SAORI Magic!

It has been such a long time since last time I blogged.

I feel like I can finally spend time at home this weekend. YEY!

I play Japanese Drum, Taiko and belong to Mu Daiko.

We had our 15th year anniversary concert in St. Paul last month for a weekend.

Then, the next weekend, we shared a stage with special guest artists "Hanayui" and Mr. Fujimoto, a Taiko soloist from a group Kodo, Japan.

We also had Tiffany who is a great Taiko performer and instructor from Sacramento.

I took her Odaiko (Big Drum) intensive last two years in January.

After the concert, we toured in Minnesota.

I was fortunate to go with them as an assistant.

I performed two places for school performances.

I now know Fergus Falls, Grand Marais and Grand Rapids in Minnesota.

I learned a lot about touring and of course, we had a great time!

We came back from the tour on March 4 and I had to switch to SAORI mode next day.

This week and next week, I have been introducing SAORI at an elementary school.

Thank you to the school and VSA Minnesota to make this happen.

I went to this school about 3 years ago to introduce SAORI. The art teacher there invited me.

She and I took intro Taiko class together. That's how we got to know each other. Isn't it interesting?

Anyway, she waited for 3 years to get some fund from VSA.

I finished the first week of residency.

I had some students with difficulties, BUT I didn't know until at the end of the day.

The teacher has been telling me all the stories about children with problems/difficulties.

Though I couldn't tell them at all!

The teacher/a paraprofessional teacher were amazed how their behaviors change when they were weaving. They were focusing, enjoying and showing any behavioral problems.

The teachers said, "It's a MAGIC!"

I had a girl yesterday who didn't show me any good responses.

Whatever I said to her, she said, "I don't know."

Today, the teacher told me about how excited she was to do SAORI weaving.

She jumped off from a school bus and told her mother all about SAORI!!!

She came back today. She wasn't showing her excitement, but I am sure she was excited inside.

I heard that her mom is excited about SAORI, too.

Thank you for as siting me for 3 afternoons, Michelle and thank you for helping me Monica today.

I hope you enjoyed being there. Well, I am sure you did!

Let's enjoy SAORI with children next week, too!

I am looking forward to it already!

Another side of me....

I am a SAORI weaver/instructor as well as a Taiko Drumming player.

I have been studying Taiko almost for 3 years and am now an intern of Mu Daiko.

I have my very first concert starting tonight in St. Paul, MN.

I am not in many songs, but I am helping transitions at side stages.

We have been rehearsing everynight. We have been working so hard.

I was exhausted by the end of the day everyday, but it is nice to feel that we are doing better every time we rehearse.

It's a great TEAMWORK!

Life is interesting.

I never played Taiko while in Japan for many many years and now I am playing it in Minnesota, U.S.A!!

These days, I need to take naps to get ready or rehearsals.

Of course, I am going to take a nap to get good energy!!!

Happy Taiko!

SAORI group class

Well, I am actually having several children for a birthday party in a few days.

Now, I have a few people who are very serious about SAORI.
It is so grateful that they have showed me their interest to SAORI.
That's why I can ask them if they are interested in observing a group lesson/class and I did ask them to be a part of the birthday party if they can.
So they will be ready for the workshop at Shepherd's Harvest.

As I will miss Shepherd's Harvest beginning of May because of being in Africa, Dan will be teaching 3 workshop at the festival.
Those people who have showed me their interest to SAORI told me that they are going to assist Dan.
That's wonderful!!
It will be our sixth or seventh year at the festival this year and I can see how Minnesota SAORI community has grown up even a little bit.
I didn't imagine this is going to happen when we first participated the festival 6 or 7 years ago....we would have people who are willing to assist workshop and the booth.

I don't need to give up anything at the festival to go to Africa.

I appreciate those people who are supporting us!
THIS IS SAORI!!
I hope they learn a lot assisting workshop. Well, I am sure they will.

Now, I need to get ready for the birthday party.
Some looms are empty. They need warp!!

Happy Weaving!

