Life on a House Boat in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is famous for the canals that line over 60 miles of the port city’s streets, and those canals are famous for the houseboats that in turn line them. In an effort to raise their daughter nearer to nature, Mijs and her husband, Casper, decided to move into a houseboat. From the water, you are that much closer to the elements and animals alike. However, buying a houseboat in Amsterdam is no easy task. There are only so many allotted spaces where people are allowed to set up camp. One must be lucky enough to find a current home for sale and buy their spot on the quay.

The ship this family of three has called home for the last 9 years was once a cargo boat for sand. It still functions as a seafaring vessel, but its engine has been removed. Once every 5 to 6 years, their boat is tugged to the wharf where it is inspected. There the boat is cleaned, removing all dirt and clams that have attached themselves to the bottom, and then re-painted.

“In Amsterdam it’s normal to have people living upstairs, downstairs, on both sides of you, but with our ship, we are like an island. We have one neighbor next to us, but we don’t hear each other, so that’s really nice (especially for them, because my husband loves to play the drums). When people sleep over, they say it’s the best sleep ever. We think it’s because there is no concrete underneath us, but water and mud.” -Mijs van de Griek

Mijs is a small business owner, with 2 side jobs. She works hard, but also finds time to enjoy free time with her daughter, Runa (age 9). The family often swims in the canal during the summer and skates on the canal when it freezes over in the winter. Together, they’ve raised a duck who also calls their houseboat home. Runa helps her parents with chores, and enjoys the tasks of those who are lucky enough to reside on the canals.

“We think Amsterdam cannot be without houseboats. It’s part of the scenery. Most of the people who live on a boat are handy people, who are kind and would love to help each other. We are a bit more independent than people who live in a ‘normal’ house, because we need to do more things.

My grandfather taught me how to build things with wood. My father taught me how electricity works and what you can do with that. And I’m a bit handy myself, so I don’t really ask people to come and make stuff at our ship, I just do it myself. I built us a cupboard. I wanted to have more light in our ship, so I’ve taken the jigsaw one day and sat on our roof and sawed two large windows in our roof. We also wanted a fireplace, so we made that ourselves as well. I’m used to fix things myself and don’t ask for help, and I kinda like that.” -Mijs van de GriekMijs has spent much of her life on boats. Before living on one, she was a boating instructor. Like many locals, Mijs has a smaller boat the family uses on weekends to cruise the canals. This summer, they’ll set off for a two week boating adventure.

Carpenter Apprentice Traci Longenbarger

“I am a 4th year carpenter apprentice.

My father had a huge part in getting me into carpentry. Since I was little, I always loved helping him with fixing things around the house. Now that I’m an adult, I want to know more and do it all.

My advise for other women would be work hard, have thick skin, always be willing to learn, and know that you don’t have to be the strongest person out here to get the job done. It’s not about brute strength but knowledge strength and thinking outside the box.

Women can do this work and we can do it well. This line of work isn’t for everyone, but for the people that want to get into it it’s great.

My favorite part of my job is that I’m building America one building at a time. To see a building start out as dirt and end up being a beautiful building at the end, and knowing I had a part in that gives me a feeling of completion. To be able to drive by a building with my family and friends and say I had a hand in building that gives me a great sense of pride.” —Traci Longenbarger

Take a look #throughhereyes:

Carhartt in Detroit

In a day and age when so few brands can rightfully call themselves a family company, Carhartt sticks out in a sea of suits like a vintage chore coat, passed down for generations. In 1889, Hamilton Carhartt started his workwear company with only 5 employees and 2 sewing machines. Over a hundred years full of hard work later—and look at them now!

Born in Detroit and proud of it, Carhartt opened a new location in a historic building downtown. Each nod to their past is a reassurance that Hamilton’s words still ring true:

“I believe that when a man wears an article that I manufacture, his self-respect is increased because he knows that it is made by an honest manufacturer, who is honest with his employees.”

That is perhaps the highest calling of a company: to do things well and to do things honestly. Now that is something I think we can all get behind.

 

Check this location out for yourself at 5800 Cass Avenue Detroit, MI 4820. 

 

 

Before You Renovate, Take a Word of Advice From The Building Hugger

Amy Nicole Swift, Detroit’s Building Hugger, and master renovator, has a few tips for you before you start planning your home renovation.

1. Develop a list of priorities and a realistic timeline for working through those items, even if that means planning 5 years out. It’s important to remain flexible. Renovations are always full of unknowns, no matter how well you might plan. Sometimes you have to compromise part of your vision to make a project work, but that can open up other creative opportunities. It’s all in your attitude: challenges can either be problems or they can be opportunities. Having a clear set of researched objectives can help guide you through the hiccups.

2. ​When you’re renovating an older home nothing will end up perfect. Don’t lose sight of why you probably fell in love with your old home in the first place: there’s an intrinsic beauty ​in its imperfections. If you expect straight floors, perfectly plumb doors, and flawless finishes then an old home might not be for you. Your home renovation will also never be really be “done” as there will always be another project down the pipeline — coming to terms with this will save you some anxiety.

