BIO: As a child, I learned to crochet, embroider, quilt, and sew from my grandmothers and mother. I didn’t take any art classes after elementary school but always enjoyed making things from fiber. In 1984 I took a beginning weaving class from a colleague at Cornell, but couldn’t afford to buy a loom. Carpal tunnel syndrome and two operations prevented me from crocheting and quilting for a time, so I turned back to weaving and bought my first loom in 1992. The rest is history! My looms have never been empty of projects since.
I like to weave objects that are useful, as well as beautiful. I became fascinated with the creative ways weavers around the world designed clothing with simple shapes and minimal cutting or sewing. I weave mostly clothing, viewing the body as a canvas to cover with art. Weaving is unique in the number of possible techniques to create pattern and design within the cloth itself. When you add the variety of yarns—colors, textures, optical qualities—there is no limit to what the weaver can produce.
Like my grandmothers and mother, I am a recycler. I couldn’t bear to throw away the loom waste (thrums) that quickly accumulated as I wove. That was my impetus to learn tapestry—to use all that beautiful yarn. Almost all my tapestries are made from those short pieces left over from other projects. That is also the reason I do-rag rugs, using tapestry techniques to create rugs and wall hangings that incorporate all the design principles of painting.
In 2012 I was awarded the Certificate Level I for excellence in technique. I had learned so much that I decided to proceed to the Level II certification as a Master Weaver. This involved doing an individual research project. I chose weaving clothing for plus-size women and explored new techniques to create unique clothing that fit and flattered the main body types. I submitted my research and 5 “masterpieces” and was awarded the Certificate in 2016.
My online shop is etsy.com/shop/cranecovecreations (I live on Crane Cove) and my occasional blog site is dianecrowderdesigns.biz.