About Us
Blackberry finally has new owners!!
The long search to pass the baton of running the mill has been successful and we will continue to be a locally-owned spinnery located in the Driftless hills of Vermont Township in south central Wisconsin, now continuously spinning woolen yarn for shepherds and knitters specializing in natural fiber hand knitting yarns and custom carding and spinning services since 1988.
PRESS RELEASE July 20th 2026
Beloved Southern Wisconsin Woolen Mill Blackberry Ridge Begins a New Chapter Under Female Owner-Operators
A small local group steps in to preserve rural manufacturing, honor legacy, and continu producing high‑quality woolen yarn.
Southern Wisconsin’s 38 year tradition of textile craftsmanship nestled in the driftless hills just outside Mount Horeb continues as a group of local supporters proudly announce the purchase of one of the region’s most cherished woolen mills. The new co-owners of Blackberry Ridge Woolen Mill, Sarah Best and Leslie Schroeder, bring a deep respect for the mill’s history and a shared commitment to maintaining quality and fostering connection between the shepherds who raise the sheep and the people who make wonderful things with the yarn.
Best has built her career in sweater design, collaborating with mills around the world to develop custom yarns for the brands she’s worked with. She has championed wool and other natural fibers in her designs, which often reflect heritage techniques and patterns. She currently teaches both sewing and knitting at all levels in the Madison area.
Schroeder is the founder of Midwest Linen Revival, promoting locally grown and processed flax for fiber, and co-curator of Field to Frock a multi day festival celebrating and educating around flax and linen. She is an avid sewer, knitter, and weaver, dedicated to culture change through relationship with our clothes.
This transition is made possible thanks to the dedication and vision of Anne Bosch, whose stewardship of the mill has kept the art of wool processing alive for years. The new owners express their profound gratitude for her guidance, wisdom, and care. Anne remains a true torch‑bearer in the Wisconsin textile community, and the incoming operators emphasize their intention to learn all they can from her example as they step into this responsibility. Anne feels certain that their past experiences with fibers and their organizational skills will make for a successful transition.
“We are honored to carry forward the work Anne has nurtured,” the new owner‑operators shared. “Her passion for wool, her commitment to quality, and her devotion to the community have shaped this mill into something truly special. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue the legacy of Blackberry Ridge.”
The group’s goal is to ensure that the mill remains a vibrant part of the region’s textile ecosystem, producing exceptional woolen yarn while serving as a hub of connection for farmers, makers, and fiber enthusiasts. By championing rural manufacturing, the new team aims to support local agriculture, expand educational opportunities, and protect an invaluable piece of Wisconsin’s heritage.
As the mill enters this new chapter, the incoming owners invite the community to celebrate the continuity of craft and the shared belief that small, dedicated operations can keep traditional skills thriving.
We welcome visitors by appointment!
As an active production mill we're engaged in running equipment and are not always able to accommodate drop-by visits. Call (608) 437-2026 or email 2order@blackberry-ridge.com to schedule a visit.
The mill is located at 3776 Forshaug Rd, Mt Horeb WI 53572