This workshop includes an artist talk and practical guidance from Satu Nisu. Create unique wall art with sustainability in mind.
At the beginning of the workshop, in a talk led by Jenni, Satu will share her weaving journey inspired by the forests of her country, Finland, and special techniques focused on using recycled materials.
In the practical weaving session that follows, Satu will teach how to breathe new life into the materials you bring in. Creating individual pieces with leftover fabric to avoid material going to waste. Your textiles will become modern interior textile art without adding extra cost to the environment.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn unique weaving skills from the artist and contribute to sustainable artistry.
Celebrate Earth Day Month with Satu Nisu, a textile artist from Finland!
Her original woven works have brought the concept of "森林浴 shinrinyoku" (forest bathing in Japanese).
Satu is known for her unique interior design textiles made by hand weaving in her country and this is her debut in the US. Loop of the Loom - DUMBO is displaying three textile tapestries during the Art in DUMBO and DUMBO Open Studios events, as well as throughout the month of Earth Day. Satu's textile arts echo the subtle whisper of trees. Experience the beauty and creativity of Satu's weaving journey firsthand!
She finds her passion and inspiration in the diverse nature of Finland, especially in the forests.
About the artist:
Satu's story is one of unexpected discovery and determination. Initially drawn to interior design, she stumbled into the world of textiles by accident. What sets Satu's weaving apart is not just her technical skill, but also her keen eye for design and her ability to infuse each masterpiece with a unique perspective. Her textiles blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design, creating a unique attraction that tells the story of Finnish nature, passion, and artistry beyond just fabric.
Satu's studio is located in the Eastern part of Finland, in a city called Kuopio.
This exhibition is participation in the Art in Dumbo Open Studios on April 13 and 14, organized by @art_dumbo + @dumbo_brooklyn.
The Open Studios is a fantastic art tour that happens around the neighborhood in DUMBO where you can discover and connect with over 140 artists and art organizations - and yes, we're one of them! Be sure to come along and enjoy the show!
Loop of the Loom invites you to "Cloth of Time", a one-month event delving deep into the connection between ancient dyes, cloth, and humans.
Yutaka Obuchi, one of the world's few Bengala dye craftsmen and artists, will be invited from Japan to New York to hold five workshops including a lecture and exhibition of his work.
“My daily work is making pigments.
From the soil, I dye cloth, with the colors I've created.
Everyday I grind with care,
with mortar and pestle
till the particles are fine,
imaging as I work how they will intertwine with the fibers.
With fire produces various color through changes in temperature
This is the way of Bengala.
Yellow, orange, vermilion, red, burnt sienna…
When dyeing, I move my hands gently, vibrating the particles of soil tenderly.
Sometimes, I must knead with vigor, entwining the dye with fibers, a delicate embrace.
Working with hand is a dialogue with the materials.
With a gentle touch, the colors respond with grace,
With a troubled mind, the colors won't find their place.
Each day, I seek a tranquil mind,
as difficult as that may be.
What I hold dear is that I give my all in everything I do.
Embracing the wisdom from our ancestors,
Beyond mere fashion, beyond mere business,
Our ancestors crafted cloth for their children and loved ones,
dyeing and weaving by hand.
What humans devote to their craft is beautiful and brimming with life.
Tying, binding, folding, tapping, and dyeing the cloth.
The layers of processes absorb into the cloth creating a cloth of time, a cloth with soul.
From Japanese traditional skills to the ancient handcrafts of the world,
I embrace the spirit of the beautiful hand made which is disappearing.
To you and our children, I pass this textile art.
Marking new times, together, with our hands.”
Yutaka Obuchi
Prior Nuno felting experience is not a requirement, for a craft enthusiastic like you you'll pick it up in no time! If you have already tried freestyle Nuno felting, this workshop is a great way to develop your skills and repertoire
Unlike stitching, felting creates layers that are seamless and translucent, creating a kaleidoscope of color. Using the raw fibers and a silk chiffon base, we will take advantage of the entanglement and shrinking properties of the wool. The result is a reversible and lightweight textured scarf.
Material costs included: Choose from silk chiffon fabrics in a variety of colors, merino wool fibers, lame fibers, tools and supplies
“Take to spinning (to find peace of mind). The music of the wheel will be as balm to your soul. I believe that the yarn we spin is capable of mending the broken warp and weft of our life…” – Mahatma Gandhi
On September 22nd, we invite a guest from The New School - Parsons, Preeti Gopinath to join in the circle and talk about Gandhi and hand spinning, the principle of self-reliance, the philosophy of khadi, and the role it played in the nonviolent Indian independence movement.
