Built Together: Retailer Stories of Family, Fair Trade & Craft

At Sustainable Threads, we have the privilege of working with retailers whose stores are shaped not just by products, but by relationships.

Our collections of Fair Trade home textiles and artisan-made table linens reach customers through spaces built with care, intention, and often, family collaboration.

This season, we’re reflecting on what it means to build something together — across generations, across roles, and over time.

In honor of Mother’s Day, and with Father’s Day ahead, we’re sharing a few stories from the people behind these spaces — each shaped by family in their own way, and connected by a shared commitment to thoughtful, ethically sourced home goods.

Hurd Orchards — A Family Business Rooted in Land and Time

Photo of Susan Hurd Machamer,  taken a few years ago by Stephanie Albanese, a local photographer.

At Hurd Orchards, family is at the heart of every moment. Amy S. Machamer has been business partners with her mother, Susan Hurd Machamer, running their fruit farm, jam cannery, and farm market for over forty years.

She shared some beautiful reflections on the experience:

“Our farms have been in our family since the pioneer era. During these four decades my mother has been wholeheartedly and unequivocally supportive — in fact, enthusiastic — about each and every idea that we dreamed of together to shape our business, Hurd Orchards.

If you could only imagine! Always with vision, my mom led the way for us to plant our first acreage of blueberries long before blueberries were widely enjoyed.

Together we were inspired to move a two hundred year old barn across New York State, saving a piece of our state's heritage, and hosting a true barn raising in the old tradition. We have conserved forests and meadowland, put up the first of the deer fences in the state, planted acres of historic apple varieties alongside experimental and modern varieties.

This is what it is like to work together as a family. It is with unending trust and joy and is an immeasurable privilege. And we are thankful.”

— Amy S. Machamer, Hurd Orchards

 

Their story reflects the depth of commitment often found in family-run businesses, where shared work over time shapes both place and purpose.

“At our farm store we hope to inspire our guests to not only purchase and enjoy the fruits of our farm and kitchens, but to understand the table as a place of community and self-expression.

The gorgeous tablecloths and table runners made by Sustainable Threads and their teams of caring and talented weavers in the far away land of India stand for something universal and also for something good. They express in every fiber supportive community, cultural conservation and also evolution, and simple beauty.

We are proud to present these special linens. Imagine a soft pearly grey and lavender cotton runner with a vase of hydrangea and a bowl of freshly picked cherries in the month of July!”

— Amy S. Machamer, Hurd Orchards

 

In spaces like Hurd Orchards, sustainable table linens and handcrafted goods are not just functional — they become part of how people gather, host, and express themselves.

Teaism — Carrying a Story Forward

Photo of Teaism co-owners: Lela Singh, Linda Neumann and Michelle Brown (photographer Les Talusan), and also of  Lela and Michelle in store (photo by Ethelbert Miller).

We asked Lela what it has been like to work together as a family:

“We feel very lucky to have this kind of collaborative relationship. We are never bored — there is always so much to think about together and discuss.

Many families experience these moments from a distance — watching from the sidelines as parents or children grow and change. We get to witness and be involved on both sides. Not everyone gets to do that.”

On reflecting about their journey, she shared:

“It’s hard to point to one moment — we’ve created many meaningful experiences for our community, while also navigating challenges and uncertainty. Teaism will be turning 30 this year, so we are honored to simply still be standing.” 

And on bringing Sustainable Threads into their space:

“We love having Sustainable Threads in our line. The textiles fit naturally within our shop, and we value knowing that the sourcing is thoughtful and the craftsmanship shines through.”

— Teaism

Their approach reflects how artisan-made textiles and thoughtfully sourced goods can naturally fit into everyday rituals — from tea service to gifting and shared spaces.

Fair Trade Winds — Building Together in Different Ways

Photo includes Paul in Boulder with Daniel, Ashleigh, and their kids James and Olivia.

At Fair Trade Winds, the work of building something meaningful continues through a family effort, carried forward by Paul alongside his children and extended family. Their store reflects a shared commitment to Fair Trade practices, ethical sourcing, and long-term relationships with makers and communities — values that we continue to associate with Louis, who, along with Paul, first welcomed Sustainable Threads to Fair Trade Winds many years ago.

Their presence in this story is a reminder that family can take many forms, but the act of working together — with care and intention — connects them all.

A Shared Thread

Across each of these retailers, there is a shared belief in building something with care — whether through land, community, or craft.

Our handcrafted textiles are one small part of these spaces, but they are connected to a larger story — one of collaboration, continuity, and respect for the people and processes behind each piece.

To the mothers, fathers, and families who build, support, and sustain these spaces — we are grateful. 

Learn more about Sustainable Threads’ wholesale collections and retail partnerships.