Year 9 Neck Pillow

Check out the progress the Year 9's are making on their neck Pillows. The heads were quite challenging to construct. I'm super impressed with the work this group is achieving each week. 

C4 Availability For Seniors

The Textiles room is available for seniors as indicated by the Yellow stars. This Thursday, the 22nd, is a short day due to a PPTA meeting. Class will be available from 9:20-10:15.

On Friday I am not available until after lunch two. 

The Zambesi Workshop

The Year 12s, 13s and I, along with Cath Steeghs, were fortunate enough to spend the morning touring the Zambesi workshop. Liz Finlay kindly showed us around and introduced us to the various staff members who talked to us about their roles at Zambesi and showed us what they were currently working on. The patterns lining the back wall dated back to the very first garments Zambesi produced - the girl's were in awe of the sheer number they had! Liz explained that due to moving to smaller premises, they have had to get rid of some of their stock and reduce a lot of the patterns to one standard size 10. 

The students checked out some stunning garments ready to be sent to various locations around NZ and Aus. Upstairs we were shown where the magic happens on a range of industrial machines. A couple of the girls gave the overlocker a go and found out just how much faster an industrial machine goes. 

Much to our surprise we were privileged enough to see the Winter 2019 range!!! Sorry, but we can't tell you what we saw! 

We then visited The Fabric Store, where the contestants from Project Runway NZ shop. We actually met Jess, one of the contestants.

Thanks again to the lovely staff at Zambesi for having us! 

Year 10 Hoodies

The year 10’s are currently busy tracing a Hoodie pattern of their very own. Next week they're onto seam samples and practising how to construct a decent looking button hole the old fashioned way!

Year 9 Tote Bags

This is the first time around the Year 9's have made a tote bag with applied designs. 

They researched current tote bag designs for inspiration and came up with concepts of their own. Their final design came after development - deciding on their applied designs and where they would best be placed.

Below are a few images of some completed tote bags

Level Two External

AS91359 - Demonstrating understanding of material evaluation (external)

In this assessment you are required to test various fabrics to determine the most suitable one for your jacket. For each test (choose three), you will need to have an aim, hypothesis, method, and a conclusion. Here are some tips...

AimThe aim of an experiment is the objective. In other words, it says what can be learned from the experiment. ... The aim should be brief - one or two lines.

Hypothesis
A statement--a prediction that can be tested or an educated guess. In a hypothesis statement, students make a prediction about what they think will happen or is happening in their experiment. 

Method
Discuss the steps you are following for each test - be specific

Conclusion - Discussing the Experiment and Hypothesis

1. Introduce the experiment in your conclusion. ...
2. Restate your procedures. ...
3. Describe what you discovered briefly. ...
4. Comment on whether or not your hypothesis is supported. ...
5. Link your results to your hypothesis

 

Year 9 Starter - 10th September

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/

Screen printing with paper stencils

Screen printing with paper stencils

This video is an example of how to screen print using paper stencils and multiple layers.

Watch the video below and answer the following questions:

- Name 4 things you will need

- What is the cello-tape used for?

- What areas do you cut out first?

- What do you need to think about when attaching your stencil to the screen (frame)?

- Why were a few layers of tape used to attach the stencil?

- How should you prepare your fabric?

- What is used to add paint to the screen?

- How many passes of the squeegee should you do, what type of pressure should you apply, and how should you hold it?

- How do you lift the frame off?

Finding Patterns Online

Finding a pattern you like can be tricky. Use the links below to direct you to some great websites that have a range of patterns for your next assessment. You may need to create an account in order to view everything the website provides. However, don't sign up if there is a payment involved!!

Pattern Postie is an easy website to navigate when you are looking for patterns. 

Sew Cool in School has a small amount of patterns, with some gorgeous simple dress patterns for this Spring/Summer.

Butterick has a range of patterns that suit various ages - you may have to scroll through to find your style.

Calico Shopping/Tote Bag

Term 3 – Calico Tote Bags are replacing the previous Year 9 Drawstring Bag assessment. Below is a tutorial that describes the materials and equipment you will need and the construction process. The finished prototype will still feature applied designs such as screen prints and appliqué. 

Watch the tutorial below and take notes about the resources you will need and start thinking about the types of designs you would like to apply to yours.

AS91350: Advanced Pattern Adaptations Assessment Task

Seam Allowance and Pivoting

Welcome back to Term Three at FFC!

This week, the Year 9's have been introduced to the Textile's room and are starting to become acquainted with the Bernina sewing machines, the layout of the room, and the fabulous things they will get to make. 

The Year 10's have been re-acquainted with the Textile's room and recapped prior learning.

Here's a picture of some of their learning today.

Nearly There!!

