Do you like playing with colors? Are you fascinated by interesting textures? Do you want to begin a new weaving project but math and numbers get into the way?
Play with SAORI! It is fun, creative and liberating.
SAORI is named after its founder Misao Jo and means “ Misao’s weaving”. SAORI is a free-form of hand-weaving and self-expression. SAORI is a guidance to develop individual creativity.
How do you dig into your own creativity? First of all, you have to free yourself from the fear of making mistakes. In SAORI, there are no errors or flaws. Skip a thread or two? It becomes part of a beautiful never seen before texture and look. Do not worry about those salvages being uneven, they just add that special touch you will not find on any other fabric. Let your eyes admire colors, let your fingers touch the texture. The result is a completely unique woven piece that does not look like a store bought fabric. It is a piece of you . SAORI is like painting a picture, the weft being the paint, the shuttle the brush and the warp the canvas.
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How do I start, you might ask. Warp your loom, start with a black warp, it makes the colors pop, use two shafts and a plain weave. Then surround yourself with your favorite colors of yarns, thick or thin and fabric strips. If you are a knitter, you might have some remnants from past projects. Spinners have leftover rovings that can be used to add texture.
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If choosing and combining colors doesn’t come easy, find a picture in a magazine that speaks to you and pick the colors for your SAORI project. Alternatively, choose your favorite color, your second favorite and third. Be spontaneous, don’t ponder too long, trust your self, any combination will work. Start weaving, using shuttles for thinner yarns, adding a strand or two of thicker nobbly yarn or fabric strips with your fingers. Skip a thread or two for a different look.
For your next project, make a warp consisting of various colors and sizse of yarn, adding even more individuality to the fabric. The results are surprising and stunning.
A note regarding the loom: SAORI can be woven on any loom as can be seen on a picture below. However, there are SAORI looms on the market, available with two or four harnesses, floor looms and foldable models, which are great for traveling. SAORI looms allow the weaver to dress the loom quicker and in a more comfortable fashion. Reeds and harnesses are removable and can be set up on a table thus making it easier to thread. Pre-wound warps are available in various colors in wool, cotton or silk. SAORI also offers special looms for the physically impaired weaver. Saori looms and supplies are sold at your local SAORI dealer.
Simone at her loom
Literature: SAORI Self-Innovation through free weaving by Misao Jo & Kenzo Jo
Websites:
http://saorinomori.com/eng/index.html
Facebook: saoriweaving