Wednesday, 30 August 2017

Analysing Aesthetic and Functional Features



Aesthetic Features: Appearance; shape; line; colour; texture; patterns.
Functional Features: How something works; utility; purpose 

Year 10’s were asked to analysis this camera-shaped bag by focusing on the aesthetic and functional features. The bag was given to us for the day by Miss Smith (drama) and has provided some inspiration for the creative cushion project.


Thursday, 24 August 2017

Year 9's Appliqué Sample

The year 9's have been learning about the technique of appliqué and applying their newfound knowledge to calico samples


TET 100/200

Currently in Textiles, year 11's are working away on their summer dresses and year 12’s on their winter garments. 
You can see them hard at work in the picture below J

Tuesday, 1 August 2017

Backstreet Bargains - Fabric Store Trip

Backstreet Bargains had the pleasure of hosting the FFC Senior Textile’s class on Monday.
On the short journey, the girls kept me entertained singing along to Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Be Humble’ (sounds a lot like mumble) and one student spotted her uncle in the line-up of cars at the lights.
Although it was a tight squeeze, the girls and I perused the shelves of fabric to find something suitable for winter and summer garments. Some of the students found exactly what they were looking for, whilst others checked out the range of fabric types, colours, and prints – to keep in mind for a later date.
Bruce - the owner - kindly gave the girls the opportunity to take home a free Rabbit soft toy.
Much to Taylar’s delight, we rounded off the trip with a quick visit to Mc Donalds
J

Keep posted for further updates of how their winter and summer garments are coming along.


Friday, 28 July 2017

Fabric Store Trip - Monday Period 5

We are heading to the fabric store on Monday!!! Here’s the permission slip, if you happen to have lost the one you were given! If you haven’t yet returned your permission slip, it needs to be in by 12 pm on Monday. If you aren’t planning on purchasing fabric this is a great opportunity to see what’s available. We’ll meet at C4 at the beginning of lunch two J



Tuesday, 25 July 2017

Outdoor Tyre Seats


How Buttons are Made

Have you ever wondered how buttons are made? 

Screen Printing using 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 and then describe the screen printing process with detail.




Paper Stencils and the use of Positive and Negative Space

 Here's a tutorial to explain what positive and negative space on a stencil means...

- What does positive space mean?
- What is a continuous shape?
- What is negative space?




What is Applique?


Image result for Applique with a zigzag stitch

Image result for Applique with a zigzag stitch

  1. What is applique?
  2. - Applique is ornamental needlework in which pieces of fabric are sewn or stuck on to a larger piece to form a picture or pattern. 
  3. - You decorate a garment or object made from fabric, with pieces of fabric to form pictures or patterns.
  4. - Attaching a motif.

Here's a video that is going to help us understand three different techniques used to applique. Go to 11.55 for an example of the zigzag stitch that we will be using 


Friday, 30 June 2017

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






Thursday, 29 June 2017

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!
breathable summer fabrics

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!).

breathable summer fabrics

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.

breathable summer fabrics

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.

breathable summer fabrics

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.

breathable summer fabrics

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/

Sunday, 25 June 2017

Tuesday, 20 June 2017

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.


Monday, 19 June 2017

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...


Wednesday, 14 June 2017

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.






Friday, 2 June 2017

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. 


