Renegade 2011: Your Feedback Needed

I will be selling my Pierogi Picnic wares for the third year at the crème de la crème of indie handmade festivals: the Renegade Craft Fair!

Over the years I’ve learned a thing or to about participating in the show. One of the first is to have a game plan well in advance. Not only am I already sewing my little hands away at fall fashions – I’m also plotting out displays, business cards, and pre-fair graphics. I spent the first half of the day musing up new designs and the latter sitting at my sewing machine experimenting with new pieces.

Now I’m winding things down by contemplating my merchandising, tags and displays. As I started to think about the look and theme of this year’s  fest I realized that I have yet to send in my icon for the Renegade website!

That’s where you come in! I am looking for feedback as to which icon has the most eye-catching look. With 300+ vendors in this year’s event it’s more important then ever to stand out from the crowd. Take a peek at the images above and click on your favorite to be directed to the Pierogi Picnic Facebook page where you can cast your official vote.

Selecting the website icon is just the tip of the iceberg in preperation for the big weekend. I’ll continue to fill you in on all my scheming over the next couple of months. And as if I’m not excited enough with my own planning –  I will be sharing my booth with the lovely and talented Caitlin Peters of Wanderlustings. More info on our collaboration coming soon!

Thank you in advance for voting!

Meet the Models: Kelli

Kelli is just a girl with her head in the clouds. A film, FX, and animation enthusiast – she loves to travel overseas or on an open road.

A woman on a mission – Kelli is a career adviser at the Institute of Art and shapes the futures of cinema’s budding filmmakers. When not busy making films herself, Kelli also coordinates events for Women in Film Chicago.

Kelli’s energy and with light up even the dullest of crowds. Having a debilitating weakness for kittens – she cherishes what little free time she has by cuddling up with her own four cats, spouse and a hot chai latte.

Comfy, Chic & Customized: Swim Wear Revolution


If you’re anything like me you have a love/hate relationship with the beach. The soothing sound of lapping waves, the warmth of the sun, and the smells of sun tan lotion are sharply jarred by feelings of vulnerability and discomfort as your swim wear moves, shifts, and bulges in every nook and cranny of your body.

No matter how in or out of shape, all women fight this losing battle. And with the traditional swim suit materials only adding insult to injury the time has come to start a swim wear revolution!

By creating a new line of eco-friendly, custom fitted, vintage inspired swim suits – Pierogi Picnic is empowering you to hit the beach in comfort and style.

Each piece in the new line will be custom made to the wearer’s measurements out of soft and breathable upcycled cotton. The suits will be lined for fit and modesty and will include tailoring designed to flatter any figure. And the best part? The designs will be bright, colorful and affordable!!!

Keep your eyes peeled for the launch of the new line this June.

All is full of Love

Being a lover of hearts, red, and…well….love, I always find joy in this time of year when everything erupts in these themes. I’ll be the first to tell you that I don’t condone consumerism or gluttonous chocolate binging – but there is something to celebrating the people and things for which you have affections.

So in the spirit of the season I bestow you with a Pierogi Picnic valentine!

Product Photos: Let There Be Light!

When first starting my Etsy shop creating product photos was thee most difficult task in my quest to bring my handmade clothes to the masses. Having received my Bachelors in Film Production I knew a thing or two about lighting and set design but little about practical retail photography. So the experimentation commenced and years later I am more than content with the results – I am downright beaming with pride. Using the most minimal resources I have found a way to take a striking pic that captures the viewers attention while flattering the garments. Here are the tid bits that I have learned over the years.

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