UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed
Yesterday while the HH and I were out on a date day adventure, we had stopped off at the Harrisville General Store for lunch. As we were getting out of the car, I noticed an open flag next to one of the brick buildings across the street and told my husband I wanted to go investigate after we ate. {Open flags are a big deal around here because so many businesses are seasonal, and I always get a little excited when I see one.}
We had actually been through the town of Harrisville, New Hampshire once before, last fall I think it was, and so I knew the brick buildings alongside the road had housed an old mill once upon a time. Old mills, and towns built around those mills, are a VERY common thing here in New England because the textile industry was so rich in these parts.
But the interesting thing I think, is not only the who, what, when and where part about those buildings and towns, but what these old structures and places have morphed into in recent years.
It was until I got home afterwards, that I looked up the history of the mill on the website of Harrisville Designs, and found what you’ll read below.
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“Woolen yarn has been spun in the water powered, brick mill town of Harrisville since 1794. This small village is nestled in the Monadnock Highlands of southwestern New Hampshire and is the only industrial community of the early 19th Century that still survives in America in its original form.
In 1977, the Department of Interior designated Harrisville a National Historic Landmark.
Harrisville Designs has been spinning 100% Virgin Wool Yarn in Harrisville, New Hampshire for over 40 years. As one of a handful of woolen mills left in this country, Harrisville’s textile tradition is rich and dates back to 1794 when the first of several mills was built across the Nubanusit River to harness the water-power necessary for carding fleeces brought down to the village from local hilltop farms.
The Harris family built many of the original mill buildings and houses for their family and workers. In the mid-1800’s, the Colony family bought out the Harris holdings and created Cheshire Mills. When that business closed its doors in 1970, a group of citizens and preservations joined together and formed a non-profit organization calling itself Historic Harrisville, Inc., which immediately purchased several of the core buildings to restore and lease out to businesses.
John J. Colony III was instrumental in this endeavor. He quickly realized that as the mill buildings were being cleared out and machinery was being destroyed and sold for scrap metal that textiles would be completely erased from the village.
He started Harrisville Designs in 1971 to keep the textile tradition alive and to create jobs in Harrisville for the economic vitality of the town, leasing space from Historic Harrisville to give that organization income to help keep it viable. The village of Harrisville was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
It is recognized as the only 18th century textile village in America that survives in its original form. Harrisville Designs continues to make high quality, natural 100% wool yarns for knitting and weaving along with beautiful carded fleece for felting and spinning.
Floor Looms in several sizes and styles are finely hand-crafted in the woodworking shop which also creates their wonderful line of awarding-winning products for children. The Friendly Loom ™ Product line includes weaving, knitting, felting, and metal looms and cotton loops for weaving potholders.
Harrisville Designs is still owned and operated by John and Patricia Colony. They have been joined by two of their three sons, Timothy and Nicholas, who are interested in carrying on the textile tradition that’s been part of their family for generations.”
~ The story is from Harrisville Designs
I may not be a knitter, or know how to use a loom, but WOWIE ZOWIE, the HH and I both knew we where standing in an amazing place. I was in awe of all the threads, and the HH, well I think he was in love with the building. Just look at those floors!
- Cool Table. I bet it’s as old as dirt.
- When did people get so thirsty? 15 years ago I bet there wouldn’t have been a water bottle in sight if a couple of ladies gathered around a table to knit.
- Am I the only one who notices these things? 😉
All those loom kits you see online… This is where they are made! How cool is that?
One of these days, I am going to learn to needle felt.
As the HH and I wandered about the store, I knew I wanted to go home with something. I mean really, how could I be in such an amazing store and not buy anything? Even if it wasn’t for me. And then I came across these mittens. The mittens were’t for sale, but the pattern and skeins of beautiful yarn were.
And since I don’t know how to knit {I’ve tried, but it’s not my thing} but I know some of YOU do, I thought I would pick up the necessary supplies for someone to be able to make a set of these beautiful mittens.
And that is how this giveaway came about. A little gift from me, to one of you. 🙂
Before I do the whole giveaway thing below, I just want to say this… If you are even remotely interested in old buildings, or weaving, or knitting or yarn, and you find yourself in the New England area sometime in the near future, a trip to Harrisville Designs is an absolute must!
Like I said above, I’m not a knitter, but I’m already looking forward to another trip to the mill. 🙂 It’s just that cool.
How you can win it:
Curious minds want to know…. If you win this bundle of knitting goodness, what will you do with it? Give it away to someone who loves to knit? Knit the gloves for yourself? A friend? We want to know.
Just answer that one question below in the comment section here on the blog and you’re entered to win. Life’s pretty complicated sometimes, so I like to keep things simple around here. And just so you know, this particular giveaway is open to residents anywhere on the planet earth.
Rules:
1 entry per person/ip address. If you cheat, you will totally be disqualified. {Comments may take an hour or two to be cleared, so please be patient}.
This giveaway ends Friday, May 10th, 2019 @ 6 pm EST and the winner will be announced on Saturday, May 11th. You will be notified via email and have 48 hours to claim your prize. If you do not claim your prize within 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited.
Good Luck! I hope you win!
♥ Mavis
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Mellie says
That place is amazing! I just finished making the rug hooked sheep. So fun. I love to knit and I have a son who could use some new mittens. Thanks for the chance to win! Oh – my daughter also has a laploom from them that she loves!
Kay Bowles says
I just closed my local yarn and bead store last spring. I miss it terribly…especially the table with all the water bottles on it! Places to sit and knit, crochet, or do any craft in a gathering of old and new friends is becoming a thing of the past. But small business is a tough thing with YouTube and Amazon competition! I would re gift this for one of those lovely ladies at the table who was always knitting for everyone else in need and never for herself. I think it’s time she had the opportunity to do just that! Thank you Mavis for this giveaway and also for your great blog. I look forward to it every day…friends sharing…just without the table or the water bottle.
Paige says
What a fabulous place! I would knit up those gloves and either give them to a friend or maybe donate them as an auction item for the school fundraiser.
