I’m well aware that as an online weaving teacher, designer and encourager, I have a lot of people’s dream job.
I design my own classes and projects, I make my own hours around my family commitments and I work from my own home.
It could be easy for those on the outside looking in to think “she is so lucky” or “I wish I could do that”. And honestly, I consider myself so blessed to be able to do this. But there is definitely more than one downside to being an online entrepreneur.
Tracy from Knit, Spin Weave wrote a blog post recently that was quite candid about the reality of owning a creative business. It struck a chord with me.
Being a part of the online world can have it’s ups and downs. People will type things that they would not dare to say to your face (depending on their level of rudeness I guess!) It has been suggested that I am somehow a greedy person lacking charity because I choose to earn money from my business rather than doing it just as a hobby. I guess that person (and yes, unfortunately it was someone well known in online weaving circles) never too the time to browse through my completely free blog and Youtube channel. Or signed up for my email list for extra free information, patterns and inspiration. I think I have published more free content to the internet than paid content. I guess that person has no idea how much time I spend every single day at my computer responding to questions and helping weavers with advice. That is not paid either, but I feel it’s an essential part of what I do.
Is there something wrong with wanting to earn money doing what you love? I certainly didn’t make any money for a long time and now earn a modest income. Out of that modest income, I of course pay taxes, materials for projects, online selling fees, I could go on and on. I pay well over $1000USD a year for online course hosting, the same for this website, $79USD per month for email hosting. The costs of actually running a business can be huge, thousands of dollars every year, even without a bricks and mortar shop.
There are times, many times where you simply do not make any money. But still, the bills must be met. And the work must continue. Yes, unlike a wage job, you have to continue to put in the work, whether or not you are being paid for it.
As a business owner, I do everything. I don’t have help with the business, apart from my wonderful sounding board husband and my son who occasionally does closed captions for me when he has time. I’m in that very tricky position of the business growing but still not earning enough to hire out help occasionally – every penny goes back into the business and into raising my family.
I did not start out intending to make money from weaving. It was, and is my passion and above all I wanted (and still do want to) share my passion with others and ignite the same passion for them. My Online Weaving School only grew out of a demand from weavers who had seen my Youtube videos – I had no idea about online courses. Over the past 3 years I’ve seen the potential grow from a hobby to a business. This has allowed me to continue to stay home with my family, homeschool our kids and contribute to our income, which has been an amazing blessing and as a stay at home Mum, was something I prayed about for years and years.
A hobby that is all of a sudden taking over every waking hour can not continue to be a free hobby. It would not be fair to my family if I spent so much time on a hobby that did not otherwise contribute to all of us.
Anyone who has seen my online classes or has purchased a pattern could not claim that I overcharge. I purposefully keep my prices as reasonable as I can. I want weaving to be accessible to anyone who wants to learn, that is why I continue to upload to Youtube even though I don’t need to anymore and the revenue that I earn from ads on Youtube is a very, very small portion of my income.
Perhaps it’s the wrong time of year to be writing this kind of post, but I do feel very reflective as the new year approaches. Perhaps it’s wrong of me to share this kind of information with those who follow me for my lessons and tutorials. It’s certainly something I don’t normally talk about, but I want people to know that this is not all easy and fun. Not just for my sake, but for the sake of other business owners in similar situations.
The internet can be so deceptive. I do love Instagram and social media but there are times I just want it all to go away. Social media can be a monster that never rests, there is always someone doing better than you, looking better than you, having more than you. Increasing the anxiety of those who use it. But don’t be fooled. Things are not always as they seem.
If there is only one point that you take away from this lengthy and disjointed post, I hope that it will be this:
Be kind. Don’t judge. Be patient with others. You can’t see behind the scenes and you can’t assume to take everything at face value. People are complicated, life is complicated! We all have to do our best to love one another, even though it’s possibly the hardest thing we are asked to do.
You know what? I think I need to go and weave something wonderful. I’ve been thinking about Krokbragd again…
Until next time…
Happy Weaving!
Weaving is brand new to me, and not popular in my area, no classes anywhere. I went looking for weaving yarn yesterday and there is none. I realize you can use regular yarn but I don’t know what that is equivalent to in the weaving world, 8/2 , 8/4, 5/2 etc… So I’m glad you are doing this, and I don’t mind paying. I’ve paid for other classes, be it academic or for fun. So, thank you.
There is so much to learn, but just take it one step at a time and begin with the basics. Now that you have a membership to the online weaving school you have lots of classes to start going through. Which loom did you order?
Kelly the weaving world needs your guiding hand! New weavers need to learn the basics and your approach to helping them and others is done with an understanding of not only how to weave but how to make it easy to understand for those that need guidance.
Ignore the naysayers! You are a gift to the weaving world and I am proud to call you my friend.
Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much and a very Merry Christmas to you!
Kelly,
Most of what I wanted to say about you, your teaching and business practice has already been said, so I will get a bit more personal here and say that I feel blessed to have come across one of your teaching videos just when I needed most to “meet” you to help, guide me to expand my basic weaving skills and learn so many more techniques/styles. As an elder orphan, I am also blessed, thankful that you share so much of yourself, your family photos and stories. So, my point here is to tell you that I appreciate you more than words can say!
Merry Christmas, Happy/Prosperous New Year to you and yours!
Thank you Enid, I appreciate you too!
Merry Christmas!
Kelly,
As a “new” weaver, I received the most helpful lessons from your free utube videos. This “well-known” weaver sounds a bit jealous to me. I personally admire you for being such a successful multi-tasker and wish for you and your family a happy and prosperous 2020!
Meta Lau
Thank you Meta, all the best to you for Christmas and the New Year!
Hi Kelly. I’ve been weaving for only a few months and have been soaking up all the information I can find. I think I have learned more from your free content than from every other source put together. So generous are you with your free content that I’ve yet to pay you for anything. Nobody can reasonably criticize your generosity.
