Meet Jennifer
Hello! I’m Jennifer Johnson - Weaver, Teacher, Mentor, Creative Facilitator
Weaving is my passion, teaching is my gifting. I am continually fascinated at what the human spirit can create!
My students range in age from 4 years to 97 years. Never too young, definitely never too old either!
As an artist, I find inspiration in the central Indiana fields and woods surrounding our community in Putnam County. Natural dye plants abound in the fence rows free to gather in season. Flora and fauna provide color inspiration throughout the seasons. Peace, calm and tranquility are found in our woods. The rhythm of the loom mirrors the rhythm of the days. Sound interesting? Come, see and find out what YOUR fiber interests develop into.
Need more than a quick class? Desire to learn more about countermarch looms? Week-long residencies available - as are weekend residencies. Contact Jennifer to learn more.
FAQs
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Passionate about helping YOU create that which makes your heart sing!
Weaver since 1990. Embroidery since 1980. Crochet since 1988. Self-taught tatter 1990.
Teacher since 1992.
Retired Museum Curator. Life-long interest in historical textiles and the care and preservation of textiles.
Master Weaver candidate, Olds College, Alberta Canada - only fiber-specific multi-year course of study available in N. America. Sadly, we are the last cohort of students. The program is being closed after 35+ years. Completed: 2019, Level 1 - wool; plain weave and twill 2024 - Level 2 - cotton; overshot, double weave, color study On-going: 2025 - Level 3 - silk/linen; summer and winter, crackle, lace weaves 2026 - Level 4 - textured fibers and more weave studies 2027 - Level 5 - final dissertation and Master Weaver accreditation
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Weaving! All forms - from the smallest pin-looms and box loom bands to the largest looms (10 shaft Ulla Cyrus, 59” weaving width).
Natural Dyes - obtaining color by collecting materials from her home property and gathering from the nearby fields.
Crochet!
Dorset button maker
Hardanger embroidery
Tatting
Sewing - hand and machine, because a textile isn’t complete without hems, buttons, trim and accessories!
Purse/Bag sewist. Sometimes that kitchen towel fabric becomes a smashingly lovely tote bag!
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Needing more than a 1-day class? Desire to create an heirloom? Need specific help on countermarch or counterbalance loom operations?
All these are possible with a weekend retreat or a week-long mini-residency. Custom courses tailored to your need. You provide the inspiration, Jennifer helps with the details for success!
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We all know the tale…someone’s grandparent had a loom, it’s now in the attic/basement/barn/garage - been there for YEARS…and they’d like to begin weaving or sell the thing to make room for new toy.
But…they know nothing about the loom, or how to get it fixed, or what it’s worth (if anything). Can you help?!
Yep. I can. And do. Some I rescue. Most I refer. But please call. Because there’s gems out there in the cold, dank spaces of storage units.
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Yes! Historic handwoven items (coverlets, garments, blankets, anything handwoven fabric).
Need to know what something is? Let’s find out!
Desire to know how to care best for that baptismal gown? Come to the studio and let’s evaluate it.
Tips on laundering (or not!) that precious heirloom item - definitely!
Seeking background information on what IS this cloth (found in a box in the back of a closet)?!
Cost is $30 for an hour. Resources for archival storage will be referenced (so bring a notepad and pencil). Contact Jennifer to schedule a date with your history!
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Why not?
Low taxes, large open farm fields and a warm welcoming community drew us to Greencastle.
The house drew us also - 5 acres in a literal 100 acre wood.
Need I say more?
It’s our ‘cabin in the woods’ and we’d love to share the peaceful calm with you, anytime. So plan on stopping by and staying a while!
CV
Master Weaver certificate candidate, Olds College, Olds, BC Canada
M.A. Museum Studies, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
B.A. Art History, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL
Presenter: Weaving Indiana Guild (April 2025 - Around the Block, profile drafting explained; June 2023 - What loom is for you? Counterbalance, countermarche and jack looms compared; January 2021 - Weaving to go! Inkle band weaving)
Fiber Arts Instructor and demonstrator: Putnam County Historical Museum, Greencastle, IN - both on their historic barn loom and for special events on my own equipment, too many dates to record
Workshop leader: Illinois Prairie Weavers Guild (January 2022 - Weaving bands on inkle loom, rigid heddle loom and table loom)
Presenter: Bloomington (IN) Spinners and Weavers Guild (October 2021 - Bands on the Run, Baltic pick-up bands)
Study Group Teacher and leader: A Strong Beginning study group, Illinois Prairie Weavers Guild, 2018 to present; average attendance of 14 guild members (27 guild members registered with study group)
Author: Putnam County HIstorical Museum special exhibition publication, “Heirloom Coverlets from Private Collections: II. Weavers’ Craft” October 2023-January 2024.
Weaving Instructor, Tabby Tree Weavers, Fishers, IN - Weaving 101 (Beginning Weaving on a multi-shaft loom); Weaving 102 (Color gamp - Twills and more!) 2022 to present
Additional experiences:
2020-2017 - Weaving Instructor, Plymouth Place Senior Living Center, La Grange, IL
2020 - 2006 - Boy Scouts of America, Three Fires Council, St. Charles, IL. Council Merit Badge counselor coordinator. Committee Chair - Pack 68 and Troop 514. Den Leader - Pack 68.
2012-2010 - Substitute Art Instructor, Home School University, West Chicago, IL.
2017-2005 - Educator for Johnson School, K - 12
1998-1996 - Curator, DuPage Historical Museum, Wheaton, IL
1996-1992 - Registrar and Exhibit Preparator, First Infantry Museum at Cantigny, Winfield, IL
1992-1989 - Curator/Registrar/Educator, Swedish American Museum of Chicago
1989-1986 - Assistant Registrar and preparator, Augustana College Collections, Rock Island, IL
Holding a handmade textile is feeling a person’s creative spirit.
— Jennifer