News: Custom Order Crunch

October 31, 2013July 7, 2014Leave a comment

With the holidays quickly approaching I am drafting up a strategy for custom orders and gift-savvy turn-around times. In an effort to ensure that all made-to-order pieces are received by late December, Pierogi Picnic will be closing down this side of the site come December 1st.

So if there’s a dress or sweater you know will make the perfect gift for that special sustainably-minded someone – be sure to place your order between now and November 30th. After that custom orders won’t be activated again until January 1st.

If you miss the custom order deadline – fear not! We’ll be offering gift certificates all season long!

Here’s to an amazing holiday season for all!

Eco Etsy Fall Gift Guide

October 24, 2013January 19, 2016Leave a comment

As if there’s not already enough to love about fall, my favorite Etsy group, Eco Etsy, put together the most adorable Fall Gift Guide to go along with all your favorites for the season!

Featuring genuinely handmade creations by earth conscious artisans, the collection includes one of my favorite minimalist Pierogi Picnic designs, the “Point Out the Way” tunic. Click on the image above to learn more about each item, as well as the creators behind them.

Designs: The Dodger

October 10, 2013October 9, 2013Leave a comment

Oh boy – do I like a man in dapper duds! Maybe it’s the Dr. Who fan in me – but bow ties, hats, scarves – you name it and I’m there!

Finally acknowledging this lust for gentlemanly accessories I’ve decided to focus this season’s menswear on fun little additives. My hope is to help guys be a bit more posh than the dude next door.

First up in the new collection is what I simply call, “The Dodger“. Inspired by the “No Sweat” men’s sweatshirt that has become one of my all-time best-sellers, “The Dodger” works off a similar design premise: chic, comfortable, and tangle-free. With a fun color-blocked design and subtle military-inspired details, these new cowls are sure to be a hit with no-nonsense guys who want to add a pop to their cold weather wardrobes.

Here’s to decking out the boys in lots of fun accessories this season!

DIY: Upcycled Infinity Scarf

October 3, 2013October 1, 2013Leave a comment

If you’ve been looking for an easy 10 minute scarf tutorial – your search ends here!

Boggled by the over-the-top prices of currently trendy infinity scarves, I decided to give a DIY version a go. And won’t you know – the end result is cute, stylish, eco-friendly and el cheapo! So if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make your own cotton wrap around scarf, grab a t-shirt and scissors and give this a try!

1) Choose a pre-loved t-shirt that’s nice and soft.

2) Cut off the bottom hem of the t-shirt.

3) Make another horizontal cut, about 4 inches above the first. Try to keep the cut clean and straight.

4) Make a third cut, same size, just above the last.

5) Grab each thick fabric strip and pull taught, rolling the edges. This is your no-sew hem.

6) Double loop the top strip.

7) Lay the double loop over the larger loop.

8) Using a small piece of your cut hem, tie a single knot on one side of the gathered loops.

9) Tie a second knot.

10) Pull the knot as taught as possible.

11) Trim the excess fabric.

12) Tuck the knot under and flip. All done!

Designs: Peanut Loves Butter

October 1, 2013October 1, 20132 Comments

I am so excited to announce the launch of a brand-spankin’ new line of merchandise: Peanut Loves Butter!

This new collection of pet products keep style and sustainability in mind. High quality, yet affordable, stylish but modern, this unique series of dog and cat pieces is sure to bring a smile to every pet owner’s face!

Peanut Loves ButterL Handmade Dog Dress Shirt Collar

In true Pierogi Picnic fashion, each piece is handcrafted using salvaged fabrics, making each creation one of a kind and eco-friendly. And as if that’s not enough to make you purr, we’ll be carrying adorable toys and housewares for your furry friends too!

What inspired the line you may ask? My three little hobgoblins, Peanut, Butter and Tomato. The majority of pet products found online or in-stores tends to sway on the uber feminine or too utilitarian side. Rather than purchase a bunch of frou frou sweaters or overpriced knitted pieces, I decided to make my boys accessories that both they and I could be proud of. And then a funny thing happened. People started asking where I’d purchased each sweater, bow tie or cowl. Imagine my delight!

So I spent some time this summer tweaking and experimenting with the designs. Sewing a sample of this – hand sculpting a toy for that – until I could come up with a line that was both aesthetically awesome, practical, and not too pricey! With practical earth-friendly designs and dapper touches, Peanut Loves Butter was born!

So if you’ve been looking for eco-chic pet products for your little monsters, be sure to follow all of the fun on the new Peanut Loves Butter blog! And should you be one of the first 10 people who hit the subscribe button, you’ll receive an exclusive 25% off coupon to use in the new PLB shop!

So there you have it! Cute, affordable, totally eco-friendly and style savvy pet gear. What more could you ask for this fall!?

Trends: Polka Dot Pretty

September 26, 2013September 26, 2013Leave a comment

There’s something absolutely timeless about a polka dot print. Retro yet modern, playful yet elegant, it’s a pattern that can adorn countless of items without ever losing it’s retro punch.

And so it seems this tiny repeated shape is making a come back in the season’s fashions. From art and accessories to leggings and prints – it’s the perfect look for fall. And when created with a golden metallic paint – well – let’s just say it makes for an easy breezy transition toward holiday festivities.

So in honor of this vintage inspired look, here’s a monochromatic yet bold collection of handmade goodies that boast this beautiful pattern.

Enjoy!

1. Burlap Bunting by Ali Mark
2. Hair Bow Set by Made by Megra
3. Revamped Vintage Dress by Pierogi Picnic
4. “Glimmer” Photo by Carolyn Cochrane
5. Handmade Clutch by Muni Shop
6. Slouchy Vintage Blouse from Darling Vintage
7. Infinity Scarf by Scarves 2012
8. Portrait by Fanny Erkelius
9. Polka Dot Leggings by Kelly Lynne

Meet the Models: Nahrain

September 24, 2013September 17, 2013Leave a comment

A spirited first-generation Assyrian, Nahrain is a woman who’s laughter is not only contagious, but fills up a room with light! Having met while taking a financial management class at Harvest, Nahrain and I instantly hit things off and I knew I’d have to recruit her as a Pierogi Picnic model.

When Nahrain’s not busy spending time with her hubby (also a PP model!) and their friends, or working at her local non-profit, you can find her cuddled up with a good book and a steamy cup of coffee. An extroverted introvert, Nahrain says that many people are surprised to find out she’s actually on the shy side (fooled us!).

A couple of other things people may not know about this ethnic beauty:

She is absolutely terrified of being underwater.
Has a tradition of going on an adventure each November to celebrate her birthday.
Is passionate about learning to play the drums (though she doesn’t read sheet music).
Absolutely adores green peppers!

This spirited little lady is an absolute natural in front of the camera lens – which is why you’ll be seeing her time and time again in our photo lineup! We’re glad to count Nahrain as one of our Pierogi Picnic own!