It may help to think about where mean-spirited comments come from. They do not arise from happiness, and it is unlikely that you heard them from a happy person, Reflecting on that and bringing your compassion for that person’s suffering to your thoughts about them can utterly transform the way you feel about those mean-spirited comments.
Some will say that they don’t deserve your compassion. Whether you agree with that or not is unimportant. Abiding in compassion is good for you either way.
I can’t know what you are like face to face, but the person I see in your videos is gentle and patient and kind. I respect these qualities, and when the time comes for me to pay for some classes, I’ll be knocking on your virtual door.
Kelly,
I just wanted to add to these supportive comments! I have just recently become interested in weaving. I’m still saving up for my first RHL so I can’t even say I’m a weaver. I’ve watched all of your videos on YouTube multiple times. Your videos are so clear and helpful, your content so diverse and well thought out. Before I started saving up for a loom I checked around at the price of classes and patterns and yarn, etc. Your patterns are very reasonably priced and so are your classes! I was amazed. I can pay almost as much for one 4 hour class locally as I can pay to get an entire year of access to your on-line classes! I am so thankful that you have chosen to share your love of weaving with the rest of us! And I will be more than happy to pay for your online classes. I don’t have my own business, but I’m sure it takes an enormous amount of time and effort. The fact that you do it all while also homeschooling your children and caring for your home and family amazes me. You are truly a Proverbs 31 woman! Please know that there are so many of us who appreciate your talent and your generosity! I pray that you and your family will have a wonderful blessed Christmas! And also that the person who made those unkind demeaning comments will come to realize what a blessing you are!
Thank you Ann, so many kind words. You’re going to love weaving!
Wonderful Kelly, so let’s thank Google, hugs, Happy Holidays!
Kelly,
I am also self employed in a creative field. I am a textile artist. My studio is in my home. Hiring additional people is not possible. And my income is quite modest. So I truly understand your position. I get mostly positive reactions to my work and to the fact that I earn money for doing something I love. But sometimes there are folks who find it necessary to look down their noses at what I do, how I do it and why I do it instead of getting a “real job.” The idea that any of us should simply give away our creative work suggests that what we do is somehow less valuable than those “real jobs,” whatever those are.
The “well known in weaving circles” person who denigrated what you do seems to have a bit of a jealous streak. How a weaver would should suggest that you should not be paid for your work, time, talents and generosity is beyond me.
You know I am a big fan of yours. I have and continue to learn to be a better weaver because of your tutelage. I will always appreciate you for the person you are and I will always be grateful to you for everything you have taught me. You are a gifted teacher. What you offer is certainly worth compensation, though to tell the truth, so much of it is actually priceless.
With affection and respect,
Joan
Thank you so much Joan.
Dear Kelly,
As a local yarn shop owner, I empathize and agree with the sentiments you have written about having a creative business. The struggle to balance life and work is always there along with a personal drive to bring something more to other people’s lives. My personal motto for my business is to always enhance “caring, sharing, and community” and you embody that in an online business, which is, quite frankly, amazing! I fell in love with weaving but was having a hard time understanding how to successfully bring that to life. Your videos made that a reality for me. Now I can’t imagine my days without your presence. Thanks for personally corresponding with me over the years. Can’t wait to meet you in person in 2021 when I visit.
Your friend always,
Robyn
Thank you Robyn 🙂
Dear Kelly, your free videos on Youtube helped me through a really tough time. I was lying in bed with a severe medical condition and all I could do was watching videos. Through your courses I got not only a good overview of the process of weaving, but also a longing to get healthy again and to start weaving myself. Now several years later I possess a loom, enrolled your class for floor loom weaving and currently am weaving one of my first projects. I have great respect for what you are doing, it is hard work, which you have every right to get paid for. Your classes are affordable and worth every cent. I haven´t found any other course or book, that helped me as much as your detailed videos. Thank you so much for your efforts, your are a great teacher and a wonderful person !
Wow, I’m glad to hear that you’re doing so well, that is wonderful!
Kelly, as a self employed person and with an online presence, I can relate to some of what you speak of. Your work is wonderful and widely valued. There will always be those who spend time being critical but they’re a minority and you have been able to rise above the comments and continue the good work. Keep doing what you do…..earn a good living (hopefully)…bring pleasure to others…and enjoy! Best wishes for a happy and prosperous new year!
Thank you Elaine ❤
Dear Kelly, I found weaving accidentally through your free YouTube videos and was immediately hooked, with both weaving and with the way you teach. You have a gift for imparting information and instilling confidence in those who learn from you. The patterns you offer for sale are quality+++ I was so happy to find that you have a weaving school and signed up as soon as I could. Your school is an extremely positive, encouraging and informative place in which to learn. The community you have created around weaving is also a powerfully positive group to be a part of, especially for those like me who would otherwise be alone in the weaving wilderness. You give so much to your students and to those who are not yet involved in your school. You are always approachable and generous with information, assistance and your time, regardless of people paying for your time and service or not. You work extremely hard to offer quality in everything you do and your passion and dedication are obvious. It could be said that you are ‘lucky to have this dream job’, more accurately I say, “You have worked and continue to work incredibly hard to build a business that provides quality instruction and content to those who desire to learn to weave.” Nothing has been handed to you, it is all your own vision, persistence, blood, sweat and tears that has built a business that you can be extremely proud of. It is sad that some individuals, for what ever reason, seem unable to grasp that a business is a business, no matter where or how it is offered. Also, like any business, anywhere in the world, each individual is free to choose to support that business…or not. It is that simple. Kelly, you are valued by far more people than those who are unkind. On various platforms I see many references to you and what you offer, I have only ever read positive comments and they are well deserved. Keep being you and doing what you do so well, you have many, many supporters.
Thank you dear Gai 🙂
Kelly, I think you are gifted and incredibly generous with time, knowledge and skills. Your pricing is beyond reasonable. You are a blessing to the weaving community and more. You have always been kind so I say with all due respect ” You are accountable to no one!” No one has the right to expunge your creativity and it’s accomplishments, even financial! You earned it!! And make no mistake there are unlimited people in the world who recognize and appreciate the genuine person you are. I most certainly do. Keep up the good work! One opinion does NOT rule the roost. May you and your loved ones be blessed, safe, happy, healthy, and prosperous in all areas of life and endeavors in the coming New Year!
