Bill Laurita + Swans Island

There is nothing quite like wrapping up in a cozy blanket in front of a crackling fire on a chilly day - and if it happens to be a blanket from Swans Island Company, all the better. Established in 1992 when the original owners sought to recreate the timeless quality of the family heirloom wool blankets they loved, this uniquely Maine business has crafted swoon worthy, hand dyed and custom loomed blankets, throws, and apparel for over three decades. Fortunately, the founders were friendly with Martha Stewart who fell in love with the handcrafted blankets and helped to establish the brand.

In 2004 when the owners were seeking retirement, they contacted Bill & Jody Laurita to see if they’d be interested in purchasing the business. “Running a small business is not for the faint of heart,” Bill Laurita told us with a smile. But he and his wife Jody were ready for a change, so they moved to the area, learned everything they could about the craft and dove in.

With a workspace in Northport and a beautifully appointed shop in downtown Camden that they opened in 2016, the 25-employee company continues the tradition of making artisanal items from the best sourced fleece available. “It’s difficult and it’s labor intensive, but we love the challenge,” Laurita said. A Swans Island hand-woven blanket takes up to nine hours to make and is truly a thing of beauty; lighter and airier than a similar product made through typical commercial production, they have an open weave and the handwork is visible. As Laurita said, “no one buys a Swans Island blanket simply because they’re cold.” These are pieces to treasure and pass down.

If you’re interested in learning more about the process, you can visit their studio and store in Northport where you will witness the weaving team working steadily on vintage, industrial looms, watch skeins of yarn being hand dyed in steaming vats, and marvel at the meticulous work of blanket repair. This is traditional craft at its very best and it’s their commitment to materials and methods that make the pieces they produce so special – as Laurita said, “special is our niche… it’s a reflection of what’s meaningful to us, the stuff you live with should have meaning and these blankets have a story”.

The fleece used at Swans Island is produced primarily on small family farms and is spun on vintage machinery in New England. And speaking of meticulous, the process of removing chaff from fleece is done using surgical tweezers! 

Swans Island may be well known for their blankets, but they also produce gorgeous capes, scarves, cowls, hats and totes - all made with the same attention to detail and drape – and let’s not forget baby blankets! Utterly adorable. They even sell a selection of yarn in case you’re handy with knitting needles.

FAMOUS FOR:
The best blankets made in the U.S. These are blankets that show the work – they’re perfect in their imperfections!

ADDRESS:
2 Bay View Street in Camden, Maine

HOURS:
Open 7 days, 10a-6p

WEBSITE:
swansislandcompany.com

written by Lisa Utman Randall
photos by Marina French