Over the years we’ve invented a way to manufacture bras that are sized correctly in an efficient, virtually zero waste way by using the complex mechanics of a jacquard circular lace braiding machine with a new fabric/design system.  This technology is akin to the early days of “digital knitting” that was introduced over a decade ago. Instead of knitted looped yarns we use braided, spiraling, linked and interlaced yarns.

Hope to expand our production and grow the business in the Adirondacks of New York. Interested in Kirsten Gillibrand's “Made In America Manufacturing Communities Act,” which proposes support for domestic manufacturing, job creation, strengthening domestic supply chains and accelerating development and commercialization of new products and technologies.

One of the first iterations of AMBI HiLo with a wider elasticized under-band. The open pattern has greater grab and keeps the fabric tensioned to provide a secure hold.

"The bodywear is feminine in a utilitarian way.  Their beauty is the consequence of function.  It’s not trying to be one thing or another with some kind of surface decoration…it just is because that is how it works best. ” 

Picked up this old manikin at Warrensburg's World Biggest Yardsale!

"I am pretty isolated in my life and work, without a lot of outside influences. Everything has been a bit of invention."

AMBI tests the “less is more” theory as we've eliminated manufacturing steps and materials while still producing a highly functional garment.

Learning to sew and develop systems for finishing fabric ends is an on-going challenge. We work with silicone composites using wool, cotton and Tencel fuzz to provide a foundation for sewn seams.

The Made in America Bill would utilize current Federal resources to Support Domestic Manufacturing, Create Jobs, and Strengthen Domestic Supply Chains.

Sen. Gillibrand described it as “legislation that uses current federal resources to invest in public-private partnerships building the next generation of leaders in manufacturing.”

Double layering AMBI HiLo opposites sides front feel akin to a compressive sports bra, except with soft cotton instead of nylon, and hardly any elastic.

Working towards the “farm-to-closet-to-compost” Slow Fashion movement with our friends in Essex, New York.

We've created thousands of elastics, ribbons and laces in practicing this lace-making art.

Experiments with layering fabrics and using bio-based silicone instead of elastic.

This lace pattern reminds me of a tree.

I have a special relationship with these century old machines that have taught me the secrets of balancing tensions.

Proud to be one of the 2% who are manufacturing apparel in the USA.

Can't believe I've invented new, amazing fabrics...blows me away everyday.

Me and my girl napping.

A red-headed, freckled tomboy, never interested in “feminine” things, now, at 60 is testing new lingerie every day, and in love with the way it makes her feel. 

We can pattern a complete footwear upper and size it property. We can even pattern in the laces.

Why not invest our talents, abilities, goodwill, and enthusiasm into something that no one will be able to corrupt, that we will be able to decide about ourselves in the end.  ~Ivan Jirous 
The Parallel Society vs Totalitarianism | How to Create a Free World  https://youtu.be/wJr7awWGWAo

My two sides - A woodworker and lace braider. Moved the woodshop upstairs and sealed off the braiding room with plastic doorways to keep the sawdust at bay.

I never thought I'd be playing with mannequins.

I'm a treeman. I have good balance.

2020 was our Muscovy duck season. We hatched these little guys from eggs we incubated.

Digitized lace-making allowed for fabric exploration using the evolved Barmen machine. Companies such as TEF Braids in Athol, NY used the new technology to explore programmable braiding and patented two families of patterns that facilitated the production of complex fabrics and multi-dimensional textile structures. Companies such as NIKE, Inc. explored lace braiding for footwear and wrote patents for future machine iterations. Researchers David Branscomb explored programmable circular braiding for composite structures.

Sometimes you want to slip the fabric on before you cut it from the machine.

The grandkids and I dropped a tree at the shop. We made Christmas wreaths with the branches and pine cones.

Braiding-Weaving-Gonna be the death of me!

Making big round composite structures for lighting.

Twilight Braiding

Braiding table maintenance

Always working on the development of new sewing techniques.

2020 was our Muscovy duck season. We became good friends.

It was easy for me to fall in love with ducks. They provided a respite.

We're Official. Our address: 572 High Street, Athol, NY

Our Sign! TEF Braids, Tensengral and the FreeWErld Nexus

I've developed a pretty intimate relationship with my girls. I know them inside and out.

We're grandparents now. That's a "whole-nuther" layer of responsibility. We're old enough to "know better" now.

I was initially a tree climber so am familiar with ropes. Working with yarns is basically the same.

We've been at this for a long time.