Thank you Jeanne, a very Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Kelly, I found you on YouTube because my first weaving project (which we use on our table, a runner) had less than “nice edges”. I think you now have 3 different videos on this topic. Then I subscribed to your weaving school. I have learned toms from you. You provide clear instructions and realistic objectives. Your joy in weaving shows in your work. And you have promptly answered every question I have asked – clearly and helpfully. Please don’t let the grinches bring you down this joyous Christmas season. Your fan club is exponentially bigger. You have a lovely family, a job you love most of the time, and though we don’t say it often enough, an appreciative audience.
I agree with Suzanne – you do a great job, no justification needed!
Merry Christmas
Thank you Mary, and really, I do get a lot of appreciation and love from my wonderful students 🙂
Kelly,
I can only say that I agree with all the above comments others have already made.
I find your teaching style excellent and I keep referring back to all your videos and am learning from you all the time in my weaving journey, your prices are also very reasonable. Having just done my very first craft fair selling my woven scarves, I appreciate all your hard work trying to make a living doing what you enjoy.
Thank you Nicola 🙂
I’m so sad that someone has made you feel bad about what you do! Any one who teaches should definitely get something back for their work! Unfortunately we do live in a time that many expect every handed to them for free, & some do not realise the time & effort that goes into each video, article, even taking a photo takes time. My parents taught me “Time = Money”
You are worth it. Your time is valuable, your knowledge did not come to you “freely” it took time & effort. Thank you for all the resources that you make available. You are one of the people that inspired me to buy a rigid heddle loom & start weaving (Tracy H is another 😉)
Thank you.
Thank you Christine! Tracy is wonderfully inspiring 🙂
Dear Kelly,
You are a brilliant teacher! I was inspired to learn weaving when I came across one of your free YouTube videos. I have always enjoyed making things with my hands, and weaving intrigued me, but also overwhelmed me. You made me see it was something accessible to me.
Before, I didn’t even know what a rigid heddle loom was! Now, I dream of projects, and weaving has become the place where I can put my sorrows and worries aside. It’s been a hard year for me personally, but weaving has become my therapy in a way. In all honesty Kelly, I could not have learned all I know without your classes. I am grateful that you offer them at a reasonable price and that you provide so much free content for everyone.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year too!
I see from these comments I am not alone in my admiration and gratitude toward you.
Thank you very much Lisa, may next year be a happy one for you. Merry Christmas!
Kelly in my opinion if they don’t pay my bills, feed my children, sign my checks their opinion is of no importance.
I am a single parent of three, developed two non profits, three small businesses, I know what you are going through. Be proud and ware the ENTREPRENEU bage proudly.👍👌😉
Thank you for your time, your classes make my learning easy.
Thank you Mary!
I am from Brazil, and I am very grateful for your free classes and for you Kelly, when I am weaving and have some difficulty I will look for your posts and soon learn the correct, you are my teacher, through the videos, there are many people with evil in the heart, but you are superior to them.
Don’t mind them, you’re an enlightened person.
Happy Holidays!
Ah Kelly, I used the google translator, hope it’s all right
Thank you Elza, I was just thinking how good your English is, so Google translate did a great job!
Kelly,
Great blog. I’ve owned several businesses over the years and they are all rewarding but VERY difficult. Until one has done a start-up from scratch or otherwise they can have no idea the BS&T that go into having a successful business and a balanced life. Stay strong and don’t the the mean people get you down. The world is full of them but it is also filled with God’s grace. Merry Christmas and thanks for so freely sharing your gift and your craft.
Ah yes, so much grace. Thank you Joe, Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Keep going Kelly. You are doing a wonderful job! Your free youtube videos gave me confidence in my creative weaving abilities. As we all do, you need to make a living. It’s great you can do this through something you love and share that passion for weaving with others. All power to you. 🤗
Thank you for your encouragement Ruth!
Kelly, you are the best teacher I have found on the internet. I too, do not have access to local teachers. I don’t always have time to use all the classes you have available, but happily pay the low yearly fee to have the information available when I need it. Thank you for all your hard work!
Thank you Esther, I appreciate your support so much!
Kelly, I have followed you for quite some time. I have referred you to others. I have always been so impressed by your skill and your teaching ability-your lessons are so clear and easy to follow- Your kindness and good spirit comes across in your work and many have benefited from it, myself included. I do not follow a particular religion, but I can see the love of creator and devotion to family in what you do. What else can anyone ask of you? No, there is nothing wrong with making money doing what you love.. It is what I have always hoped for for myself and my children. And you… you are my go-to weaving person!
Thank you Sharon. Referrals mean a lot to me, as I don’t advertise at all. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I am in the UK and I have only been aware of you for the last month. I aquired my long awaited RHL about three weeks ago and I have already learned so much from you via YouTube and Facebook. I am truly grateful to you. I am 75years of age so quite late coming to this hobby.I am looking forward to folowing you for many years to come.
Happy Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you Barbara, I’m happy to have you along on this wonderful journey of weaving and life. And I love it when someone takes to weaving later in life, it just proves what I say that “anyone can learn to weave”!
Kelly, please do not let the internet trolls get to you and make you think you are doing something wrong! The great majority of people love your free and paid content and are so greatful for the time and detail that you put into them. I would still be searching for answers to many weaving questions if you did not exist and most of what I learned about rigid heddle weaving I learned from your videos and couldn’t be more grateful.
