August’s Nursery: First Edition

It’s been exactly a year since we converted our bedroom into a nursery for our little jelly belly. I was three weeks away from my due date and a maddening urge to nest hit me. I had made a plan for the space but hadn’t done much beyond having David put up the crib and pop some art on the wall. One year later his space has undergone a multitude of changes, which is when it occurred to me, I never shared the first edition!

Photo by Megan Saul Photography

Photo by Megan Saul Photography

We live in a vintage one bedroom in Chicago’s populous and energetic Lakeview neighborhood. Our flat is sizable for the area – we have a sun room, formal dining room, large kitchen and a living room with built-ins and a fireplace (just for show though!). When we found out we were pregnant in May of 2014 we decided we’d work with the space we have rather than moving into a larger apartment. We love the character and location of our current place and knew that to find a two bedroom even remotely as cute in such a good neighborhood would be a long shot. So we decided to stay!

 

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Pierogi Picnic’s Fond Farewell

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.

SANYO DIGITAL CAMERAIt 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!

Pierogi Picnic post-branding

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An Indie Biz: The End of an Era

store closing sale

It is with a heavy, yet elated, heart that we announce that we will be closing the Pierogi Picnic Etsy shop on July 31st.

I founded Pierogi Picnic in the fall of 2008 with the hopes of changing the face of eco-friendly fashion. And I believe that I was able to do just that! Made in small batches using recycled cottons, Pierogi Picnic was the first clothing collection of its kind that offered fun-loving, affordable and sustainable designs. I’m pretty darn proud of how far the line has come, but now it’s time for bigger and better things!

Since Pierogi Picnic’s launch so much has changed in the green goods industry, fashion and Etsy – and for the better! A lot has shifted in my personal life too. A flourishing career in the animal welfare field, a bouncing baby boy, a new design aesthetic, and more, have led me to make the decision to shutter the Pierogi Picnic brand as it currently stands. Change is a good thing and it’s time to move on to the next big thing!

So what does this mean for all you Pierogi Picnic fans? Well, prepare to get excited because there’s some pretty nifty things up ahead! I’m in the process of developing a brand new line of products in collaboration with my talented husband, artist David Paul Downs. Think bright, joyful, and of course, eco-friendly. That’s all I can reveal for now – it’s a mega secret at the moment! Tune in mid-summer for an official announcement about our new endeavor.

In the meantime, there’s a ton of super cool one-of-a-kind handmade goodies I’m looking to re-home from the Pierogi Picnic Etsy shop at a deep discount. To give you, my faithful followers, a head start on scooping up all my close-outs, I’ve created a coupon code that will knock 50% off the current price on anything and everything in my shop. Just type in “solongfarewell2015” in the coupon field upon checkout and the discount will come off your final total. We’ll open up the sale to the general public on June 1st – so get in on the fun while the gettin’s good! Just think – this may be the last time you can score handmade and eco-friendly clothes at such a great price!

We are so excited to be entering into this new chapter of our lives as a family and can’t wait to share details with you this coming season. Until then show us some love and scoop up some handmade goodies while you can!

Events & Sales: Holiday Kick-Off

bogo graphic

Are you itching to find out what we have up our sleeves in way of sales for this holiday shopping weekend? Well wonder no more! I’m here to fill you in and get you worked up!

For the first time in Pierogi Picnic history – we’re hosting a mega BUY ONE GET ONE FREE sale throughout the Etsy store this weekend only. For every item you purchase between November 28th and December 1st you’ll receive a second surprise item of equal value for free! It’s our way of encouraging you to shop handmade this holiday season while getting something a little something something yourself.

Plus – spend $50 or more this weekend – and we’ll waive your shipping fee! Just use coupon code “verymerry2014” upon checkout and the shipping cost will be removed from your total.

So hop into the Pierogi Picnic Etsy shop and start hearting your favorite goodies today!

Events & Sales: Making Room for Baby!

making room saleWe are officially past the six month mark or our pregnancy and our nesting instincts are now in overdrive! We’ll be crafting together the babe’s nursery in November – but we’ve got quite the de-cluttering to do first. And for that reason I’m hosting a mega sale this week!

Starting on Thursday, October 23rd through Monday, October 27th I’m cutting and slashing prices on many Pierogi Picnic designs throughout my Etsy shop. We’re calling it the “Making Room for Baby” sale! Catchy, isn’t it?!

I’ll be putting many classic items on deep discount, as well as creating grab bags for retired designs. I’m also knocking dollars off newer creations and vintage – so if you’re starting your holiday shopping early – you won’t want to miss this!

PLUS, help get the word out about the sale and I’ll send you a coupon for free shipping that you can use anytime between now and the end of the year. International buyers included! Simply share our status off the Pierogi Picnic Facebook page and I’ll private message you the code.

Here’s to finding new forever homes for lots of my designs this weekend!

Featured Designs: Cycle Sweatshirts Are Back!

pierogi picnic: sir cycle sweatshirt

They’re here – they’re here! The classic Pierogi Picnic sweatshirt is back!

Variations of the Ms Cycle and Sir Cycle design are now back in stock in my Etsy shop for a limited time only. Featuring soft upcycled fleece, a slim cut, a versatile cowl/hoodie combo and elegant detailing, this is one of my all-time favorite creations, and also a best-seller. It makes for a perfect gift for the holidays or even a treat for yourself.

But don’t delay! This design is only available in limited quantities – so if you see one in a size and color you like – snatch it up before the holiday rush makes them all disappear.

ms cycle

Designs: Dawn + Dusk Collection

Pierogi Picnic: Dawn + Dusk Collection

It’s finally here!

After months of sketching, sewing and tweaking, I am excited to officially debut my newest collection for Pierogi Picnic! 

The Dawn + Dusk collection combines upcycled and vintage fabrics to create clothing that’s as stylish as it is sustainable. Merging warm and cool tones with soft textures and classic shapes, these unique pieces are perfect for wearing day and night. And as always, each piece is eco-friendly, handmade, and one-of-a-kind.

Design It Yourself series: Pierogi PIcnic

One part ready-made, one part custom order, the Dawn + Dusk collection offers eco fashionistas two different avenues in which to express their style.  The first is a limited edition set of pieces that was made out of vintage fabrics. That includes skirts, tops and accessories that are beyond replication. The second option is the new “Design It Yourself” series. With this option shoppers pick a base color, silhouette and embellishment and I create a piece that’s as unique as the wearer. 

 Whether ready to send or made to order, Dawn + Dusk collection has brought together some of my favorite silhouettes with soft fabrics, a green methodology and a feminine touch. View the full collection in my Etsy shop today!

DSCN3654 2DSCN3571Pierogi Picnic: Dawn + Dusk Collection DSCN3556 Pierogi Picnic: Dawn + Dusk Collection