Kelly Casanova Weaving Lessons

Inspiration

Feeling Stuck? 5 Quick 10-Minute Fixes to Break Through Your Weaving Plateau

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Have you ever sat down at your loom and just… stared at it?

You want to weave. You love weaving. But nothing’s sparking your creativity, and everything feels like too much effort.

You’re not alone. Every weaver hits a plateau now and then. Sometimes it’s not enough time or decision fatigue. Maybe it’s a busy time in your life and the creative energy is lacking. Or maybe you just feel a little bored with the whole thing!

The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your whole setup, buy new equipment or start a huge new project to get inspired again.

Here are five quick, low-pressure ideas that take just 10 minutes—but can completely shift your mindset and help you fall back in love with weaving.

1. Switch Up Your Yarn or Color Combo

Sometimes all it takes to reignite your excitement is a little color play. Spend 10 minutes digging through your stash and pull out 3–5 yarns you wouldn’t usually use together—bold contrasts, unexpected textures, or that one skein you’ve been “saving.”

Lay them out, snap a photo, or warp up a quick sample. A fresh palette can open up a whole new direction.

Tip: Look for color inspirations – they are everywhere! In nature, manmade objects, you will even see color when you close your eyes 😀 Try taking inspiration from the color wheel and explore some basic color theory.

2. Test a New Weave Structure (On a small scale)

Trying something new doesn’t have to mean committing to a large project. Choose a weave structure or technique you’ve been curious about—like waffle weave, finger controlled techniques, or krokbragd—and do a tiny sample on a new or leftover warp.

Ten minutes of experimentation can be just the spark you need.

Tip-  For small project ideas, check out this list.

3. Weave a Just-for-Fun Project

Give yourself permission to weave just because. A mini coaster, mug rug, or bookmark can be finished quickly and without pressure—and often leads to surprising bursts of creativity.

Don’t overthink it. Choose whatever yarns catch your eye, and just go.

Tip- If you’re time poor, check out the principles of the 10 Minute Rule and see if it’s something that could be beneficial in your life.

4. Refresh Your Creative Space

It may sound simple, but cleaning up your weaving space has a powerful mental effect. In just 10 minutes you can:

Weaving is as much about mindset as it is about materials—and a tidy, inviting space can make all the difference. A cluttered room makes a cluttered mind!

5. Revisit a Favorite Pattern — But Change One Thing

Remember that pattern or project you loved making? Try it again—but switch up one element. Change the colors, yarn weight, or sett. Add stripes. Try a different finishing technique.

Familiar patterns offer a safe, low-stress way to explore something with a new twist.

Need inspiration? Browse my Pattern Store or check out some student work to see how they made the patterns their own.

The Stepping Up Scarf PDF Pattern for rigid heddle weavers

Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong—it just means your creative brain needs a reset. These 10-minute changes aren’t just about weaving differently; they’re about rediscovering why you love weaving in the first place.

So pick one today. Set aside a little time. And let the joy come back in!

Which fix do you plan to implement in your weaving life? Let me know down in the comments 👇

Until next time…

Happy Weaving!

One Pattern, Many Possibilities: See How Students Made It Their Own

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Discover how weavers have taken one of my patterns or classes and infused it with their own style, color choices, and creative flair.

See how students have transformed one pattern into unique, beautiful weaving projects! Get inspired by their creativity and explore how you can put your own spin on your next project.

Over the past 10 years of sharing weaving content online, I’ve created a huge variety of patterns, tutorials, and classes to help others learn and grow in their weaving journey.

One of the most rewarding parts of this work is seeing how students take what I’ve created and make it entirely their own. Whether it’s through bold color choices, inventive adaptations, or thoughtful personal touches, these weavers have turned a single pattern into something uniquely beautiful.

In this post, I’m thrilled to showcase some of these inspiring student projects—because as Einstein said, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

Many of my students are prolific weavers and so I’m presenting multiple projects from some of them 😊 All the photos shown below belong to the mentioned student.

Lace Shawl by Ruth

Ruth was inspired by the Lovely and Lacy Workshop. Rather than a class project, students learn finger controlled lace techniques on a rigid heddle loom by weaving a sampler.

Some of the techniques included in this online workshop are Mexican Lace, Leno, Spanish Lace and Brook’s Bouquet.

Ruth took the idea to the next level by using Mexican Lace and 16/2 cotton to create this beautiful full sized shawl.

Wash Your Hands Towels by Lisa

The Wash Your Hands Towels project is a free rigid heddle loom pattern I created back when we were all kept at home with a series of health guidelines to follow. I thought hand towels an appropriate project for that time period!

Since I released the towels pattern I have seen literally hundreds of them being woven (still to this day!) in a huge variety of colours and styles.

