ADVENTURES IN RETAIL: MacKimmie Co.—Keeping the tradition of hand

"Authenticity, timeless design, fine craftsmanship and the finest natural fibers are all hallmarks of our selection of time-honored home textiles." --Doris Barsauskas, MacKimmie Co.

I prefer to buy things of quality. I’m a big believer in handmade, tactile, crafted pieces—pieces that last a lifetime and don't have to be replaced every few years.

Doris Barsauskas of MacKimmie Co. at 69 Church Street in Lenox keeps the tradition of hand-crafted items alive in her store on Church Street in Lenox. She carries brands that produce textiles—namely blankets and throws and shawls—in the same way they were made more than 100 years ago. No shortcuts. No synthetic fabrics. No assembly line production methods.

Each year, Doris travels to trade shows in Europe to source quality merchandise and to meet with vendors. She says,"Our brands celebrate the artistry of heritage mills, skilled artisans, and emerging designers."

From Scotland, she carries products by Johnstons of Elgin. Their beautifully crafted designs are made using natural, renewable fibers made inside their own Scottish mills, allowing them to have control over the manufacturing process.

From London, there are blankets and scarves from Wallace-Sewell, a design studio established by two women in l992. Their products are a "perfect fusion of modern design and traditional technique."

Mourne Textiles, started by a weaver over 70 years ago, pride themselves on their low environmental impact, their natural, low energy consumption and small carbon footprint. The label, made in Ireland, adds value and prestige to a woven or knitted item.

Doris says: "We’re purchasing from mills that have been crafting textiles for over 200 years. The products are passionately steeped in tradition with the perfect twist to be at home effortlessly in a contemporary lifestyle. We’re most mindful of the quality of our merchandise—heirloom pieces to be enjoyed for a lifetime."

What labels tell us

I look at labels. I look for country of origin. If the label says, "Made in China," I return the item to the shelf. I also look for handmade, hand-crafted, fair trade, FSG (forest sustainable goods), hand-woven, hand-loomed…

Since products imported into the U.S. require a label stating country of origin, I like to read: Made in Italy, in England, or Ireland, or Scotland, or Australia; Made in Portugal, or Germany, or Spain, or France. And I am always happy to see: Made in Japan. If an item says "Made in India," I quietly hope that no children were involved in the production.

Labels can be confusing. Many products claim to be "natural," "ecofriendly" or "biodegradable." Unfortunately, because there's no standardized definition for any of these words, they are sometimes misleading and the products are actually no better for the environment than ones without the labels.

Despite lack of standardization, I try to buy "organic." Not always to be trusted, it's the best indicator that minimal pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics were used in the growing and processing. Products labeled "organic" must consist of at least 95 percemt organically produced ingredients.

The Fair-Trade Certified Label demonstrates that workers were paid fair wages and that they have opportunities for healthcare, housing, and education. And that they are not children, but grownups.

As a publisher of children's books, I put great stock in the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) labels. They show that forests are being managed responsibly and that paper and wood products are made sustainably.

Right now, there is a bit of China in almost every product we consume. Can we spend even one day avoiding all Chinese-made products? Probably not. But how can we switch to more planet-friendly materials?

Scarves at MacKimmie

The labels on the scarves in the shop were an interesting lot. They revealed the countries of origin: France, India, Nepal. A label on a gorgeous cotton scarf with a bright-colored pattern of fish read: "Designed in Paris…Made in India…"

An additional label read: At Inouf Editions, each drawing can be seen as a canvas and tells a story at the crossroad of engraving and printing. This piece is made by craftsmen using ancestral methods, which respect both the workers and the environment. Natural variations may appear; they reveal their authenticity to this article.

I bought the scarf!

Natural or synthetic

All fabrics can be characterized as either natural or synthetic, or a blend of both. There are pros and cons, but natural fibers are generally more environmentally friendly and durable. Natural fibers usually have a smaller environmental impact since they do not use as many chemicals during the production process.

Synthetic fibers are cheaper and do have benefits for daily use, including stain and water resistance. Some are completely waterproof, so they are great for outdoor and rain gear.

But sleeping with a polyester blanket is just not the same as being covered with a down quilt, or a wool blanket in winter, or a cotton cover in summer

Every product at MacKimmie is made from a natural fiber. Doris says, "All our home products are made of natural fibers, which include various wools, cashmere, alpaca, mohair, linen, and cotton. I have always gravitated to the luxury and balance of natural fibers. They are generally more environmentally friendly, durable, mostly sustainable and user-friendly. Natural fibers are moisture-wicking and breathable, making them more comfortable to use."

Countries where MacKimmie's home products are made: USA, England, Portugal, Spain, Scotland, Ireland, and Belgium

Handcrafted vs. handmade

Both terms refer to goods that require a person to use their hands. These items will vary slightly in looks because humans are not machines. People cannot produce multiple items that are all exactly alike.

This is a good thing! It is well-stated by Bill Watterson:

"We don't value craftsmanship anymore! All we value is ruthless efficiency, and I say we deny our own humanity that way! Without appreciation for grace and beauty, there's no pleasure in creating things and no pleasure in having them! Our lives are made drearier, rather than richer! How can a person take pride in his work when skill and care are considered luxuries! We’re not machines! We have a human need for craftsmanship!"― Bill Watterson, "There's Treasure Everywhere"

Aimee Bender strikes a chord with me when she says:

"That's the thing with handmade items. They still have the person's mark on them, and when you hold them, you feel less alone." ― Aimee Bender, "The Color Master: Stories"

Looking at and touching the curated collection at Doris Barsauskas’ shop makes me feel less alone.

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