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.

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.

The Women of Dalby Ranch in Post, Texas

In ranch life, family is everything. Just ask the ladies of Dalby Ranch in Post, Texas. Since it’s beginning in 1901, it’s been around for 5 generations. To beat the Texas heat, the girls are wearing Carhartt Force shirts. Working outdoors in southern temperatures can be pretty intense, so the moisture wicking technology and stain releasing fabrics of Force make the workday more enjoyable. We’re sure a little dirt and sweat never scared you before, but with Force on your side, it won’t even cross your mind.

Carhartt in Seattle

The Carhartt store in Seattle is located just a few blocks down the street from Pike Place Market, one of the oldest public farmer’s markets in the U.S. It’s an area full of history, farmers, and crafts people. When you walk in the Carhartt location, the old-timey feel of the neighborhood is continued in the lumber camp theme across the store. Beautiful reclaimed logs line the walls, door handles are made of axes, and the dressing rooms look like camping tents. Logging was Seattle’s first major industry, so it is a very fitting theme. I love how this store hints back to the history of the city. Old photographs of loggers past are hung on the back wall. It helps knowing that you came from a city of hard workers. I think it can only spur you on to continue the legacy.

Carhartt in Albany

I landed in eastern New York yesterday, and I’m blown away by how gorgeous this area is in the fall. The Albany Carhartt store is filled with old railroad signs and equipment. This was the starting point of the first railway system in New York, and one of the first systems in the world. You can’t help but think of all the history surrounding the city as you browse through the shop, filled with tools from times past. Carhartt was originally founded to make clothes for railroad workers, and has now expanded to make gear for the contemporary work force. It’s comforting to know there are still folks out there who love to put in a hard day’s work of manual labor. I really do believe that is a theme that ties us together and makes us strong.