A Mini Mill at Eastworks
Located on the Ground Floor of Eastworks, Alchemy Fiber Mill has been transforming raw fiber into quality products for local farmers since 2023. Founded by fiber artist Malinda Lesko, this mini mill is dedicated to reviving fiber milling in Western Massachusetts with a little bit of science, and a little bit of magic.
Spinning Connections:
Local Farmers & Fiber Artists
Malinda’s passion for fiber arts and commitment to supporting local agriculture inspired Alchemy Fiber Mill. By processing raw fibers, primarily wool from local sheep farmers, the mill provides essential services for farmers and produces products like roving, yarn, and batting. Malinda hopes to eventually source her own wool, creating exclusive Alchemy-branded yarn.
From Passion Project to Textile Hub
Malinda’s journey to owning a mill began at a knitting retreat on Block Island, where she discovered North Light Fibers, a mini mill. Intrigued by the concept of small-scale milling, she reached out to North Light’s owners, only to learn they were retiring.
“It happened like two years sooner than I thought it might. I was just on a fact finding mission and now all of a sudden I’m becoming a mill owner. And here we are!”
The unexpected opportunity to acquire the Northlight’s equipment accelerated Malinda’s plans to open a business, and soon Alchemy Fiber Mill was born.
Finding a Home at Eastworks
When searching for a location, Malinda prioritized community, convenience, and accessibility. Eastworks stood out for its responsiveness and welcoming atmosphere.
With friends already established in the building, the community provided the ideal support network, and there was plenty of space for all of her equipment.
A Peek Inside Alchemy Fiber Mill
At Alchemy, Malinda processes wool into products sought by fiber artists and farmers alike. From roving for hand spinners to batting for quilting and felting, her work covers a range of local fiber needs.
Community Events & Learning Opportunities
Every month, Alchemy hosts Open Spin and Fiber Lounge events during Art Walk Easthampton (first Saturday of every month), creating welcoming spaces for fiber enthusiasts to gather, connect, and share skills.
“ I also started teaching some sewing classes upstairs at Hoop & Bee. Sewing was my very first fiber love…I love their space—it’s so thoughtful, and I love that there’s a lot of crossover: a lot of knitters are also quilters, and vice versa.”
Alchemy will release an expanded calendar of classes and events in 2026.
Connecting the Fiber Community
Community-building is central to Alchemy’s mission. Malinda actively connects local fiber artists and farmers, nurturing collaborations and friendships. The excitement of these connections drives her work and inspires ongoing growth at the mill.
“ I went to a retreat in Vermont this past weekend and realized that one of the teachers that was there teaching a knitting class—it dawned on me like, oh wait, I recognize her name because she made a design with the farm whose fiber I have in my room waiting to be turned into yarn…to make that design that she made! I freaking love it. Connecting all the dots.”
Continuing Easthampton’s Textile Legacy
Alchemy Fiber Mill proudly honors Easthampton’s textile heritage. Malinda feels deeply connected to the building’s historical significance as a former textile mill, sharing that the environment positively influences her work.
“ I definitely like feel it in the space and even the trainer that came to work with some of the equipment said ‘Most places that have this humidity level need to do more things, but we don’t! So you got some good textile energy here!”
Learn more about Alchemy Fiber Mill during Eastworks’ annual Open Studios event, happening November 1 & 2, 2025. On Saturday, November 1, take a self-guided tour of the mini-mill or come on Sunday, November 2 for a tour with Malinda.
Visit Alchemy Fiber Mill at Eastworks
📍 Suite 028, Ground Floor
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