Bartlett's Rochester Story
Step into the heart of Bartlett's Rochester and discover a tale of tradition and craftmanship. From our origin in Maine in 1821, Bartlettyarns has been synonymous with “All-American”: the work horse of yarns. Our store brims with the essence of handcrafted and locally sourced wool and yarn creations.
Explore our collection, intertwined with stories of generations past and present. Each product echoes a legacy of quality and artistry, waiting to become a part of your creative journey. Let Bartlett's Rochester be your guide to a world of natural fibers and rich history.
In addition to the yarns and rovings,, the store is accented with products relating to sheep and wool (along with a few other favorites).
Many people ask why Rochester? Well, the answer is complex.
-The owners of Bartlettyarns are residents of the city, which has a rich textile history. With over 17 woolen mills in its past, and the fact that some of the types of machinery once found here, are still in operation and used daily at Bartlettyarns.
-The City of Rochester, NH is undergoing a transformation. New life and vitality has begun to sweep thru its downtown and Bartlett’s felt like it was a perfect fit. Little unique shops and amazing restaurants, it is becoming increasingly known as the “place” to be in the Seacoast Area of NH. Rochester, NH is situated between the Seacoast and the White Mountains,
-The storefront along North Main Street sits in front of one of the largest mill complexes the city had. Wyandotte Mills was a water powered woolen mill and today it is still as majestic as back in the day. It currently has been repurposed into housing to meet the growing demands of the city.
Bartlettyarns Story
Bartlettyarns dates back to 1821. Ozias Bartlett started a carding mill along the banks of Higgins Stream. Operating until the 1920’s, the original building burned, and a new building was constructed with all modern conveniences, such as electricity! The spinning mule operates daily and is the last remaining within the United States. A Johnson and Bassett, circa 1940’s spins 240 bobbins at a time, replicating the motion of hand spinning. The fine yarns produced are known worldwide for the softer twist and airy loftiness.
Fun Facts
The Rice's were customers of Bartlett’s for about 20+ before purchasing it in 2007.
Stephen King’s graveyard shift was filmed here in the 1990’s.
Bartlett’s has received grants from ASI for a 1950’s circa Sargent’s Scouring Train and from the State of Maine for a wool press.
Bartlettyarns was selected in 2018 to represent the State of Maine at the White House-Washington, DC in the Made In America Product Showcase.
Bartlettyarns has been featured on Maine’s TV show 207.
Maine Public Broadcasting produced an Emmy Award Winning Video about the mill
