Last week, I enlisted the help of my wonderful boyfriend (who is sweet enough to help me with this giant project) and Alex (who really likes tearing shit up) to tear down the bathroom wall. It's not really much of a bathroom... I'd call it a toilet room, since thats all that was in there. We are going to make it bigger to include a sink (what a concept) and maybe a nice plant!
bye bye toilet room wall!
Today I put the building permit! YAY!!!!! (only took 2 months and $1,300)
And tomorrow at 7am the work begins! Cannot wait to see the progression and get this studio boutique up and runnin'!
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
To all my blog followers who were sending happy thoughts my way on Thursday... THANK YOU! It worked. The city finally approved the plans for the construction and now I just have to pay a few fees and we can start. (always fees...)
From inside facing Lincoln Ave. (pre-demolition)
From Lincoln Ave. looking in (pre-demolition)
So excited to start the construction and finally get going! I'll be blogging as often as I can, keeping you updated on all the new, fun, and crazy things that happen along the way as we create a studio boutique where Hard Industrial Chicago meets Cozy Alpine Lodge.
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
"So how's the studio coming?" I think I get this question 4-20 times a week so I decided to blog about it! So here goes! Back in December I was looking for a store front space in the Lincoln Square area. For those unfamiliar with Chicago... Lincoln Square was primarily a German neighborhood for a long time (40s-60s ish) and then they started to move to other areas and to the suburbs. It went through a rough patch, but its back and booming! There is still large amount of German culture in the neighborhood including another dirndl store, the Chicago Brauhaus and an Apotheke. Lincoln Square's neighbor, North Center, has the largest concentration of German restaurants in the city!
Anyway... we found something! And here it is! Ain't she a beauty?!
Front of 5051 N. Lincoln as of right now
So it needs a lot of work. That was the only way we could afford it. My goal was to have the store front open and ready by June 1st to coincide with the Maifest in Lincoln Square (an outdoor, 3 day German fest about 7-10 min walking distance from the store). However... everyday June 1st gets closer and no work is getting done.
"Damn you City of ?#@$#!"
The city denied our request for a building permit because the bathroom was not big enough for a wheelchair, the entrance vestibule was not big enough for a wheelchair and there was no drinking fountain. So we redid the plans, no more vestibule, larger bathroom and... wait WHAT?! a drinking fountain?! with a 5ft radius around it for a wheel chair?! This is a by appointment only dirndl boutique and studio... really?!?! - yes... I'm looking into a water cooler, but this is the kind of ridiculousness that I'm trying to not let make me crazy.
Where shall we put the bubbler?!
So the appointment is for Thursday and if we don't get a building permit, the construction cannot start on Monday and my goal of being open for Maifest is going out the window. I've already given up on the front facade... that definitely won't be finished. But positive thoughts people! It'll be fine! right?...
What the front will look like at the end of the summer! yay!
3 new walls need to go up, 2 with electric, new ceiling with electric and leveling the floors... then we come in and do the finishing! Until then, we are working on the demolition... taking our anger at the city and focussing it on the ceiling and walls!
Taking down the 100+ year old ceiling!
So to answer everyones question... "So how's the studio coming?" well right now, its not. I mean... I guess it is. We are slowly tearing apart stuff thats been there since 1908, learning that spiderwebs can also become dusty and my boogers get black real fast even with the mask on! But it is not moving at the speed that I had it all planned out in my head 4 months ago.
Send your Happy thoughts my way on Thursday! Thanks!!
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
Every week June 1st approaches faster and faster. As of right now, the studio... still need a lot of work. Since the facade needs to be remodeled, some walls need to be moved, the ol' city of Chicago wants a little piece of my hard earned money. Waiting on the permit means I've got time to sew like a crazy person and thats exactly what I'm doing. The $199 One-of-a-kind Sale has suddenly exploded! With 6 orders to start, and 2 to finish (not to mention trying to start production on a 35 piece new collection) I'm a little relieved that I can't work on the studio.