Thursday, 25 May 2017

Level Two Assignment Two - Checklist

INFLUENTIAL MOVEMENT/ERA 91340 CHECKLIST
RESEARCH
·         Complete a report about your chosen movement/era– minimum 2 paragraphs
·         Discuss how cultural, historical, societal, technological contexts influenced that era, and who the influential designers of that were.
·         Complete a mood board that shows styles and colours from that era/movement
·         Use 6 examples of your chosen garment from your mood board to analyse,
·         Analyse each piece against the elements and principles of design.
GENERATE IDEAS
Produce a minimum of 6 design concepts and label with the following:
·         How has that movement/era informed your design?
·         What are the aesthetic features of your design?
·         How does your design function? E.g. where is there a zip/buttons/hook and eye? Is it fit for purpose in relation to the brief?
DEVELOPMENT OF IDEAS
Choose your favourite concept/s and develop it further by changing:
·         Colour
·         Neckline, hemline, waistline
·         Add/take away sleeves, collar, pockets etc.
·         Add embellishments – embroidery, lace detail etc.
Add notes to each development that clearly states how the design has been developed.
Identify your final design.
DEVELOPED FINAL DESIGN
Complete a fully rendered sketch of your final design – front and back view.
Complete a technical drawing (flat/working/2D) in black and white.
Evaluate your design – how have you integrated the characteristics of the movement/era and met the brief.
TO DO BEFORE COMPLETION
Make sure that each page has a clear title and is completed on an A3 piece of paper with a landscape layout.

Level One Assignment Two - Checklist

INFLUENTIAL DESIGNER 91067 CHECKLIST
RESEARCH
·           Complete a report about your chosen designer – minimum 2 paragraphs
·         Discuss how cultural, historical, societal, technological contexts influenced your designer.
·         Find 9 examples of your chosen designers work,
·         Analyse each piece against the elements and principles of design.
GENERATE IDEAS
Produce a minimum of 9 design concepts and label with the following:
·         Which of your chosen designer’s work informed your design?
·         What are the aesthetic features of your design?
·         How does your design function? E.g. where is there a zip/buttons/hook and eye? Is it fit for purpose in relation to the brief?
DEVELOPMENT OF IDEAS
Choose your favourite concept/s and develop it further by changing:
·         Colour
·         Neckline, hemline, waistline
·         Add/take away sleeves
·         Add embellishments – embroidery, lace detail etc.
Add notes to each development that clearly states how the design has been developed.
Identify your final design.
DEVELOPED FINAL DESIGN
Complete a fully rendered sketch of your final design – front and back view.
Complete a technical drawing (flat/working), 2D in black and white.
Evaluate your final design – how has your design been informed by your chosen designer and how does it meet the brief?
TO DO BEFORE COMPLETION
Make sure that each page has a clear title and is completed on an A3 piece of paper with a landscape layout.

Friday, 19 May 2017

Analysing Design - Aesthetic and Functional Elements


Image result for Karl Lagerfeld Winter GarmentsRelated image



















Take five minutes to analyse the above Karl Largerfeld garments (Year 11 the dress; Year 12 the coat), using sentence starters such as: I see, I notice, I can tell...
Aesthetic Elements: Relating to the appearance
Functional Elements: Relating to the use
Refer to the last page of your handout!!!





Thursday, 18 May 2017

Types of Fabric and Drawing Folds

Grab some scrap paper and practice drawing these 6 different types of folds




Sourced from Pinterest  and Drawsh.com .Both of these sites are fantastic resources for exploring ideas about drawing the human figure, lines, and light. 

Tuesday, 16 May 2017

Drawstring Bag Evaluation

Write your answers as paragraphs, using the questions/statements as your sentence starters.

-     Describe the purpose of your drawstring bag…
The purpose of my drawstring bag is… (refer to the brief)
-     Describe the fabric/s you chose…
I chose _______ fabric to use for my drawstring bag/pocket/applique
-     Explain what you like and don’t like about your drawstring bag…
I really like/don’t like the colour/look/size…
-     What went well when making your bag?
Pocket/applique/stencil/screen print/stitching together/inserting the drawstring
-     What didn’t go so well?
-     Is your drawstring bag fit for purpose?
Does the drawstring bag do what it is supposed to do? (relate to the brief!).
-     How straight and neat is your stitching?
My stitching is…

-     If you could remake your drawstring bag, what would you do differently?
I would change… because
I wouldn’t change… because

Sunday, 14 May 2017

Historical/Cultural/Societal/Technological 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