3. ​Don’t take too much on yourself without starting a project without a solid plan.​ ​I work with a lot of homeowners that try to cut out the project management costs of hiring a general contractor and/or architect to save money, but that often costs them money or time or both in the long run. I suggest working with a building professional that is open to helping you save money by accommodating DIY projects in their scheduling​, as well as coaching you through some of those projects. It’s an approach I started to take in my business because that’s what Detroiters seem to want.

4. It’s important that you find building professionals in your area that are familiar with the era and construction method in which your house was constructed. You want to hire someone that can anticipate the inevitable challenges that come with working in an older home because they will already have an action plan in mind based on their previous experiences. What is the contractor’s pricing structure? Do they make money on a markup if they sell you on new windows or flooring as opposed to refinishing? Because of course they’re going to tell you the windows or flooring can’t be saved. Don’t work with anyone that’s pushy or doesn’t listen to what you want. Make sure your contractor aligns with your philosophy for restoration and shares your vision because you will be relying on them to guide you through every decision you make.

Amy works on restoring windows often, as she and Jennifer are pictured above. Another tip to keep in mind is:

5. New window companies have been very successful at convincing the public that replacement windows are significantly more energy efficient than historic windows. But that’s simply not true. ​A well maintained historic window with a storm panel is at least as efficient as a new window, and if properly maintained with paint and routine care, will last another hundred years or more. The ROI of investing in your historic windows is actually better because of their repairability. Unfortunately, as a dying trade​, ​window restoration has become a somewhat pricey boutique craft in recent years, but I’m hoping to shift that perception with a new approach to the services we offer.

Amy is wearing the Carhartt Force Performance Tank (color available next spring), Driving Glove, & Series 1889 Slim Double Front Dungaree. Jennifer is wearing the Carhartt Force Performance T-Shirt, Driving Glove, & Relaxed-Fit Sandstone Kane Dungaree.

The Right Accessories

All the blogs and fashion magazines tell you that you need the right accessories. On Crafted in Carhartt, we’ll tell you the same thing—but for much different reasons. Forget color blocking or following passing trends, these accessories are made to match your job. Amy Nicole Swift, The Building Hugger shows us how.
Let’s talk gloves.
Keep those hands safe and cover them in quality. That way you can be that much better at your job. These Driving Gloves are constructed of leather and cotton with a reinforced thumb and palm. Take a look at all the women’s gloves. Which ones match your daily routine?
Let’s talk boots.
And no, we’re not talking about knee highs or heels. We’re talking serious shoes for bad ass women who do dangerous, dirty jobs. These killer boots are oil, chemical, abrasion, heat and slip resistant. Their cement construction with Carhartt rubber Rugged Flex provide an insane amount of safety. The rubber heel bumper gives you added protection. With the ASTM 2413-EH rating, The Rugged Flex Work Boot is approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials.
Let’s talk shorts.
These Crawford Canvas Work Short are constructed from 9-ounce, 97% cotton and 3% spandex canvas with Rugged Flex Technology that allows you to move with ease. They are outfitted with a utility loop, tons of pockets, and sit just below the waist. The 11 inch inseam gives you just the right amount of coverage when you’re on the job.
Let’s talk tops.
Everyone loves a great Tee, and The Carhartt Force Performance T-Shirt is just that. How many shirts are sweat wicking, stain repellent, and odor fighting? (This style is available next spring, but check out the current styles here.) This is the kind of shirt you can wear every day and not get sick of it. It works just as hard as you do.
Let’s talk bags.
Carhartt tool bags are the best. This particular open tote will be available next spring. Take a look at what else Carhartt has to offer. They are all sturdy, covered in pockets, and ideal for the work site. Men and women alike will be jealous.
Let’s talk glasses.
These Billings Safety Glasses offer great coverage and protection with anti-fog lenses. They meet ANSI Z87.1 high impact requirements and are CAN/CSA Z94.3.07 rated. The lightweight design makes them comfortable to wear. Plus they are available at a great price!

Stewards of an Architectural Past

You may remember Amy Nicole Swift, founder of Building Hugger in Detroit. She’s a talented builder, bad-ass, and restorer of old. The Motor City is littered with gorgeous architecture from decades past. As folks move into the magnificent homes that need some extra TLC, they look for a pro like Amy to help them maintain the building’s integrity and history. 

​

Why is it so important to keep things accurate in restoration construction? I’ll let Amy tell you.



“Buildings are an archive of our collective history, so there is an intrinsic value ​in the historic materials that comprise them. Everything tells a story. When original components of a building are removed we lose that connection to the past. Moreover, the material quality and craftsmanship of historic components like windows are absolutely irreplaceable. That’s why I’ve been working hard to develop a business model that can make repair and restoration of old windows a more accessible option.
It is important when we envision the futures of existing buildings that we consider the page we will write with our work. ​I love that the work we do helps to preserve these buildings for years to come, and that tradespeople in the future will look after our work as we look after the work of the tradespeople that came before us. It’s very fulfilling to see my work as part of a compendium of architectural stewardship — like the great master builders of the past.” -Amy Nicole Swift

In the photos above, Amy and Jennifer are removing the windows from a gorgeous Detroit mansion so they can restore them back at their work space. So much heavy lifting and immaculate detail work goes into this process. Stay tuned in the days to come and see a bit more of these women on a mission.

