While fans of HBO’s tv series Big Love eagerly await this season’s series opener in January, 2010, they may be disappointed to learn the FLDS Crafts web store has permanently closed its electronic shopping carts.
Approximately a year ago, the Wall Street Journal ran a story about the store and the FLDS families behind it; apparently the original prices for the prairie dresses ranged from $60-100; currently posted prices now range from $129-$165. Either web development costs were higher than expected, or consumer demand supported the higher prices.
I genuinely enjoy Big Love; I think the story lines are just a little out there <G>, but also well written, and offer a compelling hour or so of escapism/entertainment per episode. However, myself and other fans who hadn’t already bought their authentic peachskin prairie dresses, children’s clothing, or sewing patterns for same will now have to scramble to find appropriate show watching attire:

Also no longer available is the FLDS Craft’s “top selling FLDS Hair Styling DVD – Braids DVD #2:”

Beginning with long hair care and advancing through basic waves and braids, these instructional videos will teach you some of the most intricate hairstyles you have ever seen.
Soon you will be styling your own hair in French braids, Dutch braids, Twists, and more!
The talented hairstylists will take you step-by-step through each of the featured braid styles.
The easiest braids are explained, and the complicated styles are described in detail, along with variations to get you started in your own creative style.
DVD #2 Includes:
6:02 — Basic Braids
3:34 — French Braids
4:40 — Dutch Braids
Total Time: 17:16 minutes
cost: $19.99
Coming soon: more DVD teaching more advanced braids and updos.
I am curious as to exactly why the store closed – maybe it was surprisingly profitable, but too far a culture shift for the entrepreneurs who created it? Or was it only because the founders’ target market – “the professional business woman” – was the wrong market for these products?
Either way – the store provided interesting insights – and questions – about the FLDS culture, which will continue to be in the public eye, through Big Love and also the remaining bigamy and child abuse trials.
Ironically, Delta Airlines’ Weekly Fare Specials just landed in my inbox: on sale this week:
Seattle, WA (SEA) to Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) $59
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Tags: dutch braids, prairie dresses, flds, slc, hbo series, creative style