“Take to spinning (to find peace of mind). The music of the wheel will be as balm to your soul. I believe that the yarn we spin is capable of mending the broken warp and weft of our life…” – Mahatma Gandhi
“Take to spinning (to find peace of mind). The music of the wheel will be as balm to your soul. I believe that the yarn we spin is capable of mending the broken warp and weft of our life…” – Mahatma Gandhi
“Take to spinning (to find peace of mind). The music of the wheel will be as balm to your soul. I believe that the yarn we spin is capable of mending the broken warp and weft of our life…” – Mahatma Gandhi
This exhibition aims to celebrate our students' and SAORI weavers’ creativity and achievements. Moreover, we have revived the weaving community in New York, just like tying broken warps, reconnecting people again after changing our lifestyle or circumstances caused by COVID. You may have weaving pieces you have made before, during, and after the pandemic. These indicate your positive change and progression in your life.
From tapestries to clothing, created by young kids and adults, with or without disabilities, our borderless arts will be displayed in the studio. Check more information and showcase your weavings at this event!
macramé workshop
with Monika Lachne
at Loop of the Loom - DUMBO
We invite a macrame artist from Costa Rica to have a special workshop this spring something that we want to learn and is one of the items we definitely want this summer. Hosted by macrame weaving expert, Monika Lachner, you will create a macrame hanging chair from scratch, learning two of the basic knots in macrame. Also, basic concepts of calibration, how to start a project, macrame basic concepts, etc. This is a day-long project, so be prepared for some serious Macrame-ing!
Hours:
10:30am - 5:30pm
The actual workshop time will be 4-5 hours but depends on your skills and pace.
Size:
Chair: 20" wide x 15" height* + fringes + hanging rope
Large hoop: 20” diameter
Small hoop: 15” diameter
Note:
The chair height won’t cover an adult’s back but can easily hold it.
The chair can support up to 260 lbs (120 kg). However, the post or beam that hangs the chair must be sturdy for your safety.
Each person will receive printed instructions before we start the workshop.
Fee: $230 (included all materials)
Cancelation Policies:
100% refunded with 14 or more days’ notice prior to the reservation.
100% refunded as the studio credit only with 13 or fewer days’ notice, but 48 hours prior to the class.
Re-scheduling is possible with a $20 fee per person after 48 hours prior to the class.
No refund, without notification 48 hours prior to the class.
In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, Loop of the Loom is proud to host an exhibit of works by SAORI artist and former student, Lorenzo DiAndrea.
In 2005 when Lorenzo began weaving at Loop of Loom, aged 9, he found an artistic media that captured his love for movement, attention to detail and understanding of color and pattern. Lorenzo’s work centers on explorations of color and pattern. Over the years, Lorenzo’s weavings have included tapestries highlighting themes of clumped fibers and small textures, while consistently showcasing stripes. Lorenzo’s work reflects his innate ability to spread joy and generosity, while opening pathways for interconnection among people and places. He is able to use his skills and knowledge of weaving to nurture important relationships with family, friends and community. As you take in, and move with the color, pattern, texture of Lorenzo’s expressions, may you feel his invitation for reconnection that brings us “closer together.”
Closer Together highlights selected SAORI woven pieces created by Lorenzo between 2008 and 2022.
Opening Night: Thursday 7th April, 6.30pm - 8.30pm.
Lorenzo’s work has been featured in SAORI exhibitions, public spaces, Artsee Tours and at fundraising events throughout New Jersey. Young Audiences honored Lorenzo with the 2019 NJ Governor's Award in Arts Education. In the spring of 2019, Lorenzo was named as one of fifteen noteworthy emerging artists in the United States by the Kennedy Center, in Washington DC. In 2020 an interview with Lorenzo and selected work was published in Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture. Vol 1. Issue 2. Article 7. In 2021 Rev. Michael Dreoge, from Wilson Memorial Church began wearing a tapestry created by Lorenzo as one of his stoles worn during worship.
Born 1996, currently resides in New Jersey
For upcoming shows/events and more about Lorenzo, visit: lovelorenzo.art
Instagram/Facebook @lovelorenzoart
See the joys of SAORI weaving through the eyes of 10 year old Daisy, as she experiments with color and pattern to create abstract expressions of her hometown, Brooklyn.
'This collection of weaving that I have made most describes me as an artist. I like to weave because no matter how much you plan, the piece always changes and turns out completely different to how I imagined it to be. My weavings are fun, colorful and varied and show who I am as a person.'
Opening Night: Thursday 2nd December, 6pm - 8pm
This event is in partnership with New York Textile Month, for more information visit https://www.textilemonth.nyc/
This workshop is a two part workshop. As Kakishibu can be used as a natural dye, paint, varnish - we wanted to give you a taste of some of its versatility!
In the first half of the workshop, we will begin on our washi paper bowl. We will use a small bamboo basket as the base, layering on the kozo and awagami washi papers and using the Kakishibu to paint and seal the vessel. You will be amazed at the different Kakishibu has on different materials.
While drying the washi paper bowl, we will dye a canvas pouch. Kakishibu naturally strengthens fiber and gives it durability, perfect for an everyday pouch. The color also deepens over time, a gift that keeps on giving.
For centuries Kakishibu, a fermented tannin dye derived from persimmons has been used in Japan by local craftsmen for all kinds of utilitarian uses. From fishing nets to the varnish of their houses, Kakishibu is not only versatile but holds many incredible natural properties such as insect repellent and anti-molding.
