Raw Materials Design

 ”Simple, durable goods for you and your home!”

Raw Materials Design began in 2008. Janna Lufkin, founder and designer, has created aprons and various kitchen linens with a simple and natural style. Raw Materials Design products are proudly USA made from domestically sourced materials. The designs have been featured in Better Homes and Gardens and recently in Martha Stewart’s Whole Living Magazine. Additionally, their  program, Ties That Bind, donates to the local food charity to feed the hungry.

I talked with Janna Lufkin and asked her some questions about Raw Materials Design.

1) Raw Materials Design started in 2008 with the idea for a stylish and sturdy grocery tote. I don’t see a tote in your product line. Did you ever design the grocery tote?Yes, if you go to the blog section of the site (I haven’t written on it in some time!) you’ll read how the business started. I plan to re-design the totes using a simple heavy-weight cotton duck. Our original totes were on the site, they sold out.

2) What was the first product for Raw Materials Design? The totes, next came aprons.

3) What is your favorite product since starting RMD in 2008? My aprons! I wear my original prototypes daily. The originals were made from drop cloth fabric. They’re like old friends.

4) The RMD products are created from “your love of celebrating the beauty inherent in what’s simple and natural”. Is there something special about the kitchen that has inspired you to create RMD products for that place in the home? To me when I tie on an apron, it says ‘it’s time to get to work’! I love the whole routine of preparing a meal, starting with tying on my apron.

5) I love to use potholders in my kitchen. Are you planning to add any new kitchen products? Do you have any plans to extend the RMD product line beyond the kitchen? Oh yes! Like the totes, I’m working on a variety of new ideas. Some are currently in the prototype stage (a prototype can take 6 – 8 tries before I feel like I’m getting it right, it all takes time) and potholders are among them!

6) All the products from RMD are made using domestically sourced unrefined 100% cotton. What is “unrefined cotton”? Is it the same as unbleached cotton? Yes, I like the natural cotton ducks, twills, sateens, muslins, etc. because you see the tickseed from the cotton in the fabric. The less the cotton is ‘refined’ – the better –  which includes not bleaching it.  

7) Conventional cotton is one of the largest pesticide crops in the world. Have you/would you consider using organic cotton in the future? Yes! I’d love to use organic cotton but it’s cost is prohibitive for us at this point. Our aprons would need to be at a price point that would be out of reach for many. I’m always looking for better fabrics – organics among them.

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I love coasters and graciously received the RMD drink coasters. The round set of four were simply detailed with blue top stitching and the square coasters were top stitched in red. These are perfect for protecting furniture and styled to compliment any decor. Cheers for being well-made and purposeful!

I’d like to thank Janna for taking the time to talk we me about her designs and allowing me to share this review on Notes From Dawn.

I received coasters from Raw Materials Desing to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

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