This is one of my all-time favorite creations – the new Easy Breezy top! Handmade using pre-loved t-shirt cotton and a vintage slip, this lightweight piece has all the elements I’m looking for in a shirt. A flirty cut, scalloped edge, light as air fabric and handmade aesthetic – I predict that it will be a quick fan favorite.
Swing by Renegade to check out these new shirts in person or swing by my Etsy shop after September 9th for their internet debut.
Renegade is less than a month away! For all you Chicagoans who will be braving the crowds this year – I’ll be bringing you looks at merchandise I’m debuting for the fair. So prepare for your appetites to be thoroughly whetted!
This first “Sneak Peek” is of my new handmade shopping totes. Made out of second-hand linens – these adorable folksy bags will be free gifts to anyone who spends $60 or more in my booth! They’ll also be up for sale individually, for those of you looking to stay frugal at the fair. They were machine sewn and then stencil printed all by moi. Continue reading
There’s nothing quite like living each summer day to the fullest. The trouble comes when sunshine, lazy days and the heat interrupt our daily disciplines. Between weekend events, visiting with friends and cuddling with cute bugs like Peanut (photographed above) it seems that July slipped away without warning. So now Renegade is less than 30 days away and I have lots and lots of work to be done!
So this coming week I am setting aside the pleasures of the season to dedicate my time to sewing and planning and some more sewing! I hope to keep you updated on my progress via the Pierogi Picnic Facebook page. My goal is to make 15-20 pieces a day while finishing up my new sign, clothing racks and maybe sneaking in a couple fabric experiments.
Here’s to drowning myself in fabric for the next five days! Wish me luck!!!
Kelly Lynn O’Brien, the beauty and brains behind Chicago’s newest go-to site for all things green, Eco-Minded Chicago, presented me with the honor of being her first featured designer on the site. Kelly is an inspiration to me on multiple fronts – as a bold vegan, Christian and city-dweller, she embodies the lifestyle I am always striving to achieve, one that’s balanced, authentic and filled with contentment.
Check out my fashion feature on her site, and more importantly, peruse the other contents of the site and you’ll be left feeling inspired and ready to explore the earth-friendly side of Chicago.
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!
Whether it’s posting incredible finds on her blog, Wanderlustings, or creating effortlessly elegant and retro-inspired jewelry for her Etsy shop, Caitlin’s a force to be reckoned with! So how could I not invite her to pose for me in a Pierogi Picnic photo shoot?!
To get into her lovely brain further, I asked her what inspired her. Here’s Caitlin’s response:
“Possibly anything. But constants seem to be: being different, creative and driven people, cinematography, music designed to tell a story, architecture, anything experimental, Paul Pope, comic books in general, decades past, Klaus Nomi, playing pretend, Ray and Charles Eames, self-awareness and letting your imagination run wild.”
Beautiful inside and out – isn’t she?!
I first reported on the emerging trend of mullet hems last year. Since then it seems the style of high-low hems has exploded as dresses, tops, and skirts all don the assymetrical dip. I have always been a fan of the style and am happy to see it hitting the mainstream. So when choosing my “Item of the Week,” it seemed natural to feature my new “Point Out the Way” tunic.
Handmade from a pre-loved men’s t-shirt, this edgy design features a lengthier back hem that’s cut to a point and a front that’s raised in a ‘v.’ The back also has a lovely geometric cut that brings a touch of grace to an otherwise sporty look. And with the tie at the neck it makes adjusting the fit super easy. Keep an eye out in my Etsy shop for more of these tops in various hues.
Shiny Happy*People 