There came a time last Fall when I felt ready and aligned to share an idea. I have been fascinated by woven structures, history, and craft for years. I secured an LLC and started researching. How could I partner with purposeful mills and weavers? I wanted to design homegoods that were beautiful, durable, and meaningful. A throw blanket has the ability to complete and ground a living space. The United States has a rich history in textile production. However, the reality is a majority of manufacturing facilities have closed or moved overseas over the years. I wanted to create an American wool blanket as an act of preservation and began my research.
I knew of Faribault Mills for some time. A historic vertical American woolen mill based in Minnesota weaving blankets for more than 160 years. I sent them an email explaining my mission and ideas, and to my surprise, they were open to it. It turned into a series of calls and emails of technical and design discussions. I iterated several times, wanting to take advantage of the amazing jacquard weaving abilities offered. I ended up with a reversible representation of several weaving patterns and methods inspired by my learnings. From my conversations with the mill over the months, I knew this team was passionate and mighty. I made it a point to plan a visit during the weaving of the Present Tense Home blankets.
This July I flew to Minneapolis and immediately drove south to their mill in Faribault. There I got to meet with the mill’s sales representative, designer, current C.E.O., and several weavers. It was a moving experience to see the way this mill keeps its heritage alive. Since 1865, the mill has been operating. I learned the history of the mill: originally a horse-powered carding factory creating wool batting. It took less than a decade for the space to install spinning machines and looms. It was around then when the mill produced its first woolen cloth. In 1892 the mill relocated to its current day home along the Cannon River following a devastating fire in the previous space, now turning to water power. By the 1930s Faribault was a recognizable name selling in department stores across the United States.
The care put into the product here was extremely evident from my visit. I saw the bales of wool sourced from ranches in Wyoming, Montana, and Oregon as well as Australia and New Zealand. The wool is washed, dyed, carded, and spun into yarn right in the facility. The yarn making process was extremely captivating. The amount of time and care that goes into it is truly inspiring given the state at which we demand in today’s environment. I believe it is an act of resistance to take care and responsibility in the way we make. Faribault Mills is doing just that. I was able to watch my design come to life on their jacquard looms. I saw as each individual heddle wire lifted, lowered, and changed creating a once digital render into a physical historical manifestation. The design of the dedication blanket embodies my experiences as a student of weaving. Cones of the wool yarn made in house picked through a strong cotton warp to bring the design to life. For it to be woven in such a historically rich space domestically feels intuitive and aligned.
The team takes care to check each blanket woven for any imperfections before washing, drying, and final processing. I felt the passion in the space. It felt meaningful to be there and to connect with several moving pieces. It was almost relieving to know that there are people who still really care about preserving the heritage of mills like these. I am grateful to Faribault for their openness to collaboration. The piece we made is warm, comforting, and has true longevity.
I could not recommend a visit to them more if you find yourself in Minnesota.
