Factory Tour - Bates Mill / Maine Heritage Weavers

Bates Mill Factory tour - Beautiful Abigail Adams bedspread on the loom in Wedgewood Blue

 

Growing up in Maine, I thought that everyone had these perfect Bates bedspreads. Warm in the winter, cool in the summer, they were a staple in our house. Mom brought a Bates bedspread to college with her and I did as well (it might have even been hers). I had no idea that they had a store that also did factory visits. 

I have always had a thing for bedding, which can be traced back to my constant aim/struggle . . . to be comfortable. When I told J that Maine Heritage Weavers was next on my list of factories to visit, my plan was to ask him what he thought the odds would be that I buy something. But before I could say anything he said  "we need a new coverlet for the bed".  Bamm, license to shop!!!!  This will be an heirloom product that will last my lifetime. 

Bates Mill Store - Tour guide Katie helping me select a "loom to heirloom" Colonial Rose bedspread in French Blue

I love supporting anything Made in America but Maine manufacturing communities have a special place in my heart.  Established in 1850, Bates Manufacturing sadly closed in 2001.  Today, continuing in the weaving tradition of the Bates Manufacturing Company, Maine Heritage Weavers craftsmen and women use the same equipment to weave superior quality home products.

Tour Survey: Bates Mill Store - Maine Heritage Weavers

• Was the tour easy to schedule?
• K - We did not schedule but I would suggest calling in advance.  The store and tour are open during their normal business hours. There are no designated tour times but there is someone on hand to help you in the store and give you a tour of the factory. 
• M - Tours available during hours of operation. We visited after 2 pm  and had a comprehensive tour at a relaxed pace.
• Was there an admission fee and what did it include?
• K - Free!
• M - No fee
• Was it easy to find the location and parking?
• K - Easy to find location outside of cute rural town of Monmouth, Maine.  Plenty of parking.
• M - Clear address info provided on website. Easy access in a rural setting with ample parking. Clear signage upon building entry.

Bates Mill - Factory Store in Monmouth, Maine

• Rate the quality of the tour.  (1 - 10 with 1 being the worst and 10 being totally awesome)
• K - Totally awesome.  Unbelievable access to everything on factory floor and up close of all areas of production. 
• M - 10 Friendly tour guide, informative. Welcomed questions. Great access to factory area. Surprised to also have interaction / Q&A with employees on the floor.
• Rate the quality of the gift shop.  (1 - 10 with 1 being the worst and 10 being totally awesome)  
• K - 9. Fantastic gift shop with a selection of all products plus swatches and samples.  Factory seconds and by-the-pound pieces perfect for crafting.  Great overview of all steps in the manufacturing process plus fun décor with vintage advertising.
• M - 10 PRIME- well lit with attractive displays, photo exhibits explaining the factory processes & vintage Bates ads.  Small but large enough to exhibit the factory products well. Scales to weigh purchases per pound. Accepts credit cards payments. Receipt by email available. Sign in sheet provided if interested in receiving Bates emails. Info pamphlets about products and processes. Historical info about bedspread styles. I give it top rating!!

Bates Mill Store - Inside the Factory Store were lots of amazing products, sample swatches, manufacturing process overviews and vintage Bates Mill advertising.

• What did you like best about the tour?
• K - I loved that we were able to talk with the employees and ask about the process.  Everyone was super friendly and encouraged questions and photographs.
• M - Welcoming atmosphere- first warmly greeted upon entry and again with tour guide and factory workers. ACCESS to the factory floor and up close views of the whole production line. Photography welcomed!

Bates Mill Factory Tour - Katie shows us the process from cotton yarn to finishing and final inspection

• What was the least successful part of your visit?
• K - No downsides other than it was a bit far away, totally worth the drive!!!
• M - Considered all successful.
• How well did this tour fit into your expectations?
• K - Tour totally exceeded all expectations.  I had not heard of a tour here and had no idea what it would be like or how much we could see.  I was blown away by the friendly staff and up close access.
• M - Better than expected access, info and photo ops.

Bates Mill Factory Tour - Great views of all steps of the weaving process!

• Is there anything you wanted to see that was not exhibited?
• K - We were able to see every stage of the process!
• M - No. Guide even pointed out areas I would have missed.
• Did the tour offer opportunities for your participation, interactions and questions?
• K -  Questions were encouraged and we were able to spend as much time at each station and talk with the employees.
• M - Tour type excludes participation /interaction opportunities but Q&A and access to the process far exceeded my expectations.
• Rate the tour guides’ knowledge, creativity, customization and communication skills. 
• K - Katie our tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable.  She made the tour extra fun and encouraged questions and for us to go at our own pace.  She made sure that we took a look at the loom that was working in two colors so that we could best see the weaving.  When we asked questions that she didn't know the answer to she was up-front and asked the experts for us.
• M - Excellent-  (6 yrs experience @ this location) Friendly, open to questions, informative & provided an accommodating pace.

Bates Mill Factory Tour - Notice my look of disbelief as Katie shows us how the washing a drying process changes the final weaved texture.

•   For what age group was the tour appropriate?
• K - 12+ because of the close proximity to the looms you wouldn't want smaller children.  You need to be physically able to climb stairs.
• M - Probably Young adult -Adult due to operating machinery.
• Approximately how long was the tour? How would you rate the length of your tour?
• K - We spent around 30min and the tour guide let us set our own pace.  Perfect.
• M - 20-30 minutes.  Just right.
• Areas for improvement? How would you shape this tour to better meet your needs?
• K - They need to publicize their tours more.  This was a great experience. 
• M - Actually travelled a long distance to attend this tour. Felt tour needs were fully met. Encourage others to experience the tour.

This was one amazing tour.  Would you travel up to Monmouth, Maine to check out Bates Mill Factory?

Bates Mill Factory Tour - M and I had a wonderful time