Amber from Ontario says
If I won the beautiful wool, and mitten pattern, I would give it to my lovely daughter-in-law, a Canadian, of Russian-Ukranian decent, who loves to knit and sew quilts. She would likely want to enter them in our small hometown Country Fair in the fall, and see if she could win another first prize. There are special classes for items knit from wool produced in the traditional manner, and she especially likes to work with that kind of high quality wool.
Last year we visited a Llama Farm nearby, and I actually petted the amazing Llama who grew the rusty brown wool for my hat that my Daughter-in-law knit for me, and yes, she won first prize ( $ 5.00 ). I also insist on paying her for her labours, but she says she does if for the love of the craft, and it reduces stress. She is a dedicated teacher who helps adult students who never finished highschool to get a diploma. Whenever we attend a highschool band concert to see my Grandaughters play, she is happily knitting away ! I rarely see her without her knitting bag in hand.
The prize money is in small amounts, but it adds up, and she buys a bit more yarn or thread with it. Being let back in after the judging is done, is such a rush !!! We can’t wait to see if we have won, ( I enter the flower show ) and to congratulate all our friends on their wins !
I would wear those gorgeous mitts with my favourite LL Bean flannel lined blue jean jacket, and just be in Heaven !!!
Melane Stanwick says
I just moved from Michigan to Texas last week and I would love to win the give away! Christmas is coming and my Michigan daughter would adore a pair of beautiful, Great Lake blue mittens. Thanks for being so thoughtful Mavis!
Jeanie says
I would knit the mittens for my daughter who lives in Colorado. Gorgeous yarn and I love the floors too!❤️
Peggy says
Wow! First, thank you! Secondly, I love old buildings, I grew up in an old farmhouse, I garden and raise chickens there and am currently bringing the old barn foundation back to life with raised garden beds using the old beams as the framework for them, love, is what it is! I also have three daughters I love very much, so I would buy more yarn and knit three pairs of mittens for Christmas gifts.
Deborah says
If I win, I’d make the gloves and give them to a homeless shelter. Then, I’d buy more yarn and make more.
Deborah says
If I win, I’ll be making the gloves for a homeless person. Then I’ll buy more yarn and make more.
Loretta Armstrong says
I’m always kind of jealous when people stumble upon places I’ve always wanted to go! My first weaving loom was a Harrisville! man, my mom got it for me back when I was in middle school! A 4 harness loom!
I’d totally make those mittens for me!
Melissa says
I’d love to visit New England and see all of these quaint shops! Thanks for the fabulous giveaway.
Leah says
The array of yarn colors is so beautiful.
I would knit it…. if I could beat my three daughters to it who also enjoy knitting!
Laurie says
What a great family store. I’d knit the mittens and send them back to you! It’s cold here in New England! Mittens and socks are my favorite to knit!
Emily says
Thank you for thinking of us. Blue is my color so I would knit the mittens for me.
Colleen Steel says
Beautiful photos! I’d love to visit this place. Thanks for sharing this story and also for the giveaway. I know several ladies that would love a gift like this so I would be re-gifting as I’m not a knitter either.
Lauren says
What a cool place! I would definitely knit these up for a friend. I’m trying to get back to knitting more, and this yarn looks lovely!
Sue R. says
I would knit up those gloves myself! They would make an amazing Christmas gift. I think I need to plan a trip to Harrisville myself to stock on supplies!
Jen says
Wow!! I am drooling! I would knit them and then give them away. Then, promptly buy more of the yarn and cast on more.
Jo says
If I won, I would knit mittens and give to my elderly father, whose hands are always cold!
Heather Heldman says
I would knit some beautiful cabled mittens or socks for my daughter. What a cool shop!
Tina says
I would have my mom make me some awesome mittens.
Lisa Millar says
Its a beautiful shop! All the project possibilities with all that gorgeous wool!
Fun contest!! If I got them I’d knit them up and save them for a Christmas present for someone 🙂
Megan says
If I won I would give this beautiful gift to my Aunt Anna. She is incredibly talented when it comes to knitting and quilting and has created so many beautiful piece for myself and my boys over the years – all so cherished!!
Jackie says
I love to knit and give homemade gifts, so if I win I would knit those mittens and give them to my husband’s boss for a gift at Christmas!
Carol says
My daughter took a weaving class in college. I love that she continues to be creative with her little square loom. What a beautiful store! If I weren’t on the left coast I’d go to visit!
Tricia says
My mother taught me to knit. Several times. Haha. She’s been gone 8 years now, but in her memory, I’m determined to learn for keeps. Maybe this giveaway is a sign.
Jeri says
My hands go numb when I knit (a good excuse to stop knitting because I wasn’t good at it anyway! ) but if I were to win this, I would ask a knitting friend to make a sweet hat for my first grandchild. She’s due June 7! Can’t wait!
Thanks for the opportunity!
Sandra Cirello says
Harrisville Designs looks like a place me and my hubby need to visit. Your yarn and instructions look like something I would love to try and attempt. If they come out good, I’ll send them to you, Mavis.☆☆☆☆☆
AJ says
That old table: someone probably died on it! 😉
Mavis Butterfield says
Or gave birth!! Funny funny.
katy kuhn says
MAYYYYBBBEEEEE I would attempt the mittens, but I would probably knit a wrap/shawl. i’m a fairly new knitter, and haven’t attempted mittens yet!! These are gorgeous, and this place is going on my travel board for sure!!!
Melinda W says
I love that blue color. Seems like a good reason to learn a new craft for myself or a gift.
sharon says
wow, I could spend hours in that place! Enjoyed even reading your write up and looking at it through your photos. I would knit the mittens and then probably give them as a gift.
Karen K says
My mom’s birthday is today! I would love to win so I could knit them for her!!!
Jeni says
I love those floors too! I love even more thinking about who else has walked those floors all those years 🙂
We just moved from Minnesota to South Carolina so I’m not sure I’ll need mittens anymore, but my daughter still lives there and since my other daughter knits I could give her the kit to knit the mittens to give to her sister-yay! That works, right?
