Finding Freedom in Your Weaving — Weave As If There Are No Rules

Finding Freedom in Your Weaving – Weave as if There are No Rules

Recently, I was asked to put together a program on “Saori-style Weaving” for a local weavers guild.  During this time of COVID, I was unable to meet with the group in person or conduct the planned hands-on workshop.  So, I decided to use this “virtual” opportunity to pull together my thoughts about what it means to me to weave without rules or restrictions.  In other words, to “be bold and adventurous” with my weaving.  The latter is one of the four slogans^* or principles of Saori Weaving, as developed by Misao Jo in Osaka, Japan.  According to these principles, “We do not only weave cloth – We weave our true self.”  And the best part – “There are no rules or restrictions.  No mistakes.”  The stated objective of our weaving is to “make one-of-a-kind pieces that can’t be found anywhere else in the world”.

Great sentiments, but what do these precepts mean to the average weaver like me?  I asked myself if – in my experience – weaving is “either, or”?  In other words, do I have to choose between being a traditional weaver or a free-spirited, Saori weaver?  I decided, most assuredly not!  As a result, I came up with the following description of levels of creativity and self-expression in weaving that I – and maybe you – have experienced.  During my weaving adventure, I have been inspired by the Saori weaver and teacher, Terri Bibby (Saori Salt Spring) and by the more traditional, but endlessly creative master weaver, Jane Stafford (Jane Stafford Textiles) – both from Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, Canada.

Freestyle (Freeform) Weaving

• How does this style of weaving differ from traditional (pattern-based) weaving?
• Levels of “freestyle” weaving (How crazy – or creative – can you get?)

 My advice to you, dear weaver – take these thoughts and examples and “be bold and adventurous”!  Click here to learn more and see examples of “free-style” weaving.

^*Four Slogans of Saori Weaving:

• Consider the differences between a machine and a human being (create cloth that could not be created by a machine)
• Be bold and adventurous
• Look out through eyes that shine (find inspiration in everyday things)
• Inspire one another, and everyone in the group

SAORI: Self-Innovation Through Free Weaving Misao Jo & Kenzo Jo, 2012