Saori Classes
Consistent with SAORI philosophy,
each individual is on their own journey.Consistent with SAORI philosophy and our vision of offering a destination for creative expression through this beautiful and free-flowing way of weaving, we recognize that each individual is on their own journey and works at their own pace. Misao Jo has encouraged us to gather in groups when possible, where we can give and receive inspiration from one another. Accordingly, we support your creative process in all of our class offerings.
I see my role as your SAORI “guide,” offering suggestions, resources, and materials that will enhance your creative experience. Coming to the studio, connecting with weaving friends, and savoring the time you set aside for yourself and your creative explorations may become the high point of your week!
The studio is a place to become comfortable with the SAORI loom, learn weaving techniques, gain inspiration and share ideas, or simply get “into your zone,” independently weaving an on-going piece of unique art. One student may be interested in learning to create their own beautiful warp, while another may be at the sewing machine making a one-of-a-kind garment from their hand-woven cloth.
Works in progress can be detached and re-attached from our SAORI looms, and we provide storage space for projects between visits. This flexibility allows for multiple students to use a limited number of looms, working on their projects during their scheduled sessions and storing their work between sessions.
CLASSES
There are three ways to experience SAORI weaving with us: attend topic-specific workshops or our 1-, 2-, or 3-day SAORI intensives, or participate in one of our regular weaving groups, where you can explore and play at your own pace, receiving guidance as needed.
SAORI intensives are generally scheduled on Mondays, with an option to add the following Tuesday (2-day intensive) or Tuesday and Wednesday (3-day intensive). (Some intensives are only scheduled for 2 days instead of 3 — please check the Events Calendar for specific upcoming dates.) Workshops are generally scheduled on Saturdays. Regular weaving groups occur on Thursdays and Fridays, with our "Once per Month Weaving Group" offered on a Saturday.
REGISTRATION: Please fill out the form at the bottom of this page to register for a class.
PAYMENT: Payment is required at the time of registration. Once we’ve scheduled your appointment, we will email you an invoice that can be paid online, in addition to appointment confirmation and specific directions to the studio.
CLASS FEES: Unless otherwise noted, workshop and intensive fees include all essential weaving materials. Additional “luxury” yarns, ribbons, and many other materials are available for additional purchase in the studio. Fees for weaving groups do not include the cost of materials, which are generally $5 per ounce and are calculated by weight upon project completion.
CANCELLATION POLICY: If you need to cancel your confirmed registration, the following will apply:
You may switch to another workshop date with availability, or you may invite another person to attend in your place for that specific workshop.
Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance of scheduled workshops or intensives are eligible for a full reimbursement. You may choose either store credit for the full refund amount, or the class fee refunded to your credit card, minus a $25 charge (for credit card fees charged to us).
For cancellations received less than 48 hours before the scheduled workshop or intensive, or if the registered student does not show up to the event, no refund will be offered.
SAORI Workshops & Intensives
EXPERIENCE SAORI WEAVING!
4-HOUR WORKSHOP
Begin your SAORI journey in this playful 4-hour workshop!
This workshop will introduce weavers of all experience levels to the history behind SAORI and Japanese founder Misao Jo’s unique approach to weaving, and how she became one of the most globally influential weavers of all time. Emphasizing Misao’s philosophy and the four SAORI slogans, we will explore the forgiving, “no-mistakes” nature of SAORI weaving as we experiment with SAORI techniques, texture, and of course, color! Focus is placed on the unique aspects of the user-friendly SAORI loom that will make your weaving experience so easy and enjoyable!
Students will weave on pre-warped SAORI floor looms with all materials provided for creative discovery, and will complete the class with a one-of-a-kind expression of your unique self!
COST:$195
TIME: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
MATERIALS REQUIRED: All supplies are included in workshop fee
SAORI CREATIVITY CONTINUES: MAKING YOUR OWN WARP!
4-HOUR WORKSHOP
We all love SAORI’S pre-made black and limited-edition colored warps! However, some newcomers to SAORI weaving are a bit daunted by the thought of making their own custom warps. Fear not! We’re here to help!
Using the ingenious tabletop threading / beaming holder and dividing bar set, this revolutionary SAORI warping method cuts warping time in half compared to the method used in conventional weaving.
What we love most about this method is that one can either thread at a table or at directly on the loom. It has brilliantly economized motion and made warping a new project efficient and enjoyable!
In this 4-hour workshop, students will make one short 3-meter warp (~39”) of their choosing and thread it on a SAORI inside set. If you already own a SAORI loom, just bring your loom’s inside set (meaning, the reed and 2 harnesses, clipping tie rod, and regular tying rod). Your inside set can easily be carried home after the workshop and you’ll be weaving your new project in minutes!
