In-person course
in STROUD Maker & location details

Half-day Saori Weaving Experience

Weaving studio interior. View from inside, out towards floor to ceiling windows. There are wooden looms along one side and colourful cones of yarn all along the opposite wall.

Colourful shop exterior with large sectional windows with curved tops. Painted in a dark turquoise with burgundy at bottom of the door and gold and turquoise embellishments painted onto upright section next to door. Inside the window you can see a spinning wheel and orange and yellow hanging strip of fabric

View from weaver's perspective. Green cloth held between two outstretched arms over the loom.

Two smiling women stand in front of a wall stand of colourful weaving cones. There is a window to the left. They both hold pieces of woven fabric infront of their chests in blues and natural tones.

Description

SAORI is a form of weaving from Japan that encourages improvisation and free expression. With no pattern or rules to follow, Saori enables you to weave quite freely; simply enjoying each moment as it comes. In Saori, we weave with our heart as well as our hands. These sessions are suitable for complete beginners as well as more experienced weavers and are an opportunity for you to enjoy a few hours exploring a world of texture and colour and creating your own unique Saori woven piece. Saori enables everyone to enjoy the rhythm and creativity of weaving. The basic skills are fun and easy to learn and most people are able to start creating their own unique textiles within minutes. A prepared loom will be waiting for you, along with a wealth of colourful weaving yarns. I’ll teach you to use the loom and introduce Saori patterning techniques. The time is then yours to relax into the weaving experience. The finished length of your weaving will depend on the complexity of the weave, but there'll be enough time for everyone to create a piece at least 3-4ft long that could be used as a wallhanging, table runner or perhaps fabric for a bag or cushion cover. All materials are provided and you'll have access to a wide range of wool, cotton and mixed fibre yarns to weave with. You’re very welcome to bring your own yarns, ribbons, scraps of material etc to include in your weaving - a great way to utilise those lovely but random odds and ends that you may have hanging around! All ages and abilities are welcome. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. I provide hot drinks (tea, coffee, herbal teas and plant milk). Please let me know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements. Footwear - you'll be operating the loom pedals with your feet so it's best to wear comfortable, flexible shoes. Alternatively, many people find it's most comfortable to weave with just socks or slippers on. Small groups (maximum 5 participants). Group bookings welcomed - it's a great activity to do with friends and family. Access: I aim to make the sessions as accessible as possible and am very happy to do all I can to make sure that everyone can participate as fully as possible. Please do let me know if you have any access requirements or would like to discuss any aspect of the venue, teaching or weaving process. Physical access - the studio has one small step from street level. Once inside, all facilities are on one level. Please get in touch if you would like more info.