

I notice that there is a definite international influence...



I kept going to events and sharing Meandering Design with people and I always got such a positive response and people kept connecting me to people they either thought I should know or, who could help me with my business. I've found a life coach, an insurance agent and even someone to help me with my finances. Each one of these people has helped me in immeasurable ways. Most importantly I have found a group of people who inspire and support me.



This is Saya who runs Mac 'n Cheese and our Crave chapter and is just all around amazing*



The last Crave event was held at Shop 1021 in Logan Square and it was difficult to concentrate while surrounded by so many fabulous goods for sale. We were lucky to have Sarah Neukom who is the Producer of Positivity at Red Frog Events and Sheila O'Grady who is a consultant at Spencer Stuart to talk about leadership. I was amazed at their insight regarding leadership and the things that they have accomplished.



This is my friend Christina who was overjoyed to find a room of creative entrepreneurs*

Christina and I rode our bikes home and for just a moment all you could hear was the whir of our tires as we both happily peddled away. Then at the same moment we both excitedly started talking about all of the phenomenal women that we had talked to over the course of the evening and our plans for the future. I can't wait to see tomorrow brings.

*I have to commend Amy Boyle who took the gorgeous photos for July's Crave event and also the photos of Meandering Design. The Crave staff designed a beautiful write up on Meandering Design, but her photos take center stage.

Percolating about size

Sometimes when I hear a comment somebody makes it takes a bit of time to filter through my mind, percolate, and then I just need to say something. I am very consciously trying to make things of all different sizes for Meandering Design. Not just because I have difficulty finding beautiful clothes in my size, but also because I have listened to my friends of all different shapes and sizes with the same lament. I think my friends are beautiful and I want them to feel beautiful. That is hard to do when you feel like your body does not fit the mold.

Last week there were some side walk sales in my neighborhood and as I was driving down Damen I saw a piece of barkcloth being displayed and I pulled over immediately. I need a bumper sticker that says "I Brake for Barkcloth" (for those of you unfamiliar with barkcloth it is a nubby fabric from primarily the 40's and 50's that was used to decorate the 'boudoir'. So you would have barkcloth curtains, a barkcloth settee, a barkcloth duvet cover, barkcloth lampshade, etc. It comes in great colors with florals and also tropical prints. I have some and I hoard it). I did not buy the barkcloth, because it was too expensive, but I did find a really cool 40's duvet cover that I can reuse for fabric, some lace, and I may have possibly bought more buttons (I know, I have a problem).

The woman who was hosting the sidewalk sale pointed to the shop next door and asked me if I had ever shopped there. At that point I realized she was the owner and designer, and I answered truthfully that I had tried to but nothing fit me. She said that their clothes were made out of vintage fabric. I love this designers work. It is modern, yet romantic and vintage, all at the same time and the articles of clothing and accessories are gorgeous. I have long wanted to buy something, except every time I have been in there I have felt out of place and uncomfortable. While the clothes don't fit she has some beautiful accessories, but since I feel like I don't belong I walk in and turn around and flee without purchasing something.

The seamstress in me understands what she is saying. With limited materials it is challenging to make clothing in all sizes. Except, I wonder if it would be possible to make less of one item in more sizes in order to sell to a wider range of clientele. So, I will continue to make clothes in a whole range of sizes and some of those will be one of a kind, because there was only enough fabric to make one. That I think makes it pretty darn special. 

A beautiful space

I have been to the Fabric Warehouse at 2121 W. 21st Street in Pilsen many times. Normally though, I go on Sunday (they are closed on Saturday) and a couple weeks ago I went during a week day and the mood was completely different. On Sundays they are mobbed and you barely have a chance to interact with the people who are checking you out, but on a weekday you get a chance to see what is going on around you.

Photo credit Ingrid Oyen

I love this place because it is where fabric goes to be revived. Fabric that is no longer in style, or fabric from stores that are closing down, end up at the Fabric Warehouse. It keeps a lot of textiles out of the landfill. Pilsen is a neighborhood that is made up of a mix of ethnicities and they were all reflected in the employees at the Warehouse. I heard quite a few different languages being spoken. It is such an important part of the neighborhood.

Photo credit Ingrid Oyen

I have taken many people here to explore. It is dusty, a bit grimy, and very colorful. It can be overwhelming so the best thing to do is to walk in and not look for anything specific. You never know what you are going to find. My friend Ingrid came with me one time and took these gorgeous photos. She is a gifted photographer and I have a couple of her photos hanging on my walls. They give a very good sense of how it feels to be there. This picture is one of my favorites. This is only one aisle of a whole heck of a lot of aisles full of fabric.

Photo Credit Ingrid Oyen

Back view of bolts of fabric. Photo credit Ingrid Oyen

Keep an eye on the shop because in the next week I'll be listing skirts and bags made out of some amazing batik I found on a previous expedition.

Birthday wishes

Since it's my birthday  yes, I am a Cancer) I am giving you a present. Use coupon code MYBDAY2012 at check out for a 20% off discount. Sale runs through Sunday, July 22 at midnight (central time zone). Happy Birthday to me!


If you see something you like but you need it in a different size, or it sells out, please drop me a line, meanderingdesign@gmail.com, and I will get you what you want. 

A flash of red

A couple of people have told me that they have lost interest in Mad Men because they did not like Don Draper (I dated someone much too like him in college!). I have been watching the television with my eyes glued on the fashion and the colors. It is fascinating to watch the shift into the more free form of the 1960's. I also love seeing the color combinations.

Anyways, there is a scene with Peggy, her boyfriend, and two of the men from the office and while she is sitting it looks like she is wearing a simple grey dress, but then she stands up and on the side there is this bright flash of red. It was just gorgeous.

http://www.tomandlorenzo.com/2012/05/mad-style-at-the-codfish-ball.html

Her dress is so staid and almost dowdy, but that flash of red takes it to a whole other level. Love love love.