Loop of the Loom

Loop of the Loom is the mindfulness zen weaving dojo in NYC which introduces SAORI, a ZEN art of weaving from Japan. We are NYC's first-ever certified SAORI studio, gallery and authorized SAORI loom distributor. 

Students at Loop of the Loom have created distinct and original tapestries, clothing, scarves, bags and many useful items.  Other fiber arts classes include spinning, felting, sewing and dyeing for all ages. 

Yukako Satone, founder of Loop of the Loom:

In 2001 I decided to become a SAORI instructor. It was something that happened to me. My life changed in a few hours after I knew SAORI.

My great friend signed me up for the SAORI summer intensive class at the headquarter during my vacation in Japan. She had been teaching SAORI weaving as an artist in residence in Osaka, Japan. I felt so lucky to learn a new thing since I'd been searching for something besides parenting.

I stepped into the SAORI gallery before the class started. Hanging tapestries greeted me. They were jumbled-up and many colored. I couldn't believe that I was in a room in an office building in Japan. I took a seat for a SAORI lecture. The speaker was 88 years old and a small woman. She worn a black T-shirt and pants. But she was wrapped in a beautiful woven vest. The red based colored vest was chic and modern. Speaking about SAORI philosophy and experience, she walked and move her hands. She looked bigger. I received a powerful impression from this woman, Misao Jo. She is the founder of SAORI.  She said, "I need one thousand of Misao Jo."  I caught her message in my mind and brought it back to the US. Of course, with a loom!

For ten years I have been spreading SAORI seeds from place to place in NY and NJ. With a portable loom I have been working out of my house on a SAORI public art activity, giving hands on demonstrations of SAORI weaving.  

People want to create something, they want to use colors, to touch with their hands. I decided to open a weaving studio, Loop of the Loom where everyone can express own style in weaving.  We use many recyclable materials with "Mottainai" idea from Japan which means non-waste. Each piece of weaving is so beautiful.  No two works are alike.  I hand to my students SAORI's seeds and they bloom into beautiful flowers on the looms. SAORI's seeds begin to sprout. My studio nourishes roots linking new SAORI weavers.

FAQs

What are some of your most popular classes that you offer on CourseHorse?  
Our All-Day Mindful Zen Weaving Session is our most popular class.  

How long have you been in business? Can you share a bit about your history?  
We've been in the business for 11 years this 2016. I learned SAORI weaving in Japan, then practiced myself deeply as a form of healing myself after traumatic experience of 9/11. I realized that SAORI is not only for healing, but also for discovering the joy of living which I would share with others.  

What is your average class size? 
Our average class size is mostly 4–5 people. 

What is your typical student like? What are their goals? 
Our students are typically women in their 30s-50s who have never woven before and seek a new method of art to express themselves easily. They're looking for self expression and fun. 

Can you recommend activities to do in the neighborhood before or after class? 
Derive inspiration from nature at the Central Park before the class. Pay a visit to Museum Mile after the class (eg; MET, Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian, Guggenheim, Neue, and more).