People are cruel on social media and I learned that first hand when I did a blog a few years back while taking care of my brother after his heart transplant. I spent nearly a year living about 500 miles away from the remainder of our family, to take care of my brother which allowed him to live near a major transplant center and receive a life saving surgery. I decided to do the blog so that our family, and anyone else facing transplant surgery, would know what it is like on a day to day basis to go through a transplant surgery and the aftercare required. It was about all the doctors visits, dozens of medications, medical tests, diet restrictions etc and how to “survive” all of that in an honest look because at that time I could not find anything similar and we we scared to death and could have used something similar ourselves. Most of the comments were wonderful…but I could not believe the hateful comments I would get about our looks, or outfits, or messy room and things like that which really had nothing to do with the content. I would like to see them after having a heart transplant (or caring for a loved one) and living in a hotel room for nearly a year! Anyway, I learned then that you just need to delete and ignore the hateful comments and concentrate on the good ones because if you are helping even just a couple of people it can be worth it!
I wish you and your family the happiest of holidays and may all of your wishes come true in 2020! Please try to ignore the trolls because you are doing a wonderful service to all of us new weavers and we love you!
Thank you Susan 🙂 I’m sure your blog was a great blessing to many people going through the same thing and looking for information. Can I ask how your brother is doing now?
You go girl! You are a breath of fresh air in this industry. I have always wondered how you do it all. I agree with Suzanne… you don’t have to justify anything. If they don’t like you or your way of doing business, they can (duh) stop visiting your sites. Perhaps I sense a bit of envy from that negative person. Happy holidays!
Thank you Mary-jo! “Breath of fresh air” is a big compliment!
Kelly there are always mean spirited and jealous people out there who have no filters…so this said I had a small business from home when my boys were growing up and people have no idea that regardless whether you have a storefront or a home business it is not always easy to make ends meet….I love your weaving classes and all the help you give to all of us who follow you..continue to to the great work you do…
Thank you Alice 🙂
Thank you for your wonderful online weaving lessons and your bravery in discussing your critic. I echo the support and gratitude expressed by your many fans and friends. We appreciate you. Keep up the good work! Of course you are entitled to earn a living from all of your expertise and hard work. Believe in your self and ignore the negativity. Thank you, Kelly, for helping me learn so much about my wonderful new hobby!.
Thank you Mary 🙂
Kelly
I just have to say that I love what you do for everyone! You have taught me so much, both from free videos and paid ones. I will gladly continue to watch videos and pay for lessons. And from my opinion, you don’t charge nearly enough for your expertise and knowledge! Keep doing what you are doing which is so very appreciated by so many. It brings such joy to my life to be able to sit and weave (even if it is all wonky). I am a better novice weaver because of you.
Enjoy life, your family and your business and don’t ever let the haters get you down. The ones that are judging you (and everyone else) will get theirs one day because karma doesn’t like a Judgey-McJuderson!!!
Happy Weaving!
Natalie Rose
Elkhart, IN USA
Thank you Natalie 🙂
Having recently retired from an engineering univirsity and having been interested in learning to weave for many years, I was delighted to find your Youtube videos on rigid heddle weaving. I have learned a great deal from them, and find your presentations to be highly informative, well thought out, and not at all condescending to new weavers like me. I will definitely be enrolling in some of your online classes, which, compared to other classes I have looked into, are an absolute bargain! I can guarantee you that the people who post disparaging comments about earning from what you teach, all expect to be paid for the work they perform, and you should too. The amount of free content you provide is huge, and you should be proud of all you have accomplished, are accomplishing, and will continue to accomplish. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much!
I went to a teacher when I began … she charged me £80 for a 4 hour lesson. She values herself very highly,
and she is good, but she dismissed the online teachers pretty much outright except for one, “… the Australian girl is quite good.” High praise indeed. She couldn’t even be bothered to learn names. I never went back to her (cost now £95) but turned to “the Australian girl”.
You are a great teacher, clear and never patronising and once I can weave again I’ll be back to the school. In the meantime the floral inkle band is lovely and so easy to follow on the video.
Thank you Kelly. May you have a blessed and peaceful Christmas, and a very happy and prosperous new year.
I’m just flattered that she called me a “girl”, only my Dad does that these days!!
Thanks for your lovely and supportive words.
Merry Christmas!
Kelly…I am new to your teachings as well as weaving. I have a small fiber business and am starting to branch out into weaving and love your work. Your teachings are wonderful for beginners …so easy to follow and grow upon. One or two naysayers is nothing compared to all those who love your work and you! Thank you.
Thank you Cindy, I wish you every success in your business!
As a retired sole proprietor, I can commensurate with your love and your angst. The general public truly has no understanding of business for the self-employed with its cost in money, time, and energy; but the sharing of family time, worship time, and self time lost.. Even vacation time has business moments.
Be sure that most of us are patient, are caring, and are sharing so do not be concerned about those few who bemoan life. Enjoy your loveS, take your profitS, and continue feeding us your skillS; we are very appreciative of your endeavors!
Thank you very much Edna 🙂
Kelly,
As someone who started weaving based on the materials you posted, I want to thank you for your generosity. I was drawn to your videos, not only because they are clear, easy to follow, and informative, but because your passion for the work you do shines so clearly. You brought the joy of weaving to me and I thank you for that. I want to encourage you to consider that it is easy for folks to throw criticism when they are just observers. You don’t have to listen to that criticism. If it was from someone who is working side by side with you, it would be worth listening to and paying attention because their interest is in helping you grow, not tearing you down. Please don’t let the voice of one or two critics overpower the hundreds of voices saying thank you. The work you do has become more than a hobby and you have been generous with it. Thank you!
Thank you Debra 🙂
It never ceases to amaze me how people seem to think they shouldn’t have to pay for the value they receive, or that people shouldn’t be able to make a living on the value they provide, just because it happens online. If anything, Kelly, you should be charging more, not less, for the benefits you provide to the world. I was fortunate to find your YouTube videos at a time when I was a very poor student and would not have been able to afford to pay to learn a new hobby. I didn’t even have a loom for a while, was doing tablet weaving with homemade cards and yarn scavenged from an old stash. Yet, the value you provided (for free!) was a life-changer for me and I am so grateful to have found you! Now that I am in a better financial position, I have no problem with paying for what I use and will probably be doing so in the future. When you consider how much money people spend on pure entertainment with no useful learning involved – consider movie and concert tickets, sports tickets, equipment, clothing, etc., people buy boats just to go fishing — and yet they expect to get something as uniquely valuable as LEARNING, for FREE? You know, you go to a concert and it’s a lot of fun and you have great memories and photos and a t-shirt. But that’s it. You go to a class, and you’ve permanently changed yourself into something better than you were. You know something you didn’t know before and you “have powers” you didn’t have before. That’s something no one can ever take away from you. That’s worth far more than mere money. You should pay whatever it takes to get that kind of experience! And providers of learning experiences should charge whatever they need to in order to make a living. Let no one say otherwise!
