Designs: Best of 2013

January 6, 2014January 2, 2014Leave a comment

I may be a touch bit biased when it comes to the best Pierogi Picnic designs of 2013 – so I decided to let the numbers do the talking!

Using my Etsy and website statistics, these are the most popular designs from the past year! I’ll have you know that a few of these took me by surprise.

What a year!

In Bloom tunic dress
Take a Bow scarf cowl
Green Gal retro bathing suit
Sir Cycle mens sweatshirt hoodie
Point Out the Way open back top
Miss Cycle womens sweatshirt hoodie
Blossom cotton women’s swimsuit
No Sweat mens cowl sweatshirt
Cosby Skirt upcycled sweater skirt
A Bow On It sweater headband

News: Pierogi Picnic Gift Certificates

December 20, 2013February 25, 2014Leave a comment

If you missed this morning’s shipment deadline for Christmas day – don’t fear! Pierogi Picnic gift certificates are here!

If you’ve found an item in the Etsy shop that just made you swoon – and you know it would make a great present for someone special – consider scooping them up a digital certificate instead of hustling for express shipping. This way you can still get them what you want and you won’t have to show up empty handed on Christmas!

Find various denominations of gift cards in the Pierogi Picnic Etsy shop here. If there’s not one for the amount you need – send us an email – and we’ll make one up especially for you.

Happy last-minute shopping!

Holiday Gift Guide: Under $60

December 9, 2013February 25, 2014Leave a comment

If you have a special someone on your shopping list, who you know would squeal with joy if they received a handmade goodie, than this is the gift guide for you!

Pulling together some of my favorite handmade Pierogi Picnic items, which are all ready to ship, I’ve compiled a wonderful collection of creations that will satiate even the most demanding of tastes. Check out my suggestions below, or check out more ideas in the Pierogi Picnic Etsy store here.

Sweet & Low Skirt midi hand stenciled peek a boo print
Never Neverland Tunic Dress limited edition design
Ms Spring Dress re-tailored vintage shirt dress
Eye Catching Dress revamped vintage frock that will steal the scene
Eye on You vintage flutter top
Emerald City Dress strappy revamped vintage number
Night Shift Dress cotton upcycled fabrics
Easy Breezy Shirt vintage textiles and charm

Featured Design: A Perfect Gent

December 6, 2013November 20, 2013Leave a comment

Who doesn’t love a dapper looking gent?! This new incarnation of the classic “Perfect Gent” Pierogi Picnic bow tie design has a new texture and feel, making it even easier to pair with a guy’s everyday wardrobe. Handmade using sweatshirt fabric scraps, the “Perfect Gent” bow ties have a solid structure, soft feel, and clip on back, making it a fast way to add a dash of gentlemanly charm to any outfit. Coming in a variety of sizes, it makes a fantastic stocking stuffer too! Check out the full link of “Perfect Gent” bow ties here.

Featured Design: Peek A Boo Chevron

November 20, 2013November 20, 2013Leave a comment

It’s the perfect time of year for layering up and cozying yourself out! So when choosing a design feature for this week – the choice was easy to make: The Peek A Boo Chevron Cardigan. Handmade using upcycled t-shirt cotton, this adorable top has an open facing front, gorgeous inset lace detailing in a chevron pattern in the back, and a gorgeous mustard yellow hue. It’s a great top for wearing over a t-shirt and fitted skirt, or for dressing up with a festive dress. Be sure to scoop one of these bad boys up before the holiday rush!

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!?

Finds: Renegade Recap

September 12, 2013September 11, 2013Leave a comment

It was the first time in over 4 years that Pierogi Picnic did not participate in Chicago’s September Renegade Craft Fair. We took the summer off from custom orders and sewing – and took that time to enjoy the season – which means getting to shop the event instead!

By far, one of the best fair line-ups I’ve seen in many years, this Renegade had a little bit of something for everyone. Whether finely crafted jewelry and elegant housewares or kitschy screenprinted posters and fun stuffies, this was the craft collection to end all craft collections.

Bouncing from booth to booth, David and I scooped up some fun items for ourselves and friends, while documenting the many talented artisans whose items inspired, delighted or enthused. Here’s what we brought home:

To scope out all of our favorite finds at this year’s fair, take a peek at our Facebook event album here. To see a full list of who exhibited, click here.