LOL
Audra from Ohio says
What a cool store! I would send these to my daughter’s adopted grandparents (my brother-in-law’s family) who have celebrated each of her birthday and Christmases with a themed gift sent all the way from Canada and full of amazing books and hand knit goodies.
Chris Lenhart says
This looks amazing! I’d love to visit there someday! I would knit the mittens for my daughter- she loves blue.
PS you are not the only one who wonders about the water bottles. (Doesn’t stop me from carrying one though.)
Nancy T says
I recently took up loom knitting so would either make the mittens on the loom or make hats (which is way easier for this beginner). My niece does do actual knitting so I would give her the pattern. Looks like beautiful yarn and store!
Cindi says
I would knit the mittens for myself — such gorgeous yarn!
Monica Brown says
I would ask my friend who knits to knit them for me 🙂
Carolyn says
Knitting is how I maintain my sanity in this crazy world. I would knit them up and give them to whomever asked. People always see me knitting and it would be a joy to do something like that with such high quality yarn.
Tanya says
I’m a new knitter. I would love to make those for a friend of mine that’s always cold. And this year, Wisconsin is taking her sweet time to warm up!
Thanks for the fabulous giveaway!
Andrea In SLC says
I would knit them up and see how they turned out. I LOVE that color. If they looked good, I would give them to my friend and fellow dog walker. If not, I love mittens!
Diane says
What a lovely color! I’m just getting back into knitting. This would be a great next step for me to attempt. If I succeed, I’d probably give them as a gift.
Katy says
Those floors <3!!!
I would gift the kit to my friend from college who is passionate about knitting and yarn and makes beautiful things!
Beth Linquist says
What a delight to meander through that store!!! I am a weaver and Harrisville Design was the first loom company I was aware of. Oh, and I realize that when I wanted to try out rug hooking, I bought and made the three sheep pattern. You were my inspiration to try this. Alas, it wasn’t for me. Weaving is now my passion. As for the drawing for the mitten pattern and yarn, I am not interested. Thanks for being a bright spot in my day.
Nancy Lotzer says
I can’t wait to forward your site link to my sister, Betty, who loves to weave and knits like a dream. I’d love to give this bundle to her for her 70th birthday. Thanks!
Mary Ann says
I will give this gift to my sister! I love the info you shared about the mill.
Sheila says
I’d most likely make these as a gift for a friend or as a prize in a JRDF raffle my old college roommate runs each year. Here in Missouri those mittens would be a bit much for our milder winters!
Jessica says
That mitten pattern is so cool! 🙂 That store looks amazing… I think I need to make a vacation trip there! 🙂 I would give the pattern and yarn to my very talented mom. She loves to make beautiful projects for my kids, but these would be great for her to make for herself!
Carrie says
I would love to knit those mittens. I often knit small accessories with no one in mind. When I finish them it usually becomes clear as to whether they will be a gift or for myself…..I would love to visit Harrisville Designs one day!
KL Gordon says
Oh, I would love to feel that wool and knit up the mittens. After that I’m not sure what I would do. I’ve only knitted a couple of items that I have kept for myself, everything else has either been gifts or donated to charity. I do a lot of knitting of hats for cancer patients. Thanks for the lovely tour!
Kelly Utkin says
I would love to visit that shop!! It looks amazing! I will use the yarn for my own knitting project! I am not a pro but I enjoy knitting. . Thanks for the giveaway!
Sue Pennington says
First pair would be for me! You know to make sure I knitted it right. Like they are exact, one’s not shorter than the other, no extra stitches added by accident, no stitches dropped by accident creating holes, etc. And if they turn out awesome, well then I would be ordering more yarn and making them for everyone!!
Judy Nichols says
I would give the pattern and wool to my friend Ruth, she is an expert knitter, I am just a beginner knitter in comparison.
E in Upstate NY says
oooo, as a knitter, I’d love to knit that pattern with the gorgeous blue yarn. So, if I win, would make those mittens and gift them. Unfortunately around here, the low-income/homeless do not want wool things, acrylic and polyester onlly. They want to be able to toss in washing machines and machine dry. Wool does not take kindly to hot water and high heat.
Thanks for the heads up about this wonderful place. Had no idea it existed! Next trip to Maine, which is coming soon, will take a diversion.
Kara says
I would knit them for my sister who lives in New England. She has 7 children and doesn’t get much for herself!
Faith says
I would give them to a friend who knits, she has even knit toe socks! She will be helping me with my daughters wedding and that would make a wonderful gift for her!
Jennifer G says
Have a friend who deals with severe arthritis but can knit and crochet like a dream. I would give this wonderful set to her.
Vicky says
Lovely yarn and mitten kit. I have a dear friend who is always working on a new knitting project of some sort to challenge herself. I would love to be able to give this her to offer her something new to create. Thank you for this give away!
Diana Z. says
I’ve just started knitting, perfecting my skills by knitting dish cloths! By starting out simple I will master the basics before tackling a more difficult project. These mittens would fit the bill for that next project. Unless they turned out perfect, I would probably keep them for myself as a reminder of the journey! Thanks.
Suzanne says
I would love to win the yarn. I heard about Harrisville for the first time a few weeks ago on a knitting vlog I watch and found their story so amazing. Would love to make the mittens and try out their yarn.
Elisabeth says
I am always knitting something, so I would totally use that kit!
Wow, I really enjoyed the post about Harrisville. I’ve been longing to try their yarn but haven’t been able to justify spending the money. I had no idea what an amazing and beautiful historical business it is.
Ramona says
I am not a knitter, but my daughter in law is. She has made some amazing things from socks, mittens, hats, blankets, and much more. She gives most of her projects as gifts. I would give her the yarn since she is so generous with her gifts to others. Love to hear the history of the places you go.
Jeanine says
I learned to knit when I was 10 years old from my Grandmother. I haven’t knit mittens before, but would give it a go. And, like so many others….I love your choice of color… just beautiful. Thank you for offering this giveaway. If not me, someone will be just thrilled.
Judy Terwilliger says
One of my goals this year is to learn to knit! If I win, I would make the mittens as part of this goal. I took a spinning class at Harrisville several years ago. It’s a cool place!
