Immerse yourself in a full weekend of geometric beauty and tactile artistry. This retreat combines the bold, architectural tradition of Barn Quilt Painting with the soft, intricate craft of Needle Felting. Whether you are wielding a paintbrush or a felting needle, you’ll spend three days surrounded by the historic charm of the Nome Schoolhouse, enjoying chef-curated meals and a community of fellow creators.

 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.

The creative force behind Bonehill Creek Barnquilts. Karin simplifies the geometry of quilting into a painting process that results in stunning, durable outdoor art.

Bonehill Creek Barnquilts  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086995639131

our 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.

Weekend Itinerary

Friday: Arrival & The Grand Tour

• 3:00 PM: Check-in at the historic Nome Schoolhouse. Settle into your private room and explore the vintage charm of the guest quarters.

• 5:00 PM: Welcome & Design Session. Meet Karin and Chris to choose your patterns and colors. This is where the vision for your wooden and felted quilts begins.

• 6:30 PM: Welcome Dinner. Enjoy a scratch-made, chef’s choice meal in the Schoolhouse Dining Room.

• 7:30 PM: The Nome Schoolhouse Grand Tour. After dinner, join us for an exclusive guided tour of the Mill, the Schoolhouse, and the Barn. Discover the history of these restored buildings and see where the "Barn to Yarn" magic happens firsthand.

Saturday: Painting the Big Picture

• 8:30 AM: Farm-style Breakfast.

• 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Barn Quilt Painting with Karin Baker. * Spend the day in the Event Center taping, priming, and painting your 2' x 2' masterpiece.

  • Returning Students: Option to upgrade to a 4' x 4' board ($180 total for the painting portion).

• 12:30 PM: Gourmet Lunch Break prepared by the Nome Schoolhouse Chef.

• 6:00 PM: Dinner & Evening Social.

Sunday: Softening the Lines

• 8:30 AM: Breakfast.

• 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Felting a Barn Quilt with Chris Armbrust.

  • Transition from wood to wool. Chris will teach you how to recreate your quilt design using fiber, giving you a textured textile piece to complement your painted board.

• 12:00 PM: Farewell Lunch.

• 2:00 PM: Final Showcase & Departure.