“Visitors receive a complimentary guided tour through the mill,” Nobles says; this walkthrough outlines the textile production process. “Most people don’t realize how many steps there are. They take home a memory of how it was all made.” Following their tour, guests can browse the onsite boutique’s selection of products spun on Belfast Mini Mills machinery, and sourced internationally
Unscheduled carding and felting classes are held according to visitor demand, and Belfast Mini Mills also hosts a weekly knitting drop-in: “every Thursday, we welcome people to bring in their knitting projects,” says Nobles. “There’s always an expert knitter on hand to help with questions.” Despite Belfast Mini Mills’ history and international clientele, Nobles sees the business as part of PEI’s multifaceted collection of shepherds and spinners. (Two Island businesses, in fact, produce their stock using a Belfast Mini Mill.) PEI’s new “Fibre Trail” map--dreamed up by Nobles herself, and available on paper throughout the Maritimes-- assists tourists exploring the Island’s craft culture. “People are coming to the Island and spending a long weekend following the Fibre Trail themselves,” Nobles says. “It’s been huge.”
from locations including India, Mongolia, and South Africa.
When it comes to textile trends, Nobles says “exotic fibres” are increasingly popular: “buffalo, yak, camel, longhaired German shepherd.” That’s reflected in the Belfast Mini Mills boutique’s offerings. “We carry muskox, Himalayan cat, golden retriever--things people won’t see anywhere else.”
Classes regularly taught onsite include wall hanging and tea cosy tutorials.
Belfast Mini Mills 1820 Garfield Road, Belfast 902.659.2202 www.minimills.net
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SUMMER 2018 www.pei-living.ca
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