The St. Peter Woolen Mill located in St. Peter, MN was established in 1867 to custom process sheep wool for ranchers in LeSueur and Nicollet counties. In 1912, the mill was purchased by John Charles Brinker. It has stayed in the family through four generations and is now being run by Patricia Brinker Johnson. At the mill, we wash and card wool into batting which can then be used in quilts, comforters, mattress pads or pillows. We also produce a line of bedding called Nature’s Comfort. This product line features ready-made wool-filled comforter inserts, wool-filled mattress pads, and wool-filled pillows that anyone can purchase.
There are several qualities of wool bedding that make it a true investment in the future. The main selling point is that wool can be recycled. The same wool that your great-grandmother used to make her daughter a wedding quilt can be reprocessed and used to make your own daughter a gorgeous wedding quilt. Our employees have been entrusted with many quilt batts that have been handed down from one generation to the next. Moreover, they have been washing and carding the wool batts with the same methods that were used over a century ago. Be assured that if you choose to send us your wool, you will get your own wool back.
Wool is also excellent at maintaining a constant body temperature therefore it can be used in both hot and cold climates. The wool fibers naturally absorb moisture from the environment which creates a pocket of dry air next to the skin. This means that whether it is summer or winter, you can expect to get a better night’s sleep without having to constantly regulate the air-conditioner or furnace. This ability to wick moisture away also makes the wool fibers resistant to mold, mildew and dust mites. As a result, this bedding is a godsend for people who suffer from allergies. Our website www.woolenmill.com lists other health problems which can be alleviated with the use of wool bedding but there is also one benefit that relates directly to safety. As many firemen know, wool is naturally resistant to flames. It will singe like human hair, but stop burning when it is removed from the source of the fire. Although wool bedding has special care and handling instructions it would be ideal for infant bedding.
In conclusion, the St. Peter Woolen Mill is proud to produce a 100% American-Made product which benefits peoples lives and encourages people to recycle. Patricia would be happy to discuss the history of the mill, health and environmental benefits of wool, and the proper care and handling of wool bedding. Please let us know if you are interested and would like more information.