I think that Lisa’s towels are very classic and classy and I love her take on the original pattern.

Here are some more stunning pieces from Lisa.

Leno Scarf by Gai

Gai’s scarf is such a magnificent example of taking a pattern and using it for inspiration to make something totally different.

She used the Farmer’s Market Bag pattern but rather than weave the fabric required for the bag, used the weaving instructions and sequences, combined with some lovely yarn in different shades, to weave this unique scarf.

Gai wove the scarf in the Leno weave structure on her rigid heddle loom using Moda Vera Ombre bamboo/cotton yarn.

Tablet Woven Band by Traci

Having a limited colour palette for a project can actually be a good thing! Traci had some stash yarns when she undertook the Tablet Weaving on an Inkle Loom but not the same colours as the class project. What a happy accident! I think the colours Traci used for this tablet woven band are just stunning!

You may also notice from Traci’s photo that she is weaving on the wonderful Lojan Inkle loom. You can learn more about that here.

Pick Up Scarf by Tanya

Tanya used the Pick Up Perfection class as her inspiration for this lovely scarf. The class project is actually a pillow/cushion but Tanya used the pick up instruction as a launching pad to create a uniquely striking scarf.

Although she is only a beginner weaver, I think Tanya really nailed the colour and design for this one!

Bright & Beautiful Towels by Liz

Liz wove the Bright & Beautiful towels fairly true to the pattern (I can see some lovely little variations in her towels though) but what I really loved is how she also wove matching inkle bands as tabs! Going the extra mile means that you can customise your projects to be truly unique.

I had to include some more projects from Liz because not only is she a prolific weaver, she always uses such beautiful colours and ideas. On the left above is her version of my Colour and Weave Towels and on the right her own towel design.

*This post contains affiliate links, please see my disclosure policy for further information.

I hope you enjoyed viewing these student projects and I’m sure you will draw much inspiration from the creativity of other weavers!

All of the above mentioned weavers are members of the Online Weaving School. When you purchase a membership you not only have access to the full class library (currently almost 100 classes!) but you also gain access to the private member’s group. In this space we share projects, advice, ideas and troubleshooting!

Until next time…

Happy Weaving!

Animal-Based Diet Results: My 8-Week Health & Weight Loss Journey

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8 Weeks on an Animal-Based Diet: My Health Reset Journey

Today, I’m finally sitting down to share my 8-week update on my health reset—what I’ve been doing, how I’ve been feeling, and the incredible changes I’ve seen. I kept putting this off, wanting to organize everything perfectly, but at some point, I just had to sit down and do it. So here I am, showing up!

A Size 12 Moment

Let’s start with some exciting news—I’m wearing a size 12 dress! Now, I know clothing sizes vary depending on where you are, but for reference, I’ve been between a size 14 and 18 for a while now. Seeing that shift has been such a rewarding moment, and honestly, it’s just the beginning of what this journey has done for me.

Why I Started This Health Reset

A few months ago, I reached a breaking point. I was completely fed up—fed up with feeling sluggish, fed up with the cycle of dieting and gaining the weight back, and fed up with ignoring what my body was trying to tell me. I also have an autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s) and have landed (or been hurled into!) peri menopause. I was struggling so much and I knew something had to change.

One of my biggest struggles was constant hunger. I’ve been a classic yo-yo dieter, losing weight through extreme calorie restriction and then inevitably gaining it back. The hunger would always catch up with me. But this time, I knew I couldn’t do that to myself anymore. I needed something sustainable, something that made me feel good, not deprived.

The Two Biggest Changes I Made

I took a big leap and made two major changes at once:

  1. More Movement
  2. An Animal-Based Diet (my version of it!)

For some, changing everything at once might feel overwhelming, but for me, it worked. Let’s break it down.

1. Movement: Finding Strength I Didn’t Know I Had

I’ve always enjoyed walking, especially being out in nature, but I wasn’t consistent. Weather, busyness, or just not prioritizing it would get in the way. So, I made a commitment to move every day—whether that meant a walk outside, mowing the lawn or an indoor workout.

I started with 10-minute beginner workouts, five days a week, following my 10 minute rule. That first week was tough—my fitness level wasn’t where I wanted it to be. But something amazing happened: by the second week, I looked forward to my workouts! I even found myself planning ahead, excited about what I’d do the next day.

Over time, I gradually increased my workouts from 10 minutes to 15 to 20 – 30 minutes. Yes, I hit some muscle fatigue along the way (it felt like wading through mud at times), but I adjusted, found balance, and kept going. And today’s workout? I modified up for the first time! I made the movements harder instead of modifying them down. That felt like a huge victory!