Donna Braun says
Lovely choice of yarn. I’d be knitting my granddaughters new mittens!
Mary Beth says
I’ve actually been meaning to learn how to knit! I’d use the yarn to make a gift for my incredible sister who is always knitting for others.
Laura says
Love this photo journey! I would make the mittens for someone else as a special present. I have several things to learn about knitting and a small project is just the way to begin!
Erin says
I would knit something for my son!
Dina says
I’m a knitter, spinner and weaver…in addition to being a Shetland sheep shepherdess (have 22 sheep and currently waiting on lambs). Of course that lovely yarn would be knit up straightaway into those glorious mittens!
KC says
It depends how complicated the pattern is – if it’s enough above my knitting skill grade, I’d give it away as-is to a more expert knitter – otherwise I’d knit up the mittens and give those away. 🙂
Carol O'Connell says
Oh MY ! Such a gorgeous and historic place. I would love to knit a pair and gift them to our local woman’s shelter. Living in a cold climate makes mittens a necessity for sure!
Susan says
What an amazing shop! And a super cute pattern! Would love to make these mittens as a gift for my new DIL who lives in cold country. She would get some good use out of them vs me who lives in sunny warm socal.
Anna Garza says
I would gift this to my ever patient Knitting Club leader at work. Knitting and I are not clicking but she is ever so patient. Wahoo!
Jaime Schilling says
Growing up, my grandmother knitted me and all of her other grand-kids a pair mittens every year. For the last few years, she’s been unable to continue knitting due to a medical issue in her hands. She just had surgery to fix the issues she was having, so if I won this, I’d give it to her to make mittens as part of her physical therapy process.
Karin Carson says
Heaven , that’s what mine looks like, I am and avid knitter and just taught my self to crochet, do one o4 the other every night . I would actually make and kept for my self, I never keep what I make , we definitely have winter here in Falkland BC Canada so I would treat myself .
Julie T says
I would gift it to an old high school friend…..she’s an awesome knitter.
Jennifer says
I’d absolutely knit them up myself! I have to keep my gardening hands busy doing something this winter!
Julie says
I don’t knit myself but I would give them to my knitting sister in law. She’s a crafty one!
Meli says
My daughter knits and would love to make some mittens. She’s a wiz at knitting.
Wendy says
Wonderful idea for a giveaway! They look a little challenging for me to knit so it would be a perfect opportunity to join a knitting group at a local library. New mittens, new friends…life is good.
JoElle says
Wow, what a beautiful store. I would totally knit and keep the mittens for myself!
Ellen Lalonde says
Definitely for myself!
Katie says
This store looks wonderful!
I’m not a knitter either, so if I were to win I’d pass this along to a lovely friend of mine that does enjoy knitting. She sent me tiny sweater Christmas ornaments (one sweater for each person in my family) and this would be a fun gift back. She lives in Montana, so I know she could use the mittens!
Chris M says
what a treat! That wool is the most amazing color … I would take it on as a challenge to learn to do something new. It would also give me a wonderful opportunity to hang out with my favorite knitters in the event I needed help 🙂
Ted says
I would give this to my wife who is an avid knitter! Thanks for the chance to win.
Kirsten G. says
I can’t knit to save my life, lol. My Nana tried to teach me many times but I couldn’t get it.
I would gift it to a friend who is a very talented knitter. She would love this!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Mary Kerns says
I would love to knit these myself
Jayne Flynn says
What a fabulous yarn shop!!! I would definitely knit those mittens and another pair for the two women I walk with every morning. Would also love to learn how you make your rugs (they are just gorgeous).
Really enjoy your blog 🙂
Annie H says
Perfect gift for mothers day. My mom is a big knitter and this would be PERFECT for her!
Heather Zichko says
Oh, that yarn is beautiful! I’d love to try knitting cable mittens.
Toni K Harper says
I would love to knit this yarn into a scarf and/or hat (depending on yardage). There are many around here who need warmth during the winter. Thank you.
Kate S. says
I’d give it to my mom!
Becka says
You visit the most interesting places! I knit some, but my husband is an avid knitter. I would give this to him to knit for our daughters and granddaughters who live in Michigan and Iowa.
Pat from chilly Buffalo, NY says
Mavis, thanks for the photos and for this giveaway. If I win, I would definitely knit the mittens and donate them to a homeless shelter or to some charity organization. What a great opportunity to be kind to someone less fortunate and thanks for your generosity!
Mimi says
What a fun place to visit!
I vowed just yesterday to make next Christmas a 100% handmade holiday, so I would knit those mittens to give to my sister-in-law who is always cold and wears mittens nearly year round.
Catherine says
Even though I now live in Florida, I would make those beautiful mittens for my wonderful daughter-in-law who lives in New England and is mother to 5 of my grandchildren. That blue is one of her favorite colors, too!
Julie says
I would try to knit them myself.
Tracy Tidwell says
Beautiful pick Mavis. I would gift this pattern and yarn to my boss’ boss. She is an avid knitter and knits circles around me. Plus she visits her homeland of Switzerland where these would come in handy. Thank you for the chance.
Kendra Maraman says
I would gift this to my mom. She’s amazing at knitting & I know she would love it!
Tracey says
I would knit these myself as I am an avid knitter, but would likely then give away the finished product as a gift. Nothing better than giving handmade gifts!
Sandyf says
As a rather beginner knitter- I would study the stitch and perfect my ability. I would knit this slowly as to relish in the art of the craft. I would gift it to my great aunt who lives in cold Maryland …
Marie Beers says
I don’t knit but have a dear friend who does, so I would gift the pattern and yarn to her in hopes she would knit a pair for me.
Barbara Howe says
I would give this prize to the Prayer Shawl Ministry at my church. They knit and crochet shawls, lap blankets, socks, mittens, hats. The beautiful items are then gifted to people that need special prayers, ill people in Hospitals and those that care for them. Little hats are made for babies that have to stay in hospital awhile and those that are called to heaven. This ministry does such wonderful good and are loved by everyone
Amy says
I don’t think I would’ve been able to leave the store! How beautiful! As a West Coaster- I dream of moving to an East Coast town that is beautifully historical like that. Someday! Until then- I’ll knit from here ❤️
Jacqui says
I’d give the wool to a friend who knits assorted sizes of blankets for the local SCBU, but loves knitting other stuff as well. She’d manage the pattern ok, unlike me who’s never been any cop at knitting. They would be donated to a homeless unit once finished.
