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At a recent Senate subcommittee hearing, Apple CEO Tim Cook said, “The product will be assembled in Texas…Illinois and Florida…Kentucky and Michigan.”  Dare we exclaim a triumphant OMG? We do, because while Apple may not be moving all production back to home turf just yet, their newly re-shored laptop line is a huge step forward for the America-made movement.  Manufacturing starts later this year.  Read the full story here.

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2ETN Bone Snake Necklace, featured in Made Collection’s “Explore America” sale

Inspired by the belief that precious stones and metals are not the sole elements from which jewelry should derive its value, husband and wife team, Pamela Tuohy and Edward Novinsky, created 2ETN. They create one-of-a-kind pieces in the spirit of American portraiture and mourning miniatures of the 1700’s and 1800’s using original art in acrylic, oil and graphite. Their art is framed in unique, found period antiques, reclaimed metals, and ethically sourced stones, creating a dark but beautiful vintage romanticism in their pieces. 2ETN lives in Sacramento, California.

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Chris Brown, creative director / publisher of Refueleda multimedia company based in Dallas that specializes in publishing, design and film. Made has teamed up with Chris for our first ever guest-curated Collection, “Explore America.” 

When did you realize you had such great f*cking taste?

Taste is in the eye of the beholder, to re-coin a phase. I definitely know what I like. In the end I simply share, through Refueled, what I’m personally in to. It’s always cool to be able to inspire others to check out things, music, locations & goods I dig.

Is Made In USA bigger than “style?” Can it survive as Americana or does it need to encompass more?

Although my goal is “Made in the U.S.A.”, it’s really about supporting great folks who make great products. Whether in the U.S. or overseas, I tend to be drawn to independent designers/makers. I’ve got friends who make incredible products here in the U.S., but I also have friends in Japan crafting amazing things. Quality is key.

How do you go about finding all the amazing talent / products you discover?

My small creative circle of friends consist of designers, artists, musicians, hoteliers, makers, bikers, surfers, photographers, hot-rodders, dreamers, hippies, adventurers, etc., so there is an unlimited resource of great stuff, ideas and inspiration at my fingertips. If I’m not out on the road actually searching and discovering on my own, I receive emails everyday from folks introducing me to what they’re doing.

Do you ever meet the people who actually make the stuff? If so, does it personalize things?

I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to meet a lot of the amazing people that appear in the pages of Refueled. When I do meet the face behind the products, it goes beyond the intangible. The best part about what I do is connecting, collaborating & contributing to a community.

What are some of your favorite American places / adventures?

Exploring America never ends for me. Any time I can get a few friends together, throw some gear in the Jeep and head out on a new adventure, I’m there. The West Coast always says surf to me. I recharge and come up with a lot of great content in the desert - Joshua Tree in California and Marfa, Texas being among my favorite spots. I dig the South for music and BBQ. The East is for people watching.

What are you going to be for Halloween?

Methadone Sea Captain. [For the record, we have no idea what this means. Which is why we’re currently looking at flights to Texas for the Halloween party.]

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Alabama Chanin Dress, featured in Made Collection’s “Explore America” sale

One night in New York City, Natalie Chanin found herself holed up in the Chelsea Hotel with nothing amazing to wear to a party. So she decided to make something herself, and Alabama Chanin was born. With a focus on sustainability and organic, recycled materials, Alabama Chanin makes limited edition, hand-stitched pieces that capture the languid glamour of the South. The talented local artisans that comprise Alabama Chanin make unique house-wares and gorgeous couture clothing in the American Gothic style out of Florence, Alabama.

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Strawfoot Handmade Waxed Canvas Haversack, featured in Made Collection’s “Explore America” sale

Growing up on a farm, Garrett Kautz of Strawfoot Handmade learned to use his hands, but it wasn’t until later in life that he discovered how to use a sewing machine. After receiving a sewing machine as a wedding present, Garrett Kautz developed a desire to make unique and durable products from the highest quality, American-made materials available. He uses primarily waxed canvas and leather to hand make beautiful, long lasting bags inspired by the styles and designs if the early 1900’s. Strawfoot Handmade is from Santa Cruz, California.

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1 month for wine lovers
  • September is California Wine Month, an annual proclamation celebrating the state’s $61 billion wine industry, the 330,000 jobs it generates and the wine lovers who make it possible. More »
3-month slide for manufacturing
  • August marked the longest contraction since the recession, with stocks falling on concern U.S. factories (which sparked expansion three years ago) are succumbing to a global manufacturing slowdown. More »
5 factors supporting resurgence
  • (1) Weakening U.S. dollar. (2) Narrowing wage differentials and falling productivity between U.S. and key manufacturing economies. (3) Declining natural gas prices relative to global price levels can mean lower manufacturing costs. (4) Global supply chains becoming slower and more expensive. (5) Various forms of volatility more apparent, thus a larger concern. More »
75% say Made In USA holds more value
  • Over 75% of respondents in a recent NPD survey say the manufacturing source of their apparel is important to them. More »
$100 billion in saved energy costs
  • Obama signs Executive Order to strengthen American manufacturing by facilitating investments in industrial energy efficiency. More »

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Buck Products Knappsack, featured in Made Collection’s “Back To School” sale

Alex Buck, founder of Buck Products, makes roll-top backpacks from scratch in Bozeman, Montana. Alex challenges the trend of hyper-technical bags and backpacks on the market by designing simple, stylish daily-use bags.