I read about everything I get interested in.
It’s a given. It’s also a side effect of a lifetime of being in my profession as an academic, moreover married to an academic, and fed by the need to dig further than what’s quickly glossed over by the news outlets.
Not to mention an inborn and built-in distrust of things “they say.”
I want to get to the source. I want the bare facts. I want the primary, raw information.
That got to be a problem when I became enthralled with weaving in the middle of The Pandemic. Because what’s more primary than an in-person demonstration when it comes to researching any kind of craft?
But fortunately The Pandemic happened in the time of technology and social media, and YouTube was there to supplement the lack of live mentors.
And I’ll admit, it also mitigated the jitters of the introvert at the thought of putting myself out there and actually speaking to a live person.
I discovered quite a few follow-worthy weaving channels on YouTube. And many skilled artisans who shared generously their knowledge. And fed my hunger for weaving… things. Because I wasn’t sure at first what to focus on.
The one YouTube channel and website I still go back to for basic reviews and next-step lessons, for rigid-heddle patterns and lessons, and even for casual commentary on weaving and life, is Kelly Casanova’s channel and website.
Kelly has the ability to present the most basic principles of weaving in a smooth and captivating manner that makes the simplest steps significant and momentous.
In other words, if you’re a beginner, Kelly makes your first steps meaningful, so much so that you will return to her basic tutorials for a refresher and to be confirmed in your progress.
Or just to watch a master weaver at work.
Kelly has online weaving classes and weaving patterns for sale, too.
And the most delightful New Zealand accent you could imagine.
Oh, and lately, she’s been working on inkle weaving lessons.
Kelly Casanova’s website (with blog and more information than you’ll know what to do with)
Kelly Casanova’s weaving school
NOTE: I have no affiliation whatsoever with Kelly Casanova. I am simply grateful for the free content she provides and the spirit and style in which she does it. She has inspired me and taught me and I’m sure will continue to do so.