DIY: Cozy Sweater Stockings

Handmade Sweater Knit Stocking

I absolutely love the look of soft cozy knits in the winter. If it were up to me I’d enshroud my entire apartment in knit blankets, rugs, pillows and drapes!

But since that’s not currently possible – I’ve had to satiate my urges to make everything soft and fluffy in a different way. Rather than go out and purchase a set of readymade holiday decor, I decided to handcraft a set of rustic Christmas stockings on my own. Utilizing pre-loved knit men’s sweaters, these elegant and wintery gift socks were quick to make and added just the right amount of cheer to our fireplace mantle. Follow my easy instructions below to craft a set of stocking for your home or to give as a gift to your favorite homebody!

DIY Eco-Friendly Knit Sweater Christmas Stockings

Supplies you’ll need: Sharp fabric scissors, knit sweaters (you’ll get 2 stockings out of 1 sweater), yarn for hanging, white thread, sewing machine, embellishments.

DIY Sweater Christmas Stockings

  1. Gather up your supplies. Think soft, cozy, and creamy colors.
  2. You’ll need a stocking template. I used the one off Martha Stewart’s website as a loose guide.
  3. Cut out the stocking shape using two layers of your sweater fabric.
  4. Bring the two right-facing sides together and stitch along the sides and bottom, leaving the top un-sewn.
  5. Cut 3-4 inches of yarn. Fold the top of the stocking over an inch around the top and pin the yarn on either side of the top back seam (the one that leads to the heel of the stocking).
  6. Sew across the top of the stocking hem using a zig zag stitch. This will keep the top from fraying and separating as you stuff the stocking with presents.
  7. Choose your stocking embellishments. These will add color, texture and spice to your stocking. You may also want to consider using something that will help identify which stocking belongs to which family member.
  8. Hang, fill with presents and enjoy!

DIY Sweater Stocking Eco-Friendly Chrristmas

Holiday Gift Guide: Under $60

Pierogi Picnic Holiday Gift Guide: Under $60If you have a special someone on your shopping list, who you know would squeal with joy if they received a handmade goodie, than this is the gift guide for you!

Pulling together some of my favorite handmade Pierogi Picnic items, which are all ready to ship, I’ve compiled a wonderful collection of creations that will satiate even the most demanding of tastes. Check out my suggestions below, or check out more ideas in the Pierogi Picnic Etsy store here.

Sweet & Low Skirt midi hand stenciled peek a boo print
Never Neverland Tunic Dress limited edition design
Ms Spring Dress re-tailored vintage shirt dress
Eye Catching Dress revamped vintage frock that will steal the scene
Eye on You vintage flutter top
Emerald City Dress strappy revamped vintage number
Night Shift Dress cotton upcycled fabrics
Easy Breezy Shirt vintage textiles and charm

Featured Design: A Perfect Gent

Pierogi Picnic: Handmade Eco-Friendly Men's Cotton Bow Tie

Who doesn’t love a dapper looking gent?! This new incarnation of the classic “Perfect Gent” Pierogi Picnic bow tie design has a new texture and feel, making it even easier to pair with a guy’s everyday wardrobe. Handmade using sweatshirt fabric scraps, the “Perfect Gent” bow ties have a solid structure, soft feel, and clip on back, making it a fast way to add a dash of gentlemanly charm to any outfit. Coming in a variety of sizes, it makes a fantastic stocking stuffer too! Check out the full link of “Perfect Gent” bow ties here.

News: I Love Chicago Boutique

ilovechicagopic

I am super excited to have been approached by a new boutique which opened its doors at O’Hare International Airport earlier this month: I Love Chicago!

This incredibly-well curated little boutique offers handmade goodies from artisans from the area, allowing international travelers who are buzzing through Terminal 5 a chance to scoop up a true blue Chicago souvenir.

We are currently stocking the store with our popular Sweet Stitch embroidered sweatshirts, Flirty Flounce peplum tops, Grunge Love totes, men’s Smash Shirts, Perfect Gent bow ties, and a new, yet to be release online scarf design called Chevron Sweetie.

So next time you’re zipping through O’Hare – be sure you take a moment to swing by this great little shop to stock up on some of your Pierogi Picnic faves!

Holiday Gift Guide: Under $40

Pierogi Picnic Gift Guide: Under 40

In our second holiday gift guide we’ve gathered up our top eight favorite Pierogi Picnic pieces under $40, to help you along with your shopping lists. With a little bit of something for everyone, it’s a great price range where you’ll really get a lot of bang for your buck!

Urban Folk printed tunic $40
Waiting On You vintage shirt dress $36
Season’s Greetings handmade dress $36
Ms Spring revamped vintage dress $36
Freshly Picked eco tank $36
Cosby Skirt fitted knit $36
Cherry Confetti vintage t-shirt $24
Craving Cranberries vintage dress $36

News: Custom Order Deadline

pierogi picnic: custom order deadline

If you’ve been eyeballing a Sir Cycle sweatshirt or No Sweat women’s sweater – the time to order is now!

November 30th is the last day we’ll be taking custom orders to be made for the holidays. If you miss the deadline, don’t panic, you can still order but will have to wait until January for your item’s creation.

So get over to the Pierogi Picnic Etsy shop and scoop up your favorite made-to-order items by the end of the day Saturday!

pierogi picnic: giving thanks 2013

We would like to take a moment during this season of gratitude to thank each and every person who has been so incredibly supportive of me and Pierogi Picnic.

Whether you subscribe to the blog, follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or purchase my handmade goodies – I am so incredibly thankful to have you backing my small biz. It’s a blessing to do what I love and love what I do, and you help make that possible!

Wishing you an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Cheers!