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I thought I’d share with you a little reality check today. It is easy for us to imagine that people we see on social media, on websites, on Youtube or anywhere on the internet have it all together and their lives are pretty perfect. We imagine them to have all the things we need or that they are somehow “better” than we are – all because they have learned how to present themselves in a certain way that looks great to the rest of the world.
How does this tie in to weaving? In so many ways! How often have you wished that your loom was bigger or better? Have you gazed longingly at other weaver’s beautiful pictures online and wished that you could do that too? Have you grumbled at your lack of space/time/finances to “make it all happen”.
Well, I’m here to tell you that, just like life, weaving is a journey – often long and sometimes difficult.
When people find out that I homeschool my children and have been doing so for their entire lives, they are amazed and say things like “Well, you are an expert then!” Nothing could be further from the truth. Every day is a new start with people and needs ever changing. It’s a constant process of re-evaluation and starting over. Of asking God to please help me through this day. Of learning and applying new things.
And I think this is normal. We don’t step on a plane expecting to arrive at our destination immediately. We have to be patient to get the reward!
To illustrate my point, I will show you my film studio from today. Much of the time, I can’t film in my studio space as it’s a shared, walk through room.
I thought I’d share with you a little reality check today. It is easy for us to imagine that people we see on social media, on websites, on Youtube or anywhere on the internet have it all together and their lives are pretty perfect. We imagine them to have all the things we need or that they are somehow “better” than we are – all because they have learned how to present themselves in a certain way that looks great to the rest of the world.
How does this tie in to weaving? In so many ways! How often have you wished that your loom was bigger or better? Have you gazed longingly at other weaver’s beautiful pictures online and wished that you could do that too? Have you grumbled at your lack of space/time/finances to “make it all happen”.
Well, I’m here to tell you that, just like life, weaving is a journey – often long and sometimes difficult.
When people find out that I homeschool my children and have been doing so for their entire lives, they are amazed and say things like “Well, you are an expert then!” Nothing could be further from the truth. Every day is a new start with people and needs ever changing. It’s a constant process of re-evaluation and starting over. Of asking God to please help me through this day. Of learning and applying new things.
And I think this is normal. We don’t step on a plane expecting to arrive at our destination immediately. We have to be patient to get the reward!
To illustrate my point, I will show you my film studio from today. Much of the time, I can’t film in my studio space as it’s a shared, walk through room.
So, I set up in our bedroom so that I could close the door. It’s a bit dingy and it desperately needs a paint job, but it’s a room with a door, so I’ll take it. Lets have a look at my setup.
I film with my son’s Nikon D7100 and his Video MicPro microphone. The tripod is mine! The loom is mine too 😀 The chair was a freebie that my husband got for me when his old office building was closing down. The OttLite belongs to my husband. When I finish the video, I edit on my son’s computer using his software.
You can see that most of what I use to film videos for my Online Weaving School is borrowed and fairly basic. But, it all allows me to do what I do. I may never have a great setup, no matter how much I want it, and that is ok, I am grateful to be able to do what I do without the bells and whistles.
I can polish my photos and videos so that they look pretty good on your computer. I get to work from home, doing what I love and spending the days with my children. Does this mean I have the perfect life? No way, it just means that I’m prepared to make do and make a start.
Today I was working on filming for my up and coming Boot Camp for Weavers course. I’m beyond excited about this, a little apprehensive, having never done something like this, but very excited. It gives me so much joy to see a new weaver get up and weaving with enthusiasm and confidence, that is what I want for all my students! There will be more information about the course as I near completion.
How did this blog post get so long? My fingers seemed to have a mind of their own and if I don’t finish up my family will be eating burned chicken tonight! If you got this far, thank you for taking the time to read.
Until next time….
Happy Weaving!
This is exactly why you are one of my favorite teachers. You bring good lessons, inspiring projects, reality, always encouragement and dose of welcomed homegrown philosophy into your work. Thank you.
Hello Kelly – you are an inspiration and this post is a perfect example! It's why I've followed your teaching now for a few years, and will continue to do so – you make it so real! Work with what you have, do your best, and enjoy learning! That's what you teach in all you do and I thank you always for your truly honest approach!
Very Best Wishes always
sami martel
Great reality check. Thanks for sharing. I'm right there with you.
Really interesting. I agree wi5h you. I understand everything as a journey. A living changeable path with ups and downs, even learning is a neverending journey. Of course I long for a better loom, a bigger room for myself which would Llow me not to invade my son’s room, a nearby weaving community. It’s human. Aspirations are not bad, the danger comes when one is unable to enjoy what one already has. Frustration takes the place of our expectations. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. We can keep on learning.
I am in awe of what you can do with a normal house and a fuller than normal life. I can see that I have been holding myself back, waiting for certain things to be “perfect” before I begin. I need to just jump in! Thank you so much for this post. It is so encouraging. I can try to improve my weaving even if I don’ t have a big loom and a lot of space. You are the best.
Thank you SO much for this post. I am a beginning weaver and today was one of those tough days for life in general. Your message and sharing of your reality was a Godsend for me. You helped someone across the world today. I feel blessed by what you do.
Thanks Kelly – I've lately gotten a bit discouraged with my rigid heddle loom journey with all the floor loom discussions happening. I read somewhere that Rigid Heddle weavers aren't 'real' weavers.
But you just reminded me it's MY journey and it's what I enjoy and I am learning each and every project, so THANK YOU for posting and for all that you do.
I purchase courses from you because you are a small business, not a corporation (and the courses have been great). I think you may have empowered some stay at home moms with this post. When I was a stay at home mom, I made dolls, hats, and just about anything I could make and sell with limited resources so I could stay home with my kids. We can do a lot with a loom or a sewing machine!
A little perspective–never hurts. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Kelly! Yes I know what you mean when you write that we are thinking everyone else has things perfect! Ofcourse I know this is not entirely true, but beautiful pictures en great stories mix up my mind. Your photos are great! Finally seeing what I sometimes think is such an eyeopener and it makes me breath more easily 😊.
Thank you só much!
Greetings out of Holland again🌷
THANK YOU for sharing this, I really needed this valuable lesson in many areas of my life. You made my day. God bless you 🙏
Thank you for this and all that you share.