Meet the Models: Mumu

I just couldn’t resist sharing this adorable photo!

Fellow crafter and artist extroadinaire Angel D’Amico of Ad Love purchased one of my sweater bow ties at the Renegade Craft Fair. After bringing the piece home she made a wonderful discovery – her cat Mumu could rock the bow too!

This handsome gent looked so dapper in his new accessory that it inspired me to design some duds for our furry friends. So keep your eyes peeled for some Pierogi Picnic Pet items soon!

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.

Living Green: Chicago Uniform Project

I had the joy and pleasure of dolling up Sarah Louise Braunstein and taking her photos for the Chicago Uniform Project yesterday. Much like the original that inspired her venture, Sarah has taken the challenge of wearing the same item of clothing daily to a new creative level.

Rather then dressing herself, as did Shenna Matheiken, Sarah has asked local designers, boutique owners and stylists to create her looks. Each day she uploads a new photo of herself in a curated outfit, with many of the designers donating the items for an online auction. All the proceeds from the project are being donated to  Connections for Abused Women and their Children, a Chicago-based foundation committed to ending domestic violence. Continue reading

Events: Renegade Craft Fair Fun!

Thank you to everyone who came out this past weekend to our third stint at the Chicago Renegade Craft fair!

Not only was the weather perfect – we really lucked out with our spot! Our booth was across from Milk & Honey which made for easy snack and coffee access. We also enjoyed gourmet snow cones a plenty throughout the event care of Joe Snow. To the left of our space we had the very talented dynamic duo that is Cursive Design. While our back wall listened in on many a conversation with fellow Chicago crafter Angel D’Amico of Ad Love.

Sharing the booth with Caitlin Peters of Wanderlustings was a godsend. Having a creative partner in crime really eased some of the day’s pressure off my shoulders. Not only was the prep via craft party a romping good time – setting up, tearing down, and mid-day perk ups all felt easy breezy with her (and our significant others) help.

And on top of the great spot and wonderful company – I got to enjoy the best part about RCF – meeting all of you face to face! So thank you all again for venturing out through the heat and crowds to shop and visit – Renegade would never be complete without the shiny happy faces of all the Pierogi Picnic fans like you!

Events: Pre-Renegade Giveaway

There’s nothing like celebrating before a big event – and this year the festivities just don’t end! To mark Pierogi Picnic’s third year at Renegade I am hosting the following giveaway.

The prize: A $20 digital Pierogi Picnic gift certificate that can be used toward a purchase at my booth at the Renegade Craft Fair OR in my Etsy shop.

To enter: Pop by the Pierogi Picnic Etsy store, find your favorite item and post a link to it in the comments below. Be sure to include your e-mail too so I can contact you if you win!

The winner will be chosen at random and will be announced on the eve of Renegade – Friday, September 9th at 10pm.

Receive brownie points if you Tweet about the giveaway or make a mention on your Facebook page. If you do – be sure to tag @pierogipicnic so your post can be tracked.

Good luck!

An Indie Biz: Sign Language


In preparation for Renegade I decided to take up the cause of making a new set of signs for the booth. One of the reasons I wanted to recreate things was to accommodate my booth mate so my original banner was not hogging all the space. So this year we’re both using the same materials to create horizontal and vertical signs to hang on the interior and exterior of our boothtique (you like the new term?!).

Continue reading