I have an important question for you, my loyal customers, subscribers, and supporters. If I were doing one final production run, what would you like to see? What would be the last COKANNA design you would like to have hanging in your closet?
Changes are coming
Before you answer this, let me back up a bit. As you’ve probably surmised, I’m making some changes. I’ve been seriously contemplating how I want to live my life. It’s one of the things you start thinking about as you move beyond your half life. When you have more years behind you than ahead.
This includes what I want to do with my clothing business. Do I scale it back? Do I focus on the cancer care designs that I initially started out with? Well, as often happens, the answer simply presented itself.
My local manufacturer
On my last visit to my local manufacturer, The Bobbins Production Studio, Ivy informed me they are winding down their production facility. As with many small businesses, times are tough and the foreseeable future is full of uncertainty. Resources are hard to find, materials and help alike. The result, prices are soaring as we all know.
Ivy has been fantastic to work with. It made me extremely sad to hear this amazing women-owned business will be closing its doors. She has no regrets though. She learned a lot and will carry that forward to her next adventure. I completely understand. I feel exactly the same way.
Although I felt disheartened to hear the news, I also felt relief. My own decision was made. To go back to producing in Toronto is not logistically possible for me. So, I will be slowly winding down my business, at least the clothing portion, over the next year. It turns out, I’m in good company.
Back to my question
The Bobbins Studio will be operating until March of 2023 when their lease is up for renewal. That means I can do one more production run. Which brings me back to my opening question, what would you like me to produce for you this one last time?
I have charcoal grey and navy bamboo french terry which is great for pants. I could do more Joy Pocket Pants as I only have odd sizes left on clearance.

Joy Pocket Pant with the Maxine Reversible Tank
Or, I could bring back the Joan Trouser which is a relaxed fit featuring my signature wide comfy waistband and no pockets.

Heidi in the Joan Trouser with no pockets
Or, I could do this new cropped cardi which is an easy layer to carry in your bag and throw on over almost anything.

Cropped cardi pairs well with my new lounge pants

And layers nicely over the Carolyn reversible dress
There is some black bamboo fleece which could be used for cozy light weight mitts. I’ve had a few requests for more mitts. I have some silky blue and fiery fuchsia fabric as well.
And finally, I have some light and dark micro stripe jersey which could be used for more Pamela hoodies which I sold out of the first time round.

The Pamela hoodie would go nicely with my new bamboo leggings
So, if you could add one more COKANNA piece to your capsule wardrobe, what would that be? Please let me know in the comments. Or, send me an email at colleen@cokanna.ca. Time is of the essence!
Business as usual
In the meantime, I have soft and breathable bamboo leggings, lounge pants, dresses with pockets, reversible tanks, and cardirobes in stock just waiting for you. Have a peek!
Until next time,
~ Colleen

I’m a recovering Chartered Accountant and Breast Cancer Champion turned Fashion Designer. My COKANNA Canadian-made bamboo clothing is all about comfort and style. Giving back to the community is important to me so I support local breast cancer organizations who treat the whole person and not just the disease.
Sorry to hear this. I just passed on your info to friend whose cousin is undergoing treatment.
Good luck on your new ventures.
My vote would be the hoodie or the crop cardi.
Thanks for your hoodie or cropped cardi vote, Sandie!
The Lynne pant in black, please!
Thanks for your feedback, Susan. Unfortunately, I will not be doing more of the Lynne pant with the ribbing down the side. I don’t have the fabric available. Have you tried the Joy?
You’ve worked so hard to make your business what it is today and it’s sad to see you having to close it down. I vote for the cropped cardi.
Thanks for your vote for the cardi, Marilyn! Don’t be sad. I have worked hard and I’m so proud that I created this business. We’ll see what the future holds.
Terrible news for us but amazing new adventures await you and I’m excited for you. My last wish would be the cropped cardi. Wishing you all the best in your new endeavours.
Thanks so much, Diane! I have and always will be grateful for your wisdom and support. Thanks for your vote for the cropped cardi!
I would love to be able to purchase a couple pairs of Joan pants. They’re so versatile.
Your outfits have been a lifesaver for me as I’ve been going through my treatments. Not only are they well made but they also make me feel good.
My goal has always been to make women’s lives just a little bit easier so I truly appreciate your thoughtful words, Giselle. There are a few people who would like to buy more Joan pants.
Crop cardigan has my vote! I’d love a black or fuchsia one. I know this will be good for you, dear Colleen. Changes are tough, but so part of life.
Thanks so much for your vote, Chris! Changes are always challenging, but I’m made quite a few in my life especially when it comes to my career. I just want to take some time and do nothing before I decide what comes next!
Best of luck in your new ventures. You will be fabulous in whatever comes your way. We just never know what is around the corner. My vote is the Joy pant in Blue and the Cropped Cardi in Black or Charcoal.
Thanks for your encouraging words, Lynda!