Rules of a Creator's Life

 

via Will Yan, et al.

The Gap: A truth

As it turns out, this is supremely true.  And probably applies to most things in life. Even to you, my dear friends and readers.

Word to Ira Glass.

Quite Strong

Design tends to be a big fat Boys' Club, it's true. 

There's a lot of chatter on the web among creative types, particularly on twitter, about innovation, change, and being the agent of such things. A lot of times, being the woman forcing her way into that conversation and making a statement that is heard can be tricky.

Enter: Quite Strong, design's Girls' Club

Getting Started

I don't buy Moleskines anymore. Or any cool, trendy, pricey, or generally beautiful note/sketch book for that matter. 

I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts the other day for creative people, where they challenge you to start. A lot of us get hung up on the method of doing things, or why we can't do things, or ideas not being perfected before they are even started.

A few more recent notebooks that I'm known to juggle and flip between.
The one with the broken binding has earned its stripes.

It has a lot to do with being afraid that it's not amazing. But when it comes to fancy notebooks and crazy ideas, sometimes it feels like the idea has to be well presented and packaged in your mind before it makes it onto a fresh page of that beautiful sketch book. Things have to look great, and you can't have garbage populating and poisoning your creative space right? So the idea needs to be amazing, the very pen strokes you make need to be calculated, and if a color looks off- it's there for. ev. er.

Right?

Well, no.

As I've learned, a lot of creative folks who experience success actually fail. A lot. They've just become comfortable with starting on things over and over, even if they don't know where the project is going to end up, or if it'll even be presentable for that matter. The important thing is to just start. Every single time. Even just for a little.

Yes, that's actually back-of-napkin notes. My studio can be so fancy.

So I challenge you, for whatever it is that you're working on, don't wait until you get your next a really cool  pen with that special ink comes in the mail tomorrow. Don't wait to find the perfectly spaced grid notebook. Don't make your game plan of how you will later tag it. Don't first write the most epic tweet of all time to later announce it. Don't make lunch.


Just start. *steps down from soapbox*

The Grind & Taking Some Time

Almost 8 months ago, I walked away from corporate life to start The Style Cooperative.

It was a really bold (read: ballsy) move. This, I admit. I was looking for ways to exercise my thoughts and energy in a way that felt fulfilling. I began designing and working on an idea that I had come up with years before, and it became my life.

If you're into twitter and follow a lot of like-minded folks who are young, creative, entrepreneurial, and passionate about their craft, you start to see a lot of similarities.  One thing that I always see and hear from other people working to develop their future is the proverbial "grind-off".

The Grind-Off (n): The act of expressing publicly how hard one works, typically in a passion project that is expected to result in positive creative work to be consumed by the masses. Common phrases include: "The grind never sleeps", "I'll sleep when I'm dead", or some other expression indicating the lengths they will go to be successful.

And I shall not throw stones, because I, at times, am guilty of this as well. But there comes a point when you realize that even if you never sleep at all, there will still always be work you could do. Our work and ideas are not in a vacuum, and in order to progress and come to the table with the most original, ridiculous, and effing fantastic work we've ever produced, sometimes you have to know when to push pause.

Then I saw this video with Stefan Sagmeister on TED about design and the power of time off.  From all the self-induced stress that many of us are under, I feel like this is an interesting look at the idea of job vs. career vs. calling, and what it means for each of us today before we hit a plateau, wall, or anything else similarly uncomfortable.

Think about it.

Holiday Lookbook Mood Board

I've been ultra busy working on getting a beautiful presentation of our Holiday looks together. We are planning on shooting veeeeery soon, and everything is shaping up to be exciting. 

As a little peek into what we've got in the works, here's a peek at the mood board. Happy Friday!

Field Trip: Optimo Chicago

Remember when I shared the video of Optimo Chicago? You know, the hand crafted artisan hats from their workshop on the south side?  Well, I finally visited.

Long-haired beaver felt. No, seriously.

And the hats were unbelievable.

They start with felt base shapes of hats, the work them into the precisely shaped and deliberately crafted goods that are made to order.

When I spoke to one of the people in the shop, she mentioned that it takes about 1 month to received a hat upon ordering. After watching them in action, it's definitely worth the wait to have something made special and just for you.

Classic production, done the old-fashion way. There are signs of quality in goods like this that you just can't find when you buy off the rack. While the price is steep, you definitely can't buy the experience.

I've got my eyes on a new hat, and hopefully it'll be an Optimo.

Learning to Sew

I recently had a question come to me on Twitter about suggestions when buying her first sewing machine.  Hooray for craftiness!

