Buy Foods Grown at the Farm Online

Farm Pickings

News and Updates from Sanborn Mills Farm

— July 26, 2023 —

Pop-Up Lunch

and Up-and-Down Saw Demonstration Next Week

Prior to our next Pop-Up Lunch, on Thursday, August 3, our father-and-son team of sawyers, Brian and Logan Clough, will demonstrate our water-powered up-and-down saw. These saws, which first came into broad use in the 18th century, revolutionized timber milling by automating what had been an arduous manual task. The Sanborn Mills Farm sawmill has what we believe to be the only water-powered sawmill in the U.S. with both a functioning up-and-down saw and a circular saw. Don’t miss this opportunity to see a true piece of history in action.

The demonstration begins at 11:30 a.m. If you’re attending the demonstration, please check in at Reception in the Main House prior to going to the sawmill.

The demonstration will be followed by the Pop-Up Community Lunch featuring foods prepared by our head chef Kelly Fahey from Farm-grown produce. Registration is required for the lunch — click here to register.

Also, following the Lunch we will offer some Farm-grown vegetables for sale — a good chance to put some delicious veggies on your plate at home.

Hope to see you at the Farm next week!

Upcoming Workshops Have Availability

Many of the workshops at Sanborn Mills Farm fill quickly, but we have a few upcoming workshops with availability. Each of these is worth investigating — don’t miss a wonderful opportunity to learn a new skill or refine an existing skill in the exquisite environment of the Farm. Click on the title of each workshop for more information and to register.

Totes Times Two

August 12-13

Instructor: Meg Kupiec

In this workshop participants will weave one or two different style tote baskets. One has Shaker Tape Handles and the other has handles that will be shaped out of spline or large round reed. Students will learn traditional weaving methods, including over/under, twining, locking rows, and how to apply rims and how to shape a basket. We will also talk about various weaving materials, the general construction of a basket, how to care for baskets and the different finishes that can be utilized to personalize your work.

Cyanotype & Eco-Printing

October 7-8

Instructor: Katama Murray

Participants will learn the basics of cyanotype and eco-printing on paper and fabric. Beginner sewing and quilting techniques will also be covered to create miniature patchwork quilts and journals. This workshop offers an amalgamation of outdoor foraging, printmaking, photography, bookmaking, and fiber processes. In addition to learning the basics of sewing, embroidery, and quilting, students will create hand-bound pamphlet stitch journals using their printed papers.

Ikat, Shibori & Indigo: New Paths for Ancient Partners

October 18-22

Instructors: Mary Zicafoose & Sara Goodman

This intensive workshop will teach techniques drawing from two honored traditions: Indigo and Ikat. Students will learn how to establish, use, and maintain a natural indigo vat, dipping both yarn and fabric. Some introductory shibori techniques will be taught on commercially woven cloth. Students will also be instructed in the precise and sequential steps to plan, measure, stretch, wrap, dye, unwrap and weave yarn for warp ikat weaving applications. Participants in this five-day workshop will design, wrap, dye, warp and weave a classic indigo blue and white ikat scarf, while learning the basic technique of the shifted warp ikat process.

Buy Foods Grown at the Farm Online

Sanborn Mills Farm now offers vegetables and, soon, meats grown on the Farm for sale on the Farm’s website. Please note: Availability changes with whatever’s ready for harvest; check the web page often to see what’s available that day. And: Vegetables are also offered for sale to attendees of our Pop-Up Community Lunches following the lunch.

Local availability only.

Want to Work with Us?

We Need a Registrar/Guest Relations Person

This is a staff position. Apply today to begin your career at a truly one-of-a-kind facility: historic and beautiful Sanborn Mills Farm. Click here for more information and to apply.

Photo Credits

Top photo and up-and-down saw photo by Steve Bjerklie.

Workshop photos courtesy the instructors.

Vegetable photo by Lea Rossignol.

Bottom photo by Kelly McCaskill.