Cutty Sark Throws it Back to Prohibition

Cutty Sark Throws it Back to Prohibition

From the early 1920's to 1933 the prohibition of alcohol was enforced with the Eighteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.  Even so, that didn't stop American's from enjoying their favorite bar beverages.  It didn't take long for speakeasies, a commonly dark and hidden bar where the sale of alcohol illegally took place, to pop up in almost every town.

On Wednesday, October 29th, Cutty Sark Whiskey appropriately launched their prohibition edition blend with a prohibition era party.  After walking though a lantern-lit walkway, hidden beneath train tracks at 975 W. Hubbard, guests were offered their first sampling of whisky.  From there, a bow-tied gentlemen opened the doors to a dimly lit warehouse.  Inside was a surprising spectacle.

Card shuffling magicians, live music, craft cocktails; it was a truly authentic celebration of how far whiskey has come.  Local artist Nate Azark painted a live art installation showing the timeline of the prohibition, while live music was performed by Empires and Morry Sochat & The Special 20s. 

Halfstack Magazine:  How did Generic Surplus and Cutty Sark collaborate for this event?

Cutty Sark:  The Generic Surplus collaboration was a preview for the sneaker launch.  The sneaker is a limited edition hi-top that infuses the spirit of America's coolest bartenders with the freshest, contemporary street style.  The shoe takes design cues from current bartenders and is remixed with Cutty Sark's iconic color palette.  

HS:  Can you tell us more about the event space?  Why was it chosen for this event?

CS:  Morgan Manufacturing is a new space.  We wanted something unseen by the people in Chicago.  Its industrial feel and "secret" entrance provided the perfect backdrop to introduce a product such as Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition blended scotch whisky.  

HS:  How many people attended the event?

CS:  The event was a full house with more than 200 attendees.  Everyone enjoyed the whisky, cocktails, the live music and especially the live art installation.

HS:  What was your favorite highlight of the evening? 

CS:  It's hard to pick just one.  The cocktails created by Mea Leech were a real hit, but it was even better sipping them while watching artist Nate Azark put the finishing touches on his mural that told the story of the whiskey since it was first brought to America during prohibition.  

David Bowie - the Icon

David Bowie - the Icon

If you haven't checked out the latest "David Bowie Is" installation at the MCA, make the time to find your way to downtown Chicago to experience this opportunity first hand. Bowie is known as one of the worlds most influential and pioneering performing artists of his time. I say performing artists because of the fact that much of what Bowie did was not just in music, but in the stage act he portrayed to his audience. It was an art form, much like what we see with performers like Lady Gaga today. He created a personality for himself that was unmatched at the time and has influenced a broader creative audience, not only within music, but also within design, art and theater.

Organized chronologically, David Bowie Is traces the artist’s evolution from his years as a teenager in the 1950s to the early 2000s when he retired from touring. Before the surprise release of the 2013 album The Next Day, Bowie had not released an album since Reality in 2003. On display are more than sixty stage costumes including the Ziggy Stardust bodysuits (1972), designed by Freddie Burretti; Kansai Yamamoto’s flamboyant creations for the Aladdin Sane tour (1973); and the Union Jack coat designed by Bowie and Alexander McQueen for the Earthling album cover (1997). Bowie’s many personae are amply documented through photography, graphic designs, models of concert sets, visual excerpts from films, and live performances.

Photography by: Dwight Bejec

If you are a Bowie fan, definitely check out the "David Bowie Treasures by: Mike Evans. It's a beautifully curated hardcover text that is sure to inspire and invigorate the visual artist in you.  David Bowie Treasures, through beautiful photographs and unique memorabilia, illustrates Bowie's journey from humble beginnings to world superstardom. It contains beautiful reproduction of show fliers, concert stubs and posters. You can pick up a copy here.

Tickets on sale now for the Bowie Is exhibition!
Individual tickets are $25 for adults and teens, $10 children (age 7–12), and free for children 6 and under. Price includes museum admission.

Admission to the museum without David Bowie Is access is $7 (free for children 6 and under).

Taste of New Zealand — no... it's not Australia.

Taste of New Zealand — no... it's not Australia.

If you were around downtown Chicago on Friday, you might have seen the incredibly long line on Michigan Ave.  The occasion? It was a chance to see the New Zealand All Blacks up close and personal. The team — fresh on there way to Saturday’s match at Soldier Field were signing autographs and offering a Taste of New Zealand fare at Howells & Hood in the Tribune Building. Hundreds showed up. Generously sponsored by Air New Zealand, the even was to commemorate the first time in 34 years that the New Zealand team has played on US soil. It was the fourth time they played the US Eagles. The Eagles recently qualified for the Rugby World Cup for 2015.

