Where is Aya Fiber Studio located?

Aya Fiber Studio is located at 170 NE Dixie Hwy, Stuart, Florida 34994, near the beautiful Treasure Coast.

What should I bring to a workshop?

We provide all dyeing equipment, tables, and basic fabrics. You are welcome to bring your own natural fibers, stitching materials, and any personal tools you prefer.

Do you offer beginner-friendly classes?

Yes! Many workshops are designed for all levels. Our small class sizes ensure personal attention whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fiber artist.

How can I register for a workshop?

All registrations are handled through our secure portal at https://ayafiberstudio.corsizio.com. Simply choose your class, fill out the form, and confirm payment online.

A Japan Textile Journey to Inspire & Reset Your Practice | Aya Fiber Studio

Aizome Studios | Japan Textile Journeys with Suzanne Connors
May 2027

Step Into the Fabric of Tradition
Two unique textile retreats. One unforgettable journey.

Join Suzanne Connors of Aizome Studios for a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Japan’s rich textile heritage. Over 15 transformative days — or 30 if you participate in both journeys —, you’ll work side-by-side with master artisans, experience historic techniques firsthand, and reconnect with your creative practice through deep, hands-on making.

These are not guided tours. They are "come travel with me" experiences — immersive, collaborative, and built around shared curiosity and creativity. You can choose to partake in all the workshops and excursions, or just travel along and do your own thing. Most of the journey is designed à la carte — I’ll set things up, and you decide how much or how little to join.

Southern Japan Textile Retreat

May 1 – May 15, 2027
FULL / 8 Spots Left

This 15-day retreat immerses you in the vibrant craft traditions of Southern Japan — kasuri weaving, shibori, kakishibu dyeing, papermaking, and natural sukumo indigo — while leaving time to shop, wander, and breathe.

We begin with an overnight stay in Fukura (May 1), where we take a guided walking tour of Tokichino Gorge and the next morning enjoy a riverboat ride through its dramatic cliffs and emerald waters. This slow start sets the tone for the retreat — time to settle in, sketch, photograph, and connect with fellow travelers before our hands-on workshop days begin.

From Fukura, we travel to Yame (May 2–6), where participants rotate through the two-day Kasuri Weaving Apprenticeship at Sakata Orimono (with lodging at Orige Guest House included) and enjoy craft experiences such as tea culture, papermaking, indigo dyeing, and a guided walking tour of Yame’s historic town.

Next, we head to Beppu (May 7–8), Japan’s famous hot spring town, for two nights of onsen relaxation and artisan arcade exploration.

We then travel to Tokushima/Naruto (May 9–13) for four nights at Makiko Tokunaga’s guesthouse, where we will enjoy shibori workshops, kakishibu dyeing sessions, and shared dinners. We will also work with natural sukumo indigo in Makiko-san's workshop and learn how it is made — a rare opportunity to experience Tokushima's legacy as the historic home of natural indigo in Japan.

A full day is dedicated to Awagami Papermaking Factory (bento lunch included).
Two days of private limo taxi transport take us to the Indigo Museum and artisan studios, where we meet craftspeople continuing centuries-old traditions.

Our final days take us to Hiroshima (optional guided Peace Park tour) and Naoshima Art Island (optional electric bike rentals and museum admissions), before concluding in Osaka (May 15) with time to explore Dotonbori and a farewell dinner.

Northern Japan Textile Retreat

May 18 – June 1, 2027
Approximately $4,500 | Pricing subject to fluctuating yen and à la carte selections | Spots Available

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan’s historic craft towns and iconic cities. Guided by master artisans, you’ll explore the rich traditions of indigo dyeing, sashiko stitching, katazome, and regional textile arts.

Highlights include:

Tokyo: Contemporary craft districts and artisan studios. Workshop at Aikuma Dye Shop, Antique Market
Kamakura: Coastal craft town blending history, art, and textiles.
Takayama: Learn sashiko, the traditional Japanese running stitch used for both function and beauty. In this historic mountain town, discover how a humble repair technique became a celebrated art form.
Kanazawa: Experience Kaga Yuzen, the refined hand-painted silk dyeing tradition, and explore workshops dedicated to natural dyeing, where color is drawn from plants, roots, and minerals.
Kyoto: Ancient temples and hands-on workshops with textile masters.
Arimatsu: Explore the birthplace of shibori, Japan’s famous tie-dye tradition. Experience Shibori Festival!
Ise Katagami: Discover Ise-katagami, the centuries-old art of stencil cutting for katazome, where artisans hand-carve intricate patterns into mulberry paper, used to decorate silk and cotton textiles. Experience a tradition that is both delicate and powerful, and try your hand at this timeless craft. Shiroko village – Suzuka City.

Why Join:
Hands-On Learning: Craft authentic textiles guided by local experts.
Cultural Immersion: Experience the towns and traditions behind every thread.
Create & Connect: Bring home your own handmade treasures and unforgettable memories.

A journey where every stitch, cut, and color tells the story of Japan’s living textile heritage.

👥 Who Should Apply?
This is a small, intimate group experience, open only to:

Former Aya Fiber Studio students, OR
Those planning to spend at least one week with me in the studio before the trip

All applicants will be interviewed to ensure the group dynamic stays positive, open, and drama-free. This is essential to preserving the joyful spirit of our journey — no “Debbie Downers,” please! ✨

📅 Important Dates:

Nonrefundable deposit ($700) secures your spot
Final payment due 60 days before departure: March 2027
Final cost may adjust based on 2027 exchange rates and inflation

What’s Included:

All scheduled workshops and materials
Accommodations in traditional inns (single occupancy unless requested)
Most meals (see detailed itinerary)
All in-country travel related to the retreat
Translators and guides during studio visits

Why This Journey is Different

This is more than skill-building. It’s a reset for your practice. You’ll slow down, reconnect with your materials, and absorb traditions that value presence over speed, depth over novelty. Whether you're a textile artist, painter, ceramicist, or creative explorer, you'll return changed.

Who Should Join:

Artists and creatives seeking inspiration and reconnection
Fiber and textile enthusiasts of all levels
Makers who value cultural learning and slow craft

How to Register:

Click below to reserve your spot. Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate, immersive experience.

Register Now for Northern Japan Retreat →https://aizomestudiosc.corsizio.com/event/68b8d0fc6b01149ad386fc1e
Join the Waitlist for Southern Japan Retreat →https://aizomestudiosc.corsizio.com/event/67bcb9a0d72da81cf267c09c

For questions, contact: suzanne@aizomestudios.com

A Japan Textile Tour will reset your studio practice!