2. The Animal-Based Diet: More Energy, Less Hunger, and a Total Reset

Now, let’s talk about food. I’m not on a diet—this is not a diet. I’ve ditched the diet mindset entirely. In fact, before I started this reset, I was so desperate I almost bought meal replacement shakes! (So glad I didn’t 🤢)

I eat real, whole foods—mostly animal-based. Here’s a glimpse of what my diet looks like:

✅ Lots of protein from meat, eggs, and some dairy like full fat greek yoghurt
✅ Some fruit & vegetables
✅ A little raw honey
✅ Minimal to no processed foods
✅ Dark chocolate (yes, still a must-have!)

Something incredible has happened—my body has reset. I used to crave sweets all the time, but now, things that once tempted me seem too sweet. Most of the time I don’t feel deprived. Instead of feeling like I “can’t” have something, I just don’t want it. It’s my choice to do what I know is best for my body. That mindset shift has been everything.

What’s Next?

This journey is still unfolding, but I can already say it’s been life-changing. I feel stronger, I have more energy, and most importantly, I feel free from the cycle of hunger and restriction. I’m excited to see what the next few months bring!

If you’re thinking about making changes for your health, my advice? Find what works for you. Whether it’s small steps or a big reset like I did, just start. Your body will thank you!

Have you ever tried an animal-based diet? Or something different that is working for you? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for visiting, I’ll see you soon 😉

Kelly

Must-Have Storage Solutions for Weavers: Organize Your Tools & Yarn Like a Pro

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If you’ve ever found yourself rummaging through a tangled mess of yarn or searching for that one shuttle that always seems to disappear, you’re not alone. A cluttered workspace can slow down your creativity, but with a few must – have storage solutions, you can transform your weaving area into an organized haven.

Whether you have a dedicated studio or just a cozy corner, these storage tips will help you maximize your space and keep everything within easy reach.

When you look at your weaving space, try not to think of it as “too small or limited” but rather look at the availability of space and how it can be arranged to be more productive and less frustrating.

Let’s dive in!

Smart Yarn Storage Solutions

Yarn has a way of multiplying when you’re not looking (seriously, where does it all come from? 😆) We all have smaller lengths of yarn leftover from larger projects, and if you’re like me and hate to waste anything, you also have thrums (warp ends left on your loom after finishing your project) here, there and everywhere! Keep your stash tidy with these ideas:

Organizing Weaving Tools & Accessories

Small tools are the easiest to lose (hello, missing threading hook!) Here’s how to keep them all in check:

  • Magnetic Strips or Pegboards – A great way to keep scissors, heddle hooks and tapestry needles handy.
  • Drawer Dividers – Keep small tools and accessories from turning into a jumbled mess.
  • Portable Tool Caddies – If you like to weave in different spots, having a grab-and-go caddy can be a lifesaver.
  • DIY or Repurposed Storage Ideas – Use mason or other decorative jars for bobbins, utensil holders for shuttle storage, or tackle or craft boxes for beads, embellishments and smaller tools.

Loom Storage & Space-Saving Ideas

Looms take up space, so it’s important to choose an appropriate sized loom for your situation, but with a little creativity, you can store them more efficiently:

  • Foldable & Compact Looms – If you’re tight on space, a folding loom can be a game-changer. Some floor looms, like the Louet David have a folding back beam for storage. Others, like the Ashford Table Loom have a collapsible castle.
  • Wall Hooks or Coat Racks – Store frame looms and rigid heddle looms vertically to free up floor space.
  • Rolling Carts or Trolleys – Keep smaller looms and weaving supplies mobile and organized. These are just so handy to wheel around and tuck away when not in use. You can choose how many tiers your trolley has, depending on how much space you need. I love to keep all my “close at hand” tools on the top tier to move between looms or workspaces.
  • Closet and Built in Storage – If you need to tuck a loom away between projects, a closet can be ideal.

Keeping Your Weaving Space Neat & Functional

A tidy workspace means more time for actual weaving! It’s also way more inspiring to walk into a clean and tidy space than it is to try to weave amongst chaos. Here are some extra tips:

  • Labels – Trust me, future-you will be grateful when you’re looking for that specific skein or tool. At the least, keeping the labels from your yarn will be so helpful, you think you will remember the exact fiber content, weight and color lot of each yarn but you really don’t!
  • Create Work Zones – Having designated areas for warping, weaving, and finishing can streamline your process. This helps to keep designated areas clear so that they are useable when you want to use them.
  • Declutter Regularly – We all hold onto scraps and extras, but doing a periodic clean-out keeps your space feeling fresh and inspiring. Vacuuming, sweeping and wiping down surfaces is not the fun part of being creative, but there is something about shiny surfaces that makes my heart sing! 🫶

Storage Hacks for Small Weaving Studios

Although I am now blessed with an actual studio space it wasn’t always that way! My first “studio” was a corner of a shared living room in our home. Even though I dreamed of having a studio of my own one day, I was grateful for that corner! It gave me a place to be creative and taught me the value of tidiness and organisation.

