I thought I’d define what is meant by Saori Weaving.
The SA of SAORI is the first syllable of the word SAI. SAI is found in Zen vocabulary. It means everything has its own individual dignity. And the ORI of SAORI means weaving.
Saori is a hand weaving style, free from the traditional rules of weaving. It was founded by Misao Jo (1913-, Japan) in 1969 when she was 57 years old. She named the style Saori to capture the idea that anyone can express themselves freely regardless of age, gender, disability, or intellectual aptitude.
Saori looms are quite adaptable to various handicaps – including wheelchair access and the blind.
In Saori there are no mistakes. What the weaver might initially consider a mistake is merely a new expression of creativity. There are no rules about density, straight edges, how to tie on new yarns, and no complex patterns to learn!
Saori is also a meditative activity, when weaving you work yourself in to a rhythm, and once there your mind is free to wander and think about all sorts of things.
You can weave in the Saori way even if you don’t own a Saori loom. In fact, many new weavers start on a Rigid Heddle loom because of cost.
If you own a new Rigid Heddle loom, or get one soon, here is a tutorial about how to warp it – that means put the lengthways yarns on before beginning to weave.
What do you think about Saori? Will you try it?
Happy Creating everyone!
When I went to Japan this month, I also visited Saori workshop in Tokyo.
My former art friend, Terumi taught me to weave, I made a table center in 2 hours .
I had really fun.
I will send you photos.