Mt. Ties

About a month ago I decided to start shopping on eBay to buy used ties in bulk because I knew of a fellow small business owner/professional crafter that was successful in purchasing bulk ties on eBay. I found a couple of listings within my price range and found a seller that was shipping from Everett. Once I was successful with the bid and my random selection of ties were sent to me, I awaited for my first lot of ties to arrive. Upon opening the box I found a note from the seller offering more ties from their inventory. I contacted the seller and learned that they were in Monroe, about an hour away from Seattle. I found myself in Everett this previous weekend and made an appointment to swing by their place to check out the stock. I figured I could not go wrong when I heard that they have over 1000 ties.

Along a main road in Monroe is a cute lavender house that you cannot miss. The couple, Lisa and George, were very nice and welcoming as we entered their home. Lisa took out bin after bin of ties that she had collected for a quilting project which she gave up on. Each tie was bagged and coded by size and length. I spent about an hour shuffling through ties, with Ryo (my silent business partner) keeping track of how many ties I was picking out. George provided garbage bags to store my ties in for easy transportation. In the end I decided to finish off at 400 for a good number. We excused ourselves as we ran to the ATM to withdraw money since the couple did not have a means of taking credit cards. When we returned, Lisa pointed out that she forgot to show me a stack of ties she did not categorize. In 10 minutes I found 30 more that she was glad to be rid of. On a hot summer evening, we left the lavender house with three bags full of 430 ties for a bargain. Thanks to Lisa and George for helping this crazy purse maker in making more Formal bags.

Cuff links: a lost art of men's accesories

The Formal Collection includes a clutch that I use a cuff link as a closure. When I first began this size, I was able to find really cheap cuff links and got a handful from donations. The clutches are a big hit and I've sold most of my inventory but now I cannot find cuff links at the same price I first found them at. After months and months of searching on eBay and looking for a wholesaler, I have decided to give in and purchase cuff links at a higher price then what I was looking for. Unfortunately the cost of a clutch will rise but they are a popular item so I guess it all works out in the end.