B A C O N H a n d m a d e N e c k w e a r - Casual and Wedding Neckties, Bowties, Necklaces

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2010-03-30T10:42:00.001-07:00

BACON Handmade Neckwear

WHAT WE MAKE: What sets BACON neckwear apart from other ties is exactly what sets each tie-wearer from the rest -- to each tie its own attitude, personality and function. Our products are always handmade, never compromising the uniqueness and bespoke quality of each one.

We make neckwear -- neckties, bowties, necklaces -- for men, women, boys and girls. Versatility is our friend, and we create wearable art for those who like Everyday Dressing Up.

We also have special edition ties that are specifically designed with eco-consciousness in mind. We recycle fabrics from used and vintage clothing to stay en vogue while helping restore things back to Eden.

WHAT INSPIRES US:
Everything from bicyclists, the American Gangster, Scottish clan tartans and nocturnal creatures to quality fabrics, romance, our own stories and histories, fratboys, friends and celebrities.

Congratulations to Whitney Misch, winner of our first ever The Art Of The Bespoke Tie Photo Contest. Whitney received a neckwear package from us, and prizes from Plain Jane Designs (1331 S Milledge) and Stage Door Vintage (Cor. N. Jackson and Broad Sts, 2nd Flr). Blvd Magazine will also feature Whitney in an online featurette in early May. Watch out for it!

Thanks to all those who voted!

USHER IN SPRING AND SUMMER WITH US:
Feb 28 Foundry Park Inn Bridal Show
Mar 26-27 Outlaws Outdoors Art/Music Festival, Dahlonega, GA
Mar 28 Classic City Showcase, Athens, GA
Apr 10 Aux Fest Artist Market, Athens, GA
Apr 25 Transmet, Athens, GA
May 1 Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa, Athens, GA
May 15-16 Art Star Philadelphia
May-June Plain Jane Designs Father's Day Sale.
June 12 Five Points Arts Fest, Athens, GA

A Little Investment

2010-03-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

In the midst of doubting things here and there, Jenni and I received a sweet little envelope in the mail this past weekend. A bestfriend of mine who'd been such a source of encouragement and guidance since my freshman year of college sent a pithy note along with a check that said:

Hello! You and BACON have been on my heart lately. Here's a small investment, and a token of how much I appreciate what you and Jen are creating out of God's gifts he's given you. Don't worry about returning the investment because seeing what you can do is more than enough. Love, kisses and bright wishes for spring.

I always tell Stephen how I wish we had investors; that although we pride ourselves a whole lot on being an independent company, it wouldn't hurt to have a money bank that would allow us to expand inventory without cutting our paychecks in half. I honestly am not the best at selling myself or my ideas (eventhough I've scored us some free publicity quite a number of times). It also gives me a fright to think about having to convince someone that we are worth their money (you can ask my friend Morgan McGuire or Megan Ross). Luckily, this friend's "investment" did not require me or Jenni to throw a spectacle of a show-and-tell. It was all a gesture of love, and what it communicated to Jenni's heart and mine was that people appreciate us and what we do.

So despite the wee-bit of a flop that happened on Saturday (bad weather at the music fest and just tons of craziness), we are very encouraged this week to tackle what spring, summer and fall have yet to bring. :)

Much love
Cinelle

Alexander McQueen is dead!

2010-02-11T08:49:00.000-08:00

So sad.

Not that he was our favorite designer, but that he was a tailor of the highest order. We pray his friends and family will have strength and peace through this time.

R.I.P., A.McQ.

BACON is yummy...

2010-02-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

Hi friends!

I started the blog after feeling like I was lightyears behind other artists and handmade crafters for not having diary-type literature about ourselves on the web. I am, anyways, a journalism graduate. So, here's to making years of J-school seem like it is finally paying off...

BACON Handmade Neckwear began as a craft project in 2008 and advanced into an artistic skydive in 2009. Now, in the first milli-seconds of this double-digit decade ('10), Jenni and I daily soak up the yumminess of what it means to run a young "business" that sweats and bleeds for the old techniques of bespoke tie-making.

By old, I don't mean "geriatric," nor "obsolete." By this I mean that the art of the bespoke tie is rather seasoned, mature, venerable. Wherein commerce is soulless and impersonal, J-to-the-enni and moi strive to discover ways to bridge utilitarian modern lifestyle/fashion and the distinct, polished look of vintage. And what does that mean in layman's terms? Oh boy...

It means putting new spins on tried-and-tested construction techniques. It means having to watch TV less so we could hand-paint and hand-dye fabric. It means to have calloused fingers and carpal tunnel hands. It means trying to remember what my late Lola Isabel (grandma) said about how to embroider like a true post-Castillian Filipina. It means Jenni later on finding out that ironing before sewing is better than sewing before ironing. (We will patent that technique one day! Now don't go stealing it) It means speed-eating ramen noodles to leave more time during the day for pin-tucking. (By now, we would have killed 6.9 trillion brain cells from all that ramen MSG)

And on certain days, it means Jenni and I butting heads, sneering at or avoiding each other, crying discreetly in each of our bedrooms while not allowing the other to know that one is much upset. On these certain forsaken days, it means she and I find no solitude, no harmony, no encouragement in the company of the other. And when these days come, we remember that we are not perfect, not even as a company. It is at these times that we are most convinced that we DO need each other, that either of us desperately needs the polar-opposite personality, skills and spirit of the other team-player to keep BACON going.

We, Jenni and Cinelle, are BACON. There is no avoiding the drama because we are no corporate heads speaking into intercoms, having our secretaries fetch us coffee (neither of us actually drinks America's powerdrink), whipping our "designers" and "seamstresses" for not meeting production deadlines. And you know what, we. love. it. We are part of the world's 1.7% population that actually LOVES to get up in the morning to work. We, unlike most manufacturers, actually are deeply infatuated with our products. We DREAM about them, seriously. And that is what makes BACON Handmade Neckwear yummy.

So what is so delish about the next coming weeks?
-Jenni is making a trip out to New York (home!) to visit Mood Fabrics and Lost City Product's showroom for fabric and visual inspiration.
-I'm heading out to the ATL to find fabric as well
-We have given in to hand-embroidery services. Belt out those embroidery hoops and sit those butts in those grandma rockin' chairs!
-I'm looking into hand-painting habotai silk scarves for the spring.
-Sample Sale Party to benefit Jessica Forbes, who is leaving for missions in Prague
-More brainstorming with Plain Jane Designs owner, Jane Bennett
-Still praying for a huge W-holesale opportunity. W-ink, W-ink.
-NEW lower shipping rates! Half-price on shipping within USA hereonafter.

That's it, babies.

Much love,
Cinelle