Nathan R. Needle

A collection of recent products, some of which I have designed, and have had manufactured while at my previous position as buyer / product researcher & developer. This tumblr collection includes products that received press as well as other products I sourced, and was most fond of. I am able to source products for all seasons, as well as vintage products for photo shoots or events. I am reachable by: Email : [email protected] Mobile : [phone]

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Weekend Bag, designed in NYC, constructed in Los Angeles CA 

Materials Used:

Canvas - Tan / Olive

Leather - Latigo / “Homerun”

Nickeled Hardware

Made Exclusively for Kaufmann Mercantile

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Leather tool box/ditty box made exclusively for Kaufmann Mercantile, manufactured by AEM Leather in Astoria NY.

This was a product idea that came inspired by a old German Leather Tool box. I put the idea into Andrews (AEM) head and he ran with it. This turned out to be a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing piece. It is build study, with solid brass rivets, to last and be handed down for generations

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Waxed Canvas Rain Cape

This rain cape was sourced from a company in London UK, specializing in bike gear. It was relieving to find a synthetic free rain cover option.

The cape comes in two colors, hunter green and navy blue

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Pewter Liquor Tags

I sourced these to accompany the crystal decanter I had sourced, both from the UK. The use of a liquor tag and decanter is something I would like to enforce and bring back. All adults should have a decanter full for guests. Entertaining and hosting should be a weekly routine

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Marino Wool Blanket

This was a blanket that I sourced from a farm in ME USA. The sheep, from where the wool comes from, are raised on this 80 acre marvel, just north of Portland ME. Nanne, the owner and wrangler of these marino sheep, grows the food to feed the sheep, hand dyes the wool and does as much of the work as possible, before taking the spools to a set of weavers whom work off of antique looms and keep the work as simplified as possible. This seems like an old fashioned way to loom and make blankets, but in reality, this is what should be the norm, where the outsourcing is to a minimum, and the wool used, comes from a farm that wastes almost nothing, and keeps synthetics and non organics far away. Working with Nanne and listening to how she really goes from start to finish, and how much waste she doesnt make, was refreshing and educating as well. This blanket is built to last, and if stored away from moths, will be the heirloom, your family will fight over.

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This was a press hit that was received on a pair of Wool and Leather Gloves I sourced from Upstate NY.  This glove manufacturing company has been in business since 1946, and keeps as synthetic free while making these gloves. It is a small family run company that I enjoyed working with, and talking regularly with the owner to ensure quality control. These gloves also come in fingerless for those who might be using a cell phone and need a free finger.

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Press that was received on the Italian BBQ set that I sourced for a Fathers Day launch with Kaufmann Mercantile. Architectural Digest ran the BBQ set in their Fathers Day Gift Guide 2013

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Red Metal Tool Box

This is a product that I was proud of sourcing for Kaufmann Mercantile. Everyone needs a study tool box and one that can fit under your dresser, bed or under the sink. This company is in California and has been making metal fabrications since the 1940s. I stuck with the red color to allow the owner to not loose this and be able to locate the tool box quickly. This was loved by the press for the 2013 holiday season.

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Copper Bird Feeder I had sourced for Kaufmann Mercantile, enjoyed working with this maker in Virginia USA. Copper was a material that I enjoyed sourcing because of how it would patina over time. This bright copper shine will fade and darken over time in the  elements, and natural oxidation. 

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A press hit from Gear Patrol on the Aluminum Lunch Box

This is the Aluminum lunch box that I sourced for Kaufmann Mercantile. This lunch box was from a company in Canada, who has been making these originally for coal miners since 1957, but now can be used by lunch carriers from all walks of life. I really enjoyed finding this company and working with the CEO/owner to get these into the KM collection.

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This is a post about the EDC V.2 (Every Day Carry) that I had put together for Kaufmann Mercantile. Since the EDC version 1 was such a hit, I knew that there needed to be more versions. Since you can customize you kits in the store, there ended up to be over a million combinations available.

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Stonewashed Paisley Handkerchief 

These were sourced for Kaufmann Mercantile, from one of the only bandanna companies left in the USA. This company is based out of South Carolina, and makes many different type of bandanas and handkerchiefs, but I chose these stonewashed ones for their colors and softness. They are not stiff like your typical bandanna and feel worn in from the start. These have been a best seller for KM since the first day they were launched. Everyone should have one of these, not just for Dad any more.

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Bison Leather Moccasins

These are some house shoes, or camping shoes that I had built as organically as possible. The inner of the mocs was originally a synthetic foam that I was trying to work without. Instead I had sourced a eco-felt from a company in the US, to keep this as synthetic free as possible. I also chose no additional leather bottom to keep them simple. 

These shoes were originally made for hunters / photographers to walk around in the woods, stalking their game. The soft sole allowed for the hunters / photographers to feel the ground below their feet and walk as quietly as possible. 

I enjoyed working with this company out of Centralia WA, who specialize in leather and suede glove making. I went back and forth with one of the owners trying to get this moccasin just right. 

One added bonus is the fringe around the back, which can be trimmed if the owner would like a simpler profile on the shoe.

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Steele Canvas Log Carrier

This was a custom built log carrier, using black 18 oz black canvas with tan deer skin suede handles. This is stitched with a black nylon stitch to allow the stitch to disappear along the body.

I chose Steele Canvas from their years worth of quality canvas work. They are also based in MA, and since I grew up in MA, I always enjoy working with people from the New England area. I worked directly with the owner to get this done, sending back and forth samples and tests.

This was featured in Martha Stewart Mag in Nov 2013, and Gardenista / Remodelista numerous times. People covet this on Pinerest and Svpply.

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A photo shoot I assisted with styling.

Includes Wire baskets sourced from TX, USA, Black Zippo Lighter from PA, USA, Wool Gloves from NY, USA, Canvas and Leather Bag from CA, USA, Wool Blanket from MN, USA, Leather Notebook from France, Handmade Saw from Japan, Clarks Shoes from UK, Leather Handle Hammer and Hatchet from IL, USA

Photo Credit: sharokhmirzaitakespictures

http://thingsorganizedneatly.tumblr.com/post/41682594679/kaufmann-mercantile-km-organized-neatly

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Ox Horn Money Clip, sourced from UK

This piece quickly became a best seller for Kaufmann Mercantile, a unique product that worked well with press, both online and print. For example, GQ put this in their 2013 gift guide. Has continued to be a top seller for KM