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 31: Air New Zealand celebrates New Zealand with the All Blacks in Chicago at Howells and Hood on October 31, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photos by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images for Air New Zealand)




Air New Zealand flew the All Blacks in special. Chicago is not on their regular travel route but this was an event that was worth a stop over. Fans at the Howells & Hood luncheon learned the famous New Zealand Haka Dance as well has get a chance to snap a selfie or get an autographs from All Blacks players. On the menu was lamb meatballs, mini-burgers, fish and chips. New Zealand is also known for great wines which was provided by Nautilus and Fire Road. The All Blacks are the reigning World champions. The November 1st game was a sell-out at Soldier Field with 61,500 people in attendance — three times what the Eagles usually get in attendance. For rugby fans, Taste of New Zealand was a chance of a lifetime… as was the game itself. The All Blacks barely broke a sweat as the trampled on the Eagles 74-6. Ouch. The All Blacks have claimed two World Cup Championships and are virtually undefeated with 34 wins, 2 losses and 2 draws since 2012. Guess the Eagles need a little more practice before going to the World Cup. They are also hoping to make it to the 2016 Olympics. Good luck with that.

The Wicker Collective Warehouse Sale

The Wicker Collective Warehouse Sale

There are more than 200 individual neighborhoods in the city of Chicago.  Each one made unique by the creative minds, restaurants, and cafes it's made up of.  Since moving to Chicago, Wicker Park has been one of my favorite neighborhoods.  I'll often enjoy a crafted cocktail at Trenchermen, a deli sandwich from The Chop Shop, or a vanilla latte at Bru.  Moon Voyage, a boutique located in the heart of Wicker Park, is also on my list of favorites.  

With a focus on women's style, Moon Voyage offers a fun variety of clothing, accessories, and beauty finds.  Owner, Susie Lee, is an obvious lover of her Wicker Park home and an avid supporter of the neighborhood.   

In March of this year, Lee brought together other boutiques from the area to create The Wicker Collective, a 2 day-long, semi-annual warehouse sale.  On , October 11th and 12th, The Wicker Collective featured the following boutiques at Chop Shop for their latest sale; Trillium, Penelope's, Study Hall, Kokorokoko, Moon Voyage, Mulberry & Me, Emma, Beyond Boutique, Madein, Sin Clarity, Milk Handmade, Stock Mfg, Some Like Us, Cities In Dust, Shades of Grey Jewelry, Mineralogy, and Glasshouse Shirtmakers.

Susie Lee, owner of Moon Voyage and creator of The Wicker Collective.  

Halfstack Magazine:  Can you tell us a little bit about The Wicker Collective? 

Susie Lee: The Wicker Collective is a 2 day(Saturday-Sunday) semi-annual warehouse sale where local boutiques, jewelry designers and vendors can come together and sell last seasons' inventory at deep discounts, as well as sell new pieces for the current season.  The event takes place at Chop Shop in Wicker Park, which provides the perfect environment for people to come shop for great deals, partake in the great food/drink selection and most importantly, just have a good time. 

HS: What was the inspiration behind the warehouse sale?

SL: The inspiration behind the warehouse sale was simply that there was a need for it.  After talking to several other boutiques in the neighborhood, it was obvious the harsh winter took a tole on the retail stores throughout Chicago and we all still had a lot of inventory we needed to move before the spring season.  After doing some research for events that we could possibly participate in for moving inventory, we discovered that there was nothing out there. We came to the conclusion that we would have to put something together ourselves and that is how the Wicker Collective was born. 

HS: What was the turnout for the latest sale?

SL: Turn out was great! Thanks to all the vendors doing their part and marketing to their followers, as well as all the positive press we received from outlets such as racked, DNAINFO, Chicagomag, [Chicago] Tribune, Wicker Park Chamber, etc., it was a huge success.

For more information about upcoming Wicker Collective sales/events, stay tuned to their Facebook page. 

SOFA CHICAGO - a must see!

SOFA CHICAGO - a must see!

