Waxed Canvas - What Makes it Special?
So, What makes waxed canvas special? I really like working with waxed canvas, for starters. It’s stiff, easy to cut, I don’t need a hot iron for a crisp edge, it holds its shape, and the look is rugged and outdoorsy. I’ve tried waxed canvas from several sources, and even tried waxing fabric myself, but early on, I decided to use Martexin waxed canvas, exclusively. It’s a US, family owned company since 1838, and it’s just the best company and waxed canvas, I’ve found to work with, hands down.
Here’s how Martexin describes their “Original Wax,” waxed cotton canvas, taken from their website:
“Martexin Original Wax uses an exclusive Martexin® finish, which makes it technically superior to other waxed cotton fabrics in performance, longevity, and dryness of hand. Martexin Original Wax is an environmentally friendly blend of food and pharmaceutical grade waxes, and is completely non-hazardous. This unique formula gives the fabric lifelong resistance to inclement weather and as the fabric ages, it develops a well-worn and comfortable patina. The patina develops with more and more use, in the same manner that leather ages and burnishes with time.” Martexin - Fairfield Textiles
I use Martexin waxed canvas to make great, durable and weather resistant bags, finely crafted to outlast anything factory made. I sew simple bags in small batches, just 4-6 at a time, usually, and take breaks to walk a trail, or sit by a river and have a snack. I enjoy what I do, and I think it shows in the quality of my work.
Road Dirt & Pie is a tiny workshop on wheels, where I make simple, but beautiful, waxed canvas and leather bags. I travel full time, stopping for weeks at a time to camp in nature, to explore my surroundings with my pups, and to make bags. I sleep hard and get up early, and each day is my very own.
Please take a moment to explore my collections of handcrafted bags, and consider supporting this wild adventure, certainly off the beaten path, but making my own way, in this world.
Molly
2 comments
Molly, my wife and I just got our map bag. We are fixing to retire, as soon as our new Outside Van is finished. I’ve always liked using paper maps. So when I found the large, spiral bound, map, I immediately started looking for something to store it in. I feel so lucky to have found your website and your products. Keep doing what you’re doing and thank you so much.
Molly, I love your story & am so pleased to have found you. I can’t wait to gift your bag to a special & someday soon purchase one of my own. Keep on trucking & sewing; you have the life many only dream of. What a special lady you are.