Farm & Fiber Retreat
July 18-20, 2025
Come to Vermont
This Retreat is SOLD OUT
We had an overwhelming amount of sign ups in the first few hours. Please send an email to hello@junctionfibermill.com and we will add you to our waitlist! Thanks for understanding!
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Group size: 35-45
Join Junction Fiber Mill for a unique blend of fiber arts, farm experiences, and the tranquil charm of the New England countryside. Whether you're a seasoned fiber artist or just starting out, our retreat offers a weekend packed with creativity, learning, and connection. Dive into the joy of working with wool, meet local sheep, and bond with fellow enthusiasts in a beautiful setting. Experience an unforgettable weekend celebrating the art of fiber in the heart of Vermont.
Accommodation
The Norwich Inn is a classic Victorian hotel with all the modern amenities in the center of Norwich VT. Junction Fiber Mill will take it over for the entire weekend!
Visit the Farm
Savage Hart Farm is set in the quintessential rolling hills of Vermont. You’ll meet up close the flock of Corriedale sheep that Todd and Peggy raise. Squish your fingers into their fleece and learn about the challenges and joys of sheep farming.
Get Crafting!
Choose one of three classes taught by veteran instructors. Try your hand at free-form felting, create a custom knitwear pattern, or roll up your sleeves and dye!
Tour the Mill
Learn how Junction Fiber Mill turns raw wool into gorgeous yarn as we explain the process and equipment. Don’t worry, there will be time to shop, too!
Farm to Table
A rare chance to enjoy the best fresh cuisine in a small restaurant nestled on a 1,000-acre working farm. We'll have the place to ourselves as we enjoy a gourmet three-course dinner with drinks. Cheers!
Your Fiber Adventure Awaits
We love our home here in Vermont, and we've put a lot of thought into this retreat to share its unique charm with you. Here's a glimpse of what we have planned for the weekend.
Friday
The retreat kicks off at the Norwich Inn on Friday evening with a Champagne or seltzer toast. We'll enjoy heavy hors d'oeurves at the Inn for dinner. There will be time for knitting in the common spaces at the Inn and showing off your WIPs. Rest up for the big day tomorrow!
Saturday Day
Start your day with breakfast at the Norwich Inn. Then we'll split into three groups for our activity blocks: fiber workshop, farm visit, and mill tour + shop. You'll enjoy a delicious lunch catered by King Arthur Baking Co with your group. In the afternoon, you'll attend your second activity block. We'll all return to the Norwich Inn to get ready for dinner.
Saturday Night
The day ends with a memorable three-course dinner at Cloudland Farm in the pastoral setting of Pomfret, Vermont. Nestled within 1,000 acres of rolling green hills, this picture-perfect farm embodies the charm of Vermont. We’ll have exclusive access to the on-farm restaurant, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy a selection of curated wines and non-alcoholic beverages, all included. Transportation to and from Cloudland Farm will be provided.
Photo by Meg Emmons
Sunday
Enjoy breakfast at the Inn and check out before breaking into your last activity group of the retreat. We'll provide lunch to-go as we make our farewells just before noon. If you don't have a flight to catch, enjoy a little more time exploring our area with a trip to a local yarn store. Our area boasts three of them!
Room Types
The Norwich Inn features three different buildings: the historic Main Inn, and the more recently-added Walker House, and Ivy Lodge.
Each room is equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, TVs, and high-speed internet.
Standard Room
Standard rooms are located in the quaint and elegant Main Inn*. They include a single King or Queen bed.
*The Main Inn does not have an elevator and all rooms are located on the second or third floors
Deluxe Room
Deluxe rooms are more spacious and have more features than our Standard Rooms. There are Deluxe rooms in each of the three buildings and they have a King or Queen bed.
Budget Room
Budget rooms are located in the Main Inn*. They have a Full-size bed and are quaint and cozy.
*The Main Inn does not have an elevator and all rooms are located on the second or third floors
Suite
There is a single Suite in the Main Inn which features a deluxe queen bedded room with a connecting living room, which has a double-sized sleeper sofa.
