Introducing Weaving SAORI Style – SAORI For All

Creative Fibre Workshop

Tutor: Louise Cook

Description

This workshop is to introduce the group to free-style SAORI weaving.

  • Greet, introduce self, give information re Health and Safety.
  • Establish hours eg morning and afternoon breaks, start and finish times on each day.
  • Group introductions.
  • Give a brief history of SAORI weaving and the philosophies.
  • Instruct on bobbin winding, use of different shuttles, and loom operation for SAORI loom users.
  • Start weaving to establish that all are comfortable with the operation of their loom.
  • Each weaver is in control of their own creation of a unique piece of cloth, the choosing of weave threads, the techniques to use and colours and treasures to try.
  • Throughout the day gradually introduce the SAORI techniques which will result in the weaver’s cloth being unique with texture and colour.
  • Reinforce often that SAORI weaving is freestyle, no rules, no mistakes.
  • The edges of the cloth do not have to be even/straight.
  • Encourage the sharing of ideas and methods any of the group have.
  • Share from SAORI published information, selected passages to which the weavers may relate.
  • Give positive reinforcement and encourage the weavers to weave for fun.
  • Interact continually with all participants.
  • At the conclusion of the workshop ask for suggestions as to the use of the weavers’ creations if they have thought about this yet.
SAORI Loom
Colourful Neck Warmer
pink scarf
Available for:National, local/area
LevelAny
Minimum No. of Participants6
Maximum No. of Participants10
Duration6–12 hours, one or two days
Learning OutcomesWeaving is not difficult. It is the crossing of threads.

Weave with no outcome in mind and weave in the moment for fun.

It is easy to be creative with fibres by weaving and mixing colours and techniques.

For a weaver to become confident about creating a unique piece of cloth. This creation ofen displays the maker’s personality and with a little more consideration can become a useful item in the home or a garment to wear.

At the conclusion of the workshop, the participants would expect to take away: a length of cloth cut off a borrowed loom or remaining on their own loom to use. This is a unique piece of cloth and is similar to a sampler for future reference. It could become wall decoration, table runner, mending for a garment, a bag, a garment.
Materials Required by ParticipantsOwn warped up loom unless using a Saori loom, own weft threads, treasures, own loom/weaving tools
Materials Provided by TutorWorkshop notes, looms if required, Shuttles, bobbins, threading hooks, spare warps, cones of threads of various types, colours and textures, treasure basket, Scissors. Examples of weaving.
Materials Fee$10–$20
Advance PreparationA warped loom or notice to organiser they wish to use a Saori loom.
Classroom FacilitiesChairs, tables suitable for placing looms on, space enough for ease of movement by the workshop participants.