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* and occasional topic-specific mini workshops*.

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.

Register for Classes

*Please check our COVID Statement for the current studio status.

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Wimberley Valley Saori Studio

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 two ways to experience SAORI weaving with us: Schedule open studio time where you can explore and play at your own pace receiving guidance as needed; and topic-specific mini workshops.

Open studio time is available by appointment on Wednesdays and Thursdays*. Mini workshop dates will be announced through Instagram, Facebook, and our email newsletter.

*In-person classes may be limited, but some classes are available via Zoom or FaceTime. Please check our studio status regarding when the studio will be open for in-person classes. Contact us for more information.

Open Studio Time
Mini Workshops
Overnight Accommodations

Registration: During these unusual times we prefer to schedule classes via email rather than scheduling time online. Please fill out the form at the bottom of this page to let us know you’d like to register for a class.

Payment: Payment for scheduled studio time and mini workshops is required in advance (for both virtual and in-person classes). Once we’ve scheduled your appointment, we will email you an invoice that can be paid online.

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 48 hours in advance of scheduled sessions, classes, or workshops are eligible for a full reimbursement. Cancellations received with less than a 48-hour notice will receive no refund, but may be applied to payment for future sessions.

Mini Workshops

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Rigid Heddle Weaving – the SAORI Way!

Curious about weaving? Heard of “SAORI weaving” and wondering why it’s so popular? This is a fun 3.5-hour mini-workshop that introduces students to the limitless creativity of weaving freestyle! Using simple, portable rigid heddle looms that are provided pre-warped, we focus on the creative, inspirational aspects of color and texture, along with many weaving techniques used in SAORI weaving.

SAORI‘s Zen-like philosophy can inform weaving on any loom. We will delve into SAORI philosophy, and students will experience creative freedom as they remove the barriers to creative flow. What you learn in this workshop can be useful on a loom you may currently own or have access to. For many, however, this class is a steppingstone to SAORI weaving on a SAORI loom.

This class is suitable for beginners as well as experienced traditional weavers who want to explore another weaving methodology. During the workshop, students will be able to try out a SAORI loom (if in studio) or watch a SAORI loom demonstrated (if taking the workshop virtually).

Each participant will create their own unique piece of art! You’ll finish this mini workshop with a beautiful SAORI-style woven wall hanging, as well as a basic understanding of SAORI.

Cost: $75

Materials Required:

  • In studio: All supplies included in workshop fee
  • Online: You will receive a small suggested supplies list for the class, or you can purchase a Fiber Fun Weaving Kit from us for an additional cost.
    Online students should have a pre-warped loom ready (any warp color is fine; black warp is preferable), with a minimum of 30” of weaving length available for class. Weaving width is not specified for this class.
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Experience SAORI Weaving!

Begin your SAORI journey in this playful 3.5-hour mini workshop!

This mini workshop is designed to cover the same material as the “Rigid Heddle Weaving – The SAORI Way” mini workshop using a SAORI loom instead of a rigid heddle, and much focus is placed on the unique aspects of this user-friendly loom that will make your weaving experience so easy and enjoyable!

This mini 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!

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: $75

Materials Required:

  • In studio: All supplies included in workshop fee
  • Online: You will receive a small suggested supplies list for the class, or you can purchase a Fiber Fun Weaving Kit from us for an additional cost.
    Online students should have a SAORI loom available for use and already warped (any warp color is fine; black warp is preferable), with a minimum of 30” of weaving length available for class. Weaving width is not specified for this class.
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SAORI Creativity Continues: Making your own Warp!

We all love the brilliantly created SAORI Limited Edition Ready-Made Warps. Many newcomers to SAORI weaving are a bit daunted by the thought of making their own custom warps. As described on the Saoriglobal.com website, the Kenzo warping method is a revolutionary way of warping that cuts the time required for warping in half compared to the conventional way.

What we love about the method Kenzo, Misao Jo’s third son, came up with for warping and threading is that one can either thread at a table or at directly on the loom. Kenzo has so brilliantly economized motion and made dressing the loom so efficient and enjoyable, we’re inspired to create several warps at a time!

In this 3.5-hour mini-workshop, students will make one short 3-meter warp (~39”) and have threaded it on a SAORI inside set by the end of the session. If time allows, students are encouraged to make another warp to take home, and then save the threading for another time. This class is designed for SAORI students who already own or have access to a SAORI loom and 1-2 inside sets. Our regular studio students may reserve or purchase inside sets in advance and leave them at the studio fully warped and ready to work on at their next visit.

Cost: $75

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 $4/oz.

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Open Studio Time & Saori Intensives

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Open Studio Time

Open Studio Time is where the magic happens! Community is built, friendships are made and our creative voices sing together! Students are gently guided as their exploration of SAORI weaving, warp making, and simple yet flattering clothing design continues. Students are able to move freely about the studio depending on their interest for the day.

Open Studio Time is offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays in 3-hour blocks:

  • Morning: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
  • Afternoon: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Both Times: As listed above, with lunch on your own during the break. Students who wish to visit downtown Wimberley are free to do so, and there are ample restaurants for dining and shops for browsing in town.

Cost: $45 for each 3-hour session, or $85 for the day (both morning and afternoon sessions), plus cost of materials. Please reserve your spot in advance.

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SAORI Intensives

SAORI Intensives is another name for combining three Open Studio sessions for a focused time of learning and fun. Intensives are designed especially for out-of-towners who want to maximize their learning in a concentrated time frame, but anyone can schedule an Intensive.

A SAORI warping board is always available, as is Kenzo’s warping equipment. Both clothing design and sewing the SAORI way are discussed, and students are guided as needed during the sewing process. Dress forms and sewing machines are also available for student use. Students who own a SAORI loom may bring their own inside set from home and take it back home with at the end of the session or intensive.

SAORI Intensives are offered Fridays and Saturdays, and include the following sessions:

  • Friday Morning: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
  • Friday Afternoon: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Morning: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Cost: $130, plus cost of materials. Please reserve your spot in advance.

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Overnight Accommodations

Overnight accommodations are available (with prior arrangement) for our out-of-town students. We have two beautiful bedroom suites dedicated to accommodating overnight weaving guests! Rooms have king-sized beds and full en-suite bathrooms.

Students have access to the studio after hours, unlimited free weaving time, evening “wine time” with your hosts overlooking an expansive hill country view, and a continental breakfast bar.

Cost: $50 per room per night

Overnight Accommodations at Wimberley Valley Saori

Contact Us to Sign Up for a Class

Please fill out the form below to inquire about learning SAORI weaving! Once we receive 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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I would like to book overnight accommodations:

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