Dyeing To Weave Studio, textiles teacher

Dyeing To Weave Studio

Dyeing To Weave Studio

local_activity classes: WeavingShibori and Fabric DyeingTextiles

4.9 (18)
Instagram followers2k

Prue Simmons is a passionate SAORI weaver and natural dyer, with a deep love and knowledge of Japanese crafts and culture.

From her many years living and exploring Japan, Prue now shares her knowledge of Japanese SAORI weaving and beautiful dye practises in her studio and through online courses and kits.

Prue first discovered the creativity of SAORI weaving whilst living in the mountains of Japan in 2007. SAORI is a freestyle form of Japanese weaving that allows the weaver to create freely at the loom using colour and texture rather than following a designated pattern, enabling them to tap into their true creative spirit with this mindful meditative craft.

Prue loves introducing people to this simple, fun and meditative craft and empowering people to create their own textiles on the SAORI loom, to easily make unique clothing and soft furnishings for the home.

Dyeing To Weave Studio is one of only three accredited global SAORI studios here in Australia, where Prue specialises in teaching this freestyle form of Japanese weaving and Japanese natural dye such as Indigo and hand-crafted Bengala dyes.

Dyeing To Weave studio os based in the charming historic township of Clunes, Victoria, and classes are held in venues in Bendigo, Ballarat, Clunes and Melbourne.






Classes







Reviews

(18)


Lizzie Tongway Apr 2024


Prue pours her enthusiastic heart into her SAORI weaving classes. The looms are a joy to use and the selection of coloured yarns provided in the class are delicious!

Andy Nicholson Apr 2024


Prue was a vibrant, encouraging instructor who was always keen to celebrate everyone's creativity & success. The whole group had a wonderful energy about it, and my 9yo daughter felt so proud of her efforts once she was done. We had a great time!

Jenny Effenberg Apr 2024


A fantastic day with Prue at Honeysuckle cottage. Loved the whole history of SAORI weaving and the experience of trying something new with no rules and clear instruction how to use the loom and amazing textiles to experiment with.️

Sonia Sharkey Apr 2024


The whole day was an amazing event. Prue’s enthusiasm, knowledge and teaching to use the Saori loom was infectious. The available choice of threads, colours and textures were fabulous- it was like being a kid in a candy shop. I loved Prue’s story of getting involved with Saori weaving initially. The setting where the workshop was held, Honeysuckle Cottage, was cosy and full of inspiration and a great setting for the class with like minded people. I have never done weaving before, but came home with a thing that I love and feel I’m hooked.

Textiles class review by Sonia Sharkey - Ballarat

Helen Homewood Apr 2024


Really enjoyed the entire experience. Tuition was excellent and her support and encouragement was amazing

Megan States Sep 2023


I had a wonderful, inclusive, creative day with Prue as our inspiring leader learning about Saori. Very glad to have gone down this artistic rabbit hole and look forward to purchasing my own Saori loom to continue the journey :)

Textiles class review by Megan States - Ballarat

Lisa Fitzgerald Sep 2023


Very informative workshop in a relaxed environment. Prue was full of enthusiasm for her craft. Supplied materials were beautiful. Great day spent with like minded fibre lovers.

Susan Smith Sep 2023


Today's Bento work shop taught by Prue from Fying to Weave, inspired creativity . I am proud to say I went with the flow of the day and produced a wall hanging where my creative side come out. The Saori loom is beautiful to use, and will be my next purchase. The range of yarns Prue had today makes you delve into the unknown and mix colours you thought would not work. Thank you Prue for your passion and inspiration. I look forward to the next workshop I attend. Sue

Textiles class review by Susan Smith - Ballarat

Ren Wilson Sep 2023


This class was an incredible experience. The venue was warm and inviting with a beautiful energy. Prue was inspiring as she shared her journey and the history of Saori weaving. Prue was clear in her instructions and made it very easy with help nearby. Dropping in and using my intuition to guide my Saori weaving was truly mindful. An unforgettable experience xx

Japanese SAORI Weaving Workshop review by Ren Wilson - Ballarat

Debra Billson Sep 2023

8 ClassBento workshops attended • 7 reviews


A beautiful relaxing and meditative class with the very knowledgeable teacher, Prue. Everything was supplied, including a plethora of different coloured yarns, and I was amazed how quick to weaving process could be.

Textiles class review by Debra Billson - Ballarat

Halina Bluzer Apr 2023

4 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews


I loved the experience and Prue is a lovely and very interesting person. The venue was great and inspiring with exhibits of creative work on display. The looms are lovely and very easy to operate. Prue did an introduction about Saori Weaving and herself and we introduced ourselves so the team would get to know each other. There were only 5 people in the class so it was intimate. Prue then ran through about 5-6 different techniques which were not too difficult but I would have appreciated some reference notes as it was all a lot to take in, in such a short time. I would have liked a bit extra time. Either making the class from 10-4 or spending less time on the introduction and more on the technique and allow more time on the loom.

Japanese SAORI Weaving Workshop review by Halina Bluzer - Ballarat

Kathryn Strasser Apr 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. The teacher was warm and welcoming, and encouraged us to relax and 'go with the flow'. Her passion for her craft was obvious and contagious! I was delighted with the weaving that I did that day and enjoyed meeting the other students. The location was easy to get to, and the venue light and airy with good facilities. I would highly recommend this workshop.

Textiles class review by Kathryn Strasser - Ballarat

Psaila Sue Apr 2023


Great location, wonderful teacher Prue it is so obvious that looming is her passion thoroughly enjoyed the work shop & have bought my own loom & Iam receiving full & constant support as Iam a new looker so excited, I am booking in for a SAORI retreat thank you again loved it ❤️

Susan Drummond Apr 2023


This was an inspiring class with Prue. Great equipment and teaching . Thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you.

Vija Gaidelis Mar 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Such a beautiful venue, with Prue as a very informative teacher, and Jayne as a very able assistant. The time allowance was 'just right', the authentic Japanese lunch was delicious, and all participants were very encouraging and supportive of each other's efforts. That the dyes themselves "do no harm" is brilliant !

Di Jmrd Feb 2023


This workshop was exceptional. Prue was very knowledgeable and passionate about her craft and an obviously experienced and inspiring teacher. The venue and food were excellent and reflected the cultural origin of the technique, and gave the day a very coordinated vibe. All that, and new ideas and techniques learned and pleasing results to take home.

Japanese Eco Dyeing Class with Lunch review by Di Jmrd - Melbourne

Terri-Anne Kingsley Feb 2023


I had a terrific day at this workshop. Prue is so enthusiastic about what she teaches, it's infectious, and having a fairly small group means it's not crowded, and everyone has time and space to experiment. Prue explains everything clearly, and you're very quickly into actually creating and dyeing.

The dyes are easy to use and you can see results very quickly.

The venue is wonderful too - peaceful and cheerful, and the lunch and afternoon tea provided were top notch.

Sally Thomson Feb 2023


Inspirational workshop, perfect for beginners and those more experienced. Warm & interesting presenter in a perfect, relaxing setting with delicious japanese lunch.

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