The Japan Society is delighted to present Saori freestyle weaving workshop, led by Janine, who has kindly offered these workshops to Japan Society members at a significantly discounted price. During this special three-hour workshop, you will be introduced to the intuitive art of Saori weaving.

Developed in Japan during the late Sixties by Misao Jo (1913-2018) Saori weaving is unique and different from other traditional styles of hand weaving. Whilst commercial factories are only eager to produce “flawless” fabric, the irregular selvage and accidental skip of thread add the unprogrammed character to the Saori cloth.

Using sustainable yarns and working in a small group under Janine’s supervision, the participants will explore the creative possibilities offered by the relatively simple wooden floor looms. The looms are pre-threaded so all participants need do is choose the colours and textures for your own unique cloth. This workshop is suitable for beginners, no previous weaving experience needed.

Erna Janine has been involved with natural textiles for over 20 years. She studied hand spinning with animal and plant fibres, botanical dyes and Viking age textile construction: warp weighted looms, tablet weaving, nalbinding etc. at the Icelandic College for Traditional Handcrafts in Reykjavik. For the last four years she has been visiting Japan regularly to study Saori freeweaving. Janine has been running the Freeweaver Saori Studio in London since 2017 where people can use floor looms to make simple garments of art pieces from recycled and natural yarns.

To reserve your place, please call the Japan Society office on 020 3075 1996, email events@japansociety.org.uk or submit the online booking form.

In association with: Freeweaver Saori Studio

£35 per person – Booking essential
Priority given to Japan Society members.
Booking to non-members open from Monday 2 September.

Booking deadline: Thursday 5 September
Please note that spaces are limited and this is likely to be a very popular event.

Book online here

WORKSHOPS
(a) Tuesday 10 September – 10.30am -1.30pm
(b) Tuesday 10 September – 2.00pm-5.00pm
(c) Wednesday 11 September – 10.30am-1.30 pm
(d) Wednesday 11 September – 2.00pm-5.00pm

Please specify which date/time you would like to participate when booking.