Corinne Whitesell
Fiber Legend & Owner of Yellow Springs Strings
As a child, Corrine learned to knit, crochet, hook rugs, and sew. Later she studied tailoring with a European tradesman. While living in New Zealand (1969-1972), she learned to spin, weave and shear sheep.
In 1975, Corrine bought the store, Yellow Springs Strings, in downtown Yellow Springs and retailed weaving and spinning supplies, as well as equipment. There was a solid market for these items at the time and folks would come from far and wide to visit and purchase supplies at the store. Corrine attended the Finnish Varpapuu Summer Weaving School and subsequently duplicated this curriculum in the U.S. She imported yarns, looms and teachers from Finland. Corrine regularly taught weaving classes in the store and in several community art centers and schools. In 1986, Corrine moved to Alaska and continued her work with weaving, fiber, and the community.
(with source material from: Northwest News, Association of Northwest Weavers Guilds; Winter 2001-02, Vol. 7)
