Shari feels that her start in sewing and designing rail jackets was really just a fluke. Horses and sewing were always loves of hers. She remembers always sewing, but not with LYCRA® Spandex fabrics. Up until a few years ago most of her projects were with woven, non stretch fabrics. However, that changed a few winters ago after visiting her daughter. Her daughter, who shows her Tennessee Walker, was looking on Ebay for jackets for her next show. "Mom, this is what you should do. Make show shirts and sell them, since you will need to do something after you retire, and can make a little money too."
The seed was planted for Shari, and she could not stop thinking about it. She wanted to show her own horse and thought a good place to start would be to make a shirt for herself. Making the shirt was so much fun, she decided to make another one and try to sell it. Then a second turned into a third, then a fourth and so on.
"Talla Mitchell of Designer Alley gave me the basics of sewing techniques for these shirts, which was the boost I needed. As time went on, I researched, looked at designs, and tried to get as much information as possible about exactly how to do everything. Various people gave me suggestions as to what web sites to purchase fabric, leather, and crystals, Designer Alley being one of them, as purchasing locally is very limited as to what I can get."
Another boost for Shari was that attractive clothing for the larger woman is very limited, and she wanted something that was attractive and stunning too. Sewing her own was one way to obtain unique, stunning clothing that she could wear showing her horse. This naturally led into the idea of making clothing, not just for herself, but for others too. Shari feels there are other women that would like a razzle, dazzle shirt that is attractive for the larger woman, and so her exciting journey making beautiful show shirts began!
Measurements of each shirt are taken with the shirt laid out flat. All the shirts currently available are made with nylon LYCRA® Spandex and are quite stretchy. The shirts with leather appliques do not have as much give as the ones without due to the leather. All seams are finished and sewn twice. Hems are blind stitched. All her jackets have a separating sports zipper for ease of costume changes. Each jacket has hand set Swarovski Crystals. Each crystal is individually set in professional glue for a high quality finish. Each jacket available for sale has multiple pictures so you can visualize the completed piece. The jackets are even more stunning in person!
Shari has many pre-made jackets available for purchase. Check out her Misses Collections and Plus Size Collections at Designer Alleys Online Fashion Boutique
