DIY: Creative Mending

September 14, 2012September 12, 20121 Comment

One of my pet peeves is throwing on a pair of super soft, worn-in, cotton leggings only to find a tiny hole near my knee. The culprit: over-exuberant Boston Terrorizers who love to do nothing more than bounce all over my thighs when I come home from work each day.

But never fear “not-pants” attire! There’s help yet!

I found this adorable tutorial on Karen Barbe’s blog. This uber talented textile designer put together an easy how-to for patching up holes and tears in style. Using little more than a cereal box (and you know how much I love to use those!), a needle and colored thread, she shows us how to create folk inspired patches with which to stitch up our most beloved garments.

So next time you find a critter has torn a hole in your favorite pair of leggings – don’t toss ’em – bust out some serious stitching and you’ll be glad about your now happy accident.

Events: Renegade Sneak Peek – All About Ombre

August 24, 2012August 14, 2012Leave a comment

This ombre trend is contagious! I have been wanting to experiment with fabric dye for a long time and the melted color look has given me the perfect excuse to do just that!

Using a technique that calls for a slow dip and release process, I created the new “All About Ombre” dress that gives each frock a deep gradient toward the lower hem. An elegant way to revive pre-loved cotton fabric, this design forced me to keep the remainder of the piece simple so as to not distract from the color flow. Continue reading →

Events: Renegade – Creation Station

August 17, 2012August 14, 2012Leave a comment

I have started a tradition at my in-person events to always have some kind of earth-friendly craft ready and waiting for fans to make. And this September’s Renegade will be no different!

Since I’m not sharing a booth this year I’ll have a bit more space to stretch out – so I’m planning to insert what I’m calling the “creation station.” This little nook of my tent will feature supplies and instructions on how to make your very own green-it-yourself bracelets. Created from the remnants of my cotton-based designs, these accessories will be a fun way to get fair-goers to try their own hand at crafting. I’ll be hand-dying each strip in advance too – so that the finished bracelets have a lovely ombre effect.

So if you’re planning on coming by the fair on September 8th or 9th, be sure to set some time aside to make your very own fabric bracelets. There’s nothing better than a free, green and trendy souvenir!

DIY: Slashed Sleeve Tee

August 3, 2012August 1, 2012Leave a comment

All of my DIY posts up to this point have been projects that I have concocted myself. But after stumbling across this super-easy and ultra chic top tutorial from Recycled Lovelies – I knew I had to share a style tip from someone else!

This easy how-to will show you how to take a simple tee to new heights. Great for transforming a top you’ve grown tired of or for making as a gift for someone else! The possibilities are endless!

Trends: Feeling Dreamy

August 1, 2012July 29, 2012Leave a comment

Stars, cosmos and space seem to be all the rage in both the art and design world these days. The trend has been cropping up here, there and seemingly everywhere. From leggings sprinkled with crescent moons, to canvasses adorned with solar systems, it seems that all of us are star-gazing.

And though the itch to throw a milky way print onto new Pierogi Picnic creations hasn’t struck yet, I have been digging for Etsy items that have taken to space. Sneak a peek at my recent favorites in this dreamy treasury.

Inspiration: A Hymn

July 30, 2012July 29, 2012Leave a comment

The end of summer is always an overwhelming time as I work long hours and prepare for upcoming fall events, all while trying to make the most of the season. Between fulfilling Pierogi Picnic orders, planning for the fall, managing work responsibilities and the overarching demands of life, I often feel like I’m on a rollercoaster ride too soon after drinking an over-sized milkshake. Continue reading →

Inspiration: DIY Decor

July 20, 2012July 20, 20121 Comment

With my brain consumed with Renegade prep, I have started a board on Pinterest with fun decor ideas for my booth. There are so many ways to liven up a tiny space – that I’m somewhat overwhelmed by the possibilities!

Take a peek at my board here and let me know which of the pins catch your eye the most. You can play a part in sculpting my space while pulling me out of this indecisive rut!