My first “studio”.
  • Multi-Use Furniture – Foldable tables, storage ottomans, and wall-mounted desks can double your workspace without taking up extra room.
  • Hanging Baskets or Floating Shelves – Perfect for keeping supplies off the floor while still within reach.
  • Maximize Vertical Space – Use the walls for shelves, pegboards, or hanging storage solutions.

To learn more about specific looms that are suitable for smaller spaces and additional organizational tips, check out this article.

*This post contains affiliate links. For more information please see my disclosure policy.

How would you like a free printable checklist to help you get your weaving space organized?

Weaving Space Organization ChecklistDownload

A well-organized weaving space isn’t just about aesthetics—it makes weaving more enjoyable and stress-free. With these storage solutions, you can spend less time searching for supplies and more time doing what you love.

What’s your favorite storage hack for keeping your weaving space tidy? Share your tips in the comments! And don’t forget to pin this post on Pinterest so you can come back to it later!

Until next time…

Happy Weaving!

My 11 income streams

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If there is one important thing I’ve learned in the 8 years of running an online business it is that you must diversify your income.

That is a fancy way of saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket”. Relying on just one source of income is risky because you don’t have anything to fall back on if needed.

Today I’m going to talk about my 11 income streams (yes, that’s right – 11!) I’m not going into any figures because numbers can be misunderstood (for example, I get to keep approximately half of my actual revenue once taxes and running expenses are paid).

But I will outline my 11 income streams in order from what makes the most to what makes the least amount. The order is still a generalisation as most of my income streams are fluctuating from month to month.

  1. Online courses

The Online Weaving School was started back in 2017 and supplies the largest part of my income (by a long shot!) The weaving school is hosted at Teachable, which works very well because I, as the creator have my own space on the internet and I’m fully in control of how the school runs, the type of content available there and the pricing for my students.

There are two models on which the school operates – single purchase classes and memberships.

A single purchase class is just what it sounds like – the student make a one time purchase and then has permanent access to the class. They can come back, log in to their account and re-watch the class as many times as desired. They also have the ability to receive feedback, share comments and photos on the platform.

Memberships have been a huge part of my success as an online business. The student chooses a membership tier and then has access to a full class library, including member’s only classes until their membership expires (at which point they can choose to renew or cancel). A membership also gives a student access to the private member’s community. A membership model is excellent because it provides the creator with recurring and somewhat more predictable income.

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2. My Design Store

For many years I have also been designing weaving patterns. These are usually project based and provide the buyer with step by step written instructions, colour photos and often video links to complete a weaving project.

I sell my designs in digital format at Kelly Casanova Designs using the Shopify platform.

I have also branched into writing ebooks to provide even more information to weavers and these are also available in my design store.

Digital downloads are an excellent source of (mostly) passive income as much of the work is done up front in the designing and writing. There is often some follow up needed in the form of support for purchasers but this is relatively minimal compared to the weaving school.

Very occasionally I also make weaving/yarn kits available to my audience and these are based on existing patterns.

If you are interested in trying a Shopify store for yourself, you can get 3 days free plus 3 months for $1 each when you sign up for a trial, just use this link to take a closer look at that offer.

3. Youtube

Income from Youtube is made through Google Adsense. The ads are place on my videos and I get a cut of what the advertisers pay to Youtube (about half). This type of income is fluctuating and not very reliable and because I’m in the “craft” niche, advertisers pay much lower rates than they would for videos in something like the business or finance niche.

The beauty of Youtube when it comes to online business is that it can act as an audience funnel for your existing business. It allows you to build and audience that can get to know and trust you. It can be a way for potential students to sample your teaching style before investing in a course or membership.

My business has grown from my Youtube following, so it has been an absolute essential part of my success.

4. My blog

Income from my blog is also made through Google Adsense. This is not ideal, and some readers do complain that there are too many ads when they read articles. Having ads enabled on my blog does cover my hosting fees though, and gives some small compensation for the many hours I’ve spent writing informative articles.

Similar to Youtube, the blog also acts as a funnel or advertising space for my paid products.

5. Affiliate income

Affiliate income is when you recommend a product, service or company to your audience with a special referral link. If someone clicks on your link and makes a purchase, you receive a small percentage of that purchase as a thank you from the company.

