SAORI Weaving and Natural Dye workshops
Learn the wonderful art of SAORI Weaving and Japanese Indigo and Bengala Eco-dye!
Step into the world of creating your very own sustainable textiles in a fun and easy workshop in weaving or natural dye. Learn new skills, make your own amazing and unique textiles for clothing, to decorate your home or as a special handcrafted gift.
Discover the unique philosophy behind SAORI weaving and the great benefits to this freestyle form of weaving for your own self-discovery and awareness.
Immerse yourself in the pure joy of creativity and lose yourself on the SAORI loom as you delve into the world of colour, texture, patterns and free form creation. Relish in the meditative movement of the shuttle and the loom and watch the evolution of your piece as you tap into your creative soul.
Enjoy the zen creativity at the Japanese Indigo vat or Bengala Dye bowl, discovering and exploring the magic of dyeing cloth.
Take part in the fun, social atmosphere of the studio and be inspired by other weavers!
2025 SAORI Weaving Workshops
- Ballarat VIC – Saturday 8th February [BOOK NOW]
- Ballarat VIC – Saturday 26th April [BOOK NOW]
- Ballarat VIC – Saturday 30th August [BOOK NOW]
Discover SAORI Weaving – Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades, Ballarat
Discover the easy and enjoyable freestyle form of Japanese weaving called SAORI with passionate accredited SAORI teacher, Prue Simmons at the exciting new purpose built venue, the Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades located in Ballarat.
Learn basic techniques and play with colour and texture to create a gorgeous woven piece to take home and cherish.
Find your Zen at the loom.
Absolute beginners welcome, no experience needed. Looms are threaded up and all materials, guided tuition and refreshments are provided. All you need to do is bring along your enthusiasm for this easy, freestyle creativity! Ages 13+
- Workshop: Discover SAORI Weaving
- Location: Centre for Rare & Forgotten Trades – Ballarat, Victoria (opp. Sovereign Hill)
- Dates:
- Saturday 8th February [BOOK NOW]
- Saturday 26th April [BOOK NOW]
- Saturday 30th August [BOOK NOW]
SAORI Weaving Immersive Retreats in 2025
Shizuka Ryokan and Wellness Retreat, Hepburn Springs
Step into Japan without leaving Australia on this amazing SAORI Weaving Immersive Retreat. Spoil yourself with uninterrupted time at the SAORI loom, surrounded by gorgeous zen-inspired surroundings of this traditional Japanese accommodation in the heart of Victoria’s Spa Country. Enjoy amazing chef-prepared Japanese cuisine, pamper yourself with a massage and soak up the serenity and creative energy on this beautiful 4 or 5-day experience.
This incredible experience allows you to discover or deepen your SAORI weaving practice and is open to both beginners and seasoned SAORI weavers.
There are only 5 rooms available on this exclusive Retreat and rooms book out fast, 2024 dates are now fully booked!
For further details and to express your interest in 2025 dates for this incredible zen weaving experience, go HERE.
- SAORI Weaving Immersive Retreat
- Location: Shizuka Ryokan and Wellness Retreat, Daylesford
- Bookings: Email hello@dyeingtoweave.com.au to book your spot
- Details: See our SAORI Retreat page for full details
SAORI Weaving Workshop – Honeysuckle Cottage Studio, Bendigo
Discover the easy and enjoyable freestyle form of Japanese weaving called SAORI with passionate accredited SAORI teacher, Prue Simmons in the relaxed and inviting Honeysuckle Cottage in Bendigo.
Learn basic techniques and play with colour and texture to create a gorgeous woven piece to take home and cherish.
This workshop is suitable for absolute beginners, and also experienced crafters or weavers. Looms are threaded up and all materials, guided tuition and refreshments are provided.
- Workshop: SAORI Weaving Workshop
- Date: 2025 Dates coming soon!!
- Location: Honeysuckle Cottage Studio, Bendigo VIC
- Bookings: via TryBooking
SAORI Immersive Experience – Dyeing To Weave Studio, Clunes
Enjoy heart-centred creativity as you discover and delve into the meditative flow of SAORI weaving at Soul Barn Creative Wellness Centre in the charming historical township of Clunes.
Learn techniques and play with colour and texture to create a gorgeous scarf, wall hanging or table runner to take home.
Absolute beginners welcome. Just bring along your enthusiasm for this easy, relaxing, freestyle creativity!
- Workshop: SAORI Immersive Experience
- Date: New dates coming soon – sign-up here to receive notification of new workshop dates.
- Location: Dyeing To Weave Studio, Clunes VIC
Japanese Indigo Dyeing
Fancy a day at the Indigo dyepot?
Join Prue Simmons for a delightful day immersing yourself into the world of ‘samurai blue’.
Learn the rich history of indigo dyeing in Japan, the great benefits of using indigo in your cloth and a range of traditional and contemporary shibori techniques, as you fold and dye 2 lovely projects to take home.
- Workshop: Japanese Indigo Dyeing
- Date: New dates coming soon – sign-up here to receive notification of new workshop dates.
- Location: Shizuka Ryokan, Daylesford
Bengala Japanese Eco-Dye
Discover the beauty and magic of Japanese Bengala eco-dyes.
Step into a stunning pocket of Japan in Hepburn Springs in Central Victoria and enjoy a day immersing in the wonderful world of Japanese eco-dyeing!
Learn how to use handcrafted Japanese Bengala dyes with Prue Simmons from Dyeing To Weave Studio, the only official Australian teacher and distributor of these amazing earth dyes from Japan.
In this hands-on class, you will learn about the rich history of Bengala dyes in Japan along with traditional and contemporary shibori techniques and play with the subtle earthy colours of these handcrafted mud dyes in this fun and engaging five hour workshop.
You’ll also be able to dine on delicious chef-prepared Japanese cuisine for lunch and take in the zen surroundings of the traditional Japanese styled inn called Shizuka Ryokan in the heart of Spa Country in Central Victoria (just 75 minutes from Melbourne), during this incredible day at the dye pots.
By the end of this class, you will take home your two dye projects, as well as fond memories of this amazing day!
- Workshop: Japanese Bengala Eco-Dye & Shibori Workshop
- Date: New dates coming soon – sign-up here to receive notification of new workshop dates.
- Location: Shizuka Ryokan, Daylesford
To stay updated on new workshops, retreats and SAORI weaving events, sign up to receive the Dyeing To Weave studio newsletter by clicking HERE!