Improving Your Weaving Techniques - Best Practices For Every Weaver! with Bettie Zakon-Anderson (APR 17-19)
*OPTIONAL BOARDING HOUSE ROOM RESERVATION (THIS HOLDS YOUR SPOT, ROOM FEES + TAX DUE AT THE END OF YOUR STAY)
April 17-19 (WED-FRI, 9 AM–4 PM)
Weavers of all skill levels are often plagued by selvedge angst and uneven results. With over 40 years of weaving experience, Bettie Zakon-Anderson will share what are considered best practices to conquer that woven edge and effortlessly improve your weaving! Yes, practice makes progress, but these techniques are often not retained by newer weavers with so much else to absorb during initial learning phases. While more experienced weavers may have developed some sneaky habits that may frustrate and hinder intricate projects. Armed with a plethora of helpful tips, from winding warps to loom dressing to bobbin winding and, finally, to throwing shuttles, Bettie’s steadfast support will help you learn, and practice your way to new habits that will bring you greater satisfaction!
Skill level: All weavers with experience welcome. 4-harness Harrisville looms and all necessary weaving accessories and equipment will be provided.
Materials needed: A notebook, ruler, scissors, pencil, and slippers or socks, are recommended for this class.
MEET YOUR TEACHER
BETTIE ZAKON-ANDERSON first fell in love with weaving while taking classes at the Rhode Island School of Design in 1983-85. She was a juried member of the League of NH Craftsmen and of several cooperatives and galleries in MA and NH. She is currently a weaving specialist at Harrisville Designs and a technical editor for Handwoven and Little Looms magazines. Bettie especially enjoys helping weavers gain confidence while growing their weaving skills.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Please note our 2024 cancellation and refund policy includes a non-refundable $100.00 registration fee per workshop. In the case must withdraw, you have 8 weeks prior to class for a full tuition refund, less the registration fee. After this date all payments are non-refundable, no exceptions. Thank you for your understanding!
Have a question about a HD workshop or class order? Email hdretail@harrisville.com.
Single Rooms, $70 Per Night
Please note, the boarding house is for class participants only.
With spectacular views of town from its third-story perch, our boarding house offers bright, airy accommodations just a few minutes’ walk from the studio, shop, and general store with cafe. Year after year, returning students remark upon the peaceful camaraderie they enjoy winding down after class in the spacious common areas, and the fun conviviality of cooking family-style dinners in the kitchen. In addition to a living room, dining area, and full kitchen, the boarding house has six bedrooms and two full bathrooms.
Built in 1853, Cheshire Mills Boarding House provided lodging for workers at the mill for over 100 years. Today, Harrisville Designs is dedicated to maintaining an economical nightly rate to help ensure the cost of lodging is affordable during workshops and classes throughout the season.
Harrisville Designs is happy to provide towels, sheets, and pillowcases for an extra $20 per stay (please order ahead). However, students are more than welcome to bring their own linens. Pillows and blankets are provided. Reservations can be made while signing up for class. We do apologize, it’s an old building. There is no elevator and two flights of stairs. Please pack accordingly.
Alternative Housing & Dining
Harrisville is a small village (pop. 1200) with a post office and general store/cafe across the street from the studio and Boarding House. Harrisville is a short drive from Peterborough (15 minutes away) and Keene (20-25 minutes away); both offer a nice variety of hotels, shops, and restaurants.
Additional accommodations in Harrisville are available at Aldworth Manor and the Harrisville Inn and at local Airbnb’s including the Harrisville Guest Suite. Peterborough accommodations are available at Cranberry Meadow Farm, the Jack Daniels Motor Inn, and the Little River Bed and Breakfast. Options in Keene include the Carriage Barn Inn, the Best Western Plus, the Fairfield Inn & Suites, the Holiday Inn Express, the Courtyard by Marriott, and Days Inn. We also suggest searching Airbnb and Vrbo.
Location
About Our Workshops
Nestled in the heart of a historic textile village, workshops at Harrisville Designs take place in the Bethuel Harris Mill. Built in the 1830s as a spinning mill for locally raised wool and located at the end of the canal, it originally operated on water power. Today, it’s home to our first-floor retail store and spacious second-floor workshop studio. Year after year students are greeted by sunlit windows, fresh air, and tranquil views of the mill pond and preserved industrial brick buildings.
Workshops vary in skill levels and lengths. Enrollment is limited to ensure each student is immersed in the atmosphere of a working studio rather than a classroom. Most scheduled classes meet from 9 am to 4 pm; however, the studio is open to students 24 hours a day while their class is in session. Looms are provided in the weaving classes, and woolen yarn and other materials are included unless otherwise noted in the materials lists online. While taking a class, students receive a 10% discount on HD items in our store, including looms! (Excludes sale and consignment items)
Have a question about a HD workshop or class order? Email hdretail@harrisville.com.