I’m Back!

August 9, 2016August 9, 2016Leave a comment

It’s been over 6 months since I published my last post and sooooo much has happened since then.

Since August’s birth in early 2015 I’ve found it difficult to get back into the swing of blogging. Learning how to be a mama, struggling with nursing, perfecting the art of changing diapers, all while working full time, kept me busy and away from writing. But that’s all about to change! Having entered a new chapter of my life, one complete with my fur babies and a bouncing off the walls toddler, I want to get back into sharing the highs and lows of living a conscious lifestyle in the city.

Life has a way of catching us off guard. Having moved into a new apartment in the spring, and then unexpectedly transitioning to becoming a single parent, this last season has had its fair share of trials. But God is good. Life is good. And I’m keeping my chin up! I’ll share more about what’s happening in my marriage some other time. For now I’m just here to say, “Hello! I’m back!” Can’t wait to share with you what I’m working on, things I’m dreaming about, and all the goofy little things in between.

Pierogi Picnic’s Fond Farewell

August 2, 2015January 19, 2016Leave a comment

This is it! The Pierogi Picnic Etsy shop has officially closed as of 9pm this evening. Let the record show that August 2nd, 2015 is a day that now stands in history! At least in my books. Though it’s a bittersweet moment, there’s so much to celebrate when looking back at these last seven years of sustainable design.

It all began with a skirt. I created a simple asymmetrical pencil skirt using a thrifted cotton t-shirt. Every which way I went I would receive compliments, along with inquiries on how people could get their hands on one of their own. That’s what inspired me to create an affordable line of retro, comfy, eco-friendly clothing. I had also recently discovered the growing handmade movement, and with encouragement from my husband, launched my own Etsy shop in the fall of 2008.

After debuting my store I continued to create truly one-of-a-kind clothing items made from recycled materials. Scouring Chicago’s thrift stores high and wide, I was collecting pre-loved fabrics and vintage textiles to create a unique line of casual and comfy clothing. Within a couple of months I began to add other designs. T-shirt dresses, camisole gowns, restructured tanks, vintage finds and more! It was in that year that I came up with some of my most popular designs, included the Resurrected Tee skirt, Revamped Flower headbands, Darling Dresses and No Sweat tunics. They were a hit! And so Pierogi Picnic took off!

Continue reading →

Introducing August!

February 25, 2015January 19, 20164 Comments

This past Valentine’s Day was life-changing.

At 1:30 a.m. on Saturday morning David and I welcomed our son Augustine Krupinski Downs into the world. Born six days after his due date, we were thrilled that the anticipation of meeting this little man was finally over. Here’s the story of how he came to be a Valentine’s babe. Continue reading →

We’re Expecting!

August 8, 2014January 19, 20161 Comment

We have some big, exciting, huge news here at the Pierogi Picnic family. We’re expecting! A little human to be exact! David and I broke the official news to friends and family last week – and we couldn’t be more enthused at the prospect of growing and grooming a little person.

With the coming of the little man/gal we’ll experience a dramatic shift in lifestyle as we add baby to our daily activities and endeavors. So what does that mean for Pierogi Picnic?

Pierogi Picnic has blossomed and evolved in incredible ways since I launched my handmade business in the fall of 2008. Since then I have grown as a person, creator and business owner in ways I could have never imagined. And that will continue as we anticipate the arrival of our bundle of joy.

The little human will make their debut in February of 2015 and we’ve already begun planning. For Pierogi Picnic that will mean some ebbs and flows in product creation between now and the winter. Instead of pushing my already limited energy reserves on custom orders, I’ll be focusing on hawking items that I’ve already created, as well as vintage pieces. There will definitely be some sewing going on here and there – but much of my productivity will depend on how my body is feeling. David and I have chosen to take as easy-going an approach to the pregnancy as possible, so keeping deadlines and mad-crunches at the machine at bay will be key.

So starting this weekend, you’ll find that the “Custom Made” category of the Pierogi Picnic Etsy shop offline. Is this a permanent shift? Absolutely not! Being able to create tailored clothing for people of all shapes and sizes is key to what I do! So come Spring 2015 expect lots of new design choices within the made to order category. But for now, as my body settles into baby growing and all the fun adventures that go with it, I’ll be sticking to ready-made orders only.

So excited as we enter this new chapter of our lives! And who knows – maybe a Mini Pierogi Picnic line is in the not-so-distant future!

News: Final Call for Hoodies!

April 28, 2014July 7, 2014Leave a comment

One of the many quirks of running a business that relies on using upcycled fibers is that, depending on the season, my fabric options can become extremely limited.

After spending several summers super stressed out, unable to find the pre-loved sweatshirts I needed for my popular Sir Cycle and Ms Cycle hoodies, I’ve learned my lesson. From here on out these made to order pieces will only be available in the fall and winter, when sourcing upcycled heavy knits is much much easier. Making this simple shift will save me hours upon hours – allowing more time for creating new designs and summer orders.

So this is the official final call for all of you who have been eyeing either of these designs. I will be taking down all of the custom hoodie listings on May 5th, and they won’t be returning until September. So be sure to snatch up your order now!

Coming Soon: The Dawn + Dusk Collection

April 15, 2014April 14, 2014Leave a comment

I’m just a big tease!

Having announced that the debut of the new Dawn + Dusk collection would occur today – I realized just this past weekend how much more photo editing I had yet to do before showcasing all the new designs.

So…if you have it in your heart to forgive this one-woman-clothing-show, I’m postponing the big reveal for April 22nd, which is also Earth Day! So save the date, check back here in a week, and I hope to have more details for you.

In the meantime – here are a few sneak peeks to tide you over.

Enjoy!

News: Pierogi Picnic Gift Certificates

December 20, 2013February 25, 2014Leave a comment

If you missed this morning’s shipment deadline for Christmas day – don’t fear! Pierogi Picnic gift certificates are here!

If you’ve found an item in the Etsy shop that just made you swoon – and you know it would make a great present for someone special – consider scooping them up a digital certificate instead of hustling for express shipping. This way you can still get them what you want and you won’t have to show up empty handed on Christmas!

Find various denominations of gift cards in the Pierogi Picnic Etsy shop here. If there’s not one for the amount you need – send us an email – and we’ll make one up especially for you.

Happy last-minute shopping!