Twenty four members attended the evening meeting, which was the first for 2023. President Nobuko Kobayashi welcomed the guest speaker Prue Simmons, a self described "Zoologist turned Saori weaver!". Ms Simmons is an expert in and teacher of the unique Saori weaving technique developed by the late Misao Jo.
Saori weaving uses a simple loom which is easily mastered. Once they are confident students are then encouraged to weave without preconceptions, rules or expectations. Ms Simmons gave a lively presentation followed by a demonstration of this method of weaving. Members were impressed by the speed and ease with which vibrant cloth was created in front of their eyes.
The weaving demonstration was followed by an ikebana demonstration by Midori Nakajima, a Sogetsu School member of the Melbourne Chapter.
As you can see above, Midori placed the dry material in a loose manner. This is to reflect the free and unplanned introduction of different colours and yarns in the Saori weaving technique.
Below are the ikebana arrangement prepared by members on the theme of the meeting.
Chieko Yazaki
Aileen Duke
