THE GREAT OUTDOORS WITH KAUFMAN MERCANTILE

As we approach the long weekend my hopes are high for good weather. If we are blessed with some sunshine - I plan to get out into the country for a long walk or maybe even a camping trip. To prepare for my adventure I have indulged in one of my favourite online shops, Kaufman Mercantile. Founded as a blog, in 2009, which explored the history and use of materials, after transforming into an online shop selling a few key well-made products. More recently they have extended their range and offer a library of short essays on materials as diverse as Stefel Textiles and Seersucker. His offering is carefully curated and includes products made from natural materials that are made to last. Here are a few of my favourites. This handmade range tent was originally designed and manufactured for working cowboys in Sheridan, Wyoming. The tents are still made in the same way –  “cotton duck” (from the Dutch word for cloth, doek). Double-fill canvas is woven with fibres from the interior of the cotton bulb, creating a very tight, smooth and strong weave that is less prone to shrinking. The oak stakes and Douglas fir poles are all made from wood sourced in the surrounding region. Selvage Denim & Red Chambray Field Bed is made from quilted Italian “slub selvage”- denim  sourced from a fourth generation premium denim dealer in Italy;  and the Japanese chambray interior has  lightweight insulation to withstand cold temperatures. It has a brass reversible zippers and leather bridle strap.   A cross between a snuggly sleeping bag and rugged cowboy sleeping rolls—where two wool blankets were folded around each other for a night’s rest, then rolled up and attached to the saddle through a leather harness. This field bed combines vintage aesthetics with some of the latest materials in camping technology. Far prettier than a nylon sleeping bag. [caption id="attachment_11407" align="alignnone" width="600"] Selvage Denim & Red Chambray Field Bed £524.48[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11401" align="aligncenter" width="600" class=" "] Selvage Denim & Red Chambray Field Bed £524.48[/caption] But maybe a camping trip is a little ambitious while spring is yet to turn to summer? Perhaps a bike ride and picnic beckons, or even a walk with your dog! This bicycle basket is woven from New England Appalachian white ash.  When it comes to classic bicycle accessories, nothing beats the charm, elegance, and functionality of a beautiful woven basket designed to be extra deep for holding everything from books to groceries, flowers, and even small (and particularly well-trained) pets. Their picnic basket with split lid and two handles and a waxed canvas lined interior is equally covetable. Hand-crafted from the same tough, flexible wood that’s used to make baseball bats, snowshoes and axe handles, this basket is ready to withstand a few bumps in the road. The Peterboro basket company dates back to 1841, when Amzi Childs came to Peterboro from Massachusetts to work in lead pipe manufacturing, and started weaving baskets on the side. His work became so popular he expanded his business under guidance of Henry Needham, "the dean of the basket making industry in Peterboro." In the hundred years since then, the factory has burned twice, merged and become incorporated, and currently operates in the same building it's been in since 1926. [caption id="attachment_11398" align="aligncenter" width="600" class=" "] Handwoven Ash Bicycle Basket £33.11[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_11405" align="alignnone" width="600"] Handwoven Picnic Basket £50.83[/caption] This Hemp & Solid Brass Dog Leash made from hand-spliced rope with an adjustable O-ring and trigger snap clip for handheld or around the waist walking.   The rope is hand-spliced (precisely and strategically twisted and threaded by hand) to withstand thousands of pounds in weight resistance – for those pups yet to graduate from puppy training school. To prevent fraying, the ends of the rope are whipped (wrapped and knotted securely) with waxed thread. [caption id="attachment_11441" align="alignnone" width="600"] Hemp and solid Brass dog leash £43.46[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11400" align="alignnone" width="600"] Hemp & Solid Brass Dog Leash £43.46[/caption] Finally a Leather & Brass Blanket Carry Strap to tote your picnic blanket. The leather has been dyed, finished and waxed by hand in New York. [caption id="attachment_11408" align="alignnone" width="600"] Leather & Brass Blanket Carry Strap £58.19[/caption]