Crushing on Bateman

In case you're confused, you haven't landed inside my junior high school locker. Don't let my drawn heart throw you. But can I just say something? This perfect pseudo-sincere but really hyper-critical, snarkfest grin is why I love Jason Bateman so much. He's a total comedic genius. And pretty easy on the eyeballs.

Photograph by Zachary Scott for the August 2011 GQ. 

Flashback: Just Give In To It

Friends, by now you may have noticed how much I adore 80s cheeseball pop music. (I'm a HUGE fan of 80s pop culture in general, so the music just fits right into this obsession.) Anyway, so today's feature is Foreigner's "I Want To Know What Love Is." And yes indeedy, it is a power ballad. Listen to it in spite of, or if you're like me, because it is a power ballad. This one's actually got a sweet message too. Happy Friday Everyone!

13 Questions with: Sifu Design Studio

Lisa Whiting, proprietress and knitter-extraordinaire is the visionary behind über-cool Andersonville knitting shop, Sifu Design Studio. Not Static recently visited the store and was instantly taken by the wide range of colors and textures tumbling off of every surface in sight. We had to find out more about this gal. Here, we pick her brain to find out what makes her tick:

1  How’d you get into knitting?

 My grandma taught me when I was eight years old. I always knew I wanted to be an artist when I grew up and I have been a crafter my whole life. Knitting is just part of it. 

2  Your store has a lot of heart. How did you get the idea to make it have a community feel?

Community is something that is so important to me. In college I was very active in art collectives and worked side by side with people in the Detroit DIY punk movement. So being apart of something that is working toward a greater purpose is second nature to me. I believe that when you work with other people to create something, it gives that thing greater meaning. Everyone's energy is in it. I like being surrounded with creative people. It feeds my creativity. 

3  What trends are you noticing in the knitting industry?

In Chicago, a lot of people are knitting with big, chunky yarns for winter, but the more advanced my customer is, the smaller the yarn they tend to use. I would say the biggest trend right now is using all natural fibers, be it wool, alpaca, cotton, and even more so using organic and eco friendly/recycled materials. 

4  Are there certain type of projects you most enjoy working on?

I love projects that challenge me. So then I tend to get my self in a pickle with very difficult projects, but then when it's finished I feel so accomplished. But then there are days when all I want to do is knit a scarf. So, I guess it depends on my mood.  

5  What new projects/events are you planning for your shop?

This week is Green Week in Andersonville, and I am doing a different eco-craft every day this week. This Friday the 15th, I am having a free Kid's Craft Day from 11 to 4. People are welcome to come in to make some crafts with the recycled materials I have in the shop.

July 22-23rd I am having Kelley Deal of The Breeders, and author of the book "Bags that Rock"  come into the shop to teach a felted bag class. On July 22 she will be in the She For a Book signing and Meet & Greet! Then at 7pm, she will host Sci-Fiber Friday, our free, weekly Sci-Fi movie screening. Kelley has chosen The Abominable Dr.Phibes. On July 23 and 24, Kelley will be back to teach a two part workshop on her awesome felted bag, "The Road Bag."  Plus, all day Saturday we will be hosting The Urban Folk Circuit, the only traveling year-round craft fair in Chicago, in our back parking lot. Saturday night Kelley and her new band R.Ring will be playing across the street at Transistor.

[For this amazeballs once in a lifetime chance to knit and felt a bag with Kelley Deal (!!!) you can sign up on Sifu's website here.]

6  What’s the most rewarding part of running your own business? 

I really enjoy the freedom that I have in my own place. I have wanted something that I could call mine for a long time now. This is a way to support myself and do what I love!

7  Any words of advice for potential new business owners?

Do what you love! If you compromise your vision it will show in the way you or your business is presented. Go for it! If it is meant to happen, it will. 

8  What’s your (other) favorite shop in Chicago?

That's easy. Transistor, the record shop across the street from me. The owners Andy and Rani are amazing! They are planning on moving to a new space on Lincoln next to the Trader Joe's. I am sad to see them leave the neighborhood, but I think this will be a good move for them. I am just going to have to make a point of visiting them now. 

9  How would you describe your personal style in 5 words or less? 

Vintage, funky, creative, colorful, DIY. 

10  What objects make you feel most at home?

A cozy hand knit sweater or blanket... slankets, :) My knitting, coffee mugs, brand new paint brushes fresh out of the package, a clock that ticks, mason jars full of stuff (ie. keys, buttons, nails, beads, etc), my sewing machine. She isn't an object, but my dog, Bella. And if I am going to mention her, I have to mention my most favorite, Jamie, my boyfriend and partner in crime.

11  Where is your dream vacation spot?

The Pioneer Ranch, on Pioneer Road in Cheboygan, Michigan. My grandfathers cattle ranch on Mullet Lake. I spent every summer up there as a kid but since my grandpa passed, and the house was sold, I haven't been back. I would love to have 2 weeks up there again with my family. I am the oldest of 4 girls and a slew of other cousins. That place has so much sentimental meaning for me. Waking up late, feeling the summer sun on my face, napping in the hammock, reading a book cover to cover in one day, drinking good coffee, playing gin with my Dad, canoeing the lake shore, eating English muffin toast with honey, counting the stars from the basketball court near the house, catching kittens... I literally could go on forever. It is my favorite place in the world.  

12  The most delicious meal you like to eat?

I don't know. I love all food! Well, not all, I hate olives like Satan hates holy water! I do make a really nice eggplant roll-a-tini, which is fried eggplant sliced length wise, breaded in egg and flour. Then you take angel hair pasta mixed with my homemade pesto and wrap the eggplant around it and then drizzle a basil marinara over top with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve it with a fresh green salad and a honey poppy seed dressing. Mmmmmm.

13  What’s the one aspect of your life that is NOT STATIC?

All of it! even when I am still, I am dreaming. When I stop, it is to look over what I have done. I am constantly changing, evolving, trying to better myself and the world around me. I am always looking for something new and exciting to experience, to make, to eat, to share, to admire. I am an artist. It is only when I am dead that my mind can stop creating.

Thank you, Lisa! xoxo

Photos by Not Static.

Shipwrecked Fixtures

Putting bath fixtures underwater and then photographing them? Kinda genius. Isn't it cool how they start to look spooky?

Photograph by Ilan Rubin for the July/August 2011 Elle Decor.

A Simple DIY Terrarium

Inspired by a trip to the Kane County Flea Market where I picked up this antique glass jar, I decided to put together a little terrarium. It was super easy to do. Just threw together the ingredients listed below and magic. I'm keeping my fingers crossed these little fern guys get happy in there and settle in for good. 

Photos and Typography by Not Static.