Re the old building – I’m in Dundee, Scotland, and thus surrounded by old buildings. Dundee was once the heart of the jute industry and has many old mills, most of which have been converted into housing, artist’s studios, hotels, etc.
Re the water bottles – who says they’re full of water? seriously though, I find that virtually everywhere indoors I go is hot and so I get thirsty quickly and always have water with me.
Deborah B. says
I would knit them for myself. So beautiful!
Isela R says
What an cool store, I could get lost there! I love to knit but have not attempted mittens, I would probably make a wrap or a cowl with the lovely yarn so it would be seen and loved more
Sharon says
My daughter is an excellent knitter so if I win I will ask her to knit these gorgeous mittens for me. (Well, or her!)
Doni says
I would love to try my hand at knitting and would love this! It’s been years since I’ve knitted. The color of the yarn is beautiful!
Rebecca Anne says
I would give this to my 13 year old son who knits washcloths! It would be a good challenge for him and he’d enjoy it! Both of my boys love to hear me read updates from you, Mavis! I’m intrigued how you appeal to a wide range of ages. I’m going to guess you bring our the child in all of us! You have such a zest for life and a curiosity that never seems completely satisfied. Thank you for inspiring us readers all over the world!
Nancy from mass says
I was in Harrisville a few weeks ago but they weren’t open when I was there. If I won, I would make the mittens for myself! I love my homemade mittens. The ones I have now are getting a little thin. So I need to knit up some new ones
Nancy W says
What an amazing place! I love to knit and would make myself a pair of mittens!
Kim T says
I would love to make these for myself! The blue is absolutely lovely.
Patti says
Thank you for sharing your visit to Harrisville Designs. It looks amazing. I love the history you shared. I’d like to learn to knit. My niece is quite good at it and I’d love to share this with her
Nancy says
What a wonderful trip it would be to go there. I would love some yarn from there, although I would have to hide it, lol. Last fall, I quit smoking and knitting helped tremendously. I made 25 pairs of fingerless gloves and 20 knitted dishcloths. All the gloves were claimed by my adult daughters and their co-workers, and people I would see outside without gloves on. The dishcloths disappeared when people found out I could knit them. Thank you so much for sharing this unique wondrous place.
Jennifer Simmons says
Love Harrisville Yarn! Still wearing the orange sweater I made after visiting the store 10 years ago! Totally keeping the mittens for myself!
mary mcmahon says
Hands down, I would knit the mittens…..I am a knitter! And I love Harrisville yarn. Mary in Cincinnati
Janet in Woodway says
Hi Mavis, I would attempt to knit the mittens for myself!
Thanks!!
Angel Pitts says
They had a really great selection of some beautiful textiles….I personally would have to rub the skein against my cheek before I decided what to make with it,lol….I have a child with sensory issues so that’s our test for all fabrics,yarn,etc…..
I’d say probably a scarf or a hat…..
Lori Sargent says
Unfortunately I am unable to knit, crochet, quilt or hook rugs. It skipped my generation. My Grandmother and mother where great knitters and quilters. My daughter is self taught and loves to knit. Since her and her husband are expecting their first child she is knitting like crazy. She thinks after the baby has arrived she won’t have the time. She has already started knitting her Christmas presents that she gives away. I will be making trip with her to this great store. She will think she has died and gone to heaven. If I won this giveaway I would give it to her and hopes she makes them for me!
Caroline says
I’d give them to my friend to knit as I’m with you – knitting isn’t my thing. But, I can crochet! Beautiful Yarn!!!
Marti says
I would knit these beautiful mittens for my daughter as a gift because she helps me with so many things. It would be one way that I could repay her.
Lynn says
You are a kind and thoughtful person, Mavis! I would knit these for my granddaughter’s high school graduation coming up. Thank you for thinking of others! We need more folks like you in this world.
Anissa says
I know just the sweet Italian grandma that would love to knit such beautiful blue yarn! My micropremie received many adorable hats during his 69 day NICU stay which continued to help protect his little head during RSV season from this talented friend.
Barbara Benware says
I would give the beautiful yarn and instructions to my best friend of over 50 years. She is a great knitter, makes Irish wool items with the cable stitches often. I knit but only scarfs… Love the color of wool you picked. so would my BFF!!!! Thank you Mavis for this chance to win something so cool!
Ellen Crouch says
I would knit them myself and gift them to someone who appreciates fine woolens and knows how to care for them. What an awesome giveaway. I envy you all those wonderful stores.
Joan says
Since May 10th is my 65th Birthday it would be a wonderful present. I love to knit and the color would make wonderful mittens to go with my winter coat.
By the way I truly enjoy your blog. It make for great reading on the bus going home every evening.
Kristy says
Wow – what a beautiful spot! Definitely putting it on the list for my next east coast adventure. I would knit up the mittens – they look great! And, yes this may sound selfish, I would keep them for myself. I’m in need of a pair!
Laura Z says
I have a dear friend who teaches art and who loves to knit. She’s not likely to treat herself to such lovely materials and she loves mittens, so I would give it to her. Shetland wool is the best!!
Kate says
I love to knit and would either make the mittens or maybe a nice shawl.
Molly Tomaszewski says
what a wonderful visit and day for you to enjoy with hubby! Seems like the perfect place your you with all those gorgeous colored yarns.
I do not knit either but have a friend who does (she also does felted pieces, usually donates most hats mittens to a shelter) so I would give this to her to make the mittens, then hoped that she gifted them back to me 😀
Joanne says
I would pass on the winnings to a friend whose daughter is unconscience from a car accident in February. Mom has been by her side overseeing her care night and day. She keeps her hands and mind busy with knitting.