Joan's New Dirndl
Although I've got lots of orders to fill... there is still so much fabric left! Where did I get all of it!? I'm impressed my grandma was able to fold everything so nicely that it all fit in my moms china cabinet! Anyway... The sale will continue until March 31st and then thats it. By then it'll be painting, laying flooring and sweating for me!
Take advantage of this opportunity because I don't plan on ever accumulating this kind of random fabric inventory again. (I've gotten better and avoiding the remnant section of Vogue)
Katrina's New Dirndl
This has been really fun (quite exhausting) yet, very rewarding. Heres how it works, you send me an e-mail (erika@erikaneumayer.com) with your size and your top 3 color choices. (They don't need to go together, but just 3 colors that you love and you know look great on you!) Then I send you some swatches and if you like them, I make it for you for $199. I'm ONLY using inventory fabrics and trims, but there are plenty to choose from! From 1960s vintage and traditional cottons to modern graphic prints and thai silks! You'll be trusting me (erika) to make you something fabulous from just a swatch, but if you like the Rare collections, you'll love your custom piece!
Kathleen's New Dirndl
All of the $199 Custom pieces will be made with the basic neckline and the length will be 20-25 inches from the waist to the hem. The apron is included and will be made to match the dirndl seamlessly! The blouse is not included but can be added separately.
The Size Chart is easy to follow and is accessible 24 hours a day on the website. Click Here to get to the Size Chart.
Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. Shipping and tax are not included.
Megan's New Dirndl
It feels really great to receive e-mails saying "just do whatever, I trust you" and "I'm sure it'll be great no matter what you choose". I'm so happy that I truly have fans of my work and that I am trusted. But thats enough... I've got sewing to do!
sneak peek at the studio space... lots left to do (including moving the sink in the bathroom :)
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
The past couple weeks I've been working feverishly on making one-of-a-kind dirndls for only $199! Its such a great deal and I'm so glad that so many people are taking advantage of it. Its also so much fun!!
Nicki's new dirndl
Heres how it works, you send me an e-mail with your size and your top 3 color choices. (They don't need to go together, but just 3 colors that you love and you know look great on you!) Then I send you some swatches and if you like them, I make it for you for $199. I'm ONLY using inventory fabrics and trims, but there are plenty to choose from! From 1960s vintage and traditional cottons to modern graphic prints and thai silks! You'll be trusting me (erika) to make you something fabulous from just a swatch, but if you like the Rare collections, you'll love your custom piece!
You can go from this,
to this!
Brianna's new dirndl
Some of the fabrics are vintage prints and international prints that if sold regularly would cost $400-$800 for a custom piece, but during this sale... every dirndl using my inventory fabrics is $199. On June 1st we are going to open the doors to a new studio and retail store in the historical Lincoln Square neighborhood! That means that we are going to be packing up and moving from our current location. Some of the fabrics that have accumulated over the years are great but we can't use them for production and now its time to say goodbye!
Kelsey's new dirndl
All of the $199 Custom pieces will be made with the basic square neckline and the length will be 20-25 inches from the waist to the hem. The apron is included and will be made to match the dirndl seamlessly! The blouse is not included but can be added separately.
The Size Chart is easy to follow and is accessible 24 hours a day on the website. Click Here to get to the Size Chart.
This sale only lasts until March 31st or until there is no more fabric left! Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. Shipping and tax are not included.
Liz's new Dirndl
If you have any questions you can e-mail me anytime at erika@erikaneumayer.com
This is big... like Macy's One Day Sale big... like Victoria's Secret Semi Annual Sale big... like the lottery BIG (ok, maybe not that big, but big!) Its the one and only chance to get a One-of-a-Kind handmade dirndl for $199.00! Yup... $199.00
My personal One-of-a-Kind
We know that budgets can be tight these days and sometimes our garments don't fit well into that budget, but this is a great way to get something that is truly Rare.
