Farm to Fabric: A Fibershed Immersive Weekend

The purpose of this 3 day workshop is to support the mission of the Northern New England Fibershed – bringing fiber from raw material to finished product. Our focus will be the Border Leicester sheep raised here at Sanborn Mills Farm. Each breed of sheep produces a distinct type of wool which can have many uses.  Developed in 1767 in England, the Border Leicester is considered a dual-purpose sheep valued for their long, crimpy lustrous locks. Your first day will include a visit with the sheep! The farm’s shepherd will give an overview of the goals of the farm’s breeding program and husbandry practices.

The remainder of your time will be hands-on. You will gain an in depth understanding of the craft qualities and characteristics of this heritage breed. Learn how to use hand cards, wool combs and a drum carder to prepare your fleece for spinning. Spin your prepared fiber into several different yarns, both smooth and textured, that will be well suited for your knit, crochet or woven cloth. Time will be spent sampling your yarns. Leave the workshop with an understanding of the history and tradition of these sheep as well as the versatility of their fleece for the hand spinner.

Instructor will provide hand carders, wool combs, drum carder, workbook, handouts, a warped rigid heddle loom for sampling, rug hooking supplies and patterns for knit mittens, wrist warmers, hat and shawl, knit and woven samples. Farm will supply the washed fleece.

Students must be able to spin a continuous yarn without assistance. Suitable for spindle spinners. No experience will hand tools needed.

Materials Fee: Sanborn Mills Farm will supply the fleeces from their own Border Leicester breed at $25 per pound. Your consumption will be based on your individual project. The color will be natural white. An additional $25 materials fee will be paid directly to the instructor.

Special Tools or Equipment: Please bring a spinning wheel in good working condition, 3 bobbins, lazy kate and a niddy noddy. If a student is coming from a distance, the farm has a limited number of wheels to loan. Please email marsha@sanbornmills.org to reserve. Students should also bring a pen or pencil for notes, the crafting tools of their choice for sampling (knitting needles, crochet hooks, etc.), a small ruler or measuring tape.

Please be sure to read our 2025 policies before you register for a workshop which can be found here Workshop Policies