I love fall and winter – hot chocolate, holidays and fluffy blankets make this the most romantic season in my world. Add to that list warm cozy clothing – and I’m smitten beyond belief. This new Pierogi Picnic design looks to conjure up that warm fuzzy feeling and more! Handmade from a salvaged men’s sweatshirt, the cuddle-worthy fleecy interior gives the wearer comfort while the raw cut gives it an enviable edge. Shaped with a cropped waist, sleeves and high cowl, it still retains a modern feel. Also embellished with vintage lace and mismatched buttons, it will make the perfect gift for that fashion forward utilitarian loving gal on your gift list.
Tag: handmade
New Designs: Upcycled Aprons
One of my signature looks for craft fairs includes my uber feminine, totally utilitarian, aprons. Perfect for stashing petty change, receipts, pens, and other essentials, my “fartuszki” as they’re called in Polish, make me an efficient salesperson in stylish disguise!
Something that I’ve resisted doing for some time now was making these chic smocks for sale. But after the most recent Renegade Craft Fair, where I was asked again and again about my apron, I broke down and finally made a prototype. Using two vintage pillowcases, I cut and ruched one into the apron’s base, and used the second’s unusual flower print as an applique and pocket.
The result is better than I imagined! So now every hostess, baker, layer lover and crafter can also revel in sweet and simple apron joy.
New Designs: Pretty in Pleats
With autumn’s arrival there’s nothing better than a soft cotton cardigan to warm up your summer frocks. I designed this piece with exactly this in mind! Sculpted from an over-sized men’s t-shirt, this new design has tons of layering potential while remaining comfortable against the skin. The soft cotton belt is included for cinching, but it’s really the pleats in the back that give it a unique edge.
Indie Biz: Revamping Vintage
One of my favorite design challenges is finding frumpy vintage clothing and re-imagining them into modern user-friendly pieces. What’s so satisfying about the process is that it’s completely spontaneous. I don’t pre-plan and go out to find fabric. The fabric finds me.
As I’m hunting down t-shirts, sweaters, lace, and other materials for my classic Pierogi Picnic designs I sometimes happen upon a 60s dress or 70s skirt that has an interesting shape or print. I immediately size it up, looking at the quality of the garment, and envision it in a new form.
Friends who have come along for my fabric hunting adventures always smirk in disbelief when I grab a pleated, floor length, shoulder pad-filled frock and pop it in my cart. Weeks later when they see the outcome they are amazed!
“How did you know?” – they ask
“It’s just me following my intuition” – I reply
Any indie handmade business owner knows that there’s only so many reproductions we can pump out before we become fatigued by our craft. That’s why having an outlet to let spontaneous creativity shine is so important! All of us need to take a step back, experiment, and enjoy the stream-of-consciousness process of just letting go and having fun with a creation.
So next time you’re in a creative rut and looking for a way out – grab some raw materials and start to enjoy your craft once more. Who knows – maybe you’ll find your own token eighties frock.
Welcoming Autumn
Today is the day – the first day of my favorite season – autumn! To celebrate I’ve curated the following collection using my favorite items off Etsy. Enjoy!
An Indie Biz: Holidays on my Mind
I remember when I used to quip how ridiculous retailers were about their premature holiday roll outs. Now that I’m nearing my fourth winter season with Pierogi Picnic I hang my head in shame for my previous judgements. Retail is all about pre-planning – especially in the digital realm.
I should have started my holiday prepping over the summer – but how could I possibly tear myself away from the allure of the outdoors to sit inside for business planning?! But it’s not too late to get my approach for this season set and you can too with these four steps: Continue reading
New Designs: Revamped Vintage Petticoat
This time of year all I can think about is layers. Boots, chunky sweaters, socks and thermals are just a few of the things that come to mind. If you’re like me you quickly bust these items out from the back of your closet only to find that you are now overheated, crabby, and feeling quite fluffy.
Revamped Vintage Petticoats to the rescue! This new design allows you to transition between seasons by giving you extra length to your summer dresses and tunics without sacrificing your sense of style. Handmade using vintage slips and curtain lace – these unique petticoats give you a victorian look with a modern edge. Perfect for easing you and your wardrobe into autumn.
Shiny Happy*People 