Love your outlook and I totally agree!
Why is it when an offering is virtual some people expect things to be free, but if they would show up at your doorstep for a lesson they wouldn’t? Your classes are wonderful, very throrough, your enthusiasmus for what you do – weaving as well as teaching – comes across and they are therefore incredibly helpful. The work you put in shows clearly in the quality of your teaching. Thank you!
Thank you Barbara 🙂
Social media is indeed a double-edged sword. It sadly creates opportunities to say whatever we want, with few repercussions. You have no need to apologize for running a business. More power to you. Please continue to help inform and teach, both through your site and YouTube. You are helping weavers like me, people who need both instruction, inspiration and encouragement. Thank you for your honesty.
Thank you for your support Ellen 🙂
Hi Kelly,
You have been an inspiration to me also. Your calm, patient voice makes me feel confident in my weaving adventures. You are blessed to be able to make your hobbies into a business, and with a supportive family as well. You surely do not need to justify yourself. Sadly, the internet makes it easy for trolls to preach and disparage, and its hard to stand strong. Obviously there are more supporters for you than otherwise, let it roll off! Live long and prosper!
Thank you!
Kelly, si tu n’avais pas croisé ma route, je n’aurais jamais fait de tissage. Tu m’as fais découvrir un monde fantastique. En prime je continu mon apprentissage de l’anglais. Merci! Passes de belles Fêtes.
Merci beaucoup Denyse!
Kelly,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts in this post. I so understand. People can be so mean and ugly with comments and judgments that are so easy to post in a faceless social media environment. In experiencing just what you have talked about, I will tell you that for every one of the vocal mean and ugly there are ten or more who silently appreciate, support, and love your work. And when just one of the latter posts an encouraging word, what joy!!!!
I have committed to posting positive comments on maker’s sites that I follow. I challenge others to do so. It can make that person’s day!!!!!
Anytime you need to vent or hear a word of encouragement, I’m here and safe. You have my email.
Your work, classes, projects, posts are valuable, appreciated, generous. Virtual hugs!
Debby
Thanks so much Debby, you are a great support and encouragement to me 🙂
Well done!!!!! From the heart, to the point, and heartwarming you had the courage to post for all. Bravo!!!!
Thank you Mary 🙂
I agree well put. You do an excellent job. I love your courses ,very clear, love the detail- I still watch your hemstitching video every time I hemstitch just as a reminder 🙂 As a visual person I wanted to make a poncho for the longest time, but was scared too even though I had the directions. Then along came your class 🙂 Two techniques in one a lot of fun . My first clasped warp poncho is going to my sister in law for a Christmas present this year, Thank you ! I’ve made your Spring table runner for my mother in law- she loves it, and your waffle weave hand towels on my rigid heddle. Your classes have helped me provide many presents that my family members treasure, on my weaving journey. As a homeschool mom/farmer your time can’t be all on a hobby your family and you would suffer. I’m glad that you are earning an income from your weaving, it’s not always easy and the dreamy little world that people imagine. I love the Town bag I haven’t done houndstooth yet..hmm looking forward tho this one ! Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from Marjorie in New Brunswick, Canada !
Thank you Marjorie, I’m so happy to hear that your family are benefitting from your weaving through beautiful and thoughtful gifts.
Dearest Kelly,
Since I first discovered you on YouTube about three years ago, you have become a woman that I deeply admire as I began to know you even more through your blogs. Not just for your weaving, though. I admire you for your faith, your sincerity, your generosity, the love you have for your family and your commitment to them. I have long prayed that all the work you have been doing for us fellow weavers has been able to earn you enough income to continue to remain at home with your family.
I also believe that you are probably far too generous to your detriment but very grateful for everything you have shared. Since my first lessons on the Rigid Heddle Loom, I recently jumped into a 16 Harness Louet Megado. And yet I still read your blogs and continue to learn from you. In fact, I believe I will try my first handwoven sewing project with this bag pattern you have just released! Thank you for developing these instructions. As has already been stated, your instructions are very clear.
Peace and Joy to you and your family this Christmas with a Blessed and Happy New Year, Kelly.
Thank you so much for your prayers, they are definitely being answered!
That’s very exciting about your Megado – how are you finding it so far? I imagine it will take a while to get to know it but it will become a very good friend.
I am a new weaver (and thank you very much for your instruction and encouragement!!) but have been a professional quilter for 15 years so I am well versed in the “How dare you try to earn a living!” people.. So I can truly appreciate your thoughts on the subject. And side note – isn’t it interesting that the men I know don’t hear this about their work.
People who don’t run a small (one person!) business do not understand how much work is involved. All that stuff that is not pretty threads/yarns, color and design. The paperwork, the bookkeeping, the photography and editing; the days when you get up and just don’t think you can come up with anything interesting to share.
I can get a thousand compliments, but it’s the one criticism that sticks. Constructive criticism is fine, but some people just have to be ugly. I literally responded to one particularly unjustified bit of ugliness with “I am sorry you are such an unhappy person.”
The quilting world is a small one and I suspect the weaving world is smaller. A nasty comment left on your site can affect your business.
Weave on, Kelly! You have a large following and your name comes up as a resource regularly whenever people ask a weaving question on the forums I follow!
Terri
Thank you for the encouragement from someone who really understands! I love that you’re a professional quilter, it is a beautiful art.
I totally agree with you on the thousands of compliments as opposed to one negative, as that is really how it is most of the time.
Kelly,
Great post!