Affiliate income is an excellent way to make money, but certainly not the easiest (at least, that has been the case for me!) Affiliate commissions vary a huge amount from as little as 1 -4% of the sale (hello Amazon!) to 30-50% (I don’t have any affiliates that pay that much but I know they’re out there).

It takes a lot of time to insert links and write them into content in a way that provides value to your audience. No one wants to feel like they’re being spammed so it’s important to use affiliate links properly and respectfully.

You can do this by only recommending products/services that you use yourself or that you have sufficient knowledge of in order to recommend with confidence.

Some months my affiliate income now surpasses my blog or YouTube income but this is not a frequent occurrence.

6. Paid newsletter

This year I started my very first paid newsletter through Convertkit (now known as Kit). I have been sending out a free newsletter for many years but the paid newsletter is separate and covers different topics.

7. Magazine work

This income stream involves writing articles and submitting projects. I have completed quite a bit of this type of work over the last year or so and continue to receive requests and proposals.

Submitting projects takes a great deal of work and time and I don’t feel the compensation is high enough for the amount of work required. So, for the near future at least I will stick more to the article writing, which I find enjoyable and rewarding.

8. Public speaking/ presentations

This is another income stream that I just started this year. I receive invitations to speak or present for weaving guilds or groups. So far, these presentations have been online, which is brilliant as it allows me to reach people that live in different locations to me! I prepare a presentation ahead of time and then give the presentation live.

9. Handmade items

This is a very, very small stream as I only sell handmade items occasionally. Before I started the Online Weaving School, I was a handmade seller, but I have very little time now to actually make something physical to sell.

10. Facebook

This one is kind of a surprise. I logged into my Facebook analytics one day and found that I had made a little money! I didn’t even know that was a thing 😆 Since then, I’ve made small amounts every month. It’s really only pocket money but I certainly don’t mind earning money for posting on my Facebook page, which is something that I would be doing anyway.

11. Merchandise

I have tried merchandise with Society6 and Spring. I have closed the Society6 store and will likely do the same for the Spring store in the future. This has not been a good source of income for me, so I have stopped promoting it in order to focus more on the streams that do work well for me.

Being an entrepreneur is such a journey of learning, adapting and pivoting when needed. Having more than one stream of income really helps you to try things out, see what will work and what won’t and then maximise the things that work the best for your business.

If you are starting out with online business, you will find these articles helpful as well:

Should I start with Etsy or Shopify?

Handmade Business Beginner Essentials

3 ways to start selling online for free

Do you want to start selling your weaving?

This article is also available in video format here:

I hope you enjoyed reading about my income streams and I wish you all the best with your online business!

Lost your creative mojo? Read this!

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Every creative person experiences a loss of mojo at some point.

You know that feeling when you really want to be creative but you either can’t figure out what to do, or you simply don’t have the mental or physical energy to begin?

Thankfully there are some concrete steps you can take to make your way out of this uninspiring headspace and regain that creative mojo.

Here are the tips that always get me back on track:

HEALTH FIRST

An absolute essential is to take stock of your current overall health status. Have you been looking after yourself physically and mentally? Are you getting adequate sleep? Is your loss of mojo a result of over tiredness? If you have a chronic illness are you getting correct treatment or doing all the things you know you should be doing to avoid flare ups?

Although it’s not something that you can necessarily get on top of right away, it’s something that needs your attention first. If you have been neglecting any aspect of your health, start taking steps right now to improve that situation!

MESS IS STRESS

Cleaning up your creative space when you’re lacking energy may not sound like the best advice, but for me this is one of the best ways for me to feel inspired again.

I find that a cluttered space can also make me feel cluttered mentally, which is stifling to creativity. I never regret having a good old fashioned clean up as it allows me start afresh and start to feel like so much is possible again!

Another side benefit of cleaning up your space is you often rediscover lost materials, ideas or even partially started projects. Sorting these things will help you to prioritise and decide on what to do next. Sometimes that will be working on a project to get it finished and sometimes it could be more ideal that you get your creativity flowing again by starting something brand new.

Once you start cleaning you may not feel like stopping. Perhaps you will come up with a new layout or more ways to organise your creative stuff for the future too.

RESOURCES FOR INSPIRATION

Inspiration is actually everywhere, we just don’t always see it.

When I’m lacking mojo I love to flip through some of my favourite books. It can remind me of ideas I’ve already had or weaving drafts I’ve been wanting to try, or it can give me an idea for a new project.

It can be helpful to search on Pinterest and grab some new pins for your inspiration boards.

Youtube is an amazing resource for learning and inspiration where you can find almost anything you want to learn. Did you know that I have almost 400 videos on my weaving channel now? I also have a second channel, Providence Ridge that is a great source of inspiration.

