The Dyeing to Weave Studio’s story
Prue Simmons is one of many talented artisans based out of Ballarat’s Australian Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades, offering workshops for budding craftspeople. As one of only three people in Australia accredited to teach the Japanese art of SAORI, Prue is a lover of using a loom to see how each piece develops its own character, colour, texture and style. According to Prue, the activity allows artisans to tap into meditative creativity, discover self-expression at the loom and make beautiful cloth.
Prue’s favourite things
The Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades is beloved by Prue, and many others, but there are a number of other places in and around town that she frequents.
- Seek out amazing Japanese food at Kambei Japanese Restaurant or purchase local produce and home baked goods from Ballarat Mushroom Farm to whip up your own feast.
- Visit Prue’s hometown, the historic town of Clunes, which is 30-minutes from Ballarat. Wander through the charming main street, browse the gift stores or pop in for high tea before taking a stroll along the creek.
- Relax with a glass of wine at Eastern Peake Vineyard.