The Handweavers Guild of America has a membership of about 10,000 to 15,000
fiber artists.
There are thousands of weavers in America. Although many barely get by,
others create artwork for major corporations and are commissioned artists.
"Employment demand varies greatly," says Lois Wyndham, administrative coordinator
for a weaving association. "Most work on a small scale producing work for
sale at craft shops or shows. Those who work on commission and are well known
are in greater demand. One weaver...has done costume work for the film industry."
Don't quit your day job to weave. Entry-level salaries can top out at a
few thousand a year. Many weavers supplement lean times with a second job
or by teaching their craft. Once you become established, you can command higher
fees.
"I may make, on average, $2,000 a month," says textile artist and instructor
Shelia O'Hara. "This always varies from month to month and year to year. I've
been teaching and that brings in a little bit of consistent money which I
supplement with commissions. It's always feast or famine -- you never know
when your next sale will happen."
Earnings and employment information from the U.S. Department of Labor is
not available for this field at this time.