So, picture this; it is my anniversary weekend and I managed to talk my husband into going with me on the Sheep and Fiber Farm Tour going on in Minnesota last weekend. Whoo ho, what a guy! My main desire was to see the Faribault Woolen Mill that was giving tours. Our tour guide was one of the owners and I could feel the passion he had for what they had accomplished, by restoring a mill that had been closed for a couple of years and under 10 feet of water at one point. This is an excerpt from their website that shows how passionate they are to be a US manufacturer of a beautifully crafted product:
” Perhaps it’s this history that gives Faribault Woolen Mill its long-view perspective about how a company should be run and how products should be made to perform. Perhaps it’s also what inspired a new generation of family owners to revive the tradition and machines that had recently lain dormant for two years – revitalizing a community and creating a new sense of purpose – reestablishing our heritage and combining it with an optimistic focus on the future. ”
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| one of the mills owners |
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| scales |
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| be still my heart, this is a warping machine |
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| warping machine |
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| Jacquard loom on the right |
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| and yes I did come home with a pile of remenants… |
Video of the history of the mill:
About The Mill from Faribault Woolen Mill Co. on Vimeo.
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I LOVE the Faribault Woolen Mill. Perhaps I have already told you this: my first husband, Bob Kiesau's grandfather started this mill, and the family owned it right up until it closed a couple of years ago. Spent lots of hours in the mill and being the recipient of yarns and mill-ends. I missed it when it closed. Thanks for the photos, I'll have to make a trip back.
I thought of you while taking this tour. As I fiberholic, I wish it was closer, I would like to work there.
I am up for a return trip anytime and I bet we could get a good group together. I had so much fun taking pictures there! Of course I kept getting left behind so I missed lots of what he was talking about.
What a fabulous post and beautiful photos. Thank you!
Thanks for the tour, Angie. Your pictures are beautiful.
I grew up with Faribault blankets and purchased one of their double weave beauties last year at the mill store. Best purchase I've ever made. We missed being able to tour the mill, so I'm grateful for your photos!