Blog - Page 8 of 25 - David Morgan

Western Fringed Gauntlets Part of USA Olympic Uniform

February 15, 2018

Fringed Gauntlets, photo courtesy Team USA.

The US Olympic Team’s official uniform at the Winter Games includes fringed gauntlets by Ralph Lauren. These gloves have been a staple of the West for over a hundred years, when they were obtained by trading with the Indians. Our gauntlets are made of deerskin by the Geier Glove Company. Geier has been making driving and work gloves here in the state of Washington for over 70 years, and more recently moccasins. Their leather gloves and moccasins are known throughout the West for quality in fit and wear. Full-grain deer, goat, kangaroo, bison and elkskins are used. And, they are made in the USA!

Geier Deerskin Western Fringed Gauntlets

New Jewelry from Occulture

February 9, 2018

Star Dreaming Bracelet

We are very pleased to be selling jewelry from Occulture.

Created by designer Lisa Engeman, Occulture is a collaboration with Australian indigenous artisans transferring ancient stories and knowledge into contemporary statement jewelry that celebrates and strengthens the songline of culture, knowledge, artists and community. The photoanodized aluminum jewelry with sterling silver fittings is handcrafted in Australia using cutting edge technology.

Occulture is deeply honored to represent the artists they work with, the Warlukurlangu people of the Yuendumu region of the central Australian desert, Gamilaraay woman, Arkeria Rose Armstrong, and a lineage of well-known and respected artists from Utopia and Yuelumu country, including Raymond Walters Japanangka.

The jewelry designs reproduce highlights from artists’ paintings. Made by hand, each piece possesses unique, intrinsic beauty with variations in shape, size, and metal finish. The jewelry translates ancient artwork into a contemporary context by utilizing cutting-edge technology to create Occulture’s sculptural designs.

Occulture is a preferred supplier for the Museum Shops Australia and New Zealand and a member of the Indigenous Art Code which promotes and regulates the fair and ethical trade in works of art by Indigenous artists. All artwork featured in their jewelry is licensed and royalties are paid directly to the individual artist. Occulture also proudly holds an Australian Made license.

Each piece of Occulture jewelry is gift boxed, with a card describing the artist and the artwork.

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Occulture Jewelry

Nova Scotia Textiles

January 19, 2018

Our line of underwear from Stanfield’s dates back to a time when they were made by Nova Scotia Textiles. The common name for the woolens was black underwear because of the dark color of the wool used. Nova Scotia Textiles made them with 100% wool. You might think that adding the nylon was a step backwards, but the 20% nylon combination makes them machine washable and allows the user to tumble dry (under low heat) the underwear. With 100% wool, the underwear needed to be placed flat on a table to air dry.

Below is an old excerpt from our Fall and Winter 1996-1997 catalog:

Nova Scotia Textiles is an old-line Canadian company, incorporated by two Nova Scotia Scots in 1883 on the basis of a business founded in 1868. It is still a family corporation, maintaining an on-going reputation as a manufacturer of top quality, basic knitted fleecewear and underwear.

Here is a photo from that catalog:

Spring 1996 David Morgan Catalog

When Nova Scotia Textiles closed down in 2005, the building was left empty. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been any new tenants. Attempts were made to refurbish the building for condos, but the plans fell through. Let’s hope the 130 year old building finds a new owner!

You can get a glimpse inside the building with this YouTube video by Terra Spencer. Enjoy!

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Stanfield’s

Discover the Warmth of Wool

Cold Toes, Warm Socks

January 5, 2018

If the cold weather has got your toes numb, David Morgan has socks designed for the coldest temperatures. Made of wool and nylon, they’ll do the trick.

30 Below XLR Sock JB Field’s Extreme

Our 30 Below Socks by Stanfield’s is a hard wearing technical sock made of 70% Merino wool, 25% nylon and 5% spandex. The inside of both foot and leg are a comfortable terry knit, 80% Merino with 20% nylon, for long reliable wear. The arch and ankle are supported by spandex to ensure the sock stays in place. The outside of the sock has more nylon to give good wear resistance.

50 Below Socks by JB Field’s

For even colder temperatures, we recommend our 50 Below Socks. This thick sock has a turn down gumboot cuff. We recommend wearing these thick socks with a sock liner or a thin, under-sock for the ultimate in warmth and comfort. Made of 85% preshrunk wool and 15% nylon.

Wool Toque, Green. Made in Canada by Stanfield’s

Also, for a solid head cover, our heavy-weight wool toque has two layers of wool to withstand the cold, Canadian temperatures. The ribbed knit allows it to stretch to fit your head comfortably. There is a soft, microfleece ear band lining. One size fits most. 75% wool, 25% nylon.

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JB Field’s Socks

Akubra’s Handcrafted History

November 17, 2017

Akubra’s Handcrafted History

Akubra’s new book, “Akubra’s Handcrafted History” is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in Akubra’s 100 year history. This richly illustrated book covers Akubra’s history as Australia’s premier hat maker. It includes interviews with family, friends, Akubra staff and retailers. It goes into the steps in making a hat. Akubra’s long history is also covered in detail using the company’s archival records. Photos from the past 100 years are amply featured on nearly every page. A cardboard sleeve protects this 202 page book.