If your image of an art opening is people coiffed in all black garb milling around looking at painting of old fruit and sipping wine — this is NOT that kind of art event. This is AMAZING. The SOFA Art and Design CHICAGO event is dedicated to artists that work in Sculptural Objects and Functional Art (aka.. SOFA).  So no, you are not going to see lots of oil painting and watercolors of some dried piece of fruit. Instead, you are going to see work that is beyond beautiful, it is also functional or developed with such skill that it will leave you mind boggled. This is the 21st anniversary of the event and there is much to see.



Often over looked, this work is not your typical work as it is not found in a frame. You will find the work in many museums and very many public and private collections as it represents skilled artists that have taken their craft to a new level. These works don’t typical fall in the categories that many galleries often exhibit.  Much like suits of armor, period furniture or sculptures found in many museums, they fall in the categories of applied arts — where art and design is applied to everyday objects to make them beautiful. Fine art aims to produce objects that are beautiful and provide a level of intellectual stimulation. The SOFA CHICAGO event represents both — applied arts that fall quite nicely into the fine art category. This is an international exhibit with 14 countries represented and over 70 galleries from around the globe. Unlike many gallery events where there may be one or two artists present, this show will have hundreds of artists present and the opportunity to see thousands of works of art — and as a bonus, this show is so popular, many of the artists will be there on hand to talk with. On an international scale this event is amazingly huge and sitting in Chicago’s backyard. And just to make it clear, this is a fine arts and crafts show… not an arts and crap show. No potholders crocheted by grandma, no doilies made of recycled plastic bags or strange lawn objects made of beer cans. This is a show that even if you hate art, detest going to art museums and leave running in terror from the Museum of Contemporary Art Museum, this show will take your breath away. This exhibit will have artwork executed in glass, wood working, metal work, porcelain, ceramics, textiles and so much more.

    This event is beyond any other art event in that artists are also creating work on the spot. One of highlights and favorites of this event is an opportunity to see Corning Museum of Glass “Hot Glass Roadshow”. Since 2005, the Hot Glass Roadshow has been mesmerizing the viewers as they work with molten glass as it comes out of furnace. This year, the winning entry from the SOFA CONNECT contest will be constructed on site the first day of the exhibit.  The Corning Museum of Glass is the world’s largest exhibit space devoted to the presentation of contemporary art glass. Their road show helps audiences understand the process, be able to ask questions and develop a better understanding of the media. This is really fun to watch. Kids will love it too. This is art in process. To be blunt — this is my favorite part of the SOFA CHICAGO. But I may have a new favorite. The American Association of Woodturners will be giving live presentations of wood working on a lathe. A particular fondness for this, I have worked on a lathe and the feeling is exhilarating. Seeing experts in this exhibit making art on the spot will have many guys (and gals) recalling memories of their father and grandfathers working in their woodshops. These craftsmen ramp up the experience of SOFA CHICAGO and make going to the event more of accessible and approachable. It is art that is demystified. There is also the Craft School Experience.  Five of the leading craft schools: Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Penland School of Crafts, Peters Valley School of Craft, and Pilchuck Glass School have joined together for a collaborative exhibit. This interactive exhibit strives to capture the essence what the craft school experience is all about. It features artworks of master teachers, resident artists, and students who have studied or taught at one or more of the participating schools. Through their combined efforts they are working to promote and encourage education and excellence in craft by emphasizing their unique opportunities for students to realize their abilities and focus on creativity. Expect to see some really interesting and thought provoking work.

Making the Connection:

CONNECT is a university-level design competition. Six art and design schools are chosen and offer students a forum to show their work. Each school creates an innovative environment incorporating seating, lighting and installations, and to exhibit their designs to an international audience. It is environment design for the attendees to relax and “connect” with other attendees. This is design applied to the environments with participants seeing and enjoying how architectural design flows seamlessly into their lives and into their living spaces. Spaces are approximately 575-square foot areas where visitors can relax and “connect” with other attendees. A jury assembled by SOFA CHICAGO will review all installations and the winning school will be awarded a cash prize. This years schools include:

Illinois Institute of Technology
Pratt Institute
University of California | Davis
University of Cincinnati | College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning
University of Iowa
University of Massachusetts | Dartmouth

 

SOFA CHICAGO
makes it easy.

