A Week at Sanborn Mills Farm
During the first week of May I travelled to Loudon, New Hampshire to teach a natural dye and quilt making class at Sanborn Mills Farm. This was my first time experiencing New England and just as I expected, it did not disappoint. Besides textile classes SMF teaches traditional farming practices, including draft animal power, growing fruits, vegetables, animals, grains, trees, ornamental gardens, fiber, and other materials for use in making things. You can explore their incredible array of current workshop offerings here. Students and teachers of Sanborn have the option to stay on the beautiful historical working farm together. I really loved this aspect because it gave us the opportunity to connect in our craft and to be fully immersed in the learning experience. It’s like summer camp for adults but with incredible farm fresh gourmet meals. I had a wonderful group of students and was lucky to have my good friend Amy DuFault as my assistant. My face and sides hurt from all the smiling and laughing. The experience was a dream and I look forward to returning in the future. Here’s a little peek into the magical world of Sanborn Mills Farm.
The state of the art natural dye studio is located in the lower level of the grange building. This historical building was recently moved to SMF from downtown Loudon. The students and I were lucky to have a guided journey up the belfry to experience a bird’s-eye view of the farm.
The view from the belfry! I’d love to see the farm in autumn but was thrilled to get to see it in it's burgeoning spring state. The tulips and daffodils sure did not disappoint.
Cotton/hemp fabric naturally dyed with homegrown sulfur cosmos.
The first two days of my workshop were spent naturally dyeing organic cotton/hemp fabric with dyes I grew on my farm. The remaining three days were spent creating beautiful naturally dyed quilts. Each quilt unique to their maker.
In the evenings we strolled around the farm exploring the historical buildings. At the very end of the road in a beautiful old barn there were lambs to love on.
I was smitten by all the beautiful old homes and buildings!
The wood shop classroom at Sanborn Mills Farm
The Sanborn Mills Farm weaving classroom