Mary says
I would love to use this beautiful yarn to knit myself mittens. You should try weaving Mavis. It is really fun.
Peggy Fernandes says
The blue yarn is just gorgeous. I just might try my hand at knitting. I would like the challenge.
Shelley Briley says
I love to knit, but I don’t need anymore mittens, (they’re fun to knit). I would knit them and donate them to the local women’s shelter. Those ladies need pretty things much more than I do.
CA says
I would love to knit those gloves! BTW I have purchased several bags of their loops and a small loom to make potholders. The cotton loops are very high quality and turn out beautiful potholders. The looms aren’t just for kids…I’m 66! They make lovely gifts and people loves the colors. Mavis, you should try your hand at making them. I’d love to visit the mill. Thanks
Sue says
I have to admit I’m not a knitter, but am totally intrigued by this glorious place.
What a joy to visit all the historic places as you and the HH travel. So, I’ll pass on being picked as the winner
Just wanted to comment, New England looks like a wonderful place to live, good choice.
Gail says
My Grandma taught me to knit 56 years ago and I recently picked up my needles again. I would love to knit gloves, but I think the mittens would be a better project for a novice knitter. Grandma would be proud!
Beverly Collins says
I do knit and have a pair of socks on my needles right now. I have never done mittens and would give it a go. This is a really nice give away.
Jane says
What a wonderful place to find! I took so much time drooling over the pictures of the yarn and the beautiful building. It would be be a privilege to receive this gift and I would make it for myself to wear, enjoy and think of you.
BeckyM says
A lovely blue yarn. I’m an avid knitter and those mittens look like a fun challenge!
Cass says
What a wonderful place. So much color.
If I win I would give the yarn and book to my ex’ s mother to knit a pretty sweater for my first granddaughter, due to be born in late May. She knits beautifully and I can just knit simple mittens.
Teresa Young says
I’ve been able to visit some NH towns with old textile mills & it’s wonderful to see that the buildings are being preserved & cared for.
My friend’s daughter is a beautiful knitter so I would give her the yarn & mitten pattern. She lives in TX & doesn’t need mittens, so I would ask her to gift the mittens to her mom who is my neighbor here in upstate NY.
Linda says
My Mom is 87, has Alzheimer’s and is always cold. I would make these mittens for her. I just love the blue. It is my favorite color.
Laura Arnett says
I would love to win the kit and make them for my son who will graduate high school on the 23rd and then head to college- he loves to wear mittens when he goes to sleep… done it since he was little. These look so comfy-You rock Mavis!
Deb says
What a fun idea! I would teach myself to knit as I am doing with primitive rug hooking. Then I would give them to my darling Mother In Law to wear when she’s at our home to walk the garden with me. She’s always cold! And then we would have hot chocolate and toast where I would tell her about the history of Harrisville Designs and how your unplanned visit there brought warmth to us here in Oregon.
linda jackson says
I love this yarn and the history if I win I will knit them for my daughter in norther Montana where it is crazy cold in the winter. thanks for the chance to try out this beautiful wool.
Julie says
Thank you so much, Mavis! How fun and how beautiful!!! The color is amazing!! I learned to crochet so I could have a beautiful afghan, so I think I would learn to knit, so I could have those beautiful mittens!!! 🙂
Debra says
I would love to knit that beautiful yarn into those mittens. I truly enjoy your “tours” to these unique places and envy you the experience to visit them. Thank you for including us in your adventures.
Linda says
I will give it to my SIL she is an amazing knitter! I’m just a scarf knitter! Lol.
Gee says
I’m like you with knitting, Mavis, so I would give it to my knitting sister-in-law. She would be ecstatic over that yarn.
Kathleen Buckalew says
I would love to knit the mittens. The color is gorgeous and I especially love using local yarn.
Gerri Olson says
I would knit them for me, I live in Minnesota and it’s cold here!
Chantal says
I would love to try and knit those mittens. With our cold winters here in Canada. My daughter could really use a set like that. She has poor circulation in her hands and feet.
Sara L says
What a pretty color!!! I would love to try and knit a pair of mittens for myself. So far I can knit hats and scarves, but mittens, oh my, would I like to try!
Claudia M says
I would just ADORE a flock of those sheep with one in every color! What an amazing store.
Kathleen Krueger says
What a beautiful store!!! I love that you get to go to these amazing little secret spots!! I love your sense of adventure and how you write about it all!!! Love to knit those mittens. Possible to finish for next year!!!
Dana says
I don’t knit but I would crochet booties and hand socks for my mom and dad’s Caregiver’s granchild. The baby boy is due in October.
Mrs. Mills says
Hi Mavis, loved the pictures, such beautiful flooring. The wool at the store, I would have a hard time not buying a lot, so beautiful. I’ve never heard of needle felting. I have so much wool from our sheep and goats that are excess fluff from my carding and spinning that I can’t knit with. I just wash it and have kept it as I couldn’t part with it as it is so beautiful, but didn’t know what to do with it. Now I do!! So excited, thank you do much! I’ve learned so much from you. That table is amazing, such history. But I bet someone died on it. Sorry, couldn’t resist ….he he. Take care.
Gigi says
I would make the mittens. I’m definitely a mitten person. I’ve got a Reynolds where my half of my fingers (horizontally or vertically) will turn white. Mitten help reduce it happening.
Marianne Lewis says
Not surprisingly, they’ve added a lot of product since I was there 28 years ago! Now I need to go back.
I rarely knit anything for myself, I truly enjoy knitting for others. I would make those mittens for my mom – the color just screams her name!
Alice says
I would knit them up for my granddaughter.
Amanda Howton says
Hmmm. A simple answer… I’ll give it my best.
Mom, age 75, lives in Gig Harbor (wet, cold, you know the place 😉 and suffers from Raynaud’s. I love to knit and I love my mom = maybe some beautiful, blue handmade mitties for her digits
Nancy Risch says
I would knit them for myself, but I feel pretty sure my daughter would then “borrow” them from me! Lol
Sarah Borer says
I would try and knit them! I’ve knit mittens before but the cables would be advancing my skill set a bit! What a beautiful color
Diana says
I know I would just sit looking and touching this beautiful wool for a long time before deciding what to make with it.