Sewing machines and one of those subjects that if you sew, you have an opinion about. It's kind of like asking somebody what's a good first car for a new driver... it just kind of depends.

I grew up learning the and around Singer machines, so this is what I know best.  When I decided to take lessons to increase my technical skill in sewing, the classroom had Singer machines.  I know them well, they are comfortable to me.  

For the new sewer who wants to work on a project here and there or do some casual work with a machine that has some flexibility, I'll play favorites.

7463 Confidence

Singer 7467S Confidence

From the outset, I don't know that the two machines functionally are very different.  I've worked on both machines in workrooms, and they seem to be pretty standard in classrooms.  Simply put, they do the job in a not too terribly finicky way.  They are simple, they thread easily, drop-in bobbin, and button hole stitching that is easy enough to get after a few practice tries.

When you get to the point where you are making clothes regularly and want to develop a more finished look, I'd start to look at sergers (the machines that stitch to enclose the edges... take a look on the inside seam of your shirt to see what I mean).  Again for the less than commercial sewer (most of us), you won't need anything too intense or even a 5-thread machine.  I personally own a Janome machine, and really do love it.  

A Modern Renaissance

Ever since I started working on the company full time and really putting my passion and work out there, I've met some of the most brilliant, inventive, and generally awesome people working on equally awesome things.  One of the things that I've most recently been interested in is the cultural shift on what the word "urban" means these days. It's not the dirty word it once was, and creative individuals and groups are helping to make that shift to something entirely positive.

via

Here is a small collection of sites, projects, and general brain candy on what the idea of urban is becoming. Enjoy!

The Brooklyn Circus

Old world charm, craftsmanship, and ideas for a new urban gentleman.  They are trying to change the idea of what an urban man is around the world, and that, I can respect.

Culture of Creativity

The epitome of a modern renaissance.  A group of really talented and spot-on young thinkers that are supporting others in creativity, and having a good time doing it.

Urban Art - Beyond the Street

Cool Hunting discusses urban art, where it has been, where it's going, and some eye candy to make it all digestible.  Also, discusses graffiti as a medium of art you simply can't ignore.

Window Farms (via Design Sponge)

If you've never had the good pleasure of hearing me on a soapbox about my theories on food, consumption, urban living, and how it all comes together, just skip to this article on Window Farms and we'll be ok. It's art meets local produce, and I just can't think of a single thing more perfect than that.

Smart Bikes

Is it just me or bikes more popular today than ever and effective in getting you a little street cred?  There are many more options for people who choose to get around on 2 wheels.  The US is catching up to what many European cities have been doing for a long time now- bike share systems.

Introducing The Style Cooperative

This is what you can look forward to from me on behalf of The Style Cooperative.  We are building a community around the idea of personal style and the new generation of creative minds and modern renaissance.  And we'll be doing all of this stylishly.

Enjoy!

Business and a Better World

I'm working on a fun new tutorial for you right now to post, but in the mean time, if you need a little blogger Rachel fix, pop over to CraftMBA's  site for the Book Club for a post I wrote on making a better world through business and craft.

Even if you're not reading along, I'd love to hear what you think, so join in on the convo!

Working Through the Weekend

How was your weekend?  It was snowing (yes, snowing) here, so I spent a good amount of time inside working on projects and generally vegging out.  True story.  Whenever I know I'm going to be inside working for a while, I try to make at least a little bit of an attempt to look presentable- in a comfortable (read: lazy) sort of way.

Here, I'm working on some spring goods with my Sunday uniform- leggings, tshirt, and something to pull it all together.  The jacket, a customized piece I made while spending time over at Lillstreet this winter. The contrasting lapels & collar give it a little extra something, no?

Practice Prints

Last night, I left Lillstreet with some really fantastic parting gifts- practice prints from the neighboring screen printing group.  Aren't their designs lovely? We helped ourselves to what they were scrapping.  Great, right?

I'm thinking a mini skirt with contrasting pockets from my tutorial for this one.

Maybe an one shoulder tunic with this.

And this is just a great stand alone print, don't you think?  Maybe a wall hanging of sorts will become of this.  If only my scrap material looked this nice...

New (to me) Machine

How was your weekend?  Spring is finally coming around these parts- we are getting up to 50 degrees today, which is exciting in a sad, cold-climate dweller kind of way.

Like I mentioned on Friday, my family came in town for part of the weekend.  Out of this visit, I received this:

It's my mom's machine that I've been eyeballing for quite some time... she finally gave in.  Also, since when does Urban Outfitters sell such things?  Looks like my domestic tendencies are trendy... until their new weekly shipment gets in I suppose.

