10/01/2026
Meet Karoline, the proud owner of Nordborg Hørfabrik and a highly experienced weaver, knitter, and all-around fibre enthusiast. Karoline’s dream was to own a facility that offered weaving and hand-spinning classes, a place where people could come and learn a new skill as well as utilize second-quality fibres, transforming them into a high-quality product.
After retiring from her career as a taxation lawyer, Karoline decided to pursue this passion. The first step was to purchase a location, which in itself is a large undertaking. After searching, they found a location they must have: an old building- a building that was originally used for a flax mill; it was meant to be! Nordborg Flax Mill was established on this site in 1865 for the laborious, time-consuming processing of flax into fibres and yarn. In addition to flax production, which mainly took place in winter, the mill also processed sheep's wool.
The factory employed 10-12 people and used a six-horsepower steam engine. Processing the flax produced a great deal of shive, which fueled the boiler. However, business did not go well in the early years, and the unprofitable operation was closed down in 1908. This marked (for the time being) the end of the flax processing mill in Nordborg. Since then, the old flax mill unfortunately burned down in 1928, and the building was rebuilt as we see it today; it then became the home of joiner and furniture maker Franz Nicolia, who built a woodworking factory at Storegade 82, which still stands today. Over the years, outside the joiner’s workshop, it served as a rehearsal space for the Danfoss Orchestra and hosted other activities such as art exhibitions.
Now, Nordborg Hørfabrik has moved in to restore the property’s original history: fibre processing. Karoline has achieved her dream of opening a location where fibre and weavers can come together. The lower floor, where the carding machine and core yarn maker is housed, will transform alpaca fibre into core-spun yarn, which will then be taken to the second floor, where you can see the amazing weaving studio she has created. Believe it or not, the public donated every loom you see because they wanted to see this amazing project flourish. Also, this building needed zero renovations; it was a turnkey facility, which is another reason Karoline had to own it. Nordborg Høfabrik will offer not only weaving and hand spinning classes, but it will also offer a community location where members pay a membership fee and have full access to the weaving studio as they wish, a communal facility that gives the public a place to go and enjoy what they love doing whenever they want.
Nordborg Høfabrik may be small in terms of equipment, but they are mighty! This project is an amazing display of community support, taking history and making it a beautiful story again so we had to tell the full history of this amazing facility.
Congratulations, Karoline. Welcome to the Belfast Mini Mills family!
Happy weaving
