Farm to Fabric

Farm to Fabric: A Fibershed Immersive Weekend

This June, Sanborn Mills Farm will host a unique, hands-on fiber workshop designed to bring the mission of the Northern New England Fibershed to life: connecting local fiber from raw material to finished product. Taught by master spinner, knitting instructor, and designer Donna Kay, this immersive three-day experience will focus on the heritage Border Leicester sheep raised right on the farm.

Border Leicesters, developed in 18th-century England, are known for their long, crimpy, lustrous locks and are considered a dual-purpose breed ideal for handspinning. Participants will begin their workshop with a visit to the flock, where Sanborn Mills Farm’s farm staff will introduce students to the farm’s breeding goals and husbandry practices. This direct engagement with the animals offers students a deeper understanding of where their fiber comes from and how it is ethically and sustainably raised.

The rest of the workshop will be fiber-focused and rich in skill-building. Students will explore the unique characteristics of Border Leicester fleece and learn how to prepare wool using hand carders, wool combs, and a drum carder. They’ll spin a variety of smooth and textured yarns, suited for knitting, crochet, or weaving, and spend time sampling their yarns on warped rigid heddle looms. Knit and woven samples, rug hooking supplies, and patterns for mittens, shawls, and wrist warmers will be available to inspire project ideas. While Border Leicester fleece is the focus, the techniques taught apply to other sheep breeds as well, and Donna—an expert in breed-specific wool—is qualified to discuss and compare different fleeces throughout the workshop.

Donna Kay brings more than 25 years of experience as a spinning and knitting instructor, along with a background in knitwear design for Interweave Knits, PLY, Spin Off, and her own company, Tree of Life Designs. Known for her warm, patient teaching style, Donna will guide students through both traditional techniques and creative exploration.

Participants must be able to spin a continuous yarn without assistance, but no experience with hand tools is necessary. This workshop is a rare opportunity to deepen your spinning skills, gain an intimate knowledge of a heritage sheep breed, and engage in the Fibershed movement to rebuild local fiber systems through education, craft, and stewardship.

Spaces are limited—register soon to join this unique exploration of local wool and traditional spinning at Sanborn Mills Farm.

Farm to Fabric Registration

Sanborn Mills Farm

(603) 435- 7314

info@sanbornmills.org

www.sanbornmills.org