PORTLAND, Ore. — August 9, 2022 — Pendleton Woolen Mills — the global lifestyle brand headquartered in Portland, Ore. — has resumed mill tours at their Washougal, Wash., and Pendleton, Ore., mills. The mill tours show the entire vertical operation that brings iconic Pendleton wool blankets and fabrics to life.
The mill tour in Washougal walks guests through every step in the making of Pendleton wool blankets and fabric. This includes:
- Raw wool: sourced from local and global wool ranchers;
- Dyeing: state-of-the-art dye color lab to ensure color control and matching;
- Wool carding and spinning: turning wool into yarn;
- Weaving on dobby looms: creates Pendleton’s famous plaids, stripes and solids; and
- Finishing touches: washing, hand inspection and boxing.
The mill tour in Pendleton offers guests an inside look into:
- Jacquard looms: state-of-the-art two-story looms weaving graphic and pictorial designs; and
- Wool spinning: turning wool into yarn.
The Pendleton mill was originally built in 1893 and has been operating as Pendleton Woolen Mills since 1909. The Washougal mill was acquired by Pendleton Woolen Mills in 1912. During this time, there were more than 1,000 woolen mills operating in America’s 46 states. Today, Pendleton operates two of the remaining four woolen mills in the United States. Both mills are continually updated for sustainability and innovation.
“We are excited to be able to welcome guests into both of Pendleton’s mills again,” said Rolan Snider, vice president of textile manufacturing at Pendleton. “The mills offer an experience into the commitment, experience, quality and investment in technology that has given the brand its “Warranted to Be” legacy. Within each mill, the looms present a unique view into the craftsmanship behind how Pendleton fabrics are created.”
The Washougal Mill is located at 2 Pendleton Way, Washougal, Washington 98671. Tours are offered at the Washougal Mill on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 11a.m. and 1p.m. The Pendleton Mill is located at 1307 SE Court Place, Pendleton, Oregon 97801. Tours are offered at the Pendleton Mill Monday through Friday at 11a.m. and 3p.m.
Tours are around one hour long and are free of charge. Guests are also invited to shop at the Mill stores, which are located on the same grounds as the mills.
Posted: August 12, 2022
Source: Pendleton Woolen Mills