*The Main Inn does not have an elevator and all rooms are located on the second or third floors
Shared Twin
Located in the Main Inn. This is a shared room for two attendees. If you plan to attend with a friend and want to share this room, make sure you both reserve your spots at the same time and indicate in the Order Notes you would like to share.
*The Main Inn does not have an elevator and all rooms are located on the second or third floors
Shared Queen
Located in the newer Walker Building. This is a shared room with two Queen beds for two attendees. If you plan to attend with a friend and want to share this room, make sure you both reserve your spots at the same time and indicate in the Order Notes you would like to share.
Your Hosts
Join us, Amanda and Peggy, co-founders of Junction Fiber Mill, as we host this exciting retreat. With a shared passion for fiber and a commitment to American wool growers, we established our mill in 2021 to bring vibrant, small-batch, 100% wool yarns to life. Alongside our knowledgeable staff, we look forward to sharing our expertise, stories, and the unique journey of creating breed-specific yarns right here in Vermont.
Our Instructors
Erika Field
Knitwear Designer
Erika Field is a creative maker with a lifelong affection for arts and crafts. After a career in non-profit work, including more than a decade at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, she began independently publishing knitting patterns in 2021 through her business Grapefruit & Gardenia. Her fiber journey has led her to have a deep appreciation of farm to skein yarn. Erika teaches knitting privately and through local yarn shops. She also hosts an informal YouTube vlog called Knit Kind, which aims to focus on positivity within the knitting community.
Neysa Russo
The Felting Studio
Neysa Russo works from her studio in Corinth, Vermont, where she combines the techniques of wet felting and needle felting to create tapestries of exquisite beauty and charm. Fascinated by the rich history of design and inspired by ancient textiles from around the world, her expertise comes to life with creative design composition and dramatic use of color. She is an author, markets her own line of kits, exhibits her work in galleries and teaches.
Ellen Minard
Dyer
Ellen Minard, the talented artisan behind Ellen's ½ Pint Farm, brings over 30 years of experience in handpainting yarns and fibers. Her dedication to the craft and her keen eye for color have made her a respected figure in the fiber arts community. Ellen's expertise spans a wide range of dyeing techniques, and her handpainted creations are celebrated for their vibrant hues and unique patterns
Faqs
Got Questions?
How do I sign up?
Purchase your Retreat Deposit 2025, add it to your calendar, then make your transportation plans to get here. Yay!
I am planning to share a room with my friend. Do we all need to purchase a spot?
Yes, you will each need to purchase a Shared Room Type. Add who you would like to share your room with to your Order notes (on the cart page), or send an email to hello@junctionfibermill.com.
I am planning to attend with my husband/wife/partner. Do we both need to purchase a spot?
If you would like to share a room with one bed, you will need to purchase a single room and then send an email to hello@junctionfibermill.com to let us know you need a second retreat fee.
If you would like a room with two beds, simply purchase two of the Shared room type you want.
What is the price?
Full prices for the different room types are listed on the 2025 Retreat Deposit page.
What is included in the price?
- Accommodation on Friday + Saturday nights at the Norwich Inn
- Champagne or seltzer welcome toast Friday night at the Norwich Inn. Additional alcoholic drinks are not included.
- Dinner on Friday night at the Norwich Inn
- 3-course gourmet farm-to-table dinner on Saturday night at Cloudland Farm. We'll provide wine and N/A beverages.
- Catered lunch from King Arthur Baking Co and seltzers on Saturday
- Breakfast on Saturday & Sunday at the Norwich Inn
- Boxed lunch to-go on Sunday
- A fiber workshop (felting, knitting, or dyeing) with one of our expert instructors
- Transportation from the Inn to Cloudland Farm and back on Saturday night
- A special goody bag
Note: you must provide your own transportation throughout the retreat, with the exception of Saturday night to Cloudland Farm.
How many attendees will there be?
This retreat can accommodate up to 45 guests. Workshops and tours will be capped at 15 people.
I'm local, can I still attend?
We welcome local attendees to join our retreat; however, all guests must stay at the Inn. Having everyone centrally located fosters more bonding and community spirit. Additionally, staying at the Inn grants you access to all its amenities, including a delicious breakfast each morning.
Where is the retreat?
