An email arrived in my inbox this morning. It was linked to a web site where fabulous classes, exquisite materials and highly desirable kits were on offer. I spent quite a bit of time looking at all of the images...without noticing the price of anything.  My imagination was working overtime as I thought about all the possibilities for projects! Then... I noticed the price of things. Expensive. Worth every cent but ... still a lot.I know each of us has different desires and different budgets for our embroidery supplies, courses and other items. I have chosen to spend quite a LOT of money taking two RSN courses over the past two summers. If I didn't have good friends with whom I could stay, the entire venture would be completely out of my budget. I simply could not justify - nor afford - the tuition as well as a hotel room and eating out. I have a budget for my supplies and have done pretty well staying within that budget. I'm lucky to be able to have an embroidery budget, I know.So today, when I was looking at all those beautiful things and exciting opportunities, I had to stop and think about embroidery and money. Should embroidery be something only those with money can enjoy? Is it right or fair that the courses cost so much that only a few can afford to take advantage of the superb teaching on offer? Is it possible to enjoy all the aspects of the embroidery world without spending a fortune?On the other hand, our teachers (who are professionals) deserve to be paid fairly for their training and experience. Silk, wool and linen are expensive commodities, not to mention gold!I began to wonder if it's just my narrow knowledge of the embroidery world that gives me this perspective? When I was at university, I embroidered my jeans and the cost certainly wasn't prohibitive. Do I think that embroidery is expensive because I'm connected with the part of the embroidery world that offers expensive items and classes? Is it the internet which makes me aware of all the things I could buy and do?

Anytime that something becomes possible only to those who have money it makes me nervous. Music has all too often been like that for people: the rich kids got lessons and the poor kids didn't. That's one of the reasons I became a music teacher: I believe EVERYONE can make music and deserves the opportunity to learn how to make music.

I also believe that everyone has the right to learn about embroidery. But have I acted in accordance with by beliefs or not? Could I be doing more? How do I share my skills and passion with others? Am I an ambassador for embroidery? Or an embroidery elitist?

It's food for thought. What are your thoughts?