COST: $195
TIME: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
MATERIALS REQUIRED: Workshop fee includes use of equipment and all supplies for the first 3-meter warp. Additional warp supplies will be subject to the usual supplies cost of $5/oz.
SAORI INTENSIVES
6.5-HOUR INTENSIVE
SAORI Intensives offer students a focused time of learning and fun! They are designed especially for out-of-towners who want to maximize their learning into a concentrated time frame. Those living locally may schedule an Intensive as well. Either way, come prepared to create!
Learn about SAORI’s founder, Misao Jo, her journey, and how she has impacted the world.
Experience the amazing SAORI loom with features that are brilliantly designed and crafted, making the SAORI loom a game changer in the weaving world.
Discover and experience for yourself the quiet beauty of the SAORI philosophy, as you begin weaving using a myriad of colors, textures and even found objects in nature. Explore numerous weaving techniques for creating interest that will be a jumping off point as you weave your “essence” into cloth.
TIME: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm (each day, with a break for lunch). Feel free to bring your own lunch or enjoy one of Wimberley’s local restaurants.
MATERIALS REQUIRED: Fee includes all essential weaving materials. Additional specialty yarn and fiber-related “treasures” offered in the studio are available for purchase.
1-DAY INTENSIVE
You’ll begin wherever your inspiration takes you by choosing from supplies provided in a myriad of exciting colors and textures. Once at your loom, you’ll become acquainted with the feel of its soothing back-and-forth rhythm, where your hands and feet will quickly learn to work together in harmony. You’ll explore numerous weaving techniques for creating interest that will be a jumping-off point as you weave your “individual essence” into cloth.
After a break for lunch (feel free to bring your own), you’ll continue to weave and enjoy the freedom of “no rules” experimentation. Several more interesting weaving techniques will be introduced for incorporation into your work, if desired. At the end of your 1-day Intensive*, your work will be completed and taken off the loom. Finishing methods and ideas for what to make with your one-of-a-kind art piece will also be discussed prior to leaving.
COST: $265
2- OR 3-DAY INTENSIVE
If you are staying for a 2- or 3-day day Intensive, you’ll return for a richer weaving exploration and an opportunity to weave much longer fabric. You’ll soak up the zen-like mindset of SAORI philosophy, in a world where there are no mistakes, only unique possibilities for creating something beautiful that you’ve made with your own hands. Take a deeper dive into weft and warp techniques that you’ll use to add your own beautiful creative signature to your work.
If time allows, 2- and 3-day participants may also opt to be introduced to the innovative and SAORI-specific warping method in a warping demonstration.
COST: $510 for a 2-day Intensive
$750 for a 3-day Intensive
Weaving Groups
You’ve attended your first SAORI Workshop, so now what’s next? How do you keep up your momentum and step more fully into your SAORI journey? For many, joining one of our weaving groups is the answer! For those interested in more regular sessions, we offer a Weaving Group monthly membership, with studio weaving time either weekly or twice monthly (based on availability).
Regular weaving groups are where the magic happens! Inspiration flows, friendships are made, and our creative voices sing! Students weave independently, and if requested, gentle guidance is provided as their exploration of SAORI weaving continues.
COST: $50/month membership, plus cost of materials. which are generally $5 per ounce and are calculated upon project completion.
PRE-REQUISITE: Students must have previously taken an “Experience SAORI Weaving” class (or similar workshop by a registered SAORI instructor).
We currently offer four different Weaving Group membership options:
1st & 3rd Thursdays (3.5 hrs) — 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
2nd & 4th Thursdays (3.5 hrs) — 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Every Friday (3.5 hrs) — 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Saturdays Once a Month (4 hrs) — 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Typically, groups are held from January to June, and September to December, with schedule flexibility.
Customer Comments & Reviews
CONTACT US TO SIGN UP FOR A CLASS
Please fill out the form below to inquire about learning SAORI weaving! For a list of available upcoming sessions, please review our Events Calendar. Upon receiving your request, we’ll get in touch via email to get your session or class booked. Once scheduled, we’ll email you an invoice. Payment using credit card, PayPal, or Venmo will secure your spot.
Class Registration Form
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CANCELLATION POLICY
If you need to cancel your confirmed registration, the following will apply:
You may switch to another workshop date with availability, or you may invite another person to attend in your place for that specific workshop.
Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance of scheduled workshops or intensives are eligible for a full reimbursement. You may choose either store credit for the full refund amount, or the class fee refunded to your credit card, minus a $25 charge (for credit card fees charged to us).
For cancellations received less than 48 hours before the scheduled workshop or intensive, or if the registered student does not show up to the event, no refund will be offered.