Saori Classes
Consistent with Saori philosophy and our vision of offering a destination for creative expression through fiber arts, we recognize that each individual is on their own journey and works at their own pace. As such, we offer open studio time instead of topic-specific classes.
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!
Consistent with Saori philosophy,
each individual is on their own journey.
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.
Class Types
There are two primary ways to weave in the studio: open studio time, where you can explore and play at your own pace, receiving instructor guidance as needed, and topic-specific mini-workshops. Open studio time is available weekly on Thursdays, and mini-workshops are held regularly on scheduled dates. See the Events Page for the current schedule for upcoming open studio time and mini-workshops.
Registration: For all open studio time and mini-workshops, reservations and payment are required in advance to reserve your spot, unless otherwise stated or other arrangements have been made. You may book these online from our Events Page, or contact us to schedule a session.
Class Fees: Unless otherwise noted, mini-workshop fees include all materials. Open studio time sessions fees do not include the cost of materials, which are generally $4 per ounce and are calculated upon project completion.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received at least 72 hours prior to workshop are eligible for a full reimbursement of payment. Cancellations with less than a 72-hour notice will receive no reimbursement.
Please note: Occasionally the studio will be closed due to our traveling schedule. Those dates will not be available for booking on the Events Page.
Open Studio Time
Studio time is offered weekly on Thursdays in 2½-hour blocks:
- Morning Group: 10 am – 12:30 pm
- Afternoon Group: 2 pm – 4:30 pm
Cost: $35 for each 2½-hour session, plus cost of materials. Please reserve your spot in advance. For your convenience, payment for each session can be made by booking sessions on this website, or with prior approval, when you arrive at the studio.
Studio Bundles
Book studio time in bundles of 4 classes and save 10%!
As with open studio time, studio bundles are offered weekly on Thursdays in 2½-hour blocks: morning and afternoon.
Cost: $140 $126, plus cost of materials. Bundles must be purchased in advance, both to reserve a loom / equipment and to receive the discounted rate.
To book a studio bundle, please contact us and let us know what dates/times you’d like to register for. We will follow up with you about your selections and send you an invoice for the discounted amount.
Mini-Workshops
Listed below are the current mini-workshop options offered by Wimberley Valley Saori. Please visit the Mini-Workshops Calendar or the Events Page to see the current lineup of mini-workshops scheduled.
Unless otherwise noted, mini-workshop fees include all materials. Reservations and payment are required in advance to reserve your spot, unless other arrangements have been made.
Weaving Free-Style on a Rigid Heddle Loom
Curious about weaving? This fun 4-hour mini-workshop introduces students to the limitless creativity of weaving free-style. Using simple, portable looms that have been pre-warped, we focus on the creative, inspirational aspects of color, texture, and techniques, allowing each student to create their own personal art piece. There are no rules, expectations or mistakes. For many, this is a stepping stone to Saori weaving.
This class is suitable for both beginners and experienced weavers who want to explore a new weaving methodology. During the workshop, students will have an opportunity to "try out" a Saori floor loom as well. Leave with a finished woven wall-hanging!
In addition, we frequently host small groups of friends and/or family interested in learning to weave. Contact us to set up a time that is convenient for your group. (Min 3 / Max 6 participants.)
Cost: $65, includes all supplies. Since seating is limited, reservations are required in advance.
Continue Your Saori Journey: A Refresher
In this 3½-hour mini-workshop, students will be able to learn or brush up on techniques used in Saori weaving. Practice clasped weft, three-color interlock, making loops, windows and holes, and ripple weave (to name a few!) in a relaxed setting. Bring your own inside set and use either your own Saori loom or reserve one of our Saori looms. Bring any materials you’d like to play with, or use materials from the studio available for purchase before the workshop.
This class is designed for current Saori weavers who either own or have ready access to a Saori loom. Thursday Open Studio Time students may reserve or purchase an inside set in advance and leave it at the studio fully warped and ready to work on.
This fun class is designed to allow you to explore Saori weaving in more depth, while tapping into your unique creativity! You'll make and take home a "sampler" wall hanging.
Cost: $65, includes all supplies. Since seating is limited, reservations are required in advance.
Saori Creativity Continues: Making your own Warp!
We all love the brilliantly created Saori Ready Made Warps, but many newcomers to Saori weaving are a bit daunted by the thought of making their own custom made warps. As described on the Saori website, "The Kenzo Warping Method is a revolutionary way of warping. It cuts the time required for warping in half compared to the conventional way.”
What I love about Kenzo’s method for warping and threading is that you can either thread at a table or directly on the loom. He has so brilliantly economized motion! Before I learned this faster method of setting up my loom, warping seemed to take hours, but now I find that this system is so efficient and enjoyable, I’ll create several warps at a time to use later.
In this 4-hour mini-workshop, participants will be able to make one short warp (3 meters in length) and leave with it threaded on a Saori inside set. If time allows, students are encouraged to make another warp to take home, and save the threading for another time. This class is designed for current Saori weavers who either own or have ready access to a Saori loom. Thursday Open Studio Time students may reserve or purchase an inside set in advance and leave it at the studio fully warped and ready to work on.
Cost: $65, includes use of all supplies and weaving materials for the first 3-meter warp. Additional warp materials will be subject to the usual supplies cost of $4/oz. Since seating is limited, reservations are required in advance.