The Long Good-Bye

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By Hand started from humble beginnings, a collective of sewers operating out of C J.s Garage at Dwight and Telegraph.  In 1974, Susan Powning and Elaine Emery took over By Hand and moved the shop to Walnut Square.  They celebrated by commissioning the now familiar Magritte-inspired print by Berkeley artist David Lance Goines.  When Paula and Romy became owners in 2010, they moved the shop to its fourth and largest storefront, directly across the street from our third location.  This past April, By Hand celebrated its 40th anniversary.  Today, it is with sadness that we must tell you the 41st year will be our last.   

Many of you have been with us from the beginning.  You have fond memories of the soutache embellished blouses, patchwork dresses, and cowboy shirts worn in decades past.  Tucked away in your closets are the yoked pants, the sueded rayon pieces, the tencel shirts, the colorful print blouses, and the beloved rayon culottes.   You come in with stories about your favorite pieces.  Not just articles of clothing but memories of milestones, celebrations, and events.

Deeply rooted in the community, By Hand is proud to be part of your life.  Throughout the years we've dressed you for your children's bat mitzvahs, college graduations, and wedding days.  In our small way, we were there to comfort during cancer treatments and laying parents to rest.  We've helped with outfits for interviews, to speak in front of the U.N., and to celebrate retirements much deserved.  We've counseled men on the perfect shirt to get them from 49 to...gasp...50 and what to wear on a nervous first date.  We must admit, we've wrapped up many a secret gift while some of you were in the dressing room.  With us you've shared stories of romance, how growing old is not for the faint of heart, and the trials and tribulations of raising children.

But all good things must come to an end.  To nip any rumors in the bud, it is not our landlord, our lease, or the economy.  Simply, Paula would like to retire, and Romy would like to try something new.  

After all this time, we wanted to have a long good-bye.  Please don't fret.  We are not closed yet.  Did you hear us?  We repeat, we are not closed yet.  Our lease is up in March and we plan to be here until the end.   We have a fabulous fall season planned for you.  Both new lines and old favorites are scheduled to arrive in the shop.  We'll still be here to help freshen up your wardrobe for fall and to see you through the holiday season.  

Again, we are not closed yet.   Come on in.  Shop.  Reminisce. 

Thank you for your support throughout the years. 

-From all of us at By Hand

For more thoughts from Paula, click here.
For more thoughts from Romy, click here.
For more thoughts from Susan, click here.