Out of the Studio

I've been spending a lot of time these days either in the studio or doing work to prepare for my next session.  While I haven't snapped images in the actual work space, I thought you may like a quick peek at what I've been up to.

[Click the images for a slightly closer look.  Lots of brown, I know.]

I've been learning and growing a lot when it comes to construction and the science behind design work.  It's all very exciting!

Channeling Spring, Sartorially Speaking

I'm getting terribly excited for spring, even though it's still quite cold here in Chicago (and snow falling as I type). In order to keep me from thinking about the grey skies, I've been keeping busy making lovely little things to help transition my look into spring.

Earlier this week I finished making this dress from a fabric I picked up while visiting Michigan during the holidays. With the scraps, I also made a headband that I gifted to a friend. Maybe I can convince her to send some images of how she's been wearing it.

To escape the winter, I think a vacation may be in order sooner rather than later. How are you spending the last stretch of winter?

Living Room Update

Lately I've been making lots of fabric rosettes. Big, little, silky, pretty, messy, you name it. I've been finding uses for them to finish off the living room wall as well. It must be a sign that I am ready for spring to make its way to Chicago already.

Remember? I went from sketch to canvas.

Then started to adorn it a bit.

And just kept going with making them.

It's a little more feminine than I'm used to, but the seasonless flowers are a nice touch, don't you think?

Art Wall, Cont.

Hope you had a beautiful weekend! Mine was a bit chaotic, but good times were had. The one thing I wish I had images to share with you all was the Sunday Dinner from last night (quickly becoming my favorite Chicago tradition). My inner sweet tooth couldn't get enough of the dessert: warm chocolate chip cookies sandwiching vanilla ice cream. In the words of Rachel Zoe: I like, die.

Anyhow, onto the post!

I gave you guys a quick peak into my living room art situation that is more of a large work in progress than anything else. This weekend was nothing short of me going crazy trying to coming up with the right image to complete the wall.

I sketched, scribbled, thought, and finally... something that made sense. I started last night with the final touches, but this is what will inspire the little 10x10 piece that will complete the wall. It has figure study (so typical Rachel), hopefully beautiful color, and share a bit of lovely to anybody who visits our home.

Simple Miniskirt Tutorial

Here's a quick tutorial I've made for you fine readers on a simple mini-skirt with pockets. While pockets are totally optional on this tutorial, why would you ever opt out? Pockets make everything better, no?

1. I started with 1/2 yard of fabric (this will be the length of the entire skirt, so +/- depending on your height and length requirement. Be sure to account for about 4 inches of hem and waist band)

2. Measure the widest part of the hip and add 5 inches (to accommodate seam allowance and a little wiggle room for the pockets on each side). If you want a more full skirt that gathers at the waist, simply add more inches at this time. Cut at the desired width.

3. Fold the 2 sections in half. Cut along the fold lines to create 2 big and 4 small sections.

4. Use your hand as a guide to decide how large/deep the pockets should be.

5. Along the edge of the fabric, cut into a a shape that is similar to the shape above. This doesn't have to be incredibly exact to my shape, but make sure you have a straight seam allowance one side (big enough for your hand to fit in).

6. Lay straight side of pocket along the side of one of the larger squares. Right sides together, approximately 4 inches below the top edge. Do this for all 4 pockets on both larger skirt pieces.

7. Stitch to secure each of the 4 pocket pieces to the 2 larger skirt squares. After this step, you should have 2 pieces that look like the above.

8. Place the 2 skirt pieces right sides together with the pockets facing one another as well. Pin and stitch around the perimeter, starting from the top of the skirt, moving around the pockets, and down to the base of the skirt. *Be sure not to stitch along the straight edge of the pocket- this must stay open to create a pocket opening.*

After you stitch, this is what it should look like reversed.

9. Fold upper edge over, creating a tube wide enough to fit the waist band. Stitch this closed, but leave a few inches open so that you can fish some elastic in.

10. Use a safety pin to secure one end of the elastic to the skirt. Use a second safety pin to guide the elastic through the tube you created with fabric in step 9. Once it reaches the other side, stitch elastic ends together and hand stitch the tube opening shut.

Hem the bottom of the skirt to your liking. Press the seams. And your finished! Quick & easy right?

Same thing, just in green (gave the orange one to a friend)

Adding trim to the bottom or contrasting pockets could be a fun way to make this even more personal and great! Happy sewing.