Designs by Diane

 About Me

Designs by Diane is the marketing name for products made by Diane Griffin Crowder. I am a semi-retired professor of French and Women's Studies at Cornell College, a liberal-arts college in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.  I have always loved to make things with my hands, and have been sewing, quilting, and crocheting since I was 12.  I also learned to do woodworking and build most of the furniture I need.  I became intrigued with weaving in the early 1980s, and audited a weaving and design course taught by my brilliant colleague in the arts, Vivien Heywood.  Up to that point, I had viewed my crafts work as purely practical-- a way to have nice things for less money.  Vivien taught me to look at fibers as an artist would, and has continuously encouraged me to develop in new directions. Since the mid 1990s I have participated in many local art shows. In 2002 I was a founding board member of the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council. 

I weave on an old 8-harness Harrisville loom that takes up much of the living room, as well as on two 4 harness looms, and several small tapestry looms, and spin on an original signed Rick Reeves wheel.  I was one of three co-founders of a short-lived but vibrant cooperative art gallery, and now market my weavings through local art fairs and the internet.