Chris Carlson: Life after Cornell

Chris Carlson
Sociology, 1980–2007

Soon after retirement Chris Carlson’s wife taught him to knit, but after making dozens of hats and sweaters, he wanted something new. So during the pandemic he learned tapestry and fabric weaving. “I like doing close work and love the color and texture of different yarns, combined with the structure and design involved in weaving,” he says. He has worked for 10 years as a simulated patient and physical exam teaching associate at the University of Iowa College of Medicine, keeping him in contact with students. He’s served on the board of the Housing Fund for Linn County and on Mount Vernon’s Housing Commission, and he’s been a Big Brother for six years. As if that wasn’t enough, this grandfather of three golfs regularly, travels, and works part-time at Mount Vernon’s wellness center.

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  • Chris Carlson at home in his textiles studio. Photo by Megan Amr.

    Chris Carlson. Photo by Megan Amr.

  • Chris Carlson points to his weaving work in process.

    Chris Carlson points to his weaving work in process. Photo by Megan Amr.

  • Chris Carlson works on his weaving project.

    Chris Carlson works on his weaving project. Photo by Megan Amr.