In the advent of the industrial revolution, the use of Kakishibu started to fade - it has now been discovered by many artisans for its unique tones and interesting characteristics. We love it! And can’t wait to share it with you.
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Fee: $100
Includes materials (shipping cost extra depends on the area we ship to)
* Zoom students will be supplied a 500ml pack of Kakishibu and two kinds of kozo washi paper, and can also use the basket and cloth they have at home. The shipping cost is extra, will be adjusted accordingly.
Cancellation Policy
72 hours prior : fully refundable or credit toward to other class & services
Less than 72 hours ~24 hours prior : 50% credit toward to other class & services
Less than 24 hours prior to no show : Non refundable
This workshop is a two part workshop. As Kakishibu can be used as a natural dye, paint, varnish - we wanted to give you a taste of some of its versatility!
In the first half of the workshop, we will begin on our washi paper bowl. We will use a small bamboo basket as the base, layering on the kozo and awagami washi papers and using the Kakishibu to paint and seal the vessel. You will be amazed at the different Kakishibu has on different materials.
While drying the washi paper bowl, we will dye a canvas pouch. Kakishibu naturally strengthens fiber and gives it durability, perfect for an everyday pouch. The color also deepens over time, a gift that keeps on giving.
For centuries Kakishibu, a fermented tannin dye derived from Persimmons has been used in Japan by local craftsmen for all kinds of utilitarian uses. From fishing nets to the varnish of their houses, Kakishibu is not only versatile but holds many incredible natural properties such as insect repellent and anti-molding.
In the advent of the industrial revolution, the use of Kakishibu started to fade - it has now been discovered by many artisans for its unique tones and interesting characteristics. We love it! And can’t wait to share it with you.
_______________
Fee: $100
Includes materials
Cancellation Policy
72 hours prior : fully refundable or credit toward to other class & services
Less than 72 hours ~24 hours prior : 50% credit toward to other class & services
Less than 24 hours prior to no show : Non refundable
DESIGN YOUR PILLOWCASES FOR A SWEET SUMMER DREAM!
Bengala is one of the oldest natural dye techniques. This ancient method has received a lot of attention from urban dyers as an eco-friendly textile dye, because it is made of sustainable minerals from the soil.
In this workshop, learn the beautiful Bengala fabric dyeing method and create two pillowcases and one tenugui cloth within two hours! Also, the instructor will teach you how to make various Japanese itajime-shibori (wood plate color resisting) techniques. Freely improvise the patterns with 12 colors of Bengala dye and Aijo-indigo blue.
No toxic chemicals, no heat involved. You will create truly one-of-a-kind sleep goods which are gentle on your skin in earthy soft colors and will bring you good sleep and comfort.
Saturday, Aug 17
2:00pm - 4:30pm
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Fee: $150
includes all materials (two 100% cotton pillowcases and a Japanese tenugui cloth to dye)
Announcing the gathering workshop for fiber lovers – weavers, knitters, dyers, anyone interested! No sweat Bengala yarn dye method!
Create your own color for yarns or fibers with gorgeous natural Bengala color! Ombre, dip, paint, ikat, tie-dye... there is no end with this easy Bengala dyeing!
Bring your yarn from home*** or choose the beautiful undyed yarns from our shop at the beginning of the workshop.
Friday, Aug 16
Join us between 4:00pm - 7:30pm
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Fee: $70
Material cost (Yarn* + Dye**) is separated by the volume of your yarn.
* Purchase the material yarn at the workshop from our wide selection of merino wool, organic cotton, linen, ramie, silk, roving wool, etc. The price is about $20 per skein. If you'd like to dye for warp threads, please ask us for the preparation.
** The cost of Bengala dye will be charged $10 per 100g(=3.5oz) of yarn.
*** If you'd like to bring yarn from home, please pre-wash beforehand.
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Introducing a new product from Loop of the Loom! Kakishibu dye is made from persimmon juice is a representative natural dye of Japan as much as indigo. Kakishibu had been used for everyday goods because strengthens the fiber and makes it waterproof. After dyeing, the amber color deepens by oxidization. Dye two zipper pouches and stain with Kakishibu.
You can take home a pack of Kakishibu dye to make it even darker.
Fee & Materials: $80
Workshop Cancellation Policy : if you cancel...,
48 hours prior : fully refundable or credit toward to other class & services
1 day advance : 50% credit toward to other class & services
No show at venue : Non refundable
Make a circle of weaving with new and experienced SAORI weavers.
This is a special setting for 3-hour Zen Weaving session. Focus in a calm and mindful way, and play with colors.
We will have a tea time to share our SAORI experiences during the session.
* Materials are included.
* Japanese tea and snack will be served.
Loop of the Loom is the only SAORI hand-weaving studio which introduces the award winning SAORI method as a mindful zen weaving™. The simple way of weaving leads your mind to the state of emptiness easily without practice. By focusing on your pleasure moment with color and rhythm, you can express your true self.
SAORI is a ZEN art of weaving from Japan that is dedicated to free expression and self-development.
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