ABOUT ME

I'm AJ Bettison, a part-time psychotherapist, part-time hand-weaver, and part-time cat landlady based in St Margaret's Hope, Orkney.
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After a rich and varied career, first as a translator for the civil service in Germany, and second in the East of England founding and growing biotechnology start-ups, in the 2010s I began training for my third career as psychotherapist. In 2021, I was able to make the long-desired move to Orkney, where I work as a counsellor, and have been able to explore my creativity and the slow processes of making.
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This website showcases some of my hand-weaving, all done in true cottage industry fashion on one of the two table looms in my home: either the 1970s 4-shaft Varpapuu loom in the sunroom overlooking my garden, or the 21st century 8-shaft Ashford loom in the attic. And usually ably assisted by one or more of the furry weaver's assistants.
ABOUT MY WORK
I hope you enjoy browsing my work. Although I weave primarily for my own pleasure and satisfaction, as the house began to pile up with fabric and I realised there was a probable fire hazard, I have started to sell what I make. You can browse items currently available to purchase at my Scottish Island Gifts store here. (Go take a look at Scottish Island Gifts anyway - there's a fabulous selection of locally-made produce all available from makers like myself on the Scottish islands!)
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I do also work to commission, so if you see something you like here that isn’t available in the shop, please get in touch and I may be able to make you something to order. For commissions, please assume a lead time of at least 1 month, to allow me to plan and complete the work; though if I can do it sooner, I will.
