Events: Pop-Up Shop

August 10, 2015September 11, 2015Leave a comment

Just when we thought all the fun was over – we’ve decided to host one last event to bid Pierogi Picnic adieu – a pop-up shop!

Join us on Saturday, August 23rd from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Chicago’s famed Nettelhorst French Market, just north of Belmont off Broadway and Melrose. We will be selling all of my remaining eco-friendly creations at steep discounts. Plus – we’ll have a buy two get one free special running all day!

Come on out to see us to help the brand with a proper send-off. See you there!

Pierogi Picnic’s Fond Farewell

August 2, 2015January 19, 2016Leave a comment

This is it! The Pierogi Picnic Etsy shop has officially closed as of 9pm this evening. Let the record show that August 2nd, 2015 is a day that now stands in history! At least in my books. Though it’s a bittersweet moment, there’s so much to celebrate when looking back at these last seven years of sustainable design.

It all began with a skirt. I created a simple asymmetrical pencil skirt using a thrifted cotton t-shirt. Every which way I went I would receive compliments, along with inquiries on how people could get their hands on one of their own. That’s what inspired me to create an affordable line of retro, comfy, eco-friendly clothing. I had also recently discovered the growing handmade movement, and with encouragement from my husband, launched my own Etsy shop in the fall of 2008.

After debuting my store I continued to create truly one-of-a-kind clothing items made from recycled materials. Scouring Chicago’s thrift stores high and wide, I was collecting pre-loved fabrics and vintage textiles to create a unique line of casual and comfy clothing. Within a couple of months I began to add other designs. T-shirt dresses, camisole gowns, restructured tanks, vintage finds and more! It was in that year that I came up with some of my most popular designs, included the Resurrected Tee skirt, Revamped Flower headbands, Darling Dresses and No Sweat tunics. They were a hit! And so Pierogi Picnic took off!

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An Indie Biz: 2014 in Review

January 8, 2015January 7, 2015Leave a comment

2014 was quite the year for Pierogi Picnic and there’s so much to celebrate!

Beyond being the sixth year that I’ve been creating and selling my eco-friendly wares, this was the year I learned to pace and prioritize like never before! And with a baby on the way (we’re at 9 months today!) that’s a valuable lesson to have learned.

Though things had slowed down the second half of the year due to some funky early pregnancy woes, the first half of the year was as productive as ever. With custom orders pouring in off of Etsy and lots of traffic hitting the website, I found myself busier than ever! Focusing on the Pierogi Picnic website and online sales continues to be the best business plan I can have – especially now that baby is almost here!

My focus in 2015 will continue to be on expanding Pierogi Picnic’s virtual reach while really honing in on creating more made-to-order items. Once the babe is here and we’re in a rhythm the custom order portion of my Etsy shop will be up and running again and I can’t wait for that time to come! My hands have been fabric free for far too long! And who knows – maybe a new munchkin line will be on the way this year too!

So without further adieu – here’s a look back at what rocked the Pierogi Picnic world in 2014!

My Favorite New Designs: The Dawn & Dusk Collection

Most Popular Item: Green Gal Custom Swimsuit

Runners Up: Sir Cycle men’s sweatshirt, Just in Case Lace women’s tank, all things Vintage

Most Popular Post of the Year: DIY Love Patch

Runner’s Up: Inspiration: Suitcase Dresser, DIY: Earring Tutorial, DIY: Homemade Cheek & Lip Stain, Trends: Lovin’ the Leggins

Thank you to all of you for your support and encouragement throughout 2014! Here’s to making 2015 the best year for Pierogi Picnic yet!!!

Featured Designs: Welcoming Fall

September 9, 2014September 8, 2014Leave a comment

This morning I awoke to a crisp cool breeze wafting in through the open windows. Fall is almost here! And with the changing season comes the promise of foliage, pumpkin this-and-tha’s, chunky knits and more. In honor of this most cozy of seasons, I’ve put together the following collection of my favorite autumnal Pierogi Picnic designs. Jump in and enjoy!

1. Limited Edition Dawn & Dusk Peter Pan Collar Sweatshirt

2. Limited Edition Dawn & Dusk Studded Tee

3. Perfect Gent Upcycled Bow Tie

4. Limited Edition Heart on Your Sleeve Dawn & Dusk Top

5. Flirty Flounce Pumpkin Spice Top

6. Peek a Boo Chevron Cardigan

7. Golden Gal Party Dress

8. Limited Edition Dawn & Dusk Lace Cowl Top

9. Turkeypalooza Men’s Smash Shirt

An Indie Biz: My 50th Photo Shoot

May 1, 2014April 26, 2014Leave a comment

This past month I held my fiftieth, that’s right 5-0-th, photo shoot for Pierogi Picnic. That’s 50 sets of clothing, 50 modelling sessions, 50 folders filled with product photos.

Hitting such a big milestone shouldn’t be taken lightly – so I thought it appropriate to take a trip down memory lane. Here’s a look at the evolution of my photos since launching Pierogi Picnic five years ago.

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!