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You can find more online inspiration in the form of podcasts, Facebook groups and other online communities. When you have a membership with the Online Weaving School you gain access to a wonderful members only group.

GO AWAY

Here is another idea that seems counterproductive but actually works – get away from your familiar surroundings for a little while!

You know what they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder. By removing yourself from what you’re accustomed to seeing and doing you can come back to it with fresh eyes and a new appreciation.

Not only that, but often you will find new inspirations in a different setting. Whether it’s a nature hike, a visit to the beach, a road trip, visiting galleries or so much more, you can be inspired by nature or things you don’t see everyday.

TRY SOMETHING NEW

Perhaps you’re feeling bogged down by your craft. How about trying something new? I have done this frequently over the years and what I have discovered is that, rather than take me away from my main craft (in my case – weaving!) the more skills you learn the more you can contribute to that chosen craft.

And if you do try something new and feel that is the right time for you to move away from what you have been doing into this new endeavour, that is also a good thing. As an artist/craftist/maker we often feel compelled to be creative and to use our hands to make things. We don’t need to restrict ourselves in this and there are so many ways to achieve artistic expression.

I hope this article has been helpful to you!

Until next time…

Happy Weaving!

October Inkle Challenge Gallery

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The October Inkle Challenge was a huge success with many participants weaving bands in a variety of styles and methods.

Some chose to follow my Inkle Weaving class patterns exactly, some used one of my free inkle patterns and others either designed their own or used other existing patterns. Several weavers used the Weaver’s Inkle Pattern Directory.

Each week of the challenge included a live video and a giveaway. In the first week, Annie Machale generously offered a copy of her book “In Celebration of Plain Weave”, the second week was a copy of my Inkle Bag Ebook and Pattern, and the third week was a free inkle pattern I designed just for the challenge group participants.

In the live videos I discussed a variety of inkle related topics, including tension, dealing with selvedge threads, and ways to use your finished bands.

I was so thrilled with the challenge participants, their enthusiasm and their wonderful bands. Most participants woven on their Inkle Loom while one or two chose to weave bands on a rigid heddle loom.

Everyone was able to work to their own level. Many were beginners, others had woven a couple of bands already and then there were some who chose to use additional techniques like tablet weaving, pick up and turned krokbragd.

It was also extremely rewarding to see newbie inkle weavers gain confidence and dramatically improve their woven bands by seeking feedback through the group and implementing suggestions. That is what it’s all about!

The bands you see in this gallery are only some of the beautiful bands that were woven during the challenge. Many members (myself included!) wove multiple bands over the space of the month.

*This post may contain affiliate links. For further information, please see my disclosure policy.

A huge thank you to all participants for making this challenge such an exciting success.

Now that the October Inkle Challenge has finished, I have been challenged to create another challenge! 😆

What a great idea, I’ll have to get my thinking cap on and see what happens!

Until next time…

Happy Weaving!

You are a failure at weaving!

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I don’t think I need to ask whether you have that little voice in your head that tells you negative things.

The one that, if you listen too much, will convince you that you are a failure. That you’re not smart enough. Not capable enough. Nope, sorry kid, you’re just not gonna make it!

I’ve heard a lot of people tell me they are a weaving failure. When I hear that, I inwardly sigh. I’ve been there, I know how it feels to be sure that you just can’t do it.

“But Kelly, how you can understand, you’re so good at weaving! You teach weaving to thousands of people all over the world! You’re so talented!“, I hear you thinking, even if you don’t say it.

What some people don’t realise is that I got to where I am today simply because I did not give up. I wanted to be a weaver and so I was determined to make it work.

“Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement.” – C.S. Lewis

Sometimes it was really hard. Often I wanted to give up. I didn’t want to feel that I was failing over and over. Like most people, I wanted instant success. I still do – it’s a journey.

Oh, and by the way, about that talent thing? Hard work and persistence trump talent any day. Put in the work, do it consistently, learn from your mistakes and just keep going. That is the simple formula for weaving success.

“Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill

What if we switch this failure thing on it’s head here for a minute? So, you’ve started to learn how to weave and it’s difficult, probably quite a bit more difficult than you envisioned. It’s frustrating, and the only time you’re having fun is at the occasional magic moment when it all comes together and works.

Here are some thoughts that might be running through your head in the moments of frustration:

“I’m not suited to this”.

“I’m not smart enough to do this”.

“I simply lack the ability to do this”.

“It’s too hard!”