It is close to the end of term and there has been some fabulous work going on in the FFC Textile’s room. The Year 9 Soft Toys are nearly all complete and the Year 10 Hoodies are at the same point. Well done to all the students who have maximised their time in class and put their newfound knowledge and skills to good use. There has been some challenges along the way, and it’s been great to see the students supporting one another and coming up with creative ways to problem solve. Both the Year 9 and Year 10 groups have been a pleasure to teach and I’m going to miss the supportive and positive environment that’s been created over the first half of this year. Put those sewing skills to good use over the holidays and I look forward to seeing you in Textile’s next year.

Up-cycled Soft Toy

It is coming to the end of term and the Year 9’s are piecing their soft toys together bit by bit. They have worked incredibly hard on some very challenging techniques and have broadened their vocabulary along the way – darts, bagging out, muzzle, snoz…

Check out the heads below

Ball Gowns

Below are two very differently styled ball gowns. Sketch each one using a croqui as your model, both the front and back views. Take your time and have fun practicing.

20 Most Influential Fashion Designers of all time

Here's a look at some of the world's leading Fashion Designers and a brief outline of the impact they have had on the fashion industry...

Movements and Era's in Fashion

An era in fashion is a period of time in which a style of clothing/certain trend dominated what the masses wore. 

A movement is a 'look' inspired by social and cultural events, political agendas, and even science! Movements tend to be a way that people express themselves through fashion.
Follow this link to find out about fashion Era's from 1800 - 2000.
Over time there have been movements in fashion that left their mark on the world in both good and frightening ways! Follow this link to see what fashion movements rocked the 20th century.

Fashion movement images to inspire.

Also visit: http://www.fashion-era.com/fashion_eras.htm or https://mtviewmirror.com/womens-fashion-in-the-20th-century/ for more information.

Contexts in Fashion

These headings are convenient but they are not the end of the story.  The boundaries between these areas are fluid and changes in one area are often tied to changes in another.  For example a political event such as World War I had repercussions in almost every part of life: fewer resources (economic); women working in factories (social and economic); new weapons etc. developed (technological changes - which sometimes had an impact on fashion production); new attitudes (social) etc.

• Political events
• major events such as wars
• legislation which had an impact on social conditions (e.g. Women's suffrage)
• Economic conditions
• major events, e.g. The Depression
• the amount of disposable income available to spend on fashion items
• trade restrictions
• conditions of workers
• Technological changes and advances
• the development of fabrics
• improvements in apparel production techniques
• new inventions, e.g. the zipper
• Social conditions and changes
• attitudes to morality
• development of youth culture/'generation gap'
• growth of any subcultures.
• the status of women
• attitudes to the body (concealment vs exposure)
• Art/Design/Music developments
• any contemporary cultural trends that influenced fashion design, both main stream and counter culture.

Information from boxhill.edu.au 

Applied Design - Bomber Jacket

Level Three students have the opportunity to embellish a Bomber Jacket with an applied design of their choice. Applying a design to their Bomber Jacket could include, but is not limited to, embroidery, applique, and screen printing.

Constructing a Drawstring Bsg

How to construct a simple drawstring bag. Watch the video below - this is the technique we are using to make our drawstring bag

Inserting an Invisible Zip

Constructing a Double Welt Pocket

Double Welt's are one of my favourite type of pockets to feature on a High-End garment. This complex procedure could take you one attempt to master or a couple to make sure the double welt pocket is constructed to a high quality.

Applique and Screen Printing

Applique and screen printing are a fantastic way to adorn fabric with your unique style.  A stencil has been used to print this Disney quote onto a chevron-patterned cotton. 

A stencil is created to ensure the accuracy of placement. Beautiful contrasting colours enhance the creative design features

Cushion Design - Year 10

Check out the awesome mahi going on in class!  

 

How to Sew a Fly Front Zipper

To attach a zipper with fly to any garment firstly, you need a left and right side, a lapped zip, fly facing and fly placket. Watch the video below for some great tips - which part to begin with, when to edge stitch etc.

Begin watching at 1 minute 50 seconds.

Hand Stitching Techniques

Elements and Principles of Design

“The Principles of Design are the artistic guidelines used to organise or arrange the structural elements of design”

“Elements of Design are the components or part which can be isolated and defined in any visual design or work of art. They structure and carry the work.”

Design elements and principles are a way in which designers communicate their artistic individuality, influence trends, and create history. 

Watch the video below to help develop your understanding of design elements and principles.

Analysing the Design Elements of Garments

Analyse the garments below – use a minimum of four prompts from the

 last page of the Design Elements handout. What can you tell bout the garments that the models are wearing?

         

                                                 

  

Elements and Principles of Design - Handout