The mills we work with

Mill Made works with millers who share our passion for heritage. These craftspeople are dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future for Dutch mills, traditional crafts, and their local communities.

We’d like to introduce you to some of the mills that Mill Made works with.

Kyck over den Dyck windmill

In a city where there were once over 120 mills, Kyck over den Dyck windmill stands alone as the sole survivor in Dordrecht.

The current mill was built in 1713, and continues to grind grain into flour still used by professional bakeries as well as home cooks. Its predecessor was a wooden mill built in 1612 that supplied malt for local breweries at a time when Dordt was still an island.

As with all working mills, Kyck over den Dyck (translating roughly to View over the Dike) has led a hard life, and needs constant attention. Thankfully its care and restoration is now in the hands of a foundation and a merry band of volunteers.

800th birthday party

In 1220 Dordrecht was the first settlement in the province of Holland awarded city rights. So in 2020, there were great celebrations at its 800th birthday party. The city’s last surviving windmill, Kyck over den Dyck, participated with special sailcloths.

Conny – the shopper is a limited edition bag that has been created from the birthday sailcloth, and is a special memento of Dordrecht’s milling heritage.

By upcycling this windmill sailcloth, we saved another piece of otherwise useful textile. After a time in service at Kyck over den Dyck in Dordrecht during the 800th anniversary celebrations, the sails were folded away and stored at the windmill.

The team at Mill Made realised that it was perfect for our range of shoppers. With a good bit of looking you can identify where on the sail design each Conny - shopper comes from.

Cabauwse molen

Our debut range was made possible by working with a mill that is special to us.

Officially known as De Middelste Molen van Cabauw (The Middle Mill of Cabauw), it is responsible for ensuring that feet and hooves remain dry. Three mills have operated in succession on this spot for more than 500 years, the first having been built in 1454.

Obviously to have been named The Middle Mill, there must have been other mills nearby. In fact, there were originally three mills. The other two were, not surprisingly, the De Voorste Molen and De Achterste Molen (the Front and the Rear mills).

Exclusive upcycled Cabauw windmill sailcloth aprons

Our debut range features an upcycled windmill sailcloth from De Middelste Molen. After many years of service, it was deemed no longer up to the task of whipping around in the wind anymore, but it was perfect for our range of handsome, limited edition aprons. Only a small number have been produced, so if this takes your fancy, don’t hesitate.

Banner image: Welgelegen Mill with sailing boat and steam boat on the river near Zwijndrecht, not dated, photograph, Stichting Molendocumentatie Collection, 01270