You can get the book here.

Hatwrks Hosts Americana Event

October 27, 2017

Our retailer, Hatwrks held a special event during Nashville’s famous Americana Music Festival. Guests throughout the world came to perform and listen to great music.

Along with hosting a bunch of great musicians, Hatwrks also served up some hot chicken and bourbon. Nashville’s own custom boot maker, Wes Shugart held a trunk show.

Looking at the pictures on Facebook, it looks like this was a successful event. Take a look and see who performed.

Here is a link to the Americana Music Festival:

Congrats!

Hatwrks held an event during the Americana Music Festival.

Hopsack Suspenders Now in Green

October 6, 2017

All of our hopsack suspenders are available in a beautiful green color. Hopsack is a rugged weave that is also lightweight. These are great for heavy work. We have four types of hopsack: X-Back, Y-Back, X-Back with Clips and Trucker. They are all 2 inches wide and made by Welch Suspenders, out of Oregon.

HopSack Suspenders, Green, X Back. Made in USA by Welch

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Welch Suspenders

Good News for Sea Turtles

September 22, 2017

There is good news for sea turtles. A comprehensive study of sea turtle nests around the world found a significant increase in turtle numbers. Over the past 16 years, counts were taken at sites that included Australia, Africa, Asia and North and South America. Scientists studied 299 nesting areas and found significant increases at 95 sites and decreases at 35 sites. It is a success story for conservation efforts.

The reasons for the increase includes the protection of eggs, females and a reduced bycatch. There is still much to worry about, however. There are still decreases in some areas, and some of the traditional nesting sites are disappearing.

You can read the whole article here.

Sea Turtle Necklet, Sterling Silver. Designed by Cavin Richie, made in USA.

Sea Turtle Earrings, Bronze. Designed by Cavin Richie, made in USA

New Driza-Bone Items Available!

September 1, 2017

We have several new items this fall from Driza-Bone, Australia’s preeminent maker of outerwear. Driza-Bone began in the 1890s when British sailor Emilius Le Roy designed an indestructible wet-weather jacket made from recycled ship sails that were treated with oil.

Today the range covers outerwear and apparel for all conditions, inside and out, constructed for durability, comfort and protection. They are durable and work in the harshest of elements.

Bowen Weekender Bag:

The rugged and stylish Bowen Weekender Bag is perfect for a weekend getaway. You can pack everything you need and throw it in the back of your jeep and head out of town. It is made of dry-waxed cotton. Dry wax is a cotton fabric which is only very lightly waxed. The backing has a water-resistant coating. It is not as water resistant as the Desert Wax and traditional oilskin.

Driza-Bone Bowen Weekender Bag

Newtown Knit Sweater:

The Driza-Bone Newtown Knit Sweater is identical to the Driza-Bone Nelson Sweater, except it has a 3 inch collar and a 1/4 length zip closure. It is very comfortable and functional for active wear. The 100% merino wool yarn is highly twisted for added strength and reduced pilling. The sweater is knitted in a moss stitch, adding texture and flexibility to the garment. There are elbow patches for reinforcement.

Newton Knit Sweater by Driza-bone. Merino wool, made in Australia.

Barkly Field Coat:

The Barkly Field Coat is made of Driza-Bone’s Desert Wax. While still a waxed cotton, it has a drier feel but has all the qualities of the traditional oilcloth: it’s waterproof, wind resistant and extremely warm in cool and cold weather.

Barkly Field Coat by Driza-Bone

The Wild Man and Wild Woman of the Woods

August 18, 2017

Above our office doors hang two masks carved by Cedric Billy that tell a very interesting Squamish Lil’wat story. A Wild Man and Wild Woman live in the forest. The Wild Man is a small, human-looking creature. Cedric has exquisitely captured the features of the Wild Man in his carving. The nose resembles a hooked beak. His eyes are sunken and he has a terrifying look.

Often, spirits of drowned people can be seen near him. And never take a meal from him, or it might turn you into a Wild Man.

Wild Man of the Woods by Cedric Billy

The Wild Woman is a giant, and twice the size of humans. She is dark and hairy with magical power. Her eyes are sunken, and she pushes out her lips to call out, “Uh, huu, uu, uu.”

She carries a basket on her back that contains all of the children she caught. She isn’t very bright and children can usually outsmart her. For some tribes, she is also a bringer of wealth. Below is another excellent carving by Cedric.

Old Woman of the Woods by Cedric Billy

For more information, please go to the Free Spirit Gallery.

The next time you are in the store, take a look at the masks hanging on the wall. They are amazing.

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Pacific Northwest Art

Western Fringed Gauntlets Part of USA Olympic Uniform

New Jewelry from Occulture

Nova Scotia Textiles

Cold Toes, Warm Socks

Akubra’s Handcrafted History

Hatwrks Hosts Americana Event

Hopsack Suspenders Now in Green

Good News for Sea Turtles

New Driza-Bone Items Available!

The Wild Man and Wild Woman of the Woods

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