Namaste Inc.

With the arrival of the brand new Hip Holsters and Messenger bags to the Namaste warehouse, we thought it would be a perfect time to share a little about the creative process involved in making this new line.  We are proud to introduce Franklin Habit, to those who don’t know him and for the millions who do, as our friend and mentor in developing the Namaste Hip Holster.

Writer, illustrator, and photographer Franklin Habit is the author of \”It Itches: A Stash of Knitting Cartoons\”(Interweave Press, 2008) and proprietor of The Panopticon (www.the-panopticon.blogspot.com), one of the most popular knitting blogs on Internet.  On an average day, upwards of 2,500 readers worldwide drop in for a mix of essays, cartoons, and the continuing adventures of Dolores the Sheep.

Franklin’s other publishing experience in the fiber world includes contributions to Yarn Market News, Interweave Knits, Interweave Crochet, PieceWork, Cast On: A Podcast for Knitters, Twist Collective, and a regular column on historic knitting patterns for Knitty.com.

These days, when he’s not teaching at shops and festivals nationwide, Franklin knits and spins in Chicago, Illinois, sharing a small city apartment with an Ashford spinning wheel and colony of sock yarn that multiplies alarmingly whenever his back is turned.

The Urban line currently includes the Hip Holster and the Messenger bag, both made of a luggage quality nylon canvas material, which is extremely durable as well as made of vegan materials.  The ideas encompassing the Urban products are organization, unisex appeal, and rugged materials made to withstand real use.

We at Namaste had always wanted to design and make products that men could use and enjoy, but were never confident that there was a big enough demand for them.  Besides that, we weren’t sure what most guys really want in a bag or accessory.  Cue Franklin…

Dawn & I were thrilled to meet Franklin in the flesh just a few years ago at an industry tradeshow.  Franklin has a very personal, open way about him and as a result we were instantly excited when our creative juices began co-mingling into what eventually became the inspiration for the newest collection, the Urban line.  Franklin willingly explained his ideal product to us, and we held onto every word from this creative genius in the  industry.  We created a sample for it, sent it to Franklin for review and the rest is Hip Holster History.

Recently, Franklin took the time to answer some questions regarding the process of how the Hip Holster came to be, from his perspective.  We also threw in some other questions while we had the experts attention

Namaste: We’re super excited to let people in on the “process” of creating the Hip Holster from your perspective. Can you offer any thoughts on this for example how it went from your end and what your initial thoughts were?

Franklin: I was amazed at how much the prototype holster fit my description of my ideal project bag. I’d been looking (without success) for something small that would hook onto my belt, and that wouldn’t in any way resemble a purse.

Sure enough, the prototype had was small enough to be portable but just large enough to hold a surprising amount – at different times I’ve had entire shawls-in-progress stuffed into it. And the detailing was spot-on: tailored, quiet, with hardware that wasn’t glitzy. I loved it. The only change I could think to recommend was adding snaps to the belt loop.

Namaste: The product you helped us to create is what we call the Hip Holster. Inquiring minds want to know, “What’s in Franklin’s holster?”

Franklin: On any given day, the contents of the main pouch will change. Usually, it’s a project with a looming deadline. That could be socks, a shawl, or maybe a sleeve, plus the associated charts. In the small pocket, without fail, I keep a tape measure, a crochet hook, a small bag of stitch markers and a pencil – plus a couple of mini chocolate bars if the deadline is really close.

Namaste: Do you prefer to carry your Hip Holster with the strap attachment or the belt attachment?

Franklin: Definitely the belt. It keeps my hands free and also makes it possible for me to run for the bus or subway unencumbered by shoulder straps. (I live in Chicago, and take public transit all the time.)

Namaste: If you were to change anything about it, would you? What are your thoughts about the color options?

Franklin: I specifically suggested that the bag be done in quiet colors, and that’s why I’m so grateful that Namaste listened and produced the prototype in basic black with a gray lining. I wanted something simple and versatile that wouldn’t draw attention to itself, and this is perfect.

The shoulder strap isn’t an option I expect to use much, but it’s smart to put it there for those who might prefer it.

Namaste: Do you think that crafty men want more accessories and bags for their stuff? What are “must-haves” or “no ways” when it comes to storing or toting your projects and personal items?

Franklin: If the number of threads on (for example) Ravelry.com about the difficulty of finding men’s project bags are any indication, yes – men want more choice than they’ve had in the past.

I can’t speak for all men, of course – our opinions are as varied as women’s. But I think I can safely say these are true for a lot of us:

No Way.

- Pink, anywhere
- Printed with kittycats, inside or out
- Styled like a purse or handbag
- Styled like grandma’s beach tote
- Printed or embroidered with slogans like YARN SLUT! or I LUV 2 KNIT!

Must Haves.

- Tailored exterior
- Solid construction
- Quiet fabrics and sleek, unfussy details
- Enough pockets/sections to allow for organization

On the whole, when it comes to function, I don’t think we’re any different in our desires from women who knit or crochet: make it functional, make it comfortable, make it handsome – the sort of thing Namaste has always done!

One of the themes that emerged during our communication with Franklin is one that we like to take with us wherever we go: it’s the journey that matters.  At Namaste, we like to take the time to enjoy the subtle things- we take our time without rushing through the process to get to the product.  We listen and we learn, we modify and change, and we make sure that the final product is something we all love.  Franklin, we’d like to personally thank you for being a voice for the many, for opening yourself up to creative investigation, and for making the process such a joy.  Namaste.

By request, an additional photo of the Hip Holster is found below:

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 at 11:07 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.