When you go to the Louvre, you want to see the Mona Lisa right? You want to see the best of the best? At SOFA CHICAGO, there is so much beautiful work that it can be pretty overwhelming. They put together a best of the best or a list of the “do not miss” pieces. This is SELECTS. These are pieces that have been highlighted and chosen by noted curators, designers, and critics. A brain child of fair Director Donna Davies, she tapped top professionals in the art and design communities to review the fair and make their picks. “We’re adding these selections to give our audience another opportunity to connect with the artwork,” said Davies. “Seeing what pieces each of these curators, designers, and critics have noted gives our visitors opportunities to further engage with artworks at the fair.” These highlights are available online to peruse though and then you can see them up close and personal at the show. One of the pieces that people seem to agree upon is a work entitled

Gilder River Vessel by Jennifer McCurdy. It is a wheel thrown porcelain and is approximately 7 x 14 x 10". It is presented by the William Zimmer Gallery.   Panelist Interiors Chicago Editor-in-Chief Diana Bitting noted “As someone that is not a skilled ceramist, I cannot fathom the amount of effort and the impeccable technique it took to craft this gorgeous vessel. A jaw-dropping heirloom.”

SOFA CHICAGO
LECTURE SERIES

Take a break during the day and step into a couple of the presentations The SOFA CHICAGO Lecture Series. They feature engaging presentations by renowned artists, critics, curators, designers and collectors on a variety of topics. The series of lectures begin on Friday during the Fair. There over two dozen presentations to pick from.  Speakers will share their insights into current trends in art and design, and lectures include artists speaking about their own bodies of work to panel discussions addressing larger themes. The Lecture Series is included with general admission. One of the interesting ones that caught my eye is Transition From Wood to Glass.  Represented by Thomas R. Riley Galleries of  Cleveland, OH, Harry Pollitt discusses his aesthetic transition from wood sculptures to kiln cast crystal and achieving the same flowing, sensuous curves and negative space that make his wood sculptures so distinctive. There are so many, you will want to plan your day. It is very easy to spend the weekend here.

One last thing…

Before you go, do yourself a favor and go to www. http://www.sofaexpo.com/chicago/booth-events. This is a list of all the special events that are happening. There is so much there. As there are over 70 exhibitors, each has something going on to entice you. Look over the list as there are some interesting demonstrations, talks, book signings, tours, films/video screenings and presentations. If you can’t do the weekend consider the Opening night preview on November 6th. This one of the most anticipated evenings of the year, will mark the official start of the fair. The SOFA CHICAGO Opening Night Preview is a must-attend event for members of the art and design communities, collectors and patrons, as it offers the very first opportunity to view and purchase artwork from exhibiting galleries. Mark your calendars and put SOFA Chicago on it.

Hours and costs

SOFA CHICAGO is open Friday and Saturday 11 am – 7 pm; and Sunday 12 pm – 6pm. Tickets are available in advance or at the door, and they allow access to all aspects of SOFA CHICAGO. Tickets are $20 for general admission; $30 for three-day pass.  Students and senior and groups (10 or more) are $15. For advance ticket sales, go online to www.sofaexpo.com.

Old Fashion is in Style

Old Fashion is in Style

It is just too easy to dream of the days when you would get a handwritten invitation, note, and (for all my romantics out there) love letters. Luxe Craft Paper Co. is bringing it back with modern style. The two sisters running this communication revolution have fashion cards, mini envelopes, gift tags, and more ready for you!

Handwritten letters aren't just for the hipsters...join the craze at the Luxe Craft Paper Workshop this Saturday, the 25th, at 520 N Kingsburg St in Chicago, on the 8th floor lounge. From 2-4 pm you can be crafting 5 cards and 5 envelopes using decorative papers. The end product is beyond cute... I have to hand it to the Gennace sisters for the originality that makes me want to hang it on my wall! This workshop is an opportunity to embrace the fashion and Italian influences.

Come be inspired, and let those creative juices flow. Think how refreshing it is to get an envelope in the mail...not a magazine issue...not spam...and definitely NOT bills! Add a little spice to your day; bring a pen-pal to the workshop to light up your days as you take your daily walk to the mailbox. 

Target Style Competition Chicago

Target Style Competition Chicago

Target, or otherwise known as Targeé by the fancy, has impressively raised the bar in affordable fashion over the years.  Target Style, an extension of the Target brand, has a mission of "Design for All", highlighting stylish, yet wallet-friendly fashions. 

On Thursday, October 9th, Target Style hosted their Ready, Set, Target Style event at Target located at 1200 N Larrabee St.  This Project Runway meets game show featured three Chicago based stylists/bloggers, Yanira Garza, Dana Weiss, and Emma Arnold.  