Weavers Guild of Minnesota

I have been asked to be a Weavers Guild of Minnesota Instructor of course, a SAORI instructor.
I said "YES" right away!
The educational coordinator there would like to bring something "NEW".
Yes, SAORI is still "NEW" in the U.S.

It is still hard to find a place to learn SAORI in this country.
Actually this afternoon a lady is coming all the way from Iowa to learn SAORI.

Dan and I taught a workshop at the Weavers Guild a few years back.
I believe/hope more people now know about SAORI.
So, I hope many people sign up!

First, early in the summer we would like to offer one class through their series of class called "Try It".
Then, later in the summer, we would like to do classes that people complete one project.
It would be 3-4 days class.
I haven't done this kind of classes, so I am a little concern, but I just need to try to find out, don't I?
Just like SAORI, just try it!

Anyway, I am so excited about this offer. Thank you for this opportunity Linda!

I wasn't feeling 100% last night, so I decided not to weave.
Instead, I needlefelted to make a kind of "frame" and "decoration" to the piece (bottom piece).
The white roving is MN local alpaca 100%.
I can't think of any good name for this piece. Anyone?

The top image is "warp interlocking".
Thanks to Marie who visited me last fall and refreshed my memory.
Now, I really like doing it.
It probably took longer (timewise) to set it than weaving time which is really rare.
Though it's true.
I didn't do much with the weft to show the warp "interlocked".
I don't want to foget to do this warp interlocking anymore!

By the way, do you see what I mean by "warp interlocking" in the image? I hope so.

I am going to Senegal!!

Wow! It's been months since I posted the blog last time.

Well, this news is big one for the first blog this year to share.

I AM GOING TO SENEGAL TO TEACH SAORI!!

I have been asked if I was interested in going there to teach or not.

I responded right away saying "Of course, I AM!!"

My SAORI friend in NY is also going.

Marie who was a representative of UNESCO.

She visited SAORI-Tokyo last year and she has been dreaming to bring SAORI to an orphanage, Daara de Malika in Dakar, Senegal.

She applied a grant and got it! Yey!

I talked to her on the phone yesterday.

She thanked me a lot helping her dream come true.

I thanked her a lot, too.

What an opportunity!

I will be there for 3 weeks.

In 2 months, I will be there!!

I have been learning about the country, languages (French and Wolof), life style, food and so on.

It is so interesting to learn about a country especially it is more interesting because I am going there!!

I also thank to my husband who didn't think/hesitate having me going to Senegal for such a long time as well as my students/friends who are going to help the event I was going to be a part of.

Before going to Senegal, I need to get ready for my show at the Larson Art Gallery, University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus starting March 24.

I will see you soon Africa!!

Flower Field scarf

My "Flower Field" series new piece.
I made several shawls of this series, but this is the first time creating "scarf" for this series.
This is now at Minnetonka Center for the Arts for their Holiday Gift Sale starts on Nov. 18 at 6pm.

The colors didn't turn out well in this picture.
Yes, actual colors are much more beautiful!!
I feel like weaving another "Flower Field" scarf!

Happy Weaving.

Corn yarn and Hound's-tooth check

I met a couple at the Shepherd's harvest last May. They were next to my booth.
They were selling CORN YARN!!
If you think "Oh, that's from cornhusk, isn't it?"
You are wrong!!
It's from CORN itself.

It was new to me, so I purchased a couple of colors.
Then, I finished this.
I tried a hound's tooth check. I don't even remember when the last time I wove this check.
I am ready to show this scarf to this couple they are going to be in Hopkins tomorrow for an event.
They want to see how their yarn will become when it is woven.

I also did a little bit of needle felting a couple of days ago while watching TV at night.
I made 3 snowmen and apples for Christsmas ornaments.
They are not done yet.
I need to look for small branches for snowmen's arms.
This is my first time making 3D pieces.
I love them!
After taking these pictures, my dog Fuku ate a whole snowman.
When I saw him, he was chewing the second snowman. OMG!
It's my fault. I know he eats rovings and left them where he can reach..., but it took me a long time to make these!!

I am a part of the Winter Gift Show at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts for the first time this year and Fiber Fair at the Textile Center the end of next week.