Now we will turn those statements around so that we are still acknowledging the frustration, but in a positive rather than negative way:

  • “I’m not suited to this” – “This all feels so unfamiliar at the moment, but I will get past that”.
  • “I’m not smart enough to do this” – “Anyone can learn this, myself included”.
  • “I simply lack the ability to do this” – “I will keep practicing to learn the skills I need”.
  • “It’s too hard!” – “This sure is a challenge, but I know it won’t always feel that way”.

The first statements are what I think of as “giving up” statements. The second statements are you being your own little cheer squad 😀

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas A. Edison

I see a lot of newer weavers who are simply too hard on themselves. There is a plethora of reasons as to why we (myself included) put ourselves down and talk negatively to our inner selves. The power of the mind is huge and can work to our disadvantage or advantage.

There are so many common traits that I see, and so many of them can be easily remedied.

  • Impatience. Oh yeah, you know it. We are an impatient lot these days. We want what we want and we want it now! But does it make us happy? Indeed, it does not!
  • Unrealistic goals. Goals are great, I love setting personal goals. But setting goals that are waaaay beyond your current skill level with not always be beneficial. Be realistic about what you know now, what you want to learn next, and how you can use those skills in your next project.

Finally, I’d like to leave you with this most excellent quote:

“Remember that failure is an event, not a person” – Zig Ziglar

Your weaving project is just some yarn on a loom, if it’s not going well, don’t internalise it.

I hope this article was helpful to you!

If you feel that you would benefit from some help in your weaving, check out the Online Weaving School for a huge variety of classes for all skill levels.

If you sign up for a membership, you also receive access to the private member’s group. This wonderful community may be just what you need to boost your confidence.

Until next time…

Happy Weaving

Why weaving is more important than ever!

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I made a video on this topic during the height of the 2020/21 pandemic, and although it was very relevant to the time period and experience we were all undergoing, it is still very relevant today.

I was inspired to talk about this by watercolour artist, Angela Fehr – a fellow Teachable creator. Although I spend very little time doing watercolour painting these days (thanks to weaving kind of taking over my life!) I am still very inspired by her emails and encouragement.

When certain world events come to the forefront (and we have certainly seen a variety of world events in the past 2 years!) it would be easy to say that something like weaving – a hobby for many of us, a career for some, is not all that important in the grand scheme of things.

I have to disagree by saying that it’s more important than ever. I’m going to talk about the reasons why.

  1. Weaving is a skill

In difficult times, I think it’s those of us who are skilled with our hands and knowledgeable about our craft who will find it easier to be useful. Currently, those of us who sell our woven pieces do so at a luxury level. Our items are priced high, they are unique and special. But, in a time of shortages, recession, or actual depression, the ability to make cloth from yarn could become a valuable and tradable commodity.

In the event of a depression, where no one really has any money, trading or bartering handwoven items could really help your situation.

I’m not saying that I think we’re headed for global financial collapse, but I’m realistic to know that things can change very quickly, and it’s interesting to at least consider ideas for preparedness.

2. Weaving is beautiful

The first thing that attracted me to weaving was the possibility of creating such beautiful items with my hands and some tools. To use beautiful, natural and often locally produced yarns to make unique pieces. To me, weaving is like a beautiful piece of art, it adds something to the world that wasn’t there before, and that has an impact.

In a world that is, on many fronts, increasingly ugly and hostile (been on Facebook lately?) I feel wonderful about quietly sitting at my looms, lovingly preparing warps and projects, and then sharing them with the world.

We can help to bring happiness to others through gifting, selling or otherwise sharing our work and we have the additional joy of being able to help others look through a window into the weaving world. Some of those will be so enamoured by what they see that they too will want to be a part of it. What a privilege to be in a position to share such a gift!

For many of us, the lockdowns allowed us to get to work, weaving beautiful things for others. I wonder if you’ve seen my free projects I put out during that time, in hopes that weavers would bless others by weaving for them?

Wash Your Hands Towels Free Project

The Heart Scarf Free Project

3. The world can be crazy

Am I right?! Things have been noisy and unstable for some time, and there always seems to be something new happening. Amidst all this, many are searching for more peace, less stress. How can weaving help bring peace to our lives?

  • Purpose

I have been in touch with a great deal of new weavers in the past couple of years. Many of them had been wanting to explore weaving for years (some for most of their lives!) but never had the opportunity. Weaving requires focus, patience, often research for a new project or technique. It can take us away from what is happening externally, at least to some degree, and shift from things we can’t control to something we can. It makes us feel like we are doing something positive and useful.

The research, planning, calculations and sourcing of materials that occurs with every new project is very directed and purposeful. All of these processes can be so calming in turbulent times, and that brings me to my next point.

4. Weaving contributes to our own wellbeing

Weaving is an avenue to express our creativity. I firmly believe that everyone is, and in some respects, needs to be creative. This makes complete sense to me, as we are created in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27), and God is VERY creative!

