2026 – SAORI Weaving and Natural Dye workshops
Is 2026 your year to discover the joy and mindful creativity of SAORI weaving & Natural Dye?
Step into the pure pleasure of creative flow as you lose yourself at the SAORI loom or at the dye pot. Explore colour, texture, and free-form expression while the rhythmic movement of the working cloth with your hands becomes a meditative practice – calming the mind and awakening your creative spirit. Watch your cloth evolve as you weave and work the dye, guided by intuition rather than rules.
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!
✨ Click the booking links below for full details and to secure your place at the loom.
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 the Dyeing To Weave Studio, located in Clunes Victoria.
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 Weaving Workshop
- Location: Dyeing To Weave Studio, Clunes VIC
- Price: $295 pp
- Dates: Saturday 21st March 2026
- Bookings: via this LINK
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)
- Price: $480 per person
- Dates: February 14th, June 27th, September 5th 2026
- Bookings: via this LINK
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
- Location: Honeysuckle Cottage Studio, Bendigo VIC
- Price: $295
- Dates: Saturday 21st, Sunday 22nd June 2026
- Bookings: via this LINK
SAORI Weaving Immersive Retreats in 2026
Take a trip to Japan without even leaving Victoria on this incredible immersive Japanese weekend. Step into serenity focusing on mindfulness and self-inquiry through creative and artistic mindfulness practices or the meditative art of SAORI weaving on these amazing Retreats.
Stay at the stunning Shizuka Ryokan & Wellness Retreat, a traditional Japanese accommodation at the heart of Victoria’s Spa Country in Hepburn Springs, while you discover and immerse in meditative creativity designed to deepen your senses and self-reflection or the relaxing, creative art of Japanese SAORI weaving.
Indulge in the beautiful Japanese culture, food and tradition on this nourishing Retreat, as you relax in the gorgeous surroundings of your exquisite traditional Japanese accommodation. All guest rooms have a private garden and adjoining bathroom with a deep Japanese bath.
Give yourself this incredible opportunity of time and space for solace and self-care and to leave your stress behind on this unique, truly transformational experience. Places fill fast, so don’t miss out on this opportunity of a Lifetime.
View my Retreat page for further information.
- SAORI Weaving Immersive Retreat
- Location: Shizuka Ryokan and Wellness Retreat, Daylesford
- Bookings: via THIS LINK
- Details: See our SAORI Retreat page for full details
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: Dyeing To Weave Studio, Clunes
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!