I need to get ready for these two middle of next week.

Now, time to get to weave!!

Happy Weaving!

4 harnesses loom and....

I finally started working on a 4 harness loom!!
Yes, SAORI makes 4 haness looms, too. I have the attachment to make it a 4 harness loom.
One SAORI 60 (not foldable one) is now a 4 harness loom!
I have only done a little bit so far. The big difference is that you have to move your feet A LOT!!
I need to get used to it, but it's FUN!

Marie who visited us last month gave us a quick workshop of two color-interlocking warp and circular warp.
I am liking the interlocking warp a lot! I have done it long time ago, so I forgot about it.
Thank you to Marie who was willing to show us.
I am doing it before I forget again....
If you would like to learn about two colors interlocking warp, I will show you how!!

Now, all the trees are so beautiful.
That inspired me to weave one banner.
The trees have been inspiring me a lot, but I am not able to catching up.....

I now focus on making items for "Winter Gift Shows".
Texitile Center gift shop, Minnetonka Art Center, Weavers Guild Fiber Fair (Nov. 12-14)

Next year, there are three shows planned.
One of them is going to be a SAORI Studio "FUN" show at a clinic in Minneapolis.
Yes, this is for everyone who is interested in participating.
You have plenty of time!!

Happy Weaving!

Camp Unistar

Dan and I were on an island called Star Island in Cass Lake.
We were at a camp site on the island and teaching SAORI to the campers every morning for a week.

Thank you so much for having us as your program leaders!
We enjoyed so much there.
We enjoyed not only introducing SAORI, but also enjoyed canoeing, sailing, hiking and kayaking...
We played a game with some campers and did a 1000 piece puzzle with our lodge mates.

We don't usually get to do such things in our daily lives.
We felt that it is important to have such time together.
No TVs, no PCs, no cars.....
What a quality time we had there!!

We hope everyone who tried SAORI weaving enjoyed it!
You all created beautiful pieces!
Like Dan read in his poem, you are all stars on Star Island!!

We will never forget the time on Star Island.
We hope to see you again!!

Till then,

Minnesota banner

This is a Minnesota Banner that now is ready to be mailed to my friends in MA tomorrow.

They are planning to decorate two bridges in their local public park the end of next month.

They are collecting 68 of them to do this.

I believe this is the only one banner from Minnesota.

Only one banner, but many people in Minnesota helped me finish weaving!

The youngest weaver was 2 years old!!

There are many colors, characters, textures and warmth.

Thank you for all the people who helped me finish weaving!!

Happy weaving!

Taiko recital

Did you know that I have been studying the Japanese drum, Taiko?

This weekend is Mu Daiko Student Recital.

I started this in the fall of 2008 and this is my 2nd recital.

Now, I am a Mu Daiko intern.

I performed as a student and as well as an intern.

I practice with performers/teachers, too everyweek.

I also started taking Fue (Japanese flute) class a couple of months ago and some of us played along the taiko performance last night. Yes, I am playing it again today, too.

Life is interesting.

I never played taiko in Japan and now I am away from Japan and studying Taiko here in Minnesota.

Sometimes, I have opportunities to perform at schools and events, too!

It is so nice to share my own culture to people here in Minnesota.

There are a few Taiko groups here in Minnesota.

I feel that I am in the right place when I heard our director told us last year's recital,

"We all make mistake, but it's okay. Just breath."

I can never forget this.

This applies to SAORI, too, doesn't it?

I will enjoy today's recital, too!

Saori Weaving

Saori Weaving

Listen to this! Dan and I are featured on this radio station "ampers".
If you don't know Chiaki, it's me in the picture!!

Happy Weaving!

They are here!

SAORI looms and accessories are here at SAORI Studio "FUN"!

Dan went to pick them up at a warehouse this afternoon.
We received 7 big boxes!
Two different models of looms, warping frames, books, yarn and shuttles.....
Thank you for waiting for those who ordered them from us.

We would like to take an appointment to distribute your items in next a couple of weeks.
We would help you assemble.
We would show you how to start and everything!

We are so excited having our SAORI circle bigger.