Kellie R says
Those old New England buildings are so beautiful! Every summer I’m tempted to live there, but winter reminds me why I don’t.
I’m a crocheter, not a knitter, but one of my good friends knits. Wouldn’t it be great to surprise her with a little knitting kit as a pick-me-up?
Thanks for being you, Mavis! Your blog always keeps me coming back for more!
KT says
I am a knitter, so I would love to knit up those mittens. And I need to visit that mill–hopefully I can work it into our college visit road trip! We have an old mill in my town that has been turned into artist studios–I love to visit when they have open studio days.
Laura says
I would make those mittens for me as they are such a lovely color and pattern. I’m taking a week long class at the Harrisville Mill in September and reading your post has made me so excited about it – now I can’t wait!!
Shirley Kubinak says
These are a beautiful pair of gloves. I would certainly want to knit them for me!
Christa H. says
I’ll give the items to my step daughter who knits.
What a great store! I do needle felting and their section of wool looks fabulous! Tip- I always stabbed my fingers doing it so I got two leather thimble like finger covers (can’t remember the name of them) to wear over my first finger and thumb so I don’t stab myself as I needle felt. It is so much fun. I have made several ornaments and will make one for my goal list from the loose wool.
Lisa says
I’m learning to knit so I’d use this as my first “advanced” project. If the mittens turn out well, I’ll wear them proudly this winter!
Donna Klamer says
If I am the lucky winner I will knit the mittens and donate to a local charity fundraiser auction.
Darlene Hoctor says
I love to knit and mittens are just the right size project to get done. Your photos are beautiful, I want to visit. Thanks
Vicki in Birmingham says
My third grade teacher taught all the girls, who were interested in learning, to knit. Unfortunately, she didn’t teach us to read a pattern. I think I would like to give these gloves a whirl! If I see that I can’t manage to knit them by the pattern, I will definitely give it to my friend who is an avid (and wonderful) knitter!
Suzy says
Gorgeous! I learned the basics of knitting from my grandma before she passed away. This would give me the impetus to develop those skills!
Debi says
I would love this to give to my mom
She has the start of dementia, and this would keep her occupied.
nancy grimsley says
If I were to win I would give that beautiful book and yarn to my daughter. She just had a baby boy, my first grandchild, and she does quite a bit of sitting in her rocker watching him sleep. She has a little laptop which she uses but she is a very very creative girl and I would just love to give her something that she could do while he sleeps that brings a little creativity back into her life!
Chris says
Looks like a fun field trip!
I am a very beginner (left handed) knitter…knitting these mittens would be a bucket list goal
Laura says
I was in wool heaven just looking at the pictures and wishing so much that I was there with you, Mavis. I have many friends who spin wool and seeing those looms reminded me of their awesome talent, although I don’t spin but I do knit and crochet and love both crafts so much. With all of these wonderful comments, I know my chances are slim for winning this beautiful wool and pattern, but I would knit the mittens for my 91 year old Mom, whose poor hands are always cold. Thank you so much for sharing those wonderful pictures and for giving me so many reasons to visit New England. ☺
Sarah Gurney says
I’m a crocheter not a knitter, so to be honest I would use the yarn in some form of amigurumi project instead of making the mittens. 🙂
James Sylvester says
I would buy all the pot holder loops I need. I am out of the hospital after 45 days (I had that dreaded fungal pneumonia…and beat it!) and my occupational therapist decided I needed to do”handiwork” to focus my mind and keep my hands limber. That’s how I discovered Harrisville and the joy of pot hold-ing!!
Greta says
What a quaint New England store! As I read through your post I suddenly realized the second hand loom I bought a few years ago was a Harrisville! I got it after starting to raise alpacas. I would use the Harrisville yarn on my Harrisville loom to add some blue joy to a new creation and I have a knitter friend who made me an alpaca sweater that would relish that pattern!
Vicki says
I have a neighbor with failing eyesight and she can no longer use light colors in her projects. I’d love to give her this beautiful gift. She’s amazing and so are you!
Lynne says
Awesome post, I love stores like these! If I was lucky enough to win, I’d knit the mittens and enjoy them myself.
Linda Huth says
Such beautiful yarn! If I were the winner, I would give the yarn to a family member who knits beautiful items
Launa says
I would love to knit these for myself or my girls. I love the color!!
Denise says
Such a beautiful color! If I knitted the mittens, would maybe have to give them to my daughter who loves that color. Then again just might keep them. I have recently gotten interested in starting some knitting projects to do when on trips. Used to knit when I was young, before family and work kept me too busy. Itching to start up again-it’s been 40 years!!
Judy says
What a beautiful shop! The yarn is lovely and would be gifted to a dear friend who recently turned 90. She is one of the most talented knitter, doll maker and seamstress I’ve known. Thank you so much for the tour!
Tammy says
I would knit these, for myself or for a gift! What a lovely giveaway!
Vivian says
Oh, Mavis…..what a marvelous store! I just love to read these posts about these places you are going for date days! And that beautiful yarn…I would love to win it and knit those mittens! At present I have just finished a prayer shawl (my first one) that was given to someone who had just had surgery. It turned out so well! My usual knitting is dishcloths that I sell for some purpose. I just made $250 to donate to a family whose daughter had cancer for the second time and was undergoing a bone marrow transplant. I love your blog and look forward to it every day.THANKS!
Katie Wright says
Hmmmmm …. cozy wool mittens make me think of my Aunt Molly, Uncle John & cousins. They live on Whidbey Island & raise sheep & veggies. Aunt Molly is a master weaver (she has several big looms in her living room instead of furniture to sit on!) and knitter who sent my boys beautifully knit wool mittens a few years ago. My cousin Anna just took over the farm & had a baby … so I would knit the mittens for her to keep her warm while taking care of sheep on cold, drizzly mornings.
Also …. I remember visiting Harrisville Designs when I was in kindergarten in that town! We got a tour and saw how the looms worked …. really cool place!!