I once had the same dream you have – I didn’t have homeschooled children or the need to contribute to family finances though. I could devote as much time to my business as it needed. But it took over every “good” feeling I had about the craft I love. I shut it down! I’m still me and those who know what I do think I should try again – but I won’t. The “negative nellies” and “she’s only in it for the money” are just more than I care to deal with.
So, here’s to YOU for having the strength to get up every morning and do the AMAZING work you do – I’m very grateful for you, your classes, free tutorials, patterns, and support.
Thank you!
I’m sorry it was too much for you Bobbi, but it seems it was the right decision for you.
I watched three of your you tube videos tonight while I was making dinner and you were such a comfort!! I have a hard time deciding what to weave and have such doubts about my abilities You gave me so many ideas and you made it all seem so possible. I can’t thank you enough for your generosity and encouragement.
We all enjoy the freebies but nobody has the right to expect anyone to work for nothing. This is a trap that women in particular can fall into and you have set a positive example by standing up for yourself (and other crafters and teachers) and insisting on a fair return for your efforts.
Thank you Jan 🙂
Dear Kelly,
I learned how to weave on the internet, during a time when it was hard to find information , not too long ago. I stumbled onto your YouTube videos and was impressed by the clarity of your teaching. I was so grateful that it was free. I often wondered
how you could survive by doing so much work without getting paid. It was clear to me that you loved what you did and it shone through your teachings. I am now a part of your group, because I admire what you do and want to help support it. You are kind, patient and giving. Rare nowadays. Don’t stop! And I love that you can get an income through it. I can imagine how much work, discipline and organization this takes. Merry Christmas and lots of love and health in 2020,
Marguerite
Thank you so much Marguerite, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Hi Kelly
My daughter runs her own business online. She hand dyes yarn for knitting, weaving etc. She has a weekly podcast and regularly posts on Instagram. She also gets negative comments from time to time which can be very upsetting. She as I’m sure you do works extremely hard and long hours! People often only see the finished product and think it’s an easy ride, but far from it!!!
I love your classes. Keep on doing what you do.
I think people sit at there computer screen and think it’s ok to write horrible things! Bet they wouldn’t if they were face to face!
Happy Christmas to you and your family. X
Mary, do you have a link for your daughter on Instagram?
Kelly, thank you for posting this. It is a beautiful read and I want to say that you have given the community of weavers so much. I absolutely love your school and I am so grateful to have access to all these wonderful resources, tips and guidance, not to mention the endless support that you give to each and one of us.
I initially learnt to weave over 30 years ago as a young student. Then I moved country and started a family and somehow lost my way with weaving (life takes over with young children and working life), so having found your weaving school has ignited my passion for weaving again and has helped me out of ‘challenging times’ when life seems too much and difficult to manage.
Three of my oldest children are also entrepreneurs so I now first hand how much time and effort it takes to make something easy and seamless for other people to enjoy and participate in the process.
From the bottom of my heart, I am so happy to have found your weaving school and long may it continue!
Matilda
Thank you Matilda, that is so good to hear!
I am so glad you have written this blog. I teach beginner weaving and spinning, for which I charge a fee, but if someone asks for help, I gladly help without asking money when asked but if I teach I do ask money because it is my time and knowledge that I share, not that I know everything. I am also as Cheryl Lotter from South Africa and we are such a small community of weavers, dyers and spinners that most of us rely quite a lot on the internet and instagram for inspiration and information. I also spin, dye and weave to sell my cloths and cushions, and as you contribute to our house hold.
I have a lot of followers from South Africa, it’s really wonderful 🙂
Hi Kelly,
Your YouTube videos were the first ones I ever found which I stumbled upon whilst looking for something else. Just watching you made me desperate to buy a proper loom as, at the time, I only had a vintage children’s toy one. Despite that, you inspired me to try and weave. The result was encouraging. Your lovely Aussie lilt is so nice to listen to and you explain very well. It meant that a complete beginner managed to weave a lovely sample piece on that toy loom, which has led to the purchase of a slightly bigger loom on which I love to try out your techniques. A good teacher encourages their pupils and your enthusiasm is infectious. That some ungrateful, nasty piece of work should begrudge you making money to support yourself and your family says more about them than it does about you. I am very grateful for all your knowledge and expertise which you so graciously share with us all and I am saving up for your online courses. Keep up the great work and don’t let anyone ever make you question yourself or your reasons for doing what you do. Thank you for all the help and support along the way, your videos are very clear and easy to understand. Sending much live and gratitude to you.
Thanks so much Linda 🙂
WOW I am so surprised that you have gotten a horrible negative comment. I think you are very generous with your knowledge.
Remember whose daughter you are and push out those negative lies, you know where they come from. Hugs from the USA
Thank you Sharon.
Dear Kelly, I am one who found you back in the early days of your appearances on YouTube, when you were sharing all those informative clips, simply because of your love of weaving. I so appreciated watching because I was basically starting my journey into the weaving world. Since then I have become a seller at Handmade in the Hunter and have great success and I feel I owe a lot of that success to you. Anyone who works hard at whatever their passion may be to become a successful business person deserves to be able to earn a living from that, I know we can never earn enough to actually live on completely though. I just earn enough to cover my costs for the yarn and just a little extra, certainly never anything to cover the hours put in to creating the product. I do it because I love it so I understand why you continue with your business. I will never understand why people have to be so negative at someone else’s success, it just doesn’t make sense to me. My husband and I ran our own business together for about 45 years, many people thought we were extremely well off but we weren’t. We are just ordinary folk certainly not what you could call rich. Anyway what I want to tell you is just let it be water off a ducks back, ignore those that are hurtful it just not worth the worry. You should be extremely proud of what you have achieved, their are many more people who recognise your sincerity and worth. 😊
Thanks for your kind comments Juliet, I’m glad to hear you’re selling, that’s great!
Hi Kelly
You are an inspiration to me and I am sure many other new weavers.
You have a dream job for you and being around at home for your children is an amazing thing for them. Dont be disheartened by some peoples comments. You are doing what is right for you. You taught me how to use my RHL and it has helped me through many difficulties this year. For that I thank you. Have a lovely Christmas with your family.
