In-person course
in STROUD Maker & location details

Weaving the ground

Description

A very special one-off evening of seasonal Saori weaving with artist, writer and maker, Louise Amelia Phelps and Saori weaver Nicola Builder.    We will come together near the Winter Solstice and the turning of the year to create our very own special textiles pieces to keep our gathered treasures throughout the year. You can weave a wall hanging or table runner, a wrapping or alter cloth. Whatever you choose it can be your place of grounding for the year to come, a cloth to hold perhaps a stone, a feather, something beautiful, a found poem or words for nourishment.  All materials are included but you are very welcome to bring along anything with meaning that you’d like to incorporate into your weaving too; yarns, threads, ribbons, scraps of cloth, threads, twigs or paper and more... We will be a small group of 5 participants sharing warming drinks, gentle guidance and inspiration. There will be the opportunity to work in silence or in conversation with others. Please do get in touch if you have any questions or would like any information about this event before booking. 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. This session is suitable for complete beginners as well as more experienced weavers and is 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. We'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 around 2ft long, perhaps more. No experience needed. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. We provide hot drinks (we'll have something warming and spiced along with 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 group (maximum 5 participants). 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.