Let me clear something up for you. Right now, no matter how good or bad you feel you are at knitting/crocheting/spinning, you can do it.
You have the right to claim the title of fiber artist.
Yes. If that is what you wish you were, then you are already there.
Just setting the intention, puts you in the frame of mind of being an artist.
Here is the thing… claiming the title of artist is the first step. Not claiming the title of artist will always lead to procrastination.
Yes, You will make your share of bad art.
Trust me, there will always be the opportunity for bad art at any point on your creative journey. It is all part of the process. Don’t get discouraged, just make that bad art. It is all information for making great art. And the best part about knitting is you can rip it out and start over!
You are good enough. Claim your title of artist now.
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Fiber artist Stacey Budge-Kamison AKA UrbanGypZ lives and works in Cary NC. She can also be found knitting in public, hammering out her latest e-course at local cafés and spinning yarns in her booth at her favorite arts festivals. A designer at heart, Stacey has decided that her mission is to help fellow knitters, crocheters, weavers and felters embrace their own style and creativity by exploring fiber art as it is a part of their everyday life and helping them embrace the title of artist no matter where they are in their journey. 
I often go into a real shop (lys or lbs or lfs) and think “wow, what a cool job these gals have”. I completely forgot from my days at the florist shop that much of my time was spent stocking shelves, helping customers and cleaning. Yes, we had fun and got to see all the new stock, but there wasn’t as much creative time as you might think. On any given day, for every person doing creative work there were several people doing the retail and behind the scenes work.
Fantastic site and a place I want to come to and interact with…will explain later…
Thanks for this write up! I am an aspiring fiber artist myself, but mostly knit. I took a weaving class at my LYS and fill in LOVE!! I also assumed that the 32 in Kromski would be the best one for me and have been trying to save up for it. But I am also small in stature so maybe the 24 in would be preferable for me. Thanks again. This was truly useful information.
Drats! I meant for this comment to in response to your review of weaving looms. This is a good article as well though. I love the quote by Ira Glass.
Excellent! Glad you found it helpful. I really have not missed having a larger loom than 24″. Consider what you want to make. If you think blankets, you will still meet to piece together panels with a 32″. But if you are considering garments, measure the greatest width of a few of your favorite clothes in your closet. That might give you a better idea of what you will need.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
my pleasure
As I was reading this I thought of my Mom. She spent years fusing glass and hated about half of what she had done. My only comment to her during those years was you may hate it but someone else may love it. I’ve knitted things that I wasn’t wild about and inevitably, someone else loved whatever it was. Sometimes your creative project really is a fail but other times, what you see as a fail, someone else thinks is the best thing ever. I made a hat for a family member this past Christmas. It was a surprize so I was guessing at the size. As it turned out, it was way too big. His comment last week when I asked for the hat back was that was a knitting fail. It was hard not to take offense because it wasn’t a fail. While the the hat didn’t fit him (and I’m going to knit him a smaller size replacement), the hat will go to the friend who was there when I sized it. If fit him perfectly. Have fun with whatever creative craft you’ve chosen. I almost think the best part is all of the cheerleaders out there – when you’re not feeling it, read a blog that inspires you (Stacey’s is one of my favorites), spend some time with friends who share your passion (it’s rare I miss a Sunday knitting with girlfriends – we share ideas, help each other out, ooh and aah over each others latest projects, yarn purchases, etc.), go to a workshop for your craft (although I was so overwhelmed with ideas the fist time I did that it took a good two months to settle down and actually knit something – way too many options!) or find what inspires you for that feel good boost to get you going again. Thank you to those cheerleaders who say you can even when you’re not so sure of that yourself!
I NEEDED THIS, TODAY! I’m coming up on my first vendor opportunity, and I’m nervous as hell that no one will like or buy my products. Whether they do or they don’t, I’m a Fiber Artist, and that’s all I need to remember.
You’ve got this! Collect emails for an email list. And just remember it generally takes 7 exposures before people buy. Many of my sales came AFTER the show. Good luck! you will do well.
You are kind and I love that about you. Yes, you are witty, and crazy gifted, and deep…but you are kind and it comes through. I walk away from every post liking you more (which I know is not your goal, but nice, eh?) and more FREE to be the artist I ALREADY am. So yeah, sister, hold on tight in transition. In the last 10 months our fam of 5 has moved twice (without help) and it is hard! As I type this I am getting crazy ready for Taos (my stuff, that is, I can’t make it myself), I feel guilty that my house is a mess, there is nothing to eat in spite of going to the GROCERY STORE 4x already this week. I want the chaos to lessen and the family routine and creativity to rise…it’s a balance I’m never good at…oh and did I mention I just had back surgery…so…no bending, lifting, twisting, leaning for 3 months. wth? So the perfect time to get a puppy, right? kill.me.now. (Did I really get a puppy? what was I thinking? oh yeah, memories for the kids…) So … here I trudge into another day of reminding myself that my dryer balls are funding my kid’s shoes and Homecoming expenses, and trips to the dentist…but I look at the other things I create and I am giddy…and reminded by you that I am a fiber artist.
Thank you and OMG , I hope you will find some peace soon. So much on your plate. Speedy recovery, and a puppy!! they are so cute, but yes like training a little wiggly alien. Good luck in Taos (I mean your stuff, sorry you will not be able to go) sell to the walls.