Ready to Hand: SAORI Philadelphia offers instruction in regular weekday and evening sessions limited to five students, as well as private instruction by appointment. SAORI philosophy encourages equality and group learning, so there are no "beginner" or "advanced" classes. Studio sessions allow for rolling admission and are designed as either introductions for new weavers or ongoing guided personal weaving. Depending on the amount of time spent in the studio, projects range from scarves and shawls, hats and tote bags to wall hangings, clothing, interior textiles (cushions, table runners), sculptural pieces and woven jewelry. Special textile and art classes are also available for younger children.
In addition to our SAORI floor looms and equipment, and hundreds of yarns and materials from which to choose, we have other traditional table and floor looms, rigid heddle looms, tapestry looms and non-traditional weaving frames for experimental weaving. Sewing machines and clothing construction tools are available to transform hand-woven cloth into unique garments and other items. Special workshops in natural dyeing, spinning, textile printing and other fiber arts are available throughout the year. Contact us to join our mailing list.
SAORI studio sessions are ongoing. You may register and begin at any time! All students must be pre-registered for classes. Contact Leslie (saoriphiladelphia@gmail.com) to schedule and register for studio sessions or workshops.
Scholarships: When possible, Ready to Hand offers community-supported scholarships to neighborhood and/or special needs adults and children, most of whom live within walking distance of Ready to Hand's inner-city location. In return, each scholarship student is asked to contribute both time as a studio intern and a woven project for display and/or sale in the gallery, to help fund their successors in the program. Please do not hesitate to inquire about scholarship opportunities. We welcome community donations to support the scholarship program.
ADULTS Learn to Weave SAORI-way!
SAORI Introduction / Single Session: 2 hours
All are welcome to visit and try SAORI weaving; no experience is necessary. A loom will be set up with a black warp and ready to use, so students may begin weaving immediately. Learn the basics of operating a SAORI loom, including winding bobbins and advancing the warp. Weave independently during the session with gentle guidance and take your project home. Cost: $45 + materials* (additional studio time is $10.00/half-hour, if available).
Single sessions enable students to continue to experience SAORI without committing to a larger project. Using the studio's wide collection of materials, students will be encouraged to experiment with many techniques to develop confidence weaving on the SAORI loom. SAORI black warps are provided, and work will be taken home at the end of the session. Colored warps may be available for an additional fee. Cost: $45 + materials* (additional studio time is $10.00/half-hour, if available).
SAORI Studio - Project: 2 hours x 4 sessions
To follow up the SAORI Intro class, or for those wanting to tackle a larger project from the get go (ie. scarf, shawl, etc) on a prepared loom. Black wool or cotton warps are available in 8” 12” and 16” widths; some colored warps may also be available. A number of lovely colored pre-wound warps from Japan are available to set-up and weave your own way. No prerequisite. Scheduled as 4 consecutive weekly sessions. Cost: $175 + materials* (additional studio time is $10.00/half-hour, if available).
SAORI Basics: warp to weave courses allow students to pursue SAORI weaving projects over multiple sessions as they explore new techniques and materials and develop self-sufficiency at the loom.
Basics I - Warping Intensive (2 hours x 4 sessions): Introduces students to the art of warping, including designing and executing a warp and dressing a SAORI loom using SAORI tools and equipment. Students have access to hundreds of yarns and other studio materials. Ongoing projects will be held in the studio. Prerequisite: SAORI Introduction or SAORI Session. Scheduled as 4 consecutive weekly sessions. Cost: $175 + materials*
Basics II: Warping Plus (2 hours x 8 sessions): Students continue to develop their relationship with SAORI philosophy and increase self-sufficiency and creative exploration at the loom. SAORI approaches to garment construction and sewing instruction will be available if desired. Ongoing projects will be held in the studio. Prerequisite: Basics I or permission of instructor. Scheduled as 8 consecutive weekly sessions. Cost: $325 + materials*
Associate Studio Membership (Annual) (4-5 sessions/month): Associate studio members continue to receive coaching and support from instructors and fellow weavers, deepening your relationship to your weaving in our SAORI community. Studio members are responsible for setting up the equipment they use. Prerequisite: SAORI Basics II, and/or permission of instructor. Cost: $160/month + materials*, and $100 annual fee. Associate studio memberships may be renewed indefinitely.
SAORI Studio Membership (4-5 sessions/month): SAORI Studio members are weavers wanting a more extensive and cooperative relationship with the studio. They continue to receive coaching and support from instructors and fellow weavers, deepening your relationship to your weaving in our SAORI community. Studio members provide a deposit for their inside harness set and are responsible for setting up the equipment they use. Studio members are expected to contribute monthly fees regardless of participation; associate level fees will otherwise be applied. Membership lapses after 6 months lapse. Prerequisite: SAORI Basics II, and/or permission of instructor. Cost: $140/month + materials*, and $395 one-time membership fee. (STUDIO MEMBERSHIPS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESENT)
SAORI Sewing to Wear! -- Learn how to fit, measure, cut, and play at designing your own clothing in the Saori way with either your own handwoven SAORI cloth or commercial fabric. Prior sewing experience not required. Pre-requisite: SAORI Basics II, or permission of instructor. Cost: $35-50/session + materials*
SAORI Intensives & Private Lessons -- For those who live too far away to attend regular studio sessions, or who want a more concentrated course, SAORI intensive instruction is available. If you need lodging, we may be able to arrange B&B-syle “home stay” with us or another family in our community for a reasonable fee. Please contact us to discuss how we can design an intensive weaving experience to meet your goals. Cost: $35/hour + materials* // or $285/2 days (10-4) + materials*
Parties or Special Group Sessions -- Birthday parties or group weaving parties are normally scheduled outside of regular studio weaving sessions. Group party rates begin at $175 fee for 2 hours (5 prepared looms). Materials not included. Fees may vary according to your group’s needs.
Other Fiber Arts -- we offer instruction in knitting, crochet, indigo dyeing and shibori (Japanese resist dyeing), and other textile arts in special workshops and by appointment. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you want to be more creative!
Have an idea for a class or workshop? -- Activate or share your creativity with a class or workshop at Ready to Hand. Studio participants and members of the community are encouraged to experiment with new media and discover new talents. Please let us know if there is something you would like to learn that we do not already offer and we'll look into creating a special workshop or class. Contact Leslie any time with questions or ideas. If you want to want to teach a class or workshop, contact us to submit a proposal.
*Materials fees: $3.50/oz - cotton, rayon, blends; $5.00/oz. - wools; $6.50-9/oz. silk, linen, cashmere, silk. Warp fees vary according to width and fiber content ($2-5/yard). Fees may be waived according to kind and quantity used.
Ready to Hand is a shoe-free studio, so please bring comfortable socks or slippers.
Ready to Hand: SAORI Philadelphia, 731 South 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
saoriphiladelphia@gmail.com / 267.273.0636
"Weaving community together one neighbor at a time"
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"SAORI" Is a registered trademark of the Sakaiseikisangyo Co., Ltd. of Japan.