Sashiko-Ori with Beth Ross Johnson (JUN 9-13)
*OPTIONAL BOARDING HOUSE ROOM RESERVATION (THIS HOLDS YOUR SPOT, ROOM FEES + TAX DUE AT THE END OF YOUR STAY)
June 9 - 13 (TUES-SAT, 9 AM–4 PM)
Sashiko-ori (woven sashiko designs) is based on the hitomezashi style of Japanese sashiko stitching. This weave structure is basically a supplementary warp and weft, and basic possibilities have been mined in weaving traditions from Peru, Japan and Europe. Professional weaver, co-author of a book on Sashiko-ori, and lifelong student of Asian art, instructor Beth Ross Johnson will take you on a journey through the history and structure of this weave and how to take design work a step further. You’ll start with a basic, but very versatile threading to try out different types of patterns. Then you’ll choose one of these patterns (or another design direction to explore based on your interests) and weave a scarf. Cotton warps will be provided for the first sampler project, and students will then work with Harrisville Designs line of 100% woolen yarns in 64 colors for the second scarf project. You’ll also have the chance to do some added sashiko stitching along the way!
Skill Level: Intermediate. Students must be proficient at dressing a loom, have experience warping a loom with cotton, and be able to read a draft independently.
Materials List: Notebook, slippers or socks, pens, pencils, scissors.
*If you reserve a room in the Boarding House, your room fee is due at the end of your stay. Please scroll down to read more important information about the Cheshire Mills Boarding House.
Cancellation Deadline: 4/14/2026
MEET YOUR TEACHER
BETH ROSS JOHNSON is a weaver, teacher and workshop leader living in Black Mountain, NC. A lifelong fascination with Asian art led to an interest in Japanese textiles and she has had two extensive stays in Japan to study kasuri (ikat weaving and dyeing) and sakiori (rag weaving) with master weavers there. Other avenues of exploration have been sashiko stitching and nyoho-e (Zen stitching). Recent studies have been in the ikat traditions of Europe, influenced by the 18th century wave of Orientalism on the continent, and woven structures like sashiko-ori and kasuri-ori that mimic hand stitching and ikat processes. She is now weaving and teaching full-time and is co-author of a book on Sashiko-ori.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Please note our 2026 cancellation and refund policy includes a non-refundable $100.00 registration fee per workshop. In the case you 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
Alternative Dining & Housing
Students may bring groceries from home when staying at the boarding house. In addition, Harrisville General Store is conveniently located in the heart of our small village. A quick walk from both the boarding house and Harrisville Designs Retail Store & Studio, it offers a variety groceries, pre-made local food options and a short order menu available 8am-2 pm for breakfast and lunch sandwiches, burgers, BLTs, etc.
Harrisville is a short drive from Peterborough (15 minutes away) and Keene (20-25 minutes away); both offer a nice variety of grocery stores, 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 Riverhouse Hotel, 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.