Item of the Week: Valentine in Blue

February 12, 2013February 11, 2013Leave a comment

When thinking about what I should feature this week the choice was easy: my hand-stenciled Polish-folk blouse.

Created using a vintage women’s top, the style of the design is reminiscent of the Polish tradition of “wycinanki” which literally translates to “cut-outs”. Looking to bring the unique aesthetic to a Pierogi Picnic design, I hand carved a stencil with which to create the print. Including the silhouettes of hearts and leaves, I made a whimsical scene that I could then transfer with fabric paint onto the front of the blouse.

The captivating back-story to this particular piece is that my first print also became my last, as my plastic template morphed beyond recognition after the first stenciling. I even wrote an article on how we as indie biz owners can accept defeats gracefully – and guess what inspired the post? This design!

So in ode to Valentine’s Day I bring you a bittersweet design that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Item of the Week: Cosby Skirt

January 9, 2013January 6, 2013Leave a comment

What’s cozier than a soft knitted skirt made to fit your curves? One that also makes you reminisce of a time long gone by!

My fun-loving Cosby Skirts bring you the best of both worlds! Made from pre-loved 80s men’s sweaters, these fun pieces will take you back decades to a time when geometric shapes, bold colors and funky textures ruled!

Each Cosby skirt is handmade from meticulously chosen fabric – making sure each is absolutely itch-free and slightly stretchy – giving the final product a comfy and fitted feel. One of my most popular pieces at in-person events, these skirts are easy to wear and can be dressed up or down for any event.

Truly one-of-a-kind, you won’t want to miss out on these uniquely wonderful minis!

An Indie Biz: 2012 Year in Review

January 2, 2013January 2, 2013Leave a comment

Pierogi Picnic: Year in Review

2012 was quite the year for Pierogi Picnic!

Not only was it a hugely successful twelve months, it was also a time of discovery and change for both my business and me! Continue reading →

Item of the Week: Season’s Greetings

December 19, 2012December 19, 2012Leave a comment

A month or so ago I was thinking to myself, “Hmmmm – the holidays are at hand and I want to make a fun festive dress that’s practical and affordable.” Like all of you, I knew my budget would be stretched with holiday shopping, tree dressing and other expenses. So my goal was to create a simple design that would result in a lower price tag and the “Season’s Greetings” dress is just that!

Making it’s debut at the Renegade Holiday Craft Fair – this fun and flattering frock is made using vintage linens and pre-loved women’s shirts and carries a reasonable price tag of only $36. The long-sleeved tops keep the wearer nice and toasty without compromising on style. Plus – the elastic high waist gives each dress a fancy shmancy finish that creates a beautiful bell-like shape when worn. I only have a handful of these cute pieces left, ranging from green and black to gold and grey. Great for wearing to your upcoming holiday parties, check out the remaining pieces here.

My Christmas Wishlist

December 17, 2012January 19, 2016Leave a comment

When shopping this holiday season there’s nothing better than scooping up items that are handmade, vintage or sustainable. Not only does it mean you’re supporting a smaller business, you’re also promoting a greener economy.

With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorites off Etsy. Here’s my own whimsical wishlist:

What’s on your holiday wishlist? Are you dreaming of something vintage or handmade? Share links to your favorites in the comments.

Events: RCF Holiday Photos

December 10, 2012December 10, 2012Leave a comment

As promised – here’s a peek at the abundant and delightful chaos that was the 2012 Renegade Holiday Craft Fair in Chicago!

The crowds were bigger than ever this season, which made for a busy day! Caitlin and I were on our toes the entire weekend, greeting shoppers, answering questions and selling lots!

It was a fruitful endeavor that always leaves me feeling inspired and invigorated. I loved seeing many repeat clients come shopping through – as well as the friendly faces of fellow vendors. Whether selling, shopping or mingling, I had an absolute blast! Am I exhausted after the fact? You bet! But every ounce of energy poured into preparing and executing this fair was well worth it!!!

Meet the Models: Diane Maxine

December 3, 2012December 3, 20121 Comment

When looking to recruit models for my Pierogi Picnic shoots there’s one thing that always gets my attention: enthusiasm. Whether a passion for their work, life or just a general glee-fulness of spirit, the people you’ll find showing off my designs have a charisma that’s unique and all their own.

Diane Maxine is one such vivacious spirit. A talented musician, she plays the bass in our church’s worship team, which is how the two of us initially met. When she’s not bopping away and plucking her bass strings, Maxine loves to bake and watch the noshers faces light up after tasting her yummy creations.

What I enjoyed most about taking Maxine’s pictures was her easy-going attitude and big beautiful smile. Her last name actually means ‘happy’ – which is why you’ll see her always flashing her bright whites. With this kind of charm both inside and out – it’s no wonder she turned out so stunning in each shot.