On June 1st we are going to open the doors to a new studio and retail store in the historical Lincoln Square neighborhood! That means that we are going to be packing up and moving from our current location. Some of the fabrics that have accumulated over the years are great but we can't use them for production and now its time to say goodbye!
So here's how it works, you send me an e-mail with your size and your top 3 color choices. (They don't need to go together, but just 3 colors that you love and you know look great on you!) Then I send you some swatches and if you like them, I make it for you for $199. I'm ONLY using inventory fabrics and trims, but there are plenty to choose from! From 1960s vintage and traditional cottons to modern graphic prints and thai silks! You'll be trusting me (erika) to make you something fabulous from just a swatch, but if you like the Rare collections, you'll love your custom piece!
All of the $199 Custom pieces will be similar to the Frozen in Space Dirndl (below) with the basic square neckline and the length will be 20-25 inches. The apron is included and will be made to match the dirndl seamlessly! The blouse is not included but can be added separately.
The Size Chart is easy to follow and is accessible 24 hours a day on the website. Click Here to get to the Size Chart.
This sale only lasts until March 31st or until there is no more fabric left! Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. Shipping and tax are not included.
It's been a very, very long time since I wrote my last blog and for those who actually enjoy reading them I am terribly sorry and to those who don't care then this has no relevance to you. Since my last blog so much has happened that its going to be impossible to get to everything but quick overview... launched a new collection and traveled to Indiana, Georgia, and Ohio to sell my products and was incredibly happy with success of on the road sales. Once the craziness that is the Oktoberfest season subsided and began my search for a studio space!
One of my favorite photos from the Sun-Kissed Collection
I wanted a place that was in Lincoln Square because a) I love the area! and b) it seems like the only logical place in Chicago to have a dirndl store. I found the perfect place right in square... but it was over budget... by $1,000,000 ... so I moved on. It was hard to find anything that was affordable for me and my tiny line. My super fabulous realtor, Rae Paterno, suggested that I think outside the box (which isn't all that hard for me to do considering I don't tend to say in said box... ever) so we looked a this gross pub that was for sale walking distance from the German Fest grounds but not too close, so it was affordable. It was WAY worse from the inside than from the outside and we both decided that it was not going to work. After walking out of the bar we looked at it from the outside and I said to Rae "you know, from the outside it could be a great space, the only thing is that ugly building next door!" she replied "well thats for sale too!"
Our building (when you Google it)
That was the beginning of a long/short journey ending the purchase of 5051 N. Lincoln! Its the perfect place for us (me and my bf, Christian) and my business. It has a store front on the first floor, a small apartment behind the store, a large 2nd floor apartment, a cute yard and a 2 car garage. Its just enough space for us, my studio/store front, and we can get a little extra income from the tenants.
5051 N. Lincoln today (well kinda, my dad and I took the awning down)
That sounds all lollipops and gumdrops! Unicorns and rainbows! Spaetzle and Schnitzel! Until you actually see the place. Its what I like to call a work in progress, but most people would just call it a dump. There is nothing about our new home that doesn't need work... nothing! I mean the toilets flush and the lights work... but even those could use to be replaced. Christian and I have a wild journey ahead of us, but in the end it is going to ours and just the way we like it.
The studio space (now)
Until then I am feverishly woking on my line because with winter comes a drop in sales. Well more like a plunge from with the warm sunny cliffs of Hawaii into the cold dark depths of the Alaskan waters... I knew it was coming, but I didn't expect it to be so difficult on the ol' check book. So while slowly but surely trying to work on the studio space so we can have the grand opening weekend coincide with the Maifest in Lincoln Square (June 1-3), I'm trying to keep my little line above that cold water... because what would suck the most is having a studio/retail space with nothing to put in it.
Part of the new Winter Sweater Collection
My mom would be all "Stop being so pessimistic, everything will be fine!" I don't like to call it pessimism, I like to call it reality with a splash of sarcasm and motivation! but whatever you call it... its going to be a wild wintery ride and I'm ready! i think...
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
