It takes energy, creativity, and a lot of heart to be an artist.
But there’s no way of knowing just what’s going to happen along the way to propel you forward or set you back. Over two decades ago, Sue Lances and her husband Ira made a living selling boutique women’s wear wholesale to retailers. Just as their business was getting hit hard by imports, about four years ago, someone recommended Sugarloaf to the couple. “We went after the crafts shows,” says Sue. “It was a whole other industry that we didn’t even know about. We were presented with an unbelievable opportunity.”
Sue and Ira were welcomed with open arms into Sugarloaf’s community of artists. A bigger support system couldn’t have come at a better time. At first, Ira was the only one who did the shows; Sue was in the hospital with their son, Jesse, who suffered from leukemia. “These people were so nice to Ira and our daughter, Erika, who helped him at some shows,” Sue says. “Other artists, Sugarloaf staffers, they all worked with him and helped him be organized. Sugarloaf gave us a good foundation.” When Jesse passed away over two years ago, Sue joined the business and began attending shows while Ira worked on designs at home in Staten Island, NY. “I feel I could never not do a Sugarloaf show,” she says. “They create a customer for us to sell to.”
And a Sugarloaf show really wouldn’t be the same without the Lances. When you see Sue in their colorful booth with a smile on her face, chatting away, you can tell she feels very much at home in this life as a craftsperson. “I love the family atmosphere, the customers,” she says. And the customers love them too (one woman has 14 jackets!).
“We have thousands of colors so customers have something new to see every season.” But a jacket isn’t just a jacket when it comes from the Lances’ perfected art of Handmade Chenille. The designs are made with Ira’s established technique of layering and cutting chenille to create both a solid and sheer look. Some designs have collars, others are dusters that extend to the floor. There are scarves, appliqué jackets, and, more recently, pillows. Along with original designs, the items the Lances’ create are reversible and can be machine-washed and dried.
To create one of the newest additions to their line, Lace Chenille, Ira is using threads and decorative fibers to hand make designs that have the delicate look of lace. “Ira is like rapid fire when it comes to design,” Sue says. “He’s the concept guy—he creates the jacket design and style and spreads out the fabric combos so that no two jackets are the same.” Sue gives credit to Sugarloaf by saying, “The success of the craft show industry has allowed us to make a living.” But the Lances’ success is obviously a team effort—one part energy, one part creativity, and a big helping of heart.
