Maidmarion Cottage Industries
Maidmarion Cottage Industries is the wild and wooly side of Circle M.
When farm chores are light, Kriss gets busy in the Summer Kitchen Dye Studio. Wool and mohair are washed, dyed, dried and carded by hand, then brought into the farmhouse in fluffy clouds for Kriss to spin in front of the fire. Guests to the farm are often spinning yarn themselves in a very short time, finding it easier than it looks and satisfying in the most tactile way! Most children are thrilled to be part of the dyeing process, and many of the most stunning color blends have been designed by our young guests with vibrant imaginations.
Kriss’ inspiration tends to come in themes, and she likes to schedule Dye Fests around a particular holiday or season. Happy Valentine’s Dye produced “Berry Stained Kiss,” “Damask Rose,” “Cherry Bon Bon,” “Sweet Tart,” and “Pink Sheep of the Family.” The Spring Garden Dye Fest featured blends based on heirloom seed packets like “Bull’s Blood Beet,” “Oakleaf Lettuce,” “Golden Acre Cabbage,” “Rouge d’Hiver Romaine,” “Strawberry Rhubarb,” and “Sweet Pea.” These super-saturated hand-paints are applied to locks, hand-spun yarn from our wool, one-of-a-kind batts and Chinese Habotai silk ribbon. All are unique and for sale seasonally through Distraction in Cedarburg, The Cat and the Crow in Mt. Horeb and by appointment on the farm.
We raise our own Finn-Rambouillet and Jacob Sheep, so we can offer the finest fibers, free of chemicals, prepared in the most humane and gentle way. We shear in early summer so that the animals can have as much protection from the elements as possible. We sell whole fleeces, both washed and unwashed, for spinners, and mohair locks for crafters.
In the winter months, Kriss also hand-stitches felted purses out of recycled wool sweaters. These one-off designs are funky, unusual bags in various sizes from project satchels to iPod socks. Many are embellished with vintage ribbons and buttons or silk and wool embroidery. These are available seasonally. Special Orders are welcome and Kriss especially enjoys sister sets or mother/daughter projects.
Kriss is a frequent guest teacher at local folkart schools and other educational institutions, including Dodgeville’s Folklore Village, Hollandale’s Grandview Academy, Mineral Point’s Shake Rag Alley and Mount Horeb’s The Cat and The Crow. She also accepts invitations to teach in other settings. She’s demonstrated spinning at bookstores, yarn shops, churches and county fairs.
We do offer Woolcraft Workshops here at the farm, for individuals, families and school groups. We can tailor an outing to your needs and we also offer per-hour time in the Summer Kitchen Dye Studio for individuals who’d like to process a large quantity of wool themselves. Kriss can also host school groups, of up to two classrooms, on the farm, or bring materials into the classroom. Baby Animals in the Classroom events can be booked for late spring. Learn woolcraft here at the farm, or at your own location! Call for references and to design custom curriculum: 608-523-4341 or leave a message on the Farm Almanac blog.
Dye Party
Bring Friends! Includes use of the Summer Kitchen Dye Studio and dye tutoring. Dyes included, wool and silk for purchase. $25/hr per person, group discounts for 3 and up.
Spinning and Felting Classes
These can be tailored for kids or adults, group or individual, advanced or beginning. Learn to spin on spindles or wheels and to felt using water or needles. $25/hr per person, materials included. Group discounts for 3 and up.
Call Kriss to arrange a shopping trip, schedule a class, or special order purses at 608-523-4341. Or leave us a message on the current post asking us to contact you via email. We read the messages daily.