The retreat is nestled in central Vermont, right on the eastern border with New Hampshire. You’ll be staying at the charming Norwich Inn in Norwich, Vermont, just across the river from Hanover, NH, home to the Dartmouth campus. Our mill is conveniently located 5 miles south in White River Junction, Vermont. Additionally, Savage Hart Farm is just a few miles up the hill in Hartford, Vermont. On Saturday, we'll handle the driving through the beautiful hills to Pomfret, Vermont, for a delightful farm dinner.
How do I get there?
Airports
- Boston Logan (BOS) is 2.5 hours south of Norwich. The Dartmouth Coach connects Hanover to Boston and Logan Airport.
- Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is 90 minutes south of Norwich.
- Lebanon (N.H.) Municipal Airport (LEB) is 7 miles from Norwich, is served by daily commuter flights to Boston and New York.
Trains
- Amtrak service currently runs to Boston and New York, with Dartmouth Coach connecting to Hanover from both locations.
Buses
- Dartmouth Coach (800) 637-0123 offers round-trip service between Hanover, Boston's South Station, and Logan Airport (BOS). Dartmouth Coach also offers service between Hanover and New York City. Check the Dartmouth Coach website for current service schedules.
Rental Cars
Enterprise rents vehicles with Hanover as a return location.
Shuttle from Hanover
The Norwich Inn offers a shuttle to and from the Dartmouth College Campus in Hanover for $5 each way.
Do I need a car for this retreat?
You will need to plan for your own transportation between stops on the retreat with the exception of dinner at Cloudland Farm on Saturday night. You are welcome and encouraged to carpool with another participant. See "How do I get there?" for more information about getting to the Norwich Inn.
Rental Cars: Enterprise rents vehicles with Hanover as a return location.
What is July like in Vermont?
July weather in Vermont can be quite variable. Days can be hot and humid, while nights may turn cool. We recommend checking the forecast before you pack and dressing in layers to stay comfortable throughout the retreat.
I have a dietary restriction — will there be food for me included?
Yes, we can accommodate most dietary restrictions. Please let us know your specific needs by email in advance, and we will ensure suitable options are available. Our email address is hello@junctionfibermill.com
I don't knit. Can I still join?
Yes, this retreat is perfect for anyone with an interest in fiber and fiber production. Besides the optional knitting workshop, there are many activities to enjoy. The mill and farm tours focus on the fascinating process of fiber production, and our meals are designed to be delightful for all attendees.
Can I bring my kids? How about my partner?
No, kids are not allowed. We designed this event to be fun and engaging for adults, and it is not tailored for children.
Partners are absolutely invited, but you will need to purchase a spot for them on the retreat as well.
What amenities are included in the rooms?
Each room is equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, TVs, and high-speed internet.
What should I pack?
Other than the usual overnight stuff, we recommend bringing:
- Plenty of layers to handle the variable July weather in Vermont which can range from hot and humid days to cool nights.
- Closed toe shoes for the farm visit
- A rain jacket since we'll be outside rain or shine on the farm
- Something a bit dressier for dinner on Saturday night. (Don't go overboard though — it's still Vermont!)
- Your knitting or other fiber craft project!
What is the cancellation policy?
Fully refundable cancellations will be accepted up until May 23rd. We will continue to offer fully refundable cancellations after this date if we can fill your spot from the waitlist. If we cannot fill your spot between May 23rd and June 27th, you will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be offered after June 27th.
I booked my spot for the retreat! What are the next steps?
Hooray! We can't wait to spend the weekend with you.
We'll reach out in a few days with a Google Form for you to fill out to complete your registration. This will include things like dietary restrictions and accessibility needs.
If you want to share a room or a bed with another trip participant, please reach out to us and let us know at hello@junctionfibermill.com.
Make your plans for how you'll get here and around during the retreat.
We'll be in touch with more details as the retreat gets closer!
Will I get dirty on the farm tour? What kind of shoes should I bring?
You might get a little dirty on the farm tour, especially if you choose to get close to the sheep, which will be out in the field rather than in the barn this time of year. We recommend wearing clothes you don't mind getting dirty. You must wear closed-toed shoes for the visit.
I still have questions!
Don't hesitate to reach out to us over email: hello@junctionfibermill.com