There are many classes at this bi-annual conference (this year held in San Antonio) that will inspire your creativity, although classes are filling up fast! I’ll be teaching two classes: Experience SAORI Weaving on Friday, June 4th (9 AM to 4 PM), and Sewing SAORI Style for a half day on Sunday, June 6th (8:30 to 11:30 AM).

For anyone who’s interested in those classes and can’t get a spot at this conference, please contact me directly. Hopefully soon I’ll be opening my SAORI weaving studio in Wimberley, and I’ll soon be scheduling in-person students!

CHT 2021 Conference “A Fiber Runs Through It”

The CHT conference creates an opportunity for our diverse community to learn from others and open our eyes to the possibility of integrating new elements into our own work. We come from big cities and small towns. We are advanced weavers and newbies. Some of us are self-taught and some are teachers. But at the end of the conference, we all come away with new and renewed friendships, motivation and inspiration.

Early Registration begins January 15, 2021 for members who are current as of December 31, 2020.

Open registration begins February 2, 2021 for new members and current members who did not register early.

All non-member registrants must pay the $40 CHT membership fee, and their membership is valid through June 30, 2023.

Full conference registration is $295 and includes 3 class units, Friday dinner and Keynote Presentation, Saturday lunch with Fashion Show and Awards, Sunday brunch and business meeting. Cost for Pre-Conference workshops is not included. Class units: 1/2 day = 1 unit; 1 day = 2 units Additional charge for more than 3 units.

We highly recommend that you pre-select your class choices using the conference brochure before entering information online. Also see the brochure for specific dates and time as well as additional fees and supplies. As a class fills it will be noted.

Event Fees:

• Membership Dues (New or Renewal) [valid for 7/1/2021 to 6/302023] — $40.00
• Full Conference Registration — $295.00
• PreConference Workshop Fee — $225.00
• Extra Class Units: $25 each unit over 3 — $25.00
• Guest Ticket – FRIDAY (Dinner and Keynote Speaker) each — $50.00
• Guest Ticket – SATURDAY (Lunch and Fashion Show) each — $50.00
• Guest Ticket – SUNDAY (Brunch and Business Meeting) — $50.00
• Donation to CHT Scholarship Fund (Optional) — $5.00

Classes taught by Wimberley Valley Saori:

Experience SAORI Weaving!

Friday, June 4 — 9 am – 4 pm (Lunchtime coordinated with instructor)

Description: SAORI weaving has gained huge popularity in the United States and globally due to its Zen-like philosophy, brilliantly constructed looms and innovative equipment. Beginners and experienced weavers alike are attracted to its freeing ‘no rules’ nature and strong emphasis on each individual’s creative and unique expression, rather than perfection.

This workshop introduces students to a brief history and philosophy of SAORI. It allows plenty of time for creative exploration at a pre-warped SAORI loom using an array of techniques by adding color, texture, and perhaps the unexpected to the SAORI cloth. After completing the workshop, students have beautiful woven cloth that may be used for the Sewing SAORI Style class on Sunday; or at home for a wall hanging, or sew a tote bag, pillow cover or simple garment.

Note: 3 students may bring their own warped loom. Warp should be cotton, any color, minimum 60” long x 19” wide.

Student Supply List: All materials are provided. Students may bring yarn. Pencil and paper for taking notes.

Materials Fee: $15 for all weaving materials. Students leave with cloth woven during the workshop.

Skill Level: All

Format: Hands on

Length: 1 day

Class Size: 9: 6 on SAORI looms, 3 on personal warped looms

Sewing SAORI-Style

Sunday, June 6 — 8:30 – 11:30 am

Description: One of the best things about SAORI weaving is being able to create a one-of-a-kind simple, yet flattering garment or accessory that expresses your unique essence. This class starts with your hand woven cloth, and ends with a wearable piece of art, a vest or top suitable for many body types.

Students learn a safe way to cut their fabric to prevent fraying. We review basic seams and finishes used in SAORI sewing. Demonstrations include the ‘no cut’ method of SAORI sewing. Students learn how to create individualized garments without paper patterns using draping techniques on a dress form.

Student Supply List: Sewing machine in good working order with manual. You should know how to use the machine. Sewing machine accessories, such as bobbins and presser feet. Thread, a matching color or any shade of gray; a contrasting color that is easily visible against your cloth. Fabric scissors, pins or clips, measuring tape, and a black sharpie. Pencil and paper for taking notes. Wet-finished woven SAORI-style yardage approximately 18 – 20” wide x 50 – 54” long.

Materials Fee: None

Skill Level: All

Format: Hands on

Class Size: 6

Length: 1/2 day