Waldorf School Students Visit Local Mill

SARATOGA SPRINGS — 5th graders at the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs toured the Battenkill Fibers Carding and Spinning Mill in Greenwich last week, observing the inner workings of the mill and learning how wool from local sheep is processed into yarns through the mill’s custom carding and spinning services.

The field trip is part of the handwork and fiber program at Waldorf. Starting in 1st grade, students learn to knit, crochet, and sew. By 8th grade, they are adept at using sewing machines to make custom clothing. The field trip to Battenkill Fibers is an annual 5th grade event that helps the children understand the connection between fiber animals, farms, and the broader community.

Battenkill Fibers produces 100-150 pounds of natural-colored and dyed semi-worsted yarn daily using refurbished traditional milling machinery.