Farm Pickings

News and Updates from Sanborn Mills Farm

— November 1, 2023 —

Some of the days in November carry the whole memory of summer

as a fire opal carries the color of moon rise.

— Gladys Taber

Sheep Shearing Demonstration Nov. 6

Join us at Sanborn Mills Farm on Monday, Nov. 6, beginning at 10:00 a.m. for a sheep shearing demonstration by Siri Swanson of Yankee Rock Farm. Siri has sheared the Farm’s sheep for several years and the shearing is fascinating to watch. The wool that results is cleaned, carded, and eventually used in our Fiber Arts workshops.

The shearing will take place at the Barden Barn on the north end of the Farm. (Click here for a map.) Seasonal refreshments will be for sale.

Pop-Up Lunches

Nov. 10 & 17:

Discount

for Veterans on the 10th, Thanksgiving on the 17th

In honor of this year’s Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11), veterans who sign up for the Farm’s Nov. 10 Pop-Up Lunch will receive a 20% discount. Use the code VET20 at checkout to receive the discount.

And don’t forget that the Lunch on Nov. 17 is our special Thanksgiving lunch. This popular event sells out quickly, so don’t hesitate to make your reservation.

Our Pop-Up Lunches, prepared by head chef Kelly Fahey, offer a delicious array of foods grown right here on the Farm — a true farm-to-table experience.

To see the full calendar of upcoming Pop-Up Lunches and to register, click here.

Save the Date!

Winter Market at Sanborn Mills Farm December 2

November Workshops with Availability

Two workshops coming up in November at Sanborn Mills Farm offer unique opportunities to learn new skills. Our workshops typically fill quickly, so now’s the time to register for these classes. Click on the title of each workshop for more information and to register.

Felted Area Rugs:

Traditional Turkish Felt Beating

November 8-12

Instructor: Jo Hesse

In this five-day workshop students will make their own fully functional felt area rug. Students will learn to “kick” the felt with a dance-like rhythm that can be sustained for days on end. The majority of the workshop will take place on the floor; on the final day, students will hand-finish their rugs on a tabletop. Wool processing and purchasing as well as rug care will be discussed. All experience levels are welcome.

Gourd Birdhouse Decorating, with Education in Bird Behavior and Habitat

November 18

Instructor: Jenn Merrill

Participants in this special one-day workshop will learn to utilize the natural beauty and shapes of gourds to attract an array of wild birds to your home and garden. Many of these birds feed on flies, mosquitoes, and other insects, often resulting in a decline of bothersome insects around the home. You will have the opportunity to add your own monochromatic designs (or use provided patterns) to decorate natural gourds with the use of paint, ink, or pyrography tools. Time will allow the student to make two birdhouses, experimenting with styles, patterns, and mediums. Participants will also learn about the behavior of different cavity-nesting birds as well as how to attract specific species to your home. Gourds will be pre-drilled, sanded, and strung.

Coming Soon…

Our schedule of 2024 workshops at the Farm will be published on the Farm’s website at the end of November. You’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for the announcement — many of our workshops sell out quickly, even months in advance, so if you see a 2024 workshop on the new schedule that you’d enjoy, register soon.

Photo Credits

Top and sheep shearing photos by Steve Bjerklie.

Veteran’s Day image courtesy Depositphotos.

Winter Market and Sneak Peek graphics by Lea Rossignol.

Workshop photos courtesy the instructors.