Events: Renegade Sneak Peak

I always promise myself to stick to what I know in the weeks leading up to big events like Renegade – but then inspiration hits – and I can’t stop myself from making something brand spanking new! This past week alone I’ve made at least four new creations that I’ll be debuting this Saturday.

One is the “Bow Peep” belt which I hand-crafted using fabric scraps, unbleached elastic and a hook clasp. I made something similar a month back using t-shirt remnants, but this morning I gave the design a twist by making the bow out of a different cotton fabric. The result is better than I anticipated! I love how the solid color of the belt brings out the geometric chevron print of the bow. A job well done (if I’m allowed to say so!).

I’ll be making a bunch more of these for this round of Renegade. If you’re in Chicago – be sure to swing by my booth (#48) to see them in person!

Item of the Week: Hello Doily

I am absolutely loving on this new design! It combines many of my favorite elements in one simple and chic skirt. The soft upcycled cotton makes a perfect base for a flirty shape and hand-stenciled prints.

And for the gal who is obsessed with the peplum trend – but can’t find the confidence to sport the skin-tight pencil skirts they come on – this is the perfect solution! The a-line cut is flattering for many shapes, be it curvy or straight, and gives the wearer space to move.

Currently available made-to-order – this skirt will be debuting in a variety of shades as ready-to-wear in late September. So keep your eyes peeled to my Etsy shop.

Events: Renegade Sneak Peek – All About Ombre

This ombre trend is contagious! I have been wanting to experiment with fabric dye for a long time and the melted color look has given me the perfect excuse to do just that!

Using a technique that calls for a slow dip and release process, I created the new “All About Ombre” dress that gives each frock a deep gradient toward the lower hem. An elegant way to revive pre-loved cotton fabric, this design forced me to keep the remainder of the piece simple so as to not distract from the color flow. Continue reading

Events: Renegade Sneak Peek – Easy Breezy

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.

An Indie Biz: Catching Up

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!!!

Trends: Feeling Dreamy

Stars, cosmos and space seem to be all the rage in both the art and design world these days. The trend has been cropping up here, there and seemingly everywhere. From leggings sprinkled with crescent moons, to canvasses adorned with solar systems, it seems that all of us are star-gazing.

And though the itch to throw a milky way print onto new Pierogi Picnic creations hasn’t struck yet, I have been digging for Etsy items that have taken to space. Sneak a peek at my recent favorites in this dreamy treasury.

Press: Eco-Minded Chicago

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.