A Farm-to-Fiber Journey at the Historic Nome Schoolhouse
Indulge in a transformative immersion into the world of fiber processing. This Barn to Yarn Experience takes you through every stage of the textile journey—from the animals in the pasture to the finished skein. Under the expert guidance of Chris, you’ll explore both home-based techniques and professional commercial processing in an intimate, hands-on setting.
The Schoolhouse Tour: The experience begins with a full guided tour of our beautifully restored historic school, discovering the architecture and history of this unique space.
The Barn & Fiber Herd: We then head to the barn for an educational tour of our fiber herd. You’ll learn about the distinct characteristics of natural fibers and the animal husbandry required to produce high-quality fleece.
The Mill in Motion: Step inside the mill to work directly with the processing equipment. From washing and dyeing raw materials to the intricacies of picking, carding, drafting, spinning, and plying, you’ll witness the complete transformation of fiber.
Your time here is designed to be as restorative as it is educational.
Exquisite Dining: Savor gourmet meals crafted by our onsite chef. The experience includes an opening social and dinner on Friday, three full meals on Saturday, and a hearty breakfast and farewell lunch on Sunday.
Engaging Socials: Wind down your evenings with refreshing drinks and relaxed social time. These gatherings offer the perfect atmosphere for engaging conversations with Chris and a chance to address any questions in a comfortable, friendly setting.
Schedule: Check-in begins Friday afternoon, followed by our opening social and dinner. The experience concludes after lunch on Sunday.
All-Inclusive Ease: We provide all materials, expert instruction, and even your airport pickup—ensuring a truly worry-free stay.
No Experience Necessary: Whether you are a lifelong fiber enthusiast or a complete beginner, we provide everything you need for an enriching and memorable stay.
Since 2010, Chris has been the driving force behind Dakota Fiber Mill, where she transformed fibers from a variety of furry friends—sheep, alpaca, goat, camel, bison, and more—into exquisite yarn and roving. But Chris's passion doesn't end with spinning; in 2017, she collaborated with four engineering students from NDSU to introduce a felting machine to the mill. This innovation allowed her to turn waste and short fibers into an array of delightful products.
In 2018 Chris took her creative endeavors to new heights with purchasing the abandoned Nome Schoolhouse and spent three years transforming it into a wool enthusiast's dream destination. The schoolhouse now houses not only the individual businesses but also a retail store showcasing unique products. The icing on the cake? Purpose-built classrooms for makers, and a boutique hotel with an in-house chef for those wanting an immersive experience.
In a true embodiment of community spirit, Chris established the Nome Eweniversity Non-Profit, an organization dedicated to providing a rural, inclusive, farm-to-needle experience. Nestled in the heart of the Nome Schoolhouse, this non-profit is committed to inspiring future makers, artists, and growers.
Your Instructors and the Nome Schoolhouse do much to prepare for your arrival. To honor the work that we put towards your place in the class there is a firm time frame around when and how refunds are given. Tickets may be transferred to another person upon approval by the Nome Schoolhouse.
You can read our cancelation and policy by clicking here >> https://nomeschoolhouse.com/refund_returns
By making a booking with us, you signify your agreement to adhere to these terms.
We will pick you up and take you back to the airport in Fargo.
Enjoy staying in one of our unique and cozy guest rooms with your own private bathroom.
Savor the culinary delights prepared by our skilled Nome Schoolhouse Chefs, featuring delectable made-from-scratch meals.
Chris will be there to guide you everyday.
All the materials needed to complete your project and the tools will be available for you to use.
Check in is at 5:00. Meet the instructor, explore the schoolhouse and unpack in your room. Enjoy a delicious meal at 6:00 and meet your fellow participants. Then explore different fibers in the Mill. The rest of the evening is yours to relax by the fireplace, read a book or head to bed in your beautiful guest room.
The day will be filled with projects! After a 9:00 breakfast, you’ll learn about washing, picking and carding. Lunch will be served at 12:00. In the afternoon, you’ll participate in pindrafting, spinning, plying and dyeing. Supper is at 6:00, and after supper you will enjoy learning about wet felting. The rest if the evening can be used to socialize, rest or finish some of the day’s projects.
Breakfast is at 9:00. After breakfast learn how to use the clicker press and spend time finishing your projects. The retreat will conclude after lunch with a time to reflect and share and an opportunity to shop in the Shepherd Industries store.