It also contributes to our wellbeing through a sense of accomplishment. How rewarding, and amazing it is to take yarn and turn it into something wonderful. It can take a lot of practice, learning and hard work to accomplish weaving goals, but every time we complete a project successfully, we prove to ourselves that we are capable.

Weaving can be very relaxing. The methodical and repetitive actions allow us to get into a “zone” and just enjoy what we’re doing.

5. You are in control

I touched on this a little back at point 3, but now I will expand further. How many things that happen in our lives do we have control over? We can’t prevent war, certain sicknesses, hard times, beyond hoping and praying. But in weaving, we get to make decisions, plan colours and patterns, and predict the outcome.

The project is yours, and that can be quite empowering!

6. Inspiring others

Inspiration is contagious, and although we might not always feel positive and happy, when we share our passions and interests with others, we ignite something that can take off and have a huge impact. When you inspire another person or people, that will often come back to you in waves.

You never really know the impact you could have on a fellow human by inspiring them. It’s not just about inspiring to take up weaving, it’s so much more than that. For someone who has lost hope and feels like giving up on life, to see somebody else living life with joy and passion and being more than willing to pass that on to others, could make all the difference and shift their focus completely.

One of the reasons I think suicide is so tragic is that I can’t help but wonder whether one more day, or a chance encounter, or a new interest could have changed that person’s mind. I’m not trying to oversimplify the tragedy of suicide, I’m well aware of the very complex factors involved – but I know for certain, that one more day can make all the difference.

7. Connection

Even the most introverted of us (👋) can benefit from connection with others. The easiest way to do this is by sharing a common interest. It can be so much fun to share your projects, have discussions and just chat to other like minded folks and be part of a community.

Thanks to the internet, we can connect to others without having to leave home if we don’t want to, or if it’s not possible. Facebook groups are a great way to interact, or if you want more involvement you may want to join private communities. When you purchase a membership to my Online Weaving School, you also gain access to the private member’s group, which is not just a great learning tool, but also a fantastic support network.

If you would like to watch the original video, here it is:

Until next time…

Happy Weaving!

Supplementary Weft Tutorial

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What is a supplementary weft?

It is simply a weft that is introduced to your weaving, in addition to your regular weft yarn, usually on a plain weave background.

This supplementary weft is often known as a “pattern weft”, which makes sense because it often creates a pattern (think overshot).

A supplementary weft will usually be thicker yarn than the plain weave or tabby yarn, which is normally the same thickness as the warp yarn.

*This post contains affiliate links. For further information, please see my disclosure policy.

This technique is a great way to use a handspun or novelty yarn to really highlight the beauty of the yarn and is also an excellent way to use up leftovers.

A pick up stick is usually used with a supplementary weft – this helps to make a pattern through the use of weft floats.

Using supplementary wefts is a really versatile way to showcase pretty yarn and weave a truly unique piece. I love to design on the loom, trying out different pick ups and different yarns, it’s so much fun and it suits my creative preferences to not have to plan ahead too much.

To weave a sample like I have in the tutorial, you will need the following materials:

  • A 7.5 dent heddle (of course, you can adapt this by using a different sized heddle with a different yarn weight)
  • A stick shuttle or several (use one that is the right size for your loom)
  • A pick up stick (again, use the size that is suitable for your loom or the width of warp you have on)
  • Scissors

Yarn Requirements:

I’m not giving exact yarn amounts, obviously you need more yarn for your warp and tabby (plain weave) than you do for the supplementary weft, but just experiment with what you have.

For my warp I used Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 8ply (this is a dk weight wool) in Navy. I used this same yarn for the majority of my tabby.

For supplementary wefts I used Noro, handspun and some of my hand dyed wool and cotton – most of these were around a dk to aran weight.

Sampler size suggestion:

When I warp for a sampler like this one, I like to warp around 8-10 inches in width and at least 30″ in length (total length of warp). For my 7.5 dent heddle this was 47 ends.

Weaving and Pick Up Sequences:

You will find all the information you need to follow the video sampler in this downloadable, printable PDF.

Supplementary-weft-youtube-tutorialDownload

There are three ways to use this tutorial. You can either:

  1. Warp your loom and then follow my examples exactly according to the video and PDF.
  2. Warp your loom and follow some of my examples to gain confidence, then try some of your own designs.
  3. Use my designs as inspiration but go your own way by using the techniques and ideas to create your own unique fabric.

Whatever you decide to do with this tutorial, don’t forget to relax and have fun – that’s what it’s all about!

The 45 minute video tutorial is available here-

As always, comments and questions are very welcome in the section below.

Until next time…

Happy Weaving!