ABOUT THE SHOP
Chippewa Valley Leatherworks is a small leather shop located in Alpena, Michigan. Specializing in crafting high-quality leather goods and featuring a well-curated collection of vintage clothing and locally-made goods from other artisan makers.
Chippewa Valley Leatherworks uses USA-made leather, hardware and tools. Each product is cut, assembled and finished by hand, in small batches, in our small workshop.
"Lead a quiet life and work with your hands."
- 1 Thessalonians 4:11
MEET THE MAKERS
Our Story | Tim & Meg
We grew up together and married in our small northern Michigan hometown of Alpena... we are high school sweethearts! We have 6 amazing kids and have enjoyed many adventures together during Tim's 22-year career in the Marine Corps.
In 2019, we moved back to our hometown of Alpena and founded a new family adventure: Chippewa Valley Leatherworks. CVL was born from our shared passion for beauty, quality and creating. CVL is dedicated to providing great experiences, in-store and online, and long-lasting, beautiful products.
- Tim and Meg Allen
MEET OUR TEAM
TIM ALLEN
Co-Owner | Leatherworker & Vintage Goods Curator
I began leatherworking as a hobby with just a small bag of tools, a few needles and thread. I love working with my hands. The process of conception to finishing a product is rewarding.
Vintage clothing has been a passion of mine since my youth. I'm excited to find and offer the superior-quality and durability of well-made, uncommon items to our customers.
MEG ALLEN
Co-Owner | Lead Craftsman
Sewing has been a staple throughout my life, but having always loved the creative process, I explored making using many different materials and processes. Handmade items from natural materials resonate with a tangible quality and presence that a mass-produced item cannot match.
As Tim advanced his leatherworking hobby, I started creating with him. Starting out, we made items for gifts and by-request; so as we grow, seeing each name attached to an order holds a special meaning--this remains very personal to me.
TAMMY SUSEWITZ
Sewist
Seeing beauty in all things, I enjoy giving life back to aged items and repurposing materials. Sewing, mending and repurposing started as a practice of necessity and evolved into an artful, rewarding hobby.
Slow fashion and hand-crafting from natural materials evokes a sense of satisfaction because each item is unique--that item is your own. In a world of mass production, that is a powerful idea. I'm honored to assist in bringing these products to our customers.