Crafted in Carhartt Goes to Amsterdam!

Crafted in Carhartt recently traveled to Amsterdam to visit the Carhartt Europe office. Along the way, we gathered stories and took in the sights. This bustling city is the capital of The Netherlands and dates back to the 12th century as a small fishing village. Since its founding, the city has grown dramatically, with 165 canals stretching across the epicenter. The charming architecture creates lines that are slightly askew, caused by the buildings sinking unevenly into the wet soil beneath. Amsterdam is below sea level, after all.

There are more bicycles in Amsterdam than people, coming in at just over 881,000. One of the most fascinating places we visited was Zaanse Schans, a functioning saw mill in a windmill. And just in case you were wondering, some of the workers do wear wooden shoes.

The Dutch are a fascinating, inventive people. They are warm and funny. They put their hearts into each venture and enjoy the outdoors. They hunt and fish and work with their hands. Thank you for welcoming us. It’s so wonderful to see how far the Carhartt family reaches.

Stay tuned in the next few weeks as we share the stories of several industrious women we were lucky enough to meet during our time there.

Double the Denim

Spring is all about DENIM! You can never go wrong with denim or have enough of it, and it only gets better with time. I love mixing denim with more serious, practical pieces. My favorite rain jacket for this time of year is the Cascade because it is a little heavier. It also has some great hidden details, like storm cuffs with thumb holes to really keep the cold air and water out. And what is better than perfectly hidden pockets to keep all the things you can’t live without?! The Milam Chambray shirt is new for Spring and it is my favorite piece in the line. It is the perfect weight- not too heavy, not too light. What I love about a Chambray shirt is that you can wear it with ANYTHING and it can be dressed up or down. My go to outfit is usually a chambray shirt and a pair of black jeans but I’m also obsessed with denim on denim.

Another new piece of denim for Spring, is the Brewster Denim Jacket. There are so many great details about this jacket than make it so much more than just another jean jacket. It has zippered pockets so that you can make sure nothing falls out. My favorite detail is the railroad stripe interior pockets. They are a great nod to the history of Carhartt and nice and big for all the things you might need during the day. Lastly, the jacket has a drop tail hem to give you a little bit of extra coverage in the back. I love to layer with a denim jacket so I paired this with our super comfy Hayward Hoodie and a Force Tee.

xoxo,
Lauren

Studio Assistant Emilee Austin

 

Meet studio assistant, Emilee Austin. It can be a tough gig, but an inspiring one. Every work day is filled with learning something new and collaborating with the rest of the crew. It’s a messy job too, all the better to put your trust in a great set of coveralls.

The Zeeland Bib has a lot to offer: ankle-to-hip leg openings with a storm flap, adjustable front-elastic suspenders, covered elastic waistband in back, reinforced double knees with cleanout bottoms to accommodate knee pads, multiple utility pockets, and two lower-front pockets.



Emilee is wearing: Zeeland Sandstone Bib, Force Performance Quarter Zip, & Watch Hat. 

The Family That Fixes Cars Together

There has been a lot of talk lately concerning the typical gender codes for children’s toys. Boys usually play with water guns and model cars. Girls commonly play with dolls and tea sets. When kids deviate from the gender driven stereotypes, it can cause a bit of a stir. It’s about time we learn to let kids do what they love. Don’t stifle passions and interests. They can lead to great things.
For Diane Fallstone, that mentality rings true. She grew up tagging along with her brother: building forts, climbing trees, and playing with Hot Wheels. As time passed, her interests continued along the automotive path. She became the owner of her own mobile restoration company in the San Francisco area. Diane learned that in the automotive world, women have to work harder to prove they have what it takes. In the long run, that extra effort makes you more adept and skilled at your craft.
Now Diane and her family live in Portland. Her whole family is in love with the business and lends a hand. Her daughters Madi and Brooklyn are following in their mother’s footsteps. Working together draws them closer as a family and allows knowledge to pass down from one generation to the next. It’s encouraging to see the nurturing side of the mother-daughter relationship break down stereotypes.
Let those power tools roar!

Check out these featured looks:
Diane’s outfit: Carhartt Women’s El Paso Utility Vest, Clarksburg Zip-Front Sweatshirt, Kenmare Henley, & Women’s Series 1889 Slim Double-Front Denim Dungaree. Madi’s Outfit: Carhartt Women’s Tucker Jean Jacket, Clarksburg Zip-Front Sweatshirt, Calumet V-Neck Shirt, & Relaxed-Fit Weathered Duck Straughn Pant. Brooklyn’s Outfit: Carhartt Women’s Force Equator Jacket, Minto Shirt, Denim Bib Overall, & Osmore Conductor Hat.

Anne Bujold of Riveted Rabbit

Those of you who have ever wanted to learn a trade or a skill know that it seems quite daunting. There’s so much to master and it can feel like you’re putting yourself on the line. Take some advice from Anne Bujold, welder and blacksmith. Start small and work your way up to the big stuff.
Anne’s interest in metalwork started in jewelry making. As her skills grew and she became proficient at fabricating bigger and better things, the possibilities continued to grow in her mind. The knowledge she gained in classes and from mentors led her to expand the concepts of what she considered herself capable of doing.
Knowledge is power. The saying may be old and trite, but it doesn’t make it any less true. When you want something, get your feet wet. Learn as much as you can. Keep an open mind and open ears to hear advice and encouragement. Being a woman in what is typically a man’s world may take a little more elbow grease in the long run. Don’t let that dampen your spirit. Use it as fire to fuel the flames of your passion.
One of Anne’s favorite aspects metalwork is the rush she feels as she wields her hammer. Forging hot metal is dangerous and powerful. Keep that in mind as you view some of her finished work above. Don’t let the fanciful nature of her art fool you into forgetting the labor and ingenuity behind each bend and curve.

Anne’s workwear: Carhartt Women’s Zip-Front Sweatshirt, Carhartt Women’s Calumet Crewneck T-Shirt, Carhartt Women’s Clarkston Cami Tank, Carhartt Women’s Relaxed-Fit Canvas Cane Dungaree, & Carhartt Women’s Quick Flex Glove