Thank you Lorna, a very Merry Christmas to you and yours 🙂
Well now you are all grown up in the world of small one-man band business. Been there, done that! Now can I tell you something? At the end of the day when you sit on your stoep and have a little nip to see the sun go down, you will be able to reflect on a job well done! you bring a ray of sunshine to so many of us that have little or no contact with other crafters of like mind. You nurture and encourage those of us that stumble and fumble and need just a little help to find our confidence to once more leap into the fray. Keep doing what you do and being who you are. To quote briefly “You are a child of the universe…….” With much love from George in South Africa.
Thank you 🙂
Kelly, people are amazing, in the best of ways and the worst of ways. Sorry you were side swiped. That said it doesn’t matter a hill of beans what that person, or anyone else, thinks of you! You be you and let small minded/small hearted people continue down their miserable path. Everything I’ve learned about RH weaving I’ve learned from you – for free – on You Tube. I wrote you about 2 years ago saying you should be charging MORE for your patterns and classes.Would one expect a doctor or a shop keeper to give their goods and services away? Of course not! But somehow artist are supposed to work for nothing. Keep up the great work and don’t fret one minute about what petty people say. You know who you are and so do those of us who watch how you live your life. Now, go make a bunch of money and have a blast doing it! You deserve all that and more.
Oh, I love this comment, thank you Eve!
Reading all the comments people have put here I have nothing to add but still want to tell you Kelly that I love what you do, love the way you do it. I’m so glad to have meet you over the internet and believe me I watched a lot of you-tubers before choosing you as my teacher. 🏅🥰🙏❤️
Thank you Shuli, I’m honoured to be your choice!
I am sorry that someone or some people have treated you poorly on (un)social media. I appreciate you, your efforts, and what you’ve taught me.
Thank you Sandra 🙂
What a beautiful post Kelly. It wasn’t ‘a woe is me’ It was an honest reality.
It can be easy for others to look at our lives and think we have it all. But they’re only seeing the good bits.
They don’t see the bills mounting up, the time spent not with our families the hard grind. And I really think that’s because people don’t show the warts and all. I certainly don’t highlight my less than perfect parenting moments in public.
We need to take the mask off and be seen as the fallible human beings we really are.
Your post today makes me see you even more as the beautiful woman who always tries to be the best person she can be.
Thank you Tracy, I have appreciated sharing more in your life this year along with it’s challenges, and been very inspired by your tenacity.
Hi Kelly
I live in South Africa and it is an absolute blessing to have someone like you to learn from. I have been a single mother to three boys for a very long time and cannot afford anything other than the free stuff on the internet and take what I can get through it with much gratitude. You have been an amazing help and those who criticize you should be ashamed. I ,and many others like me, rely on those that can afford to pay for your services so that we can have access to what you have available at no charge. With much gratitude, Thank you. Cheryl
I’m so happy to hear that you appreciate the free content, that is wonderful.
HI Cheryl, I am a weaver from Pretoria, I would love to see what you weave!
Please contact me. marlenetoerien@gmail.com
Please don’t get disheartened by one persons thoughtless comments Kelly. You are entitled to make income from your time and effort. Everyone has to eat and live. You are very generous. I have only recently caught the waving bug and watched some of your free videos on You Tube. (it is lovely to hear an Aussie instead of usa voice – i come from NZ.) Keep it up and I know I will be buying some of your courses when I am ready.
Thank you Yvonne, I love my Kiwis 🙂
Kelly,
You are greatly appreciated and supported. I thank you for what you do. The closest classes for weaving is over 400:miles from me. Therefore, I rely on books and online classes as well as patterns. I have learned a lot and look forward to learning more.
Thanks again for all you do and provide.
Thank you Alan.
I am so sorry someone said something unkind. I am very grateful for you and your business. You taught me nearly every thing I know about rigid heddle weaving and for that I am so thankful. I think you are a very generous artist and teacher. Consider me a big fan.
Thank you Lea!
hi Kelly, I just recently joined your group and I think you’re great…I am grateful for your indepth explanations and teaching style. the person who said something snarky to you is saying volumes about herself, not about you…I agree about social media, it can be our best friend and our worst enemy but take heart, those of us who “follow” you love you and wish you everything good.
Thank you Cheryl 🙂
Sorry you felt the need to defend having a business doing something you enjoy. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. I do my crafts as a hobby and feel so lucky to be retired and have a bit of money to do this with. Doing what you love and having to make a living at it is hard! I see it on FB groups all the time. To do what you love but do it well enough to pay the bills is often just a dream. It takes skills and a good head for business. A creative mind and making money don’t always go together. I truly believe the sour grapes folks are envious. If you Can be successful, pat yourself on the back. Those that can afford you will appreciate you. Most of the others will wish they could. The few that can’t accept that they just can’t afford some things need to look within themselves rather than putting you down. Grow another layer of tough skin, keep smiling and move on.
Thank you Terri, tough skin is certainly needed.
Hello Kelly,
For every negative comment you receive, remember there are many more positive ones and probably hundreds or thousands who read and appreciate you but say nothing. You are an exceptional person, balancing so much and doing it well. Overall I believe social media to be a snake pit. Avoid the venomous ones. You are one of the best and I am happy that you chose to do what you do. I have benefited greatly and I thank you.
Dennis, that is so kind, thank you. And yes to the snake pit, one must be careful.
I am sorry that you have been called names for charging for some classes and patterns. In my experience it seems the people who complain the most have never volunteered and expect to be paid for everything they do. I have enjoyed your patterns and classes. You do a great job.
Thank you Christine.
I was in charge of fund raising for the high school band this was a volunteer position. The people who gave me the most grieve were the people who refused to volunteer and they told me I wasn’t working hard enough. It is obvious you work very hard to give fabulous information in a friendly and professional way. I hope you are feeling the love from this group. We all think you are wonderful. Keep on charging.
