Throw Blankets at Bedford Collections

Find robes, throws, blankets and more at Bedford Collections in Suncook and Allenstown

Throw prices range from $60 to $150. Other products include robes and scarves. Courtesy photo

It’s hard to believe there exists a mill building in New Hampshire that hasn’t been converted into an art gallery, restaurant or residence, but Bedford Collections/Kennebunk Home is keeping to its 1880s mill building’s roots by continuing to weave fabric — there’s even a water turbine that still generates power.  

After leaving the family business, Kennebunk Throws (later renamed Kennebunk Home) owner Richard Sherman started Bedford Cottage, which he developed using imported products. Coming back full circle, he eventually combined both businesses under the name Bedford Collections. His father Edward Sherman purchased the mill building in Suncook in the late 1960s and produced yarn and throws woven onsite. Recently, the yarn production was outsourced, but the weaving of throws and materials for pillows continues on.

Yes, a machine does the weaving, but products are designed onsite, the warp is hand-threaded through the heddles, and fringes are hand-tied. Best of all, the New Hampshire mill tradition continues on — just no kids at the machines this time.

The Kennebunk Home line features classic patterns of plaids and twills woven with a polyester bouclé yarn. Many patterns are available in a variety of colors. Sherman says he wholesales broadly throughout the US, and in New Hampshire there are at least 20 shops that carry his goods. The New Year will see the line expanded with more designs and yarn types. Pillows stuffed with a soft downy material will be designed to match the throws — especially good news to Sherman’s loyal customers.