News: Custom Order Crunch

October 31, 2013July 7, 2014Leave a comment

With the holidays quickly approaching I am drafting up a strategy for custom orders and gift-savvy turn-around times. In an effort to ensure that all made-to-order pieces are received by late December, Pierogi Picnic will be closing down this side of the site come December 1st.

So if there’s a dress or sweater you know will make the perfect gift for that special sustainably-minded someone – be sure to place your order between now and November 30th. After that custom orders won’t be activated again until January 1st.

If you miss the custom order deadline – fear not! We’ll be offering gift certificates all season long!

Here’s to an amazing holiday season for all!

Designs: The Dodger

October 10, 2013October 9, 2013Leave a comment

Oh boy – do I like a man in dapper duds! Maybe it’s the Dr. Who fan in me – but bow ties, hats, scarves – you name it and I’m there!

Finally acknowledging this lust for gentlemanly accessories I’ve decided to focus this season’s menswear on fun little additives. My hope is to help guys be a bit more posh than the dude next door.

First up in the new collection is what I simply call, “The Dodger“. Inspired by the “No Sweat” men’s sweatshirt that has become one of my all-time best-sellers, “The Dodger” works off a similar design premise: chic, comfortable, and tangle-free. With a fun color-blocked design and subtle military-inspired details, these new cowls are sure to be a hit with no-nonsense guys who want to add a pop to their cold weather wardrobes.

Here’s to decking out the boys in lots of fun accessories this season!

DIY: Upcycled Infinity Scarf

October 3, 2013October 1, 2013Leave a comment

If you’ve been looking for an easy 10 minute scarf tutorial – your search ends here!

Boggled by the over-the-top prices of currently trendy infinity scarves, I decided to give a DIY version a go. And won’t you know – the end result is cute, stylish, eco-friendly and el cheapo! So if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make your own cotton wrap around scarf, grab a t-shirt and scissors and give this a try!

1) Choose a pre-loved t-shirt that’s nice and soft.

2) Cut off the bottom hem of the t-shirt.

3) Make another horizontal cut, about 4 inches above the first. Try to keep the cut clean and straight.

4) Make a third cut, same size, just above the last.

5) Grab each thick fabric strip and pull taught, rolling the edges. This is your no-sew hem.

6) Double loop the top strip.

7) Lay the double loop over the larger loop.

8) Using a small piece of your cut hem, tie a single knot on one side of the gathered loops.

9) Tie a second knot.

10) Pull the knot as taught as possible.

11) Trim the excess fabric.

12) Tuck the knot under and flip. All done!

Designs: Peanut Loves Butter

October 1, 2013October 1, 20132 Comments

I am so excited to announce the launch of a brand-spankin’ new line of merchandise: Peanut Loves Butter!

This new collection of pet products keep style and sustainability in mind. High quality, yet affordable, stylish but modern, this unique series of dog and cat pieces is sure to bring a smile to every pet owner’s face!

Peanut Loves ButterL Handmade Dog Dress Shirt Collar

In true Pierogi Picnic fashion, each piece is handcrafted using salvaged fabrics, making each creation one of a kind and eco-friendly. And as if that’s not enough to make you purr, we’ll be carrying adorable toys and housewares for your furry friends too!

What inspired the line you may ask? My three little hobgoblins, Peanut, Butter and Tomato. The majority of pet products found online or in-stores tends to sway on the uber feminine or too utilitarian side. Rather than purchase a bunch of frou frou sweaters or overpriced knitted pieces, I decided to make my boys accessories that both they and I could be proud of. And then a funny thing happened. People started asking where I’d purchased each sweater, bow tie or cowl. Imagine my delight!

So I spent some time this summer tweaking and experimenting with the designs. Sewing a sample of this – hand sculpting a toy for that – until I could come up with a line that was both aesthetically awesome, practical, and not too pricey! With practical earth-friendly designs and dapper touches, Peanut Loves Butter was born!

So if you’ve been looking for eco-chic pet products for your little monsters, be sure to follow all of the fun on the new Peanut Loves Butter blog! And should you be one of the first 10 people who hit the subscribe button, you’ll receive an exclusive 25% off coupon to use in the new PLB shop!

So there you have it! Cute, affordable, totally eco-friendly and style savvy pet gear. What more could you ask for this fall!?

Press: A Sustainable take on Swift

September 5, 2013September 2, 2013Leave a comment

Did you know that Taylor Swift is on the list of performing artists who have had the largest quantity of Billboard chart topping hits?! I was surprised too!

I recently made this discovery while competing in a trivia night contest in Lincoln Park. Apparently Taylor Swift is rocking things more than I realized (I’m an eighties and nineties enthusiast – so how would I know?). Swift shares this magical status right alongside legendary performers like the Beatles, Prince and Michael Jackson. So imagine my duel surprise when I found that sustainable blogger Lisa Heinze featured Pierogi Picnic in an article on how to get Taylor Swift’s look using eco-friendly fashions. Talk about serendipitous!

Lisa compiled her collection using brands committed to earth-friendly fabrics and practices, creating a smorgasbord of sweet outfit options for Taylor Swift fans. What a great way to show young women how to look trendy while remaining socially conscious!

Read Lisa’s full list of Swift-stylizing tips here. To order a custom “Stripes & Sun” bathing suit, like the one featured, click here.

An Indie Biz: Made to Order

September 3, 2013September 2, 20131 Comment

After taking a 30 day hiatus from making custom orders – the Pierogi Picnic one-woman sweatshop is back in action!

In late July I decided that I would make August the month for taking some time away from my machine. Not only did I want to make some room for enjoying all the sights and sounds of summer, I also needed to give my skin a break. So after several weeks of hanging back, I’m all healed up and ready to rock and roll again!

So if you’ve been pining for a made to order eco friendly hoodie for the fall or a handmade swimsuit for summer (thinking of you Australians!) now is the time! Take a peek at what designs are currently available here or in my Etsy shop. And here’s to bringing back tailor-made pieces!

Anniversary Sale Week 4: Buy 2 Get 1 Free!

August 25, 2013August 23, 2013Leave a comment

We’re concluding our month-long anniversary celebration with a mega deal! Starting today through Saturday night – buy any 2 ready-made or vintage items in the Pierogi Picnic Etsy shop – and you’ll receive 1 item free! We‘ve never done anything like this before!

When shopping, add all three of your favorite items to your cart and checkout as usual. We’ll then go back and reimburse you the price for the third piece prior to shipping things out.

So if you’ve been eyeballing a new cardigan, dress and layering tank, now is the best time to scoop up your favorites! Help us finish out our 5 year bonanza with a bang and shop today!