Member Profiles: Jean Wilson, 1911-1995
Jean Wilson got her first loom in 1933. She became a member of the Seattle Weavers Guild in1947 after moving to Bellevue. Jean served in many capacities, including Guild President (1960-1961).
Jean furthered the education of textile workers everywhere, through publication of ten books and extensive workshops and lectures internationally. The first book, ”WEAVING IS FOR ANYONE” (1967, translated into 20 languages) was written because there had been no recent books on weaving. By the time of her death in 1995, she had completed nine more books, many articles, and had taught workshops and given slide lectures throughout the U. S. and Canada. Her books feature the work of SWG members (64 of them) and other Northwest craftsmen, making the world aware of the talent here in our Northwest corner. A book on embellishment of handwovens through learning embroidery stitches has helped weavers and others to design and produce completely finished garments, decorative items and household weavings. ”WEAVING YOU CAN WEAR”, by Jean Wilson with Jan Burhen was published in 1973, presenting clothing shaped on the loom, woven in units, and inspired by ethnic clothing. At the time, it was a ‘new’ old idea.
She received the Northwest Booksellers Award for “WEAVING IS FUN”, and was given the National League of American Pen Women "Owl Award" in 1976 for Letters and in 1986 for Letters and Art.
Books by Jean Wilson
Weaving is for Anyone (1967)
Weaving Is Fun: A Guide for Teachers, Children and Beginning Weavers, About Yarns, Baskets, Cloth and Tapestry (1971)
Weaving Is Creative: The Weaver-Controlled Weaves (1972)
Weaving You Can Wear with Jan Burhan (1973)
Pile Weaves (1974)
Weaving You Can Use (1975)
Weave with style (Connecting threads)(1979)
Soumak Workbook (1982)
Joinings, edges, and trims: Finishing details for handcrafted products (1983)
