One of my favorite skirt designs, “Soft and Sweet,” was featured on BrideBlu this week! Take a peek at the article here. You can find the skirt in my Etsy shop!
Tag: chicago
New Designs: Dear Darling Dress
With the Chicago Renegade Craft Fair quickly approaching I have been dedicating every Saturday of this month to making new designs for the fall season and mega craft fest. This adorable dress is one of many new creations that will grace my booth at the fair.
Made of lightweight cotton that was salvaged from a men’s t-shirt – this dress has a feminine lace and embroidery floss embellishment across the front. I especially enjoy the contrast between the softness of the cotton and the elegance of the vintage fabric. Continue reading
Renegade 2011: Your Feedback Needed
I will be selling my Pierogi Picnic wares for the third year at the crème de la crème of indie handmade festivals: the Renegade Craft Fair!
Over the years I’ve learned a thing or to about participating in the show. One of the first is to have a game plan well in advance. Not only am I already sewing my little hands away at fall fashions – I’m also plotting out displays, business cards, and pre-fair graphics. I spent the first half of the day musing up new designs and the latter sitting at my sewing machine experimenting with new pieces.
Now I’m winding things down by contemplating my merchandising, tags and displays. As I started to think about the look and theme of this year’s fest I realized that I have yet to send in my icon for the Renegade website!
That’s where you come in! I am looking for feedback as to which icon has the most eye-catching look. With 300+ vendors in this year’s event it’s more important then ever to stand out from the crowd. Take a peek at the images above and click on your favorite to be directed to the Pierogi Picnic Facebook page where you can cast your official vote.
Selecting the website icon is just the tip of the iceberg in preperation for the big weekend. I’ll continue to fill you in on all my scheming over the next couple of months. And as if I’m not excited enough with my own planning – I will be sharing my booth with the lovely and talented Caitlin Peters of Wanderlustings. More info on our collaboration coming soon!
Thank you in advance for voting!
Meet the Models: Kelli
Kelli is just a girl with her head in the clouds. A film, FX, and animation enthusiast – she loves to travel overseas or on an open road.
A woman on a mission – Kelli is a career adviser at the Institute of Art and shapes the futures of cinema’s budding filmmakers. When not busy making films herself, Kelli also coordinates events for Women in Film Chicago.
Kelli’s energy and with light up even the dullest of crowds. Having a debilitating weakness for kittens – she cherishes what little free time she has by cuddling up with her own four cats, spouse and a hot chai latte.
Summer Love Sale
Starting this Friday the Pierogi Picnic Etsy site will be hosting a “Summer Love Sale” throughout the entire shop!
Receive 30% all ready made items by typing in the discount code “summerlove2011” upon checkout.
Start marking your favorites today – the sale ends Monday at midnight!
Planning Ahead: Fall Fashion 2011
I was reading through the Etsy Blog and came across an article about uber entrepreneur Melissa Helmbrecht and was instantly floored.
The post chronicles Melissa’s diverse array of achievements and shares her 3 piece of advice for small indie businesses. Her very first tip has haunted me since I read the article: 1. Do what you don’t feel like doing.
When I read this I had to stop, go back, and read it again. At first I had thought it said “do what you feel like doing” and thought to myself, “yeah!” Boy was I bummed when I processed it again. “What do you mean do what you don’t want to? That’s not what I want to hear!”
The article continues by reviewing the need for a business plan and forward thinking – none of which I’m against – but to be reminded of this on a warm lazy summer day hit a nerve.
I was suddenly overwhelmed – the fall season was just a mere 3 months away and I hadn’t even stopped one moment to dream up my cool weather designs. The business plan is intact – but what about the core of my brand – the clothing!?
So after ordering up some steaming sweet and sour tofu takeout I sat down to plot, draw, and dream my Fall 2011 collection. And if you think I’m stalling (don’t fashion designers figure this out year’s in advance!?) then remember that I’m not your typical clothing designer and that at times spontaneity and procrastination can lead to high pressure thinking and fabulous results!
And in case you’re just itching to see some of my thoughts I’ve included a page from my business journal above. Which leads me to wonder – have you planned out your ideas for the coming season? When did you get started? Share your insights below!
Summer is Here!
Today is the full-out first official weekend of summer!
My plan for the day? To celebrate in as many ways as possible! I’ve already started by visiting the first Edgewater Farmer’s Market day where I sucked down delicious iced coffee from Kitchen Sink, picked up fingerling potatoes, cremini mushrooms and real strawberries from local vendors. Then David and I migrated to the secret neighborhood garden with Peanut & Butter where we noshed on a fresh piece of moist blueberry coffee cake – a perfect start to the day. As we plan our beach outing and visit to the new custard stand Lickety Split, I’m also plotting which of my newest designs I will be sporting on this beautiful sunny morning.
How will you be celebrating your first summer weekend? What will you be wearing?
Shiny Happy*People 