Thank you Christine, I know that volunteering can be difficult, the majority of the work usually falls to the same few people – the only ones willing to do something!
Dear Kelly, you have every right to say how you feel. For those of us who have followed you from the early days we know just how generous you have been and continue to be. I for one pass on your name whenever the opportunity presents itself with a very high recommendation. I would hope there are far more people like myself, who appreciate what you do for us and the weaving world in general, than those who choose to be negative. It’s been a long year and it’s time for a rest. I wish you and your family all the very best for Christmas and a wonderful new year. Trina
Definitely time for a rest, thank you Trina!
Kelly, may I share with you what a good friend told me about my fledgling weaving business? YOU DON’T HAVE TO JUSTIFY YOURSELF, YOUR PRICES, YOUR DECISIONS…
The way I see it is we are blessed to be able to earn whatever we can by pursuing our passion of weaving and creating. We aren’t gougers; can’t retire on our own islands or travel the world in our yachts. Oftentimes, what we earn isn’t monetary, but peace and bliss and sometimes, that’s enough.
You already know I’m an old(er) woman who’s friends are all retired, that circumstances forced me to reinvent myself anew and do something to meet life’s expenses for myself and my disabled adult son. You know that I picked up my first shuttle in 1962. Despite the decades of my own experience, you, Kelly Casanova, have managed to teach me tips and techniques and most importantly, not to be afraid to listen to my Muse and wildly play with the fiber that brings me such joy! You have renewed my courage to create with abandon!
Thank you, Kelly, for leading by example, for sharing your expertise and creativity with the world! You are a gem and anyone rude enough to attack you for following your dream must be fueled by jealousy and cowardice. Don’t give them a second thought, Warrior Woman! <3
P.S. I also home schooled 3 of my 5 children back in the eighties and nineties. 😉
Thank you Suzanne, for your beautiful words of encouragement!
I have admired you since I found you online, knowing that you are a ‘one-man-band’. I would have loved to go into business with my knitting but knew I didn’t have the business mind to do it. You responded really quickly when I had payment problems and appreciated the personal touch.
Sometimes comments are made out of jealousy. Their ignorance shines through and your passion and faith shines brighter!
Happy Christmas 🎄😁
Thank you, and a very Merry Christmas to you too!
Your thoughts are very well expressed, Kelly, and you provide reasonable, balanced information. I admire your professionalism combined with real, personal attention for all of us following you. I trust we outnumber those speaking superficially and ignorantly from lack of experience.
God bless you and your valuable work
I look forward to another year with you!
Thank you Peg!
Well said. And fluff to the detractors and rude folks who hide behind the anonymity of the internet.
Yes! Thank you Eva.
I absolutely appreciate what you do and for prices that are affordable. I learn so much more from your videos than books have ever allowed me (and books are much more expensive than your weaving courses!!) It makes me uncomfortable that you were pushed to a point where you felt the need to defend yourself. You should never have to feel that way when all you ever present to your students is honesty and passion for what you do. Never have I felt that you have looked to earn a lavish lifestyle through baiting us learners through the internet. Ive never felt deceived. We all love you!
Thank you so much!
Kelly, just a quick note to let you know you were a gift and a joy to this new weaver. I scraped to save for a loom and can’t afford weaving classes. Your free videos and inexpensive downloads have allowed me to find and enjoy a whole new passion in life that has given me a pastime for decades to come. We likely don’t say thank you enough. So, thank you.
I am so happy to hear that, thank you for taking the time to comment!
well put! I think you’re a wonder & you’re an excellent, patient teacher. You have a way of taking apart each step & presenting it clearly (with a lovely voice & accent, too). Also, you’re open to comments, which obviously can backfire. Sorry about that. Being online proves to be dangerous in some instances & unnecessarily hurtful due to the anonymity of the commenter. Come on folks. I wish I had more money & time. I would happily pay for more lessons that you offer. You’re lessons are definitly worth what you charge. I’m glad you wrote what you did here.
Best holidays to you & to your family.
I hope you’ll have time to rest.
Too often we don’t consider the time, energy, and commitment teaching takes. I have found your videos to be most helpful, and presented in a manner that resonates with me and helps me understand. Thank you.
Thank you Carol 🙂
Dear Kelly, I’m so very sorry that you have had negative comments on social media. I’m hearing this so often these days, and it makes me so sad and angry to realize that people are being abused in this way.
I cannot understand why people should think you shouldn’t be paid for what you do. I choose to keep my craft work as a hobby, because I’m lucky enough to have a good pension that pays my bills etc, so I don’t need another form of income. That is my choice, but I don’t expect others to do the same.
You are an amazingly talented person on many levels, and I have learnt so much from you over the few years I’ve been following you and have become one of your online students. Keep doing what you do, and know that you are loved and appreciated so much, by me and by many other people. We value what you do and applaud you.
God bless you and your family
Love and best wishes
Liz xx
Thank you so much Liz, I appreciate your kind words so much ❤
Dear Kelly,
I was a more or less self-taught and successful potter for 40 years. I recently had to give it up because of arthritis plus wear and tear on my hands, wrists, and thumbs. I am teaching myself how to weave on a 16″ rigid heddle loom. (I was advise that at 81, I might have arm and shoulder problems with a wider width). Your YouTube videos have been wonderfully helpful, as I am learning through videos, and books. I did not join your classes because I am not and will not go onto social media. I think that you are a very generous, talented, and inspiring person. I cannot understand how anyone can be so mean-minded as to suggest you should not earn a living through your art. Please don’t let that deter you. You have every right to earn from your skills and talent. I think we should all be grateful for your generosity. It has always amazed me that some people feel that art and craft should be free, whether it is teaching or the products themselves. I have been there and done that, so totally emphasize with your reaction, But, please just ignore it. Your prices are not high and you give, give, give. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your skills. You are an inspiration.
Good luck for the coming year. I hope your business will grow, grow, grow!
Veena
Thank you Veena! I’m so impressed with your “creative pivot”. Rather than giving up, you are continuing to work, learn and be creative, it’s so important.