Item of the Week: Grunge Plunge

May 8, 2012May 8, 2012Leave a comment

I’ve been noticing a lot more plaid in the Midwest than I’m used to these days. And I’m liking the trend! What seems to be a classic pattern in the Northwest – this cross hatch of colors is a staple to any American’s wardrobe and it seems hotter than ever. Just this past weekend I enjoyed Vietnamese sandwiches with friends – and three of the six of ’em were wearing plaid!

So when deciding on the “Item of the Week” the choice seemed easy: the Grunge Plunge dress. What I refer to as a Pierogi Picnic classic, this adorable design fuses the charm of a vintage camisole with the rough and tumble tough of a men’s shirt, giving a softness to an otherwise beard and brawn look. It’s a piece I have been making now for over 3 years and the look of the opposing fabrics is something I never grow tired of! And seemingly – neither do you – as I continue to sell out of these dresses in shows season after season.

My Designs: The Birth of a Bathing Suit

May 7, 2012May 10, 2012Leave a comment

One of my all-time favorite things to do is roll out of bed early in the morning on any given weekend and hit the studio for some sewing. It’s when my brain is freshest, my eyes sharpest, and the light is just right.

With a steaming homemade latte in one hand, and a sharp pair of fabric scissors in the other, I indulge in the stillness of a morning by cut cut cutting through textiles. The photo above documents one such dawn as I hand craft a custom order bathing suit. A delicate endeavor, each curve must be done with absolute precision to ensure a perfect fit for the wearer. And what better time to embark on such a project as a crisp cool Sunday morn.

An Indie Biz: Just Dreaming

April 30, 2012April 30, 20121 Comment

Lately I’ve been dreaming, musing. Maybe it’s moving into a new apartment, neighborhood. I feel like the sky’s the limit and everything’s fresh and ripe for the picking!

Pierogi Picnic is flourishing more than I anticipated this season. With my recent moving distraction I feared that the very worst would happen – that sales would slide and that I’d spend months recovering. To my delight and surprise it’s been just the opposite. I’ve been working on custom orders every spare moment while trying to organize merchandise and my new studio.

The recent couple of months have been incredibly encouraging and have led to me thinking about the future of my lil’ biz. My thoughts are still too new and vulnerable to document – but they’re stirring and really taking root in my mind. More details to come!

Item of the Week: No Sweat

April 25, 2012April 25, 2012Leave a comment

I have a love/hate relationship with Spring. Sure it’s a time to reflect on new beginnings, watch the flowers grow and the like. But the season also brings flirtations of warmer weather, just to plunge us back into cool mornings and nights. That’s why when picking this week’s featured item I instantly thought of the “no sweat” design.

Handmade from thrifted men’s sweatshirts, these cozy tops have a warm fleecy exterior but have a loose cut that allows for a comfy feel. The “no sweat” piece has a perfect balance of style and function – making it a design that can be utilized in this season or the next.

Item of the Week: Never Never Land

April 20, 2012April 21, 2012Leave a comment

Peter pan collars are uber popular these days – so it must have been a stroke of genius or ESP when I debuted the Never Never Land design last year. These tops take cotton t-shirts and transform them into cinched comfy tunics. I then screen print the shape of a vintage collar around the necklines for a flirty retro look. Easy to wear and wash – they’re one of my all-time favorite designs.

Item of the Week: Sir Cycle

April 10, 2012April 10, 20122 Comments

Spring is in full swing in Chicago – which can only mean one thing – nutty weather! That’s why having lots of layer-ables is key in the windy city this time of year. The Sir Cycle design was created with this kind of versatility in mind.

I crafted this particular men’s cut after receiving a convo from a Pierogi Picnic fan, asking if I had any hooded sweatshirts for guys, which I didn’t. She specifically wanted something that her boyfriend could wear while biking – which meant it would have to be comfortable, convertible and warm – all at once.

And that’s how the “Sir Cycle” design was born! With her help, I crafted a soft yet stretchy men’s piece that can be used with a hood, cowl, or none of the above when unbuttoned. It’s now one of my favorite pieces to custom create, and my own biking hubby can attest to it’s style and function.

Meet the Models: Katie

April 9, 2012April 10, 2012Leave a comment

Katie is one special lady. Not only is she a kind-hearted, compassionate individual who works with special needs children, she’s also my younger brother’s fiance – earning her a special place in my heart. Driven and active, Katie is passionate about serving others and teaching. She believes this is God’s calling for her life and knows how instrumental she can be in making a positive impact in peoples’ lives.

When Katie’s not busy working with kids or spending time with loved ones, you can find her stalking Pinterest, planning her wedding or cuddling with her sister’s dog. Something many people don’t know about Katie is that she is driven to scrap booking during thunderstorms. All that thunder and lightning ignites her creativity and we’re happy to see its results!