It is impossible to do justice in words to the many wonders of MacAusland’s Woolen Mills in Bloomfield, PEI. But I will try. At least a little.
MacAusland’s has been producing woollen blankets since 1932. And they do produce these blankets. From scratch. They take raw wool, card and spin it, then weave blankets from the thread. These are blankets that will last forever. They are soft and warm and so unlike what most people think of as a woollen blanket (scratchy, rough, etc.) as to be a breed apart.
A visit to the factory in Bloomfield is an experience in itself. There is no “factory tour” — you just walk right in the side door and are immediately in the midst of all of the amazing belt-driven machinery used to produce blankets. You are free to poke in and around anywhere, and there are no “warning, don’t go here” signs at all (note: as a result, of course, you should watch where you step, and where your young children stick their arms/noses/legs).
Walk up the steep wooden stairs to the “showroom” and you can select from a wide array of blankets in different colours and sizes, as well as a good select of yarn.
When you buy a blanket (and you should buy a blanket), it will be wrapped in paper and tied with string. They will ship anywhere.
This week or next, or the one after that, you cannot do wrong to take the afternoon off and drive up to Bloomfield. It’s about an hour and a half from Charlottetown, just past the O’Leary turn, right on Route 2. You can stop in Kensington at the Frosty Treat on the way up for an ice cream, and at the Richmond Dairy Bar on the way back for another.
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I am Peter Rukavina and this is my blog. I am a writer, letterpress printer, and a curious person.
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Comments
Hi Peter,Thanks for the plug
Hi Peter,
Thanks for the plug for MacAusland’s. My great-grandfather was the founder of the woolen mill. Converted it from a grist mill just prior to the turn of the century. At this time the mill is on its fourth generation of the MacAusland family to operate it. My cousin Dale took over after my uncle Allan retired in July 2005.
Just to make a couple small adjustments: the name of the business is MacAusland’s Woolen Mill… one ‘l’ in woolen, and no plural in the mill. There is only one mill, composed of several buildings. Also, it is not a factory, but a mill… there is a difference. (Sorry - I am an editor by nature and by profession, and I am very passionate about the place. I spent a considerable amount of my life in Bloomfield and in the mill. I can smell the lanolin and see the tufts of fleece in the corners of the place as I think about it.
Once again, though, thanks for the great note about the business. As a small family operation, positive advocation and advertisement from people, such as yourself is very important! I hope you get back “Up West” (as we Islanders call the area where Bloomfield is located) soon! MacAusland’s blankets do last forever, but you can never ever have too many!
Cheers,
Heather
Two day to PEI next week. Am
Two day to PEI next week. Am rug hooker. Do you carry wool material or blanket remnants that are not too thick or heavy for hooking?
could you please give us
could you please give us price range ?
I bought some woolen gloves
I bought some woolen gloves from MacAusland’s Woollen Mills … about 10 years ago. I think I may need another pair soon as these have just started to show wear. Living in the cold climate of eastern Massachusetts, I enjoy their warmth and comfort from November through March. I am not sure I watched these exact gloves being made … but I did see other wollen goods going through the process.
It was a GREAT VALUE … and like most everything else from PEI … very, very special.
Anthony Serino
Son of Keith and Jean Pratt
Nearly 40 years ago I moved
Nearly 40 years ago I moved away from PEI. I knew the MacAuslands quite well. Our family purchased a number of blankets and lots of yarn. The blankets still conjure up warm memories. Hoping to visit again finally.......I may just have to buy a new nostalgic blanket.
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