1. Basics first.
Start out simple. Acknowledge that, as a beginner, leaping into a difficult project straight away is probably not the best way for you to get started. If you do, you may end up feeling discouraged and that you’re “no good at weaving”. When learning something new, it is rare for anyone to jump into an advanced level, you need to take the baby steps, then walk, then run!
2. Patience.
You see the images from weavers on Pinterest and Instagram. They look so fabulous that they inspire you to try weaving for yourself. That is natural, that is how I started. But to get to the point of being able to weave anything like the beautiful images, it may take quite some time, and it may not be easy. Mistakes are an important part of the learning process. Know that you will improve, if you practice and give it time.
3. Persistence.
Would you believe me if I told you that I have almost given up on weaving a number of times? There were times that I was so frustrated and had no one to help, that I thought surely I must be just too stupid to learn this, or that I felt I was wasting my time. I’m so glad I never did give in though! Imagine where I would be now – a beginner level weaver with too much equipment gathering dust, and a feeling that I had failed. Keep going. Get stuck? Go back to the basics. Find help. Buy that new book you need, some online classes, or find people in your area with similar interests. There is a way. You can do it!
4. Resources.
I could say that I am a self taught weaver, but realistically that is not really true. I have learned this craft through reading many books, studying articles, drafts and discussions online, and by taking online classes. When I got my first loom, I had no idea where to start. I didn’t know any weavers. I was too busy caring for my family to be able to attend a guild. So, I found the right resources that helped me get going. As I improved, I found more resources to help me level up. Resources are out there – lots of them, you just need to find the right ones for you.
5. Community.
Funny for an introvert like myself to have “community” as one of the keys to success. I’m the type who avoids social settings wherever possible and hates the idea of group meetings or activities. Like many other typical introverts, social occasions are physically draining and just mostly not enjoyable. However, that doesn’t mean that I hide in a hole and don’t see or speak to anyone!
I never would have realised the importance of community until I started weaving. My community is online and I am so grateful for it. I have daily contact with hundreds, if not thousands of weavers across the globe and of all different levels of ability. We teach and learn through one another, share information and discoveries, and most importantly, we inspire one another. It’s a beautiful thing to have the support of others who are just as passionate about weaving as you are.
So, whether you love real life interaction or virtual interaction, find the people who are going to help you succeed in weaving!
I hope this article was helpful to you! Perhaps you are looking for some new resources? Here are a few to get you started:
My Youtube Channel
My Online Weaving School
My Weaving Lessons Facebook Group
i know that without you i too would have given up a dream that i would one day retire and learn to weave. no one clicked like you did. nice article.
That is music to my ears Margeaux, thank you ❤️
Thank you Kelly for sharing such private things about you. I am also an introvert and know exactly what you are talking about. I also find it helpful for you to remind us that it takes patients and practice to succeed in anything we try to learn.
Yeh, go Innies! 😀
We must be related. You describe my feelings about social occasions exactly. Introverts unite. LOL.
All this is true. Before you I took wonderful craftsy classes. I took it with a friend and that helped. Yes I found weaving difficult especially warping and tension
Thanks for reading the post Charlotte 😀
Exactly Peggy, we can enjoy perfection in Heaven, but it is not for us here and now. But, if we co-operate with God's plan for us, He will help us to do great things 🙂
Kelly,
This is perfect and so true!!!❤ Love and agree with every word!!Thank you!!
Hugs and happy weaving!
Charlotte
Thank you Kelly, this is exactly what I needed to refresh myself in this weaving journey. It has been difficult for me continuing and finishing the last 2 projects. My loom has been standing for several weeks with no movement. Good advice about going back to basics. Why do we beat ourselves up so much ? I am so hard on myself, always trying to be perfect. My quilter friend know that only God is perfect. I think with your encouragement I will be back on track shortly. Fall is around the corner and that alway invigorates me. Peggy
Kelly, this article is so perfect for me to address my frustration. I have always felt insecure at everything which causes me to push so hard to get it right that I frustrate myself to no end. The itemized list to approach this craft places that frustration into perspective. With so much happening in my life, my stop and start learning experience was beginning to make me feel I’ll never achieve the level that I see in completed projects. Thank you for your incite and honesty. Your such a great teacher!
We are always our own worst critics and push ourselves in ways we wouldn’t allow others to. We have to remember to be super patient and not forget to enjoy the learning experience.
You will get there Loretta, you have the desire and that’s the most important thing ❤️