Kathy Ferski says
Lovely yarn and a beautiful shop! I enjoy seeing places I will never go through your posts. I would knit these for myself
Jillbert says
I love to knit and would make those mittens up in a flash! They would be a gift for my dear daughter who is in college in Boston to keep her hands warm and remind her of her mother’s love each cold winter day.
Georgie says
Hi Mavis,
My husband would have had to drag me out of HD!!! We love seeing history repurposed and preserved. I am a knitter and occasional wool spinner. I think I would make those delicious mittens for my daughter who is heading off to college this fall, as they would come in handy trekking between classes in the cold.
Amelia Scherer says
I would use them as a centerpiece for a raffle basket. Each fall our elementary school has a fundraiser and friends o the school create baskets to be raffled off.
Samantha says
I have a passion for beautiful textiles of all kinds. What a wonderful find! We have a great little shop here in our historic section of downtown Chehalis, Wa called Ewe and I which sells the most wonderful wool yarns. They have a knitting circle in the middle of the shop. I could spend hours perusing their fantastic selection. If I won, I would certainly knit those gloves for a Christmas gift!
Janet Mitrovich says
What a fantastic store!
I could wonder for hrs. in the store looking and touch the yarn. Wool is my favorite to work with and I would make them for myself. Thanks for the opportunity.
Mary Zechman says
I love Lucy! I would give this spectacular gift to my husband! He crochets but wants to learn how to knit. (and I only wear mittens )
Annette says
That was such an interesting read and wow such lovely photographs. The yarn looks gorgeous and would be a dream wot work with.
Christie says
I would love to learn to knit something other than a scarf so I’d give it a go myself!
Cathy says
I would gift them to a friend that is more skilled than I am.
Looks like and incredible business and building.
Dara says
If I win, I would make them for myself – that yarn is a beautiful color!!
Joan Sullivan says
Hey Mavis,
I was so stoked to see a visit to Harrisville, as I lived in Greenville for a few years before moving to the Seacoast of NH. I miss that area. It has a lot of hidden treasures like Little Red Riding Hood’s ‘Pickity Place’ in Mason, NH. Well, since moving to Nottingham, NH I have been lucky to befriend a network of “wool people”…some who knit, needle felt, rug hook and farm sheep. They are giving, friendly, supportive people. I recently had brain surgery in April, and one friend went to my house with freshly baked rolls to check on my daughter and dogs, to offer support while I was in surgery. She’s a wonderful knitter and I would love to be able to gift her some beautiful yarn and I know she would love it. Thanks for sharing your Monadnock adventures – I really enjoyed it.
Joan
Melissa says
I have a friend (my kids call her Aunt Julie) who loves to knit! Over the years she has knit many wonderful things for us, including a winter hat for my husband (that he still wears 15 years later), a car seat blanket & a mustache for one of my sons. That’s right– a mustache with an elastic band to go around his head. My son was really into all things cowboy when he was around 7 years old. He wore that knitted mustache & a cowboy hat every day for an entire year–to church, to the grocery store, even to bed at night. So if I win, I’ll give this knitter’s gift to her.
Beth says
Love it!!! I would try to knit them myself- I’m not great but I love to knit. Thanks for the opportunity.
Lori says
I love knitting and would make the mitts for a gift. I also love visiting old houses/ buildings and would love to visit that store.
Amy Owen says
I would love to knit the mittens!
Laurie says
I would love to knit these mittens! I would likely give them away as that is what I usually do with my creations.
Sue says
I am sewing myself a wool coat for the winter. I’d commission my friend to knit me these mittens to go with the coat.
Kate Thomas says
I would make those mittens for my other sister. I knitted a pair with a kit I picked up in Ireland for my younger sister. It’s only fair to the other sister to have a pair of mittens knitted with wool from such a special place that I hope I will visit one day.
Mary Ann O'Brien says
My BFF is a knitter so I would love to win so I could give it to her for her birthday.
Linda says
I would like to give this to my grandmother to knit something nice.
Josephine Howe says
I would knit the mittens myself and either keep them for myself for walks with my dog or gift them to a family member who lives in a colder climate. I am loving the resurgence of knitting because there is so much more available than when I started knitting in 1966. It is truly wonderful that Harrisville exists.
OregonGuest says
Oh goodness, yarn porn! What a store!
If I were to win, I would gift the yarn and pattern to my niece who I just discovered is teaching herself to knit. She’s a new-to-me niece (my sibling’s 2nd marriage), and she’s a doll. To her gift, I would add a gently used pair of bamboo needles that I inherited from my mother who was a beautiful knitter, with a note that my mother would have been thrilled there’s another knitter in the family. I don’t know my niece all that well yet, but I think she would probably be surprised that someone was thinking of her. Come to think of it, I need to just do this even if I don’t win the contest — thanks for making me think of this, Mavis!
Meredydd says
I came to knitting rather late in the game. Many folks attempted to teach me how and I just couldn’t understand. I finally discovered the wonders of the internet and taught myself how to knit. I made lap robes for relatives, hats for children of all ages and friends undergoing chemo. I love knitting housewares and socks. Knitting is certainly therapeutic and I am rarely without a project of some stripe. I admit to never having knitted an adult sized sweater (next personal challenge). I do love a warm pair of mittens and knitting this pattern would be da bomb! It seems to combine two techniques which I have yet to master: cabling and color work. Winning this kit would certainly provide opportunity to do both in a manageable way. Thanks for the opportunity to try!
BETTY D says
Oh, so loved learning of this store…and all the yarn colors …would be knitters paradise…or even people
that do needle type work …What would I do if I won…Id decline and pass it on to the next in line as to
this sweeps/contest. Thanks for the information on the store etc…love it… and good luck to those
that have entered…
Jennifer Simmons says
I would knit these for my stepmom, who is a Floridian but is forced to live in a cold, cold location. Thank you for the opportunity!
Kristi McKibben says
I would knit these beautiful mittens for myself! It would be a fun challenge as I have really only knit many, many scarves so far. Thank you for the opportunity Mavis 🙂 !
Teresa says
I am definitely a novice knitter, but I adore this color and would totally try to knit these for myself!