Saori Sunday- Part Two

Saori Residency- Day #2- Part Two

Here is the continuation of my Saori Sunday post...

Barbara and Jacquie came together today to weave for the very first time. They seemed to really enjoy the process. Marie had shared with everyone that it does not matter how much weaving experience one has, behind the loom we are all equal.

Barbara and Jackie weaving

Barbara's work

Jacquie's fabric

Alan joined us in the afternoon for the Saori Kai and brought these fantastic pieces woven out of fine fibers like silk and bamboo and containing impressive details. Everyone was interested, even the dog, Yoda.

a detail of one of Alan's pieces

Claudie not only brought Yoda to the Kai, but also a couple of woven pieces. The first a jacket that I did not want to take off  when I put it on. The second a piece of clothing that clearly showed her interest in flying. While training to be a pilot, this one had it own wings.

Terri shared a wearable piece and had fun trying the same piece on several different ways. Isa joined the Kai in the afternoon as well and was interested in turning her fabrics into clothing.

I worked on setting up the warp I had started yesterday and shared a presentation about my work during the Kai. My interest in making connections to others through art is guiding me at his residency. I am also inspired to learn some of the new techniques I have seen. However, even though I am not always so sure about sewing and clothing design, something in me thinks that the piece of fabric that will be made out of that warp might just become my west coast dream coat… We shall see…

Maybe? 

Saori Sunday- Part One

Saori Residency- Day #2- Part One

"It was the conventional way of teaching that discouraged any expression of individuality and prevented people from discovering their abilities hidden inside." Misao Jo

Each workshop session that Terri leads begins with a reading by Saori founder, Misao Jo. The quote above came from this morning's reading. The passage was about teaching the Saori way to others and how our students can excel. Misao was to teaching five people and says, "because they were a group of five, it required each of them only one fifth of the effort to master weaving." Today in the studio, it was another day of learning from one another.

Lynn was working on weaving together her leftover treasures. Most pieces that remained in her accumulating bags held memories of the fabrics she once made. As these pieces passed through her fingers and became new fabric, she remembered the stories.

It is interesting how we influence one another while working alongside each other in the studio. 

Marilee was inspired by things she saw posted on the blog yesterday. She has a wonderful energy and had plenty to share. During the workshop, she made a powerful red piece of fabric with swirling fibers. At the Saori Kai (a time to gather and share with one another), she shared her sparkly woven jacket, and her hanging piece which used an interesting technique that I would like to learn.

Sandy is a friend of Lynn’s. She was a traditional weaver many years ago and came today to try Saori weaving. I asked each person what part of their fabric was their favorite. This was Sandy’s favorite part. I am planning to create a series of small paintings from these photos of favorite parts. One for each of the people I meet here.

Marie began this rainy day in the studio at Brentwood Bay by setting up a clasped warp. Another technique I hope to learn while I am here. She shared some fantastic pieces at the Saori Kai in the afternoon that combined different pieces of woven fabric into one. She also made the top that I am wearing in the photo below.

One of Marie's favorite pieces

Magee arrived at the studio carrying her own small loom. She has been weaving for about a year and a half and also enjoys felting. She loves the free form nature of Saori weaving. At the Saori Kai she shared some of her felted pieces as well as some of her woven scarves. I wonder if she will combine her weaving and felting the way Marie combines her pieces together?

To be continued, Please look for the Part Two post tomorrow...

Weaving, Water and Butterflies

Saori Residency Day #1

After a good nights sleep at the Benvenuto Bed and Breakfast, I woke up refreshed and ready.

This place is comfy and adorable! 

The trees are already in bloom.

What a perfect studio location at Pacifica Paddle.  It was a beautiful sunny morning to view the harbor.

And the studio has quite a view. A great place to be weaving as the tide goes in and out.

I met a handful of lovely people today who came to weave and explore the possibilities of weaving. I realize that I have missed working within a studio atmosphere such as this one. I learn so much by being around other people...

Julie explored making tassels, using puffs of wool roving, incorporating a handmade sweater, and making "dingle dangles". She was inspired by some of the images that she had found on Pinterest.

A great use for that sweater! 

Laura and her daughter Kamille were focused and very productive. Laura is a writer and enjoys the improvisational nature of Saori weaving.

Lynn was working on a clasped warp. I had learned this technique when weaving the weft, but not for the warp. It is certainly something that I want to experiment with myself while I am here.

I prepared a warp today with blues, tan, brown, and white. Colors that felt right for today being right by the water. I also wove a piece of fabric using yarn that was made out of fabric scraps from saris. It is a playful and colorful piece.

After a lovely day working in the studio, Terri and I went to the Victoria Butterfly Garden. It is a magical place full of butterflies and one very friendly parrot. What a great first day!