In the heart of New England, a renaissance in the wool industry is taking place. American Woolen Company, based in a revived mill with roots dating back to the1850s, share a common vision with Stormy Kromer: to bring back the craft of American textile manufacturing. Stormy Kromer and American Woolen have joined forces to breathe new life into the U.S. textile industry. This partnership isn’t just about creating high-quality wool products; it’s about reviving a legacy, promoting sustainability, and redefining what it means to be handcrafted in America.
After struggling to find a US-based wool producer, Stormy Kromer CEO Gina Thorson recounts a time when the U.S. textile industry was decimated by outsourcing after the mid-20th century. “We were trying so hard to find wool we could source in the US back in 2020, which was very difficult at the time,” Gina said. “That’s when we found American Woolen and the partnership made perfect sense.”
After a visit to American Woolen’s Warren Mill in Stafford Springs, a unique partnership was formed, streamlining the production of Stormy Kromer products and launching a relationship beyond business. They were both on a mission to preserve and elevate American craftsmanship.
Quality at Every Step
One of the most striking aspects of this partnership is the attention to quality. What is unique about American Woolen Company is that it brings distributors and producers together, according to American Woolen President Jacob Long. After spending 20 years working across Europe, Long found a gap in the American market for quality textiles that preserve craftsmanship and sustainability. American Woolen and Stormy Kromer are working to be at the helm of the movement toward more sustainable and localized production in the apparel industry.
American Woolen’s approach to “craft manufacturing” in New England mirrors the artisanal practices found in European textile hubs. When it comes to sustainability, Long said the best way to make sustainable products is by removing outsourcing and transportation and making it local. By shortening supply chains and focusing on domestic production, they’re reducing their environmental impact and revitalizing local communities.
Photo provided by Brenna Percy
A Model From the Past, For the Future
After being told “Americans are consumers, not producers,” Long set out on his journey to rewrite the narrative that the American textile industry had reached its end. For American Woolen, the journey was about bringing back a historic legacy that America once had in the textile industry.
This collaboration between Stormy Kromer and American Woolen has revitalized the production model for how American manufacturing can still thrive in the 21st century. American Woolen offers a seat at the table for producers, manufacturers, and designers to come together in an industry that is typically divided. Long noted that 20 years ago, this type of collaboration and communication in the apparel industry had all but gone extinct. American Woolen’s mission is to bring those connections back for a more harmonious process. American Woolen is opening the doors for collaboration to bring in a localized quality product, proving that there’s still a place for “Made in America” in today’s global market.
Photo features the Stormy Kromer Ironwood Vest – Isle Royale Collection, made with wool from American Woolen Company
Photo features the Stormy Kromer Original Stormy Kromer Cap – Isle Royale Collection, made with wool from American Woolen Company
Handcrafted in America
When looking back on the work created by American Woolen, one of Long’s proudest moments has been supplying wool for the American Olympic team’s Ralph Lauren Blazers worn in the opening and closing ceremony for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. A collaboration from partners across the USA, the Olympic blazer stands as a testament to the spirit of American manufacturing. American Woolen joined the initiative behind the blazer, showcasing American-made products ready to compete on the world stage. Whether worn by Olympic athletes or everyday Americans, these items become more than just clothing – they become tangible representations of the American spirit.
As American Woolen and Stormy Kromer grow and innovate together, they’re not just creating products; they’re creating legacies. They show that with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to quality, it’s possible to revive and reinvent traditional industries for a new era.
In the words of American Woolen’s Jacob Long, the goal is to: “build back the industry, serving as a model for how it should be done.”
With partnerships like this, they’re well on their way to achieving that vision, one beautifully crafted piece of wool at a time.
