The Beauty of Overshot: Stars & Roses with Bettie Zakon-Anderson (JUN 23-27)

June 23 - 27 (TUES-SAT, 9 AM–4 PM) Overshot opens design possibilities on 4-harness looms like no other structure. Bettie Zakon-Anderson’s love of overshot goes back 40 years and in this class, she'll share why it continues to be one of her favorite weave structures. This class will introduce the basics of reading overshot drafts, understanding block structures, the twill circle, and weaving with two shuttles. Together, you’ll work towards moving beyond “reading the treadling draft” to “seeing the pattern” as it grows on the loom. You’ll learn five unique ‘families’ of overshot, the difference between star- and rose-fashion, and make your own design using name drafting. The class will begin with a collaborative "round robin": each student will dress a loom with one of the five families and then rotate between different looms on a set schedule. This efficient approach will enable you to go home with a beautiful collection of the five overshot structures. Mid-week you’ll design your own project based on your favorite(s). If you would like your warp for your personal project to be in cotton or cottolin, please bring that yarn to class. A Harrisville Designs Model A4 loom is provided, along with all necessary equipment and our 100% woolen yarns in 64 colors. Skill Level: Advanced Beginner. Students must be able to actively warp and weave on a floor loom. 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: 4/28/2026 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 is a juried member of the League of NH Craftsmen, a member of Monadnock Art and a juried member of Blue Fern Gallery in Peterborough, NH. Bettie is currently a weaving specialist at Harrisville Designs and a technical editor for Handwoven and Little Looms magazines. She especially enjoys helping weavers gain confidence as they grow their weaving skills.