Working on the Soft Toy/Neck Pillow

Year 9 students have been working on a sustainable soft toy project. They are required to make a soft toy/neck pillow out of recycled fabric or old clothes. Here are some pictures of the students hard at work!!

Their final product will look something like this

Winter Fabrics

Follow the link to read about winter fabrics. This second link provides more information about suitable winter fabrics and what to avoid.

Suitable Summer Fabrics

Here are some suitable summer fabrics to keep you cool!

1. COTTON

Where to Wear it? 
Cotton is perfect for all climates, which is why it’s widely worn & loved. Wear this in dry heat or humidity, too.

What’s The Benefit?
This natural fiber allows air to circulate & move freely through the fabric, which makes heat more bearable. It’s like a built-in air-conditioner for your body!

Stylist Tip: Remember, cotton can shrink in the dryer! In the summer, take the extra minute to hang dry your cotton garments (it’s hot anyways!).

2. CHAMBRAY

Where to Wear It? 
Because this is cotton, it too will keep you cool in dry heat & humidity.

What’s The Benefit?
Chambray often comes in a higher thread count, which means it’s a finer weave & more breathable fabric.

Stylist Tip: Chambray has a similar look to denim so you can get the look without feeling weighed down.

3. RAYON

Where to Wear It? 
Rayon is best in dry heat. Since it’s still not a natural fiber, it won’t wick away moisture as well as cotton.

What’s The Benefit?
Rayon is a thinner thread than cotton, so it’s great for delicate, lightweight clothing that drapes ever so well.

Stylist Tip: Light-colored garments in white, cream & pastels don’t absorb sunlight like dark colors do. Wear them to stay cool.

4. LINEN

Where to Wear It? 
Anywhere! Linen was made for the heat.

What’s The Benefit?
Linen textiles are some of the oldest in the world—people have been wearing it for centuries, and for good reason. The natural fiber and light weave allow for maximum breathability; the coolest of the cool.

Stylist Tip: Wrinkles are part of the carefree, lived-in beauty of linen. Hate to iron? Lightly spray your garment with a water bottle and smooth over wrinkles with your hand.

5. BLENDS

Where to Wear It? 
Synthetic fabrics are known for detracting moisture (think: athletic wear), so they’re great in humid climates.

What’s The Benefit?
Blended fabrics keep their shape & require little to no maintenance (like ironing!).

Stylist tip: Blended fabrics resist heat well, so you can wash and dry garments without worrying about damage or dreaded shrinkage. Machine washable = huge time-saver!

Information sourced from: https://blog.stitchfix.com/fashion-tips/guide-breathable-summer-fabrics/

No Sew Barbie Doll Clothes

Some creative ideas for the Barbie enthusiast in your life!

Harriet - The Textiles Performance Artist

Harriet Riddell is a UK-based performing and visual artist who's come to India on an artistic journey. She's traveled across the country with her sewing machine (and all of its accessories) to take portraits of people and places.

Article: Dressmakers and Needle Sharp Vision

Haute couture can be credited for enhancing more than catwalks and red carpets. New research suggests that the 3D or 'stereoscopic' vision of dressmakers is as sharp as their needles. Follow the link here to find out more...

Technical/Working/Flat Drawings

How would you describe the dress above, based on the technical drawing?

Below are two ball gowns. Choose one to complete as a technical drawing.

Term 2 - Year 9 Soft Toy/Neck Pillow

Renew Replace Recycle

Year 9 Textiles are currently working on creating a soft toy/neck pillow from recycled clothing and scrap fabrics. Our focus is sustainability and how we can upcycle; creating something new out of something old.