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!

Events & Sales: Virtual Garage Sale

June 5, 2014June 4, 2014Leave a comment

My mom recently booked David and I to help her with her first-ever garage sale – which got me thinking – I should hold one too! But online!

Starting on Friday morning through Sunday night, I’m going to be offering deep discounts on discontinued Pierogi Picnic items in my Etsy shop. I’m talking $15 and less on many classics, like those photographed here! Head over to my current sale bin, start hearting your faves, and then check back on June 6th for slashed prices.

It will be a great way to freshen up your wardrobe while making room in mine for new designs! Thanks for the idea mom!

DIY: No-Sew T-Shirt Turban

June 3, 2014June 20, 20141 Comment

It’s the time of year for biking, sunshine and humidity – which can mean only one thing – it’s frizz season!

If you have any hint of kink in your hair than I know you know where I’m coming from. You can be having the perfect hair day, go on a nice long bicycle ride, arrive at your location only to find that you’ve got that finger-in-a-light-socket look, and it ain’t pretty. So what’s a gal (or guy!) to do?

There are tons of products out there that can potentially help, but rather than slop gunk onto your locks try this out instead: a cotton turban headband. Not only will it keep your hair in place, it will also draw the eye away from that halo of fuzz that inevitably develops in the summer months.

Here’s a quick five-minute tutorial on how to make your very own headband using an upcycled tee and a pair of scissors. No sewing machine required! Give it a try and you too will find it’s the easiest way to beat the frizz this season. Continue reading →

Designs: Dawn + Dusk Collection

April 22, 2014April 21, 2014Leave a comment

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.

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!

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!

DIY: Newspaper Party Streamers

March 12, 2014January 19, 2016Leave a comment

This past month I found myself in a dilemma. David’s birthday was suddenly at hand, we had a party planned, and I totally forgot to consider decorations! With just an hour before the first guests’ arrival, I devised a quick and resourceful way to get my apartment into the party spirit: Upcycled paper streamers!

Sneaking a few sheets of newspaper away from my bunny’s stash, I concocted a simple banner design that only required a few strategic cuts and less than 10 minutes of sewing. The result? A transformed festive space that’s eco-friendly and ready for fun!

Should you be on the lookout for a simple and design-savvy way to deck out your place for an upcoming get-together, give this easy four step tutorial a try!

1) Cut your newspaper into one inch slices.

2) Gather a stack of your sliced paper and cut each strip in half.

3) Align your strips to ensure they’re all the same length. Don’t worry about the width of each being exact.

4) Use a simple stitch and same plain thread to connect the strips together, sewing about a half inch from the tops. Sew approximately 30-40 slips per streamer.

And that’s it! To hang your streamers all you need to do is grab some washi or marking tape and affix them to your ceiling at varying lengths and spaces. You’ll find that the more streamers you hang, the fuller the installation’s look, so don’t be afraid to go nuts and make ten or more pieces!

Do you have a secret last-minute party decor idea that’s easy to make and eco-friendly? Share your tips with us!

Flash Sale

February 19, 2014Leave a comment

We’re holding a Flash Sale from now until midnight Thursday! Swing by the Pierogi Picnic Etsy shop and take 30% off your entire purchase by using coupon code “flash2014”.

Happy shopping!