Each stylist competed to create the best look highlighting a white button down blouse, (an essential piece for any wardrobe) for two outfit challenges presented by Master of Ceremonies, Courtney Kornegay of Courtwalk and host, Senior Fashion Editor of Marie Claire, Zanna Roberts Rassi.  Each look was judged by four stylists including Rassi, stylist, Ikram Goldman, Editorial Director and advice columnist for PAPER Magazine, Mikey Boardman, and style/beauty blogger, Mary Alice Stephenson.  

For the first challenge, each stylist was given just a few minutes to create a look that would take the Chicago gal from brunch in Bucktown to tailgating at a Bears game, using a preselected assortment of Target pieces.  With a rating out of 10 points, Arnold won the highest score with a casual, yet modern combination of skinny fit stretch leggings, a short sleeve sweater top layered over the mandatory white blouse, a plaid shirt tied at the waist (for those chilly fall nights at the game) and a comfortable and stylish ankle boot.  Honestly, it was my favorite look from the challenge as well!  I would definitely wear the combination for a fun-filled fall day. 

The second challenge involved each stylist selecting one item from a grocery basket full of things found at Target.  The items selected by the stylists were a light bulb, lighter fluid, and a padlock.  Interpreting the lighter fluid to represent "hotness", Garza was awarded the winner of the challenge with an outfit including a sexy, striped sweater over the white blouse, a fierce heel, and gold accessories.  

The audience had the final say in the overall winner of the style competition.  It was a close one, but Arnold ended up taking home the gold!  


Guests of the evening also enjoyed delicious fall inspired appetizers and cocktails, while shopping the latest fall trends at Target and consulting with Pixi cosmetics artists for makeup makeovers.  

Of course, I did some shopping myself at Target during the event after being inspired by the stylist's looks.   Fall is my favorite season, especially because of all of the wonderful fashions.  Currently, I'm on a mission to find the perfect flannel top and I will definitely be stocking up on accessories, boots, and layers at Target! 

Halfstack Highlights - Meet Brede Baldwin

Halfstack Highlights - Meet Brede Baldwin

A couple of weeks ago, Halfstacker Cora Vasseur introduced us to up and coming singer/songwriter: Brede Baldwin. He's a 15 year old who is passionate about music, grateful for his opportunities and has a boat load of talent! Today, we share with you Cora's up close and personal chat with Brede about his journey so far on our most recent episode of Halfstack Highlights. This kids is going places and it is inspiring to hear from such a talented young individual with his priorities straight, dreaming big and making it happen.



Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Listen and subscribe via iTunes.


If you liked the interview - make sure to listen to this podcast to hear more from Brede Baldwin. And if you have not checked out or subscribed to his youtube channel, you can do so here and check out the video below to hear a great cover from this young crooner. Also, make sure to keep up with him on facebook and twitter to stay up to date on the projects he is working on!

Back for Round 3 — Vogue Knitting LIVE

Back for Round 3 — Vogue Knitting LIVE

The weather is changing. It’s getting cold. It’s time to think about sweaters and burrowing in for the winter under an afghan. Having never been an advocating to be a couch potato, running outside, biking in the forest preserve or going to the beach isn’t an option. Doing something when sitting on the couch it. Knitting is fabulous as a means to get through the winter. So it’s time to check out Vogue Knitting LIVE.

 

If this doesn’t get you thinking itching to knit, nothing will. It is a three day weekend of fibers, fashion and fun. It doesn’t matter if you are a totally beginner or super advanced, there is something here for you. If you're a trend setter/style watcher, they got you covered. It you view knitting as a craft than an outlet for fashion, you will find things to help inspire you.

Vogue Knitting LIVE will be held in downtown Chicago at the centrally located Palmer House Hilton Hotel. Located near Millennium Park and right on Chicago’s State Stree shopping area, the event gives fellow knitters a chance to connect and see those whose work they love. This communal Vogue Knitting LIVE brings Vogue Knitting magazine to life with knit couture fashion shows, inspirational master-level technique, design classes for beginners and experts and more.

Never thought of Knitting?

Knitting is a relaxing, zen-type of activity. It is productive in that you can see your work grow with your efforts. A beginner knitter can start out by making something small like a tiny toy for a baby or tackle a large like a sweater. Learning only the two stitches to knit, you will be amazed at how easy it to achieve lovely looking projects. Advanced knitters will be challenged some of the intricate works of art being displayed. Vogue Knitting Magazine pushes the level of expertice forward with what is considered home made garments and turns them into the hand made treasures. They help knitters turn their crafts into art and offer information on finishing details that help give refinement or polish to a person’s efforts. You will make something that can be worn with pride. 

