Mihoko Wakabayashi of Saori Weaving Worcester spoke to the Common Cod Fiber Guild on Friday night. Already intrigued by her Ignite CraftBoston talk in 2013 (catch her talk on the Common Cod’s Youtube channel), my Friday frazzled brain was ready for another dose of freestyle weaving inspiration.
Mihoko learned Saori technique while still in Japan, bringing her skills with her to Worcester in 2000. Founded in the 1970’s by Misao Jo, the Saori Weaving philosophy seeks to establish a worldwide movement to
weave and learn together in search of our true, hidden selves.
The practice encourages everyone to:
- Consider the differences between machine and hand made
- Be bold and adventurous
- Look out through eyes that shine
- Inspire one another and everyone in the room.
Mihoko brought the portable Saori Loom for demonstration
I’ve admired weaving and weavers for years, but kept my toes “out of the water.” When Mihoko opened up the Saori loom, I felt myself tiptoeing closer. Oh, I could have all the fun I want with this loom and it wouldn’t dominate any space in my house.
With my winter focus on the Master Knitter Level 3 portfolio, most of my free time has been dedicated to fitting into tightly defined parameters. This soul needs opportunities to wander and explore. A Saori weaving day will be in my future, perhaps with other Codders?
I still need to finish the last written details and pattern checking on my Master Knitter portfolio, but it’s very near completion…
I honestly thought that the portfolio would have shipped last week and had signed up for a free Pebeo demonstration at the Fenway Dick Blick store on Saturday. There was a bit of internal discussion… don’t go, focus on the portfolio…go, didn’t you learn anything at the Saori talk last night? You are so ready for a shot of creative playfulness. I’m so glad I did.
Tristina Dietz-Elmes led the group through 2 hours of possibilities using some of the new multi media. She shared a few of the results on her Instagram DietzArt account. As you know, I’ve enjoyed using Pebeo setacolor on silk and cotton since my days in the Castelli Romani. The session opened whole new playful doors. I had a great time watching Tristina mix, dip and dabble. As one who loves textiles, most of the mixed media products would send me into other creative zones, but that’s ok. Pebeo’s mixed media line allows acrylics to mix with resin or reactive paints. And they have new liquid resin panels where you can pour, stir, spread and watch cool things happen.
Wow! What a shot of energy that was for my compartmentalized black and white knitting soul. It gave me great energy for Sunday’s session with StitchMastery and assorted reference books. Can’t wait to play with the Pebeo Mixed Media line some sunny evening soon.
