Of Another Color.

Die at the Helm's herringbone design t-shirt is now available in white.

This design can currently be found Tender Loving Empire with prewashed sweat-shop free tshirts from Alternative Apparel.

These shirts have been printed with a bronze colored water-based ink. On the back lower left hand corner is the Die at the Helm logo and tagline.

These shirts are also available by custom request.

The House that Work Built

The Workhouse is a studio space and boutique in the Old Ironworks District of Bend, Oregon. The Workhouse boasts eight separate studios and a front retail space. The original wooden beams tower over the work spaces with light seeping in from the enormous front windows and exposed brick lining the walls.

The Workhouse opened in March of 2012 and is curated by Cari Dolyniuk. Cari is pictured here with her custom Workhouse brand scarf. She is also collaborating on Workhouse artist drawing kits and canvas tote bags.

Currently the Workhouse carries Die at the Helm waxed cotton handbags, nylon messenger minis, and buffalo leather wallets. Hand illustrated and silk-screened shirts from Die at the Helm are also available in the boutique.

The Governor Calling.

 

Boy's Fort is a "men's lifestyle home store" located in downtown Portland on the corner of SW 9th and Morrison Street.

The store is well curated and I am thrilled to be there along side Wooly Bison and McPherson Goods. 

 The Die at the Helm waxed cotton and leather wallets are available at Boy's Fort for $26.00

These handmade billfolds have been sewn with a sturdy industrial thread. The wallets are made from dark brown buffalo leather and a medium-weight waxed cotton. The billfold measures approximately 4" by 3.25" and fits right into your back pocket.

Waxed cotton is a waterproof cotton that will change in color as it wears. The leather will develop a Patina and also wear well with use.

The Die at the Helm waxed cotton lunch sacks are also now available at Boy's Fort. They are retailing for $36.00

Hand Drawn Herringbone.

Herringbone is a pattern that is distinctively V-shaped.

It is distinguished from a plain chevron by a reversal in directions.

Die at the Helm is now offering tshirts with a herringbone design has been hand illustrated.

  The herringbone pattern has a historical context. It dates back to Ancient Roman architecture and is commonly found in masonry, parquetry and textiles. The pattern resembles the bone structure of herring fish.

Herringbone cloth, made from horsehair, has been found in Ireland dating from possibly as early as the arrival of Celtic people on the island.

Carried. Packed. Paper Bagged. Sacked.

  The Haydon Tote:

A simple little lunch tote with a front buckle. 

Die at the Helm is now stitching reusable lunch sacks constructed from scrap leather and waxed cotton. They are lined with a water-proof Nylon. 

It has been stitched with a warm brown thread and the side seams are re-enforced inside with a black Nylon trim.

The front has a silver 1/2" buckle. There is one brass rivet in the front leather piece and one as well securing the back leather strap to the bag.

The bag measures approximately 6" wide by 8" high and 3" deep when closed. The top "roll down" section of material is 5" long

These bags are available on Etsy or by special request.

Roll down. Roll out. Lunch time is looking good.

An Expanding Set.

Die at the Helm is expanding its set of possibilities. 

  
 New for this winter of 2012/2013 are handmade leather and waxed cotton billfolds.

These wallets have a long inside pocket for your cash and two parallel diagonal pockets for your cards.

These simple slim buffalo hide billfolds are available at the Workhouse in Bend, Or.

 

They are also available on Etsy. And of course they pair well with the Die at the Helm handbags.

Intensities in Hues

A smidgen darker and a bit muted. It’s still red.

Oxblood.

Oxblood, with its hints of brown and cranberry, complements the more traditional tone of the leather. This waxed cotton bag was made in Portland, Or. The base and handles of this handbag are made from a buffalo leather. Buffalo leather is tanned using traditional methods and does not require the use of highly toxic chemicals.

 

This bag is 3" wide, 13" across, and 14" tall (not including the roll down top).

The top rolls down 9.5" in order to complement the waterproof nature of the fabric used. Waxed cotton is cotton impregnated with a paraffin based wax and then woven into cloth fabric.

The handles measure 28" long and are secured with small rivets. 

This bag was stitched on an old cast-iron Singer sewing machine with a thick contrasting tan thread.

All of the waxed cotton bags are available by special request.