The End of 2011

For my comeback I really grappled with what to talk about. Should I pretend I hadn't left? Should I apologize for my long neglect of my blog? Should we celebrate? I don't know. So, moving right along.

This past year has been a lesson in what it's like to taste the first bits of success in my business. A lot of mistake that I made taught me wonderful lessons in what my customers like and don't like. Designs had to be discontinued. There were some harsh lessons there. The giving in and admitting my customers don't like a particular design that I myself loved! So I often went back to the drawing board to create new designs! OMG....successful designs!

Bow Front Back Out Top

Since I've introduced the Bow Front Back Out Top, I seen a couple of Etsian attempting to create their own without blatantly copying but just a matter of time. I actually sat down and drew this design from scratch. This is always fun! Then a customer challenged me to make a dress. Done!

One of my favorite new designs of 2011 is the my infinity scarf. Yeah, I know... lots of designer make those. But I wanted something plush, chic, ritzy.....

Russian Husky Infinity Scarf

The Russian Husky Infinity Scarf was just introduced to my site this month so it's a bit to soon to gauge its success, but I sure do like it.

Earlier this spring I designed a shrug but I waned something with drama and flair. Also one that uses my favorite Eco-friendly modal knits.

Hooded Maxi Shrug

I wanted something the wearer could dress up or down. Something soft, comfortable and barely there. The Hooded Maxi Shrug really has been one of my biggest successes of 2011. Wonder how I'll top it in 2012?!?

Here's the newest design

The holiday season is coming up and my best friend, Coy, tells me I don't have a "little black dress" among my designs. I told her, "You know if I make anything it's going to be short". She pursed her lips, rolled her eyes and said "fine". So I proceeded to visualize something pretty, short, drippy and trendy. The latest fashion trend is definitely ruffles and I loved the opportunity to make a ruffle dress! So here it is.

It's made with a dripping spandex knit in black with gold specks on it. This gives it an overall liquid bronze appearance. Imagine this with some black fishnets and the highest black heel you've got in your closet! Beautiful!

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Surfside Model Shoot - More Pic!!!

Since we actually took hundreds of pictures at Surfside, I figured I'd share a few more.

[caption id="attachment_518" align="aligncenter" width="270" caption="Lunar 3 Handbag - Lipstick Red"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_523" align="aligncenter" width="685" caption=" Wrap It Up Eyelash Knit Short Hoodie - Black"][/caption]

I know I've shown this picture twice, but that's because it's my favorite. Jennifer looks so mysterious! Modelish! LOL! I love it. She doesn't smile much, but she still manages to pull off an air of mystery. I'll be working with her again in the next couple of weeks for a few more item for the holiday season. She's quickly become my favorite model!

[caption id="attachment_520" align="alignright" width="195" caption="Grecian Box Tie Maxi Dress - Black"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_519" align="alignleft" width="300" caption=" Leaf Motif Black Leather - Scalloped Lace Shrug"][/caption]

Currently On Sale

Since summer is essentially over and I'm getting ready to add new designs to my shop, I decided to slashed the prices of some of my old stuff. I currently have eleven item in the Sales section of  my shop. I'm posting a few here. Sizes are limited but everything that is on sale is for $12. That's less than half price for almost every item listed.

[caption id="attachment_470" align="aligncenter" width="230" caption="Wrap Around Organic Cotton Tee - Asparagus $12"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_471" align="aligncenter" width="216" caption="Goddess Top Reversible - Oatmeal Chocolate $12"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_473" align="aligncenter" width="255" caption="Kimono Mini Tie Top - Blue Floral $12"][/caption]

To see all of the items that I currently have on sale, please visit  Fine-Threadz .

In the next few days I'll be sure to give you a sneak peek at some of the new designs I'm working on for my Fall/Winter collection. Stay tuned!

SharonH

It's so hard to work with leather....

I've been working with leather for over 7 years and its never been easy. It doesn't behave like fabric. If you put a hole in leather it's forever. So you have to get it right the first time. There's no pinning. If you have to pull a seam, you're screwed. That's why leather is more expensive than fabric. That and a few other reasons. I have so many orders to work on, but I just had to get the bags out of the way. I love my designer bag because I made it completely from scratch. The pattern is a huge platter from Crate & Barrel that I bought years ago. I told you I have this crazy insane fetish about round things. If you come into my home you'd see round things everywhere.

Since I've been making leather goods for so long, I've learned a few things.  I think I'll write an article on it and give a few tips.  Admittedly,  working with leather requires a lot of specialized tools and equipment, but there are a couple of leathers that can be sewn on everyday sewing machines. I'll have the article ready in a week or two. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, here are the finished bags. All done.

[caption id="attachment_251" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Lunar 3 Collection"][/caption]