April 3rd — 5th
Meet sheep, spin wool, eat well, and sleep soundly at the quaint Harvest Barn Inn in Bellows Falls, Vermont.
This spring, join us for a special weekend-long workshop retreat for anyone who wants to learn about all things wool—from tending sheep to spinning yarn to knitting sweaters. We’ve crafted a program full of hands-on learning, delicious food, and the chance to meet some great new knitting friends!
What to expect
During your stay you’ll visit a regenerative, family-run Vermont sheep farm, and you’ll learn how to draft and ply your own yarn from raw wool under the tutelage of master spinner and fiber artist Patty Blomgren. Expect lots of tea, storytelling, and free time to work on your own projects. The program is accessible to all levels. So whether you’re just learning to knit, or whether you’ve been crocheting blankets for 50 years, you’ll make some great new friends, and you’ll go home with a skein of wool (or two, or a few!) you made with your own hands.
Sample Itinerary
You’ll get a more detailed itinerary on arrival, but here’s an idea of what to expect over your cozy weekend in Vermont:
Friday 4/3
- Afternoon check-in
- 5:30p Aperitivo at the inn
Saturday 4/4
- 8:00a Family-style breakfast at the inn
- 9:30a-12:00p Sheep farm and studio visit
- 12:00p Lunch free period
- 2:00p Fleece and carding demonstration
- 3:00p Wool-spinning workshop
- 6:00p Light dinner and snacks
- 7:30p Knitting circle (bring your own project!)
Sunday 4/5
- 9:00a Goodbye breakfast at the inn
- 11:00a Departures (or stay another night and knit!)
There are wonderful restaurants around for both lunch and dinner options, and we’re happy to make recommendations and reservations. Guests are also welcome to bring their own snacks and food, and have access to a refrigerator and microwave at the innn.
About the instructor
Patty Blomgren has been spinning and weaving for 40 years, and teaching for more than 30. Her fiber arts passion began at the age of 10 when her mother taught her to crochet and tat lace. She’s since given instruction in weaving, dyeing, felting, and knitting. But Patty considers herself first and foremost a spinner. She’s taught at various sheep and wool festivals, at area farms and studios, in her own home, at the Community College of Vermont, and at the renowned Putney School. A life-long learner, Patty returned to Mount Holyoke College in the 2000s to earn a dual degree in Women’s Studies & Fine Arts, focusing on the cultural histories of women textile artisans. In 2010, under the mentorship of Susan Barrett Merrill, Patty became a “Weaving a Life” Certified Weaving Circle Leader, following Merrill’s intimate, process-based approach to weaving that aims to surface an artist’s personal vision by revealing her innate—and unique—gifts as a human.
About the inn
The Harvest Barn Inn is a guesthouse, kitchen, and space committed to celebrating and caring for the land and our community. It offers six modern, comfortable rooms in a 19th century farmhouse overlooking the Connecticut River in charming Bellows Falls, Vermont.
Pricing
The below pricing covers accommodation, all activities, and the food & drink described above.
$525 + tax (Single occupancy, price per person)
$775 + tax (Double occupancy, price for two)
All rooms include a queen bed and a private bath. Guests who would like to book a double occupancy room must sign up together. To request a double occupancy room, please send us a message directly at hello@harvestbarninn.com.
Harvest Barn Inn 