Also, I finished setting up a warp for donating a banner to SAORI Worcester.
I made 5m long and 50cm width.
Whoever would like to weave please do so.
This piece is going to be "a banner from Minnesota".
I am planning to send it by the end of this month.
I wonder how many people would weave for this special banner.
AND... I set up the warp on a SAORI 60.
SAORi 60 is the model we didn't have in our studio.
It is all wood, so it is pretty.
You can also try feeling this SAORI 60!!

Happy Weaving!

Artwear Symposium

There will be an event "Artwear Symposium" at Textile Center of Minnesota early next month.
http://www.textilecentermn.org/symposium2010.asp

I got a brouchure about this and got interested in participating, because I thought this would be a great way to promote SAORI.
Many people who are interested in textile are gathering.
It is a big national event.
I decided to be part of it selling my wearable items at the "Trunk Show".
I also wanted to see the fashion show during the event.
So, I marked what I want to participate and later I got a confirmation e-mail.
I am able to sell my work and am able to be a part of fashion show.

Be a part of fashion show?
Yes, I marked it to be an audience, but it looks like that is for being a part of fashion show.
That means I have to make something to put on for the fashion show.

Well.....I started e-mailing the Textile Center "I made a mistake. I just want to see the fashion show."
My hands stopped suddenly.
"This is much more better way to promote SAORI rathen than selling my items at Trunk show."
SO, I didn't send e-mail.
Yes, I am going to be a part of the fashion show.
I will be making something and will be modeling!!

Wish me luck!

I still need to make something for the Trunk Show and Fashion show.

Wish me more luck!

Shepherd's Harvest

Minnesota's Sheep and Wool Festival will be held on Mother's Day weekend.
This it will be May 8 and 9 at Washington Country Fairground.

We will be there as vendors and instructors.
We are teaching two classes; one on Saturday and one on Sunday.
I have just checked the festival website and both classes are already full.

Thank you!!

For those who were going to sign up but found out that it is already full, please contact us and come to our studio in Chaska.

If you have several more than 5 people and a place for us to bring looms, we are offering off-site classes, too.
Please contact us for details.
We are happy to travel in the Twin Cities area.

Anyway, it makes me happy to see that the classes are both full already.
Now, I need to focus on making items for sale.

I will bring something new this year.
We are there to offer you to try weaving at the booth, too.
Make sure you stop by at our booth and say "Hi".

Shepherd's Harvest Website
http://www.shepherdsharvestfestival.org/index.shtml

These days.....

As you know, I am good at Japanese language since I grew up in Japan.

I tend to update my Japanese blog a lot, but not this one...
I think about this a lot, but I just don't update.
I need to do that more often. I know that.....

Anyway, these days what I am doing is....

1. I am thinking about scheduling the summer camp. I will do that, so please wait for those who are planning to come.

2. "SAORI Minnesota" meeting.
I have several people who come to the studio to weave. I hear "I want to make garments".
Dan and I will organize a meeting for "exchanging dress making ideas, show and tell, SAORI news from Japan and here in Minnesota and of course, getting to know each other!".

It will be after Lake Minnetonka Art Studio Tour in the first weekend of May and Shepherd's Harvest that is the following weekend.
So, it will be middle to the end of May.

I will keep you posted.

I am so fortunate to have SAORI people around me a little by little.

I am in!

It has been a while since I found out that I am going to be a part of the show, "Lake Minnetonka Art Tour" this May 1-2.

www.lakemtkaartstour.org

My friend who is a potter invited me to be her guest artist at her home last year.
It is a juried show and I submitted everything they needed but they turned me down.
My friend told me that one of the reasons why they turned me down was my images I submitted.
I always have "nature" background when I take a picture of my work.
That's not okay for juried shows.

So, this year, she and her husband helped me a lot preparing the images.
They took so much time for my images. Thank you.
AND I AM IN!!

I learned a lot from her submitting a juried show-quality of images.
It is always good to learn something new.
I appreciate so much my friend and husband!

Now, I have been working on the show.

I got so excited when I got an e-mail that I have been selected.
I can't forget that moment.