To help with that, Vogue Knitting has rounded up some of the best knitters and fiber artists in the business and pulled them together in Chicago for a one weekend only event. It is a Who’s Who of those that knit and those who teach this craft with passion. Cully Swansen (grandson of grandson of master knitter Elizabeth Zimmermann and son of knitting designer Meg Swansen) is on board teaching Zimmermann’s Percentage Knitting System. It is a must for knitters who want to design their own garments. Concerned about how long it takes to knit a sweater?  Amy Detjen, co-authored Knitting with Two Colors with Meg Swansen, is offering a seminar on how to increase your knitting speed. For those looking to add more texture to their work Nancy Marchant, known as the queen of the Brioche Stitch, will be teaching how to use Brioche to give color and texture. Norah Gaughan, former design director for Berroco Yarns, is offering a seminar on Modern Sweater Structure: A Design Workshop. For those that really have fallen in love with machine knitting, Susan Guagliumi is offering a number of classes to select from. Ms Guagliumi is the guru on working with knitting machines and creating hand manipulated stitches. Her book and video, Hand-Manipulated Stitches for Machine Knitters is perhaps the best teaching tool available for those wanting to learn the ropes of machine knitting. Join acclaimed toy designer Susan B. Anderson to learn all about this incredibly popular knitting genre. Plus there will be giveaways for her books, patterns and yarn.  Not in to knitting but perhaps would like to try weaving? Think about Beginning Weaving for Knitters. Offered by Deborah Jarchow, this seminar will introduce you to three different looms so you can decide what is right for you. So you really don’t know jack about knitting but would be interested in giving it a whirl, try the Knitter’s Bootcamp. This is a series of classes that walks you through the process and demystify the concepts.  To be blunt, there are so many seminar that are attractive, one will have trouble figuring out just which ones to go too.  The level of expertice is amazing. These are individuals who are true craftsmen in their field and who are more then happy to share their knowledge with you. You will want to take advance, if not to try it, but then to at least see what they are doing. There is also an textile art gallery running during the show with amazing conceptual work that uses knitting as the medium of creation.

Knitting is easy and relaxing

Key word here is relaxing. To aid that, there is a free YOGA (yes— yoga) class on Saturday at 10:15. This is seated yoga and doesn’t require a matt but is also appropriate for long days at work. There are massages offered by Oxygen Spa Studio and Verde Wellness on Saturday and Sunday. You may walk in tense, you will walk out at one with the universe.

Speaking of Show

Ready for some entertainment? How about this? Get a chance to see Steven Berg of Steven Be Inspired. Steven will offers two free lectures on Unleashing your Creative Potential on Saturday. The Sunday FREE lecture is called Pin It, Shop It, Design It, Wear It With Steven Berg! Steven is a very entertaining lecturer and he is someone you will not want to miss. Energetic, gregarious and fun, he is a real crowd pleaser and pushes the bounds of creativity in a charismatic and humorous way. On a deeper level, Dr. Carrie Barron (psychiatrist)  & Dr. Alton Barron (orthopedic surgeon) will offer a talk on creativity.  The Creativity Cure: How to Build Happiness With Your Own Two Hands will discuss how creativity can be used as a fuel for working through depression and works in building long-term happiness. And for the guys: Sunday’s Panel Discussion is entitled Men at Work — How They Turned Their Passion Into Their Careers. This panel pulls together men who knit who have made it their livelihood.

Looking Chic.

Knitting is about craft but it is also about style. As you are knitting along, you will know your what you are working on will be ahead of trend as opposed to behind. Check out the FIVE fashion shows that will be offered on Saturday October 25

10:30 am - 11:00 am —Vogue Knitting Fashion Show

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm — Rowan Fashion Show

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm — Koigu Wool Designs Fashion Show

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm — Knitting Fever Presents: Miss Bliss & Noro Fashion Show

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm —Vogue Knitting Fashion Show

And there are books!

Knitting and books go hand in hand. So getting a chance to meet the authors, have a lesson with them and pick their brain is an opportunity you will not want to miss. Here are the times when you can have the author sign your copy of their book.

