Testimonials

I came to Saori weaving by accident. After more than 60 years of traditional weaving style, I was stale and bored. Saori gave a new lease of life to my weaving, no rules, no mistakes and a riot of colour. Long may it continue.

No one was more surprised than I was, that I returned home with a Saori Piccolo loom, after a workshop that Louise gave at a National Creative Fibre event. I already had 2 looms and I had no intention of buying anything, because I had more than I needed to weave with; but when I saw the Piccolo I saw the potential for it being part of my weaving experience. I hadn’t woven anything on it (as I had taken a table loom to use in the workshop) but to have a loom that is easily transportable and simple to set up along with Louise having introduced freeform weaving to me – I just needed it to be mine. The concept of no rules and weaving from the heart, is great to show children.  They love their first taste of weaving on it, getting the idea of creating their own fabric. I often use the freeform style on my conventional 8-shaft loom, but I can take my Piccolo loom anywhere.

A few years ago, I bought a piccolo loom from Louise, she showed me how to use it when she delivered it and set it up.  She is always happy to answer any questions. I have attended a workshop day at her house, and she has also travelled to my home and led a day workshop with 5 ladies. We all learnt so much from this. I have bought warps etc from Louise as well. I highly recommend Louise if you are keen to try Saori weaving both for her workshops and Saori looms. She has got huge enthusiasm and love of Saori weaving and is always exploring new techniques that she is happy to share.

After seeing Saori looms at Fibretron prior to lockdown, I fell in love. Living in a Tinyhouse, small is good!  I had a weaving day with Louise to try the looms and I was not disappointed. These small looms wove as beautifully as all my big floor looms that I have owned in the past. Luckily I saw a four shaft second hand unit posted on Louises FB page and snapped it up.  I weave pretty much every day!  Of course, I have bought quite a few extra accessories and prewound warps from Louise. Her service is always prompt and she goes out of her way to help you.

I have a Saori loom and am totally reliant on Louise for my wonderful long, luxurious warps. She keeps me supplied with all the latest warps and also fibre…she is a very efficient online retailer. Oh yes, and her inspirational weaving keeps me going. I am an avid fan of her Saori creations.

I’m 86 and have been weaving for 30 years or more and used many different types of looms but find the Saori so easy to use. The pedals are so light to use and it is very quiet, easy to move from place to place and takes up very little space.

I have attended a couple of wonderful Saori Workshops with Louise Cook. I found Louise to be a great tutor giving clear instructions and some great ideas which I use frequently in my weaving. It is wonderful being able to use her looms which are already set up. The workshops are fun both socially and also have extended my knowledge on using different fibres and techniques. Thank you for your patience and encouragement Louise.

I met Louise at a Botanical Dyeing course in NZ. She then visited me in Australia where she encouraged me to weave on my Saori loom which I had bought but not used. In 2020 I was lucky enough to come back to NZ and go on a road trip with Louise and during that trip I participated in a Saori course in Rotorua which was fabulous. More recently in 2023 I went to NZ and was blessed to have the use of Louise’s studio. I had taken a piece of my woven Saori cloth with me. Louise showed me how to cut it and style onto a garment that has been greatly admired. I hope to spend more time learning from Louise over the coming years. I have learnt so much! A wonderful teacher and even better friend.

My first introduction to Saori weaving was with Louise at a Saori by the Sea. Louise was very accommodating and supportive of my first foray into Saori Weaving, I was hooked and am looking forward to purchasing my own loom.

I like it when we can keep using the Piccolo loom as we grow older and we don’t need to buy another loom as this loom has two height levels suitable for children and adults. The loom has a bobbin winder so we don’t have to get up and go to another place to wind the bobbin. Thank you for giving us this Saori loom.

I have just begun weaving and found my way to Louise and her beautiful Saori looms.  She has been incredibly helpful, the loom and any other loom equipment or supplies I need arrive with speed, and Louise is always quick to answer  any questions I have.  Working with her has been a great experience.