The clothes shown above will be available in Spring 2016. Check out what you can get your hands on now here.

Furniture Designer Aimee Inouye

 

It seems like a romantic notion to grow up and spend the rest of you life with your high school sweetheart. But what if your paramour was your craft? Aimee Inouye took a Hawaiian crafts woodworking course while in high school in Honolulu and was taken with it.
After college, Aimee left Hawaii to pursue her education even further. From San Francisco to Portland, it’s been a long journey of building knowledge and skills. Merging her background in architecture, furniture design, and woodworking, Aimee hopes to move towards the furniture/product design field as a well-rounded maker.
She can now approach projects from start to finish with every aspect of the process in mind. Beautiful sketches fill her studio, each one reflecting the Shaker belief that “beauty rests in utility.” Woodchips cover the floor as design meets chisel.
In a time when woodworking as a profession is rare, let alone female woodworkers, it’s moving to sit and watch the sawdust fly. Perhaps it’s time to look at benches and bed frames in a whole new light. A labor of love comes from the handmade.
How much passion comes packaged in a ready-to-assemble bookshelf?

Take a closer look at Aimee’s stunning work here.
What Aimee’s wearing: Carhartt Women’s Dunlow Sweatshirt, Calumet Crewneck T-Shirt, Women’s Slim-Fit Nyona Jeans, & Duck Nail Apron.

Faina of Popps Packing in Detroit

If you know of vacant meatpacking plant in your neighborhood, you might consider converting it into a home and workspace. At least it worked out really well for the Detroit-based artists Faina Lerman and Graem Whyte. In 2007, the painter and performance artist, and her husband (a sculptor and architectural dabbler) seized the opportunity to buy the former Popps plant (later known as a cookie factory) built in the 1930s and rebirthed it into a bustling art center in the city’s Hamtramck neighborhood. Hamtramck is a culturally diverse city within a city. It was originally settled by German farmers, followed by a flood of Polish immigrants in the early part of the 20th century. Over the past thirty years a large number of immigrants (Yemenis, Bengali, Macedonian, Turkish, and Russian) to name just a few have taken up residence in Hamtramck along with a growing tide of young creative entrepreneurs. Since 2009, Graem and Faina have hosted seasonal indoor/outdoor installations, exhibitions and performances in the building where they also live in with their two young children. Popps Packing is not only a home and studio, it’s also an experimental arts venue aimed at promoting dialog and cultural exchange between the local, national and international communities through exhibitions, performances, workshops and artist residencies. In 2011, the duo purchased a house (Poppa Joe’s Guest House) and a house/storefront (Popps Emporium) across the street, further activating neglected spaces on the border of Detroit and Hamtramck, while providing additional housing and exhibition space for visiting artists. In 2012, they started a residency program that includes studio practice, research, architectural interventions and alternative systems projects. Popps Packing has been a self funded enterprise since it’s inception, relying on the resourceful handiness of Faina and Graem, lots of time/labor/material donations from their friends, odd jobs from clients, and small scale fundraising to keep things moving.

See what Faina’s wearing here: Carhartt Women’s Coleharbor Hoodie, Clarksburg Zip-Front Sweatshirt, Original-Fit Jasper Jeans, Sandstone Kenai Parka, C-Grip Knuckler Gloves, and Carhartt Women’s Rapid City Utility Work Apron

Building Hugger Amy Nicole Swift

Recycling and reusing building materials is the ideal way to go about repairing old houses and architecture. In a time when so much excess waste proliferates, as strong proponents of green construction arise, they need our support. Amy Nicole Swift is just that. When she’s not teaching at the university, she’s working to restore vacant Detroit properties. It’s a dirty and exhausting job, but crucial to rebuilding this iconic city. She founded Building Hugger, an architectural design-build firm, to give back to the community and breath new life into old spaces.

Check out Amy’s spring time work gear: Carhartt Mountrail Jacket, Force Performance Quarter-Zip Shirt, Sibley Denim Shorts, Soft Hands Gloves, and Wellington Boots. 

 

Carhartt Deals and Where to Buy

Turkey Day has come and past. I hope you all had a great day full of family and tasty food. As everyone knows, it’s Black Friday. Carhartt has some online shopping deals for those who’d like to shop from the comfort of their home. If you’re heart is set on getting out of the house, you can look for our retailers here. You might be lucky and located near one of our very own Carhartt Company Stores. We have locations in Albany, Bloomington, Chicago, Dedham, Huntington, Lynnfield, Murray, Portland, Seattle, Syracuse, and Woodbridge. The pictures above are from a few of our locations. Each store has its own theme, suited to the city it’s located in. For example, the Boston store is covered in boat parts and even has a few boats that float overhead. Albany is decked out in old railroad equipment and other interesting odds an ends. Whatever you decide to do with your lovely day, have fun and be safe!