Barbara Walker

Author of so many books, but everyone will want A Treasury of Knitting Patterns if you don’t already have it. It is a bible of knitting.
Friday, October 24,  6.00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 25, 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Nancy Marchant

Author of Knitting Fresh Brioche
Saturday, October 25, 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 26, 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Rosemary Drysdale

Author of Entrelac 2
Saturday, October 25, 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 26, 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Trisha Malcolm

Author of 60 Quick Luxury Knits & Knit Noro 1-2-3 Skeins
Saturday, October 25, 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 26, 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Registration starts as early as Thursday October 23rd. Friday October 24th is a day devoted to seminars. Classes start at 9:00 AM run in three-hour blocks. The second set of the day start at 2:00 and run until 5:00. The last set start at 6:00 and go until 9:00.  This schedule of classes runs again on Saturday. For those who don’t feel like sitting for three hours, there are also 2-hour classes or modules that run on Saturday starting at 9:00 AM and also at 2:00 PM.  Sunday; classes from 9:00 until 5:00 PM

The Market place – a pop-up shopping mall of fibers, patterns and supplies, is open on:
Friday  5:00 PM — 8:30 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM — 6:30 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM — 4:00 PM
You will also find crocheting patterns, fibers for weaving, patterns for plush toys for kids, small and large projects.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.vogueknittinglive.com or at the door. One-Day Marketplace Tickets (for attending on Saturday OR Sunday) are $20 and Two-Day Marketplace Tickets (for attending both Saturday AND Sunday) are $25. Friday evening Marketplace is free with the purchase of either a One-Day or Two-Day ticket. Kids under 12 are free; students receive half off Marketplace Tickets and save $15 on classes.

Parking is available at Palmer House with a weekend special for $16 a day. It is also close to parking at the Grant Park Garage and at 55 East Monroe. The Palmer House is also conveniently located right above the Monroe Stop on the Red Line and as well as a host of bus lines that come down State. Transportation is not a problem, so enjoy.

A Deal Just For You

Just because Vogue Knitting Magazine knows are HalfStack readers are special, they have offered us 50% off on classes AND tickets to the event when you register online. When you register, use the promote codes:

CHI50: Half off Classes
CHI50MP: Half off Marketplace Tickets 

Please note: the promo codes are case sensitive and they are exclusive to HalfStack readers.  Enjoy the day with half off from HalfStack and Vogue Knitting Magazine. 

Anthropologie Southport Fall Runway Show

Anthropologie Southport Fall Runway Show

I am a lover of fashion any season, all year long, but there is just something about the transition of autumn that sparks a whole new kind of inspiration and excitement in my wardrobe. Buckle adorned ankle boots, over-sized flannel, tweed-patterned leggings; I love it all. I want it all!



Thank goodness for gorgeously stocked stores like Anthropologie. The whimsical, meets modern selections are always fun to peruse, even if it's one of those "window shopping only" kind of weeks. You gals all know what I mean.



In celebration of the season's amazing fashions, Anthropologie at 3532 N Southport Ave, hosted a fall fashion show on Thursday, October 2nd. Featuring a selection of pieces and accessories exclusively found at Anthropologie, the show was modeled by local bloggers, employees, and customers.







Anthropologie Southport Apparel Department Manager, Maureen Sullivan assisted with planning, as well as operating the event. "This year’s fashion show focused on some of our key buys and inspirational layering silhouettes," said Sullivan. "There was a focus on dress up/ dress down and versatile looks."

With so many wonderful looks to choose from, Sullivan said it would be difficult for her to choose a favorite of the evening, but admitted she loved the sense of community the fashion show encapsulated. My favorite part of the show? The fluffy pomeranian that strutted the runway rocking a bow tie! (scroll down and prepare for the cuteness).











True to the Anthropologie aesthetic, the evening highlighted a beautiful display of unique and on trend fashions. Sullivan shared with me that her favorite trend this season is feminine floral prints mixed with masculine plaids and knit textures. "We love to see that juxtaposition of different prints, colors, and fabrications to create a well curated narrative."





As a fun finale, guests partook in a raffle with the possibility of winning some amazing prizes! "All the raffle prizes were curated around specific gift themes, that we feel will be important this coming holiday," said Sullivan. "We have such strong home vendors that create really unique bar ware, kitchenware, and candles that we wanted to be able to inform [guests] of all our great product, but also give [guests] a chance to experience it [themselves], and of course it was such an exciting way to thank [them] for being a part of our event."

For more information about upcoming events at any Anthroplogie location, sign up for the email list on their website!