How to construct a simple drawstring bag. Watch the video below - this is the technique we are using to make our drawstring bag
Thursday, 12 April 2018
Wednesday, 4 April 2018
Saturday, 31 March 2018
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.
Friday, 23 March 2018
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
Thursday, 22 March 2018
Monday, 12 March 2018
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.
Sunday, 11 March 2018
Friday, 23 February 2018
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?
Friday, 10 November 2017
Final Senior Assessments
The
Year 11’s and 12’s have completed the construction of their final garment for 2017. They have worked extremely hard over the last term - with a few interruptions. The Summer dresses and Winter garments are now ready to be be graded.
Good luck for your exams!!
Working on the Soft Toy/Neck Pillow
The Year 9’s are making steady progress on their soft toys/neck pillows. Noses, tails, legs, and ears have been cut out and stitched. This week they will be tackling the head and the muzzle - one of the trickiest parts.
Friday, 3 November 2017
Year 9 Soft Toy/Neck Pillow
The Year 9’s have been working hard on their soft toy/neck pillow - preparing the pattern pieces to begin cutting out.
They began constructing a part of the face on Tues. Can you tell what it is??
Timetable During Exams
Where you see the
stars is when the classroom is available to you. The classroom is always open on a Thursday and Friday, lunch 1 & 2
Wednesday, 18 October 2017
Term 4, 2017
We've made it to term
4!
This year has really flown by and we're coming up to the last assessments of the year.
Year 9's will be making a soft toy/neck pillow with a focus on sustainability and upcycling. This project is due Week 7, on the 1/12.
Year 10's will be making a hooded sweatshirt with a focus on understanding how to use a commercial pattern correctly. This project is due week 8, on the 5/12
Year 11's are completing their summer dress assessment, whilst the Year 12's are completing their winter garment. These garments are due Week 4, on the 9/11


Monday, 25 September 2017
Basic Elements & Principles of Design
Below are the basic elements and principles of design from an industry point of view. The design industry includes Fashion and Design, Architecture, Web Design, Hard Materials, Interior Design, and many more. The elements and principles below, are commonly referred to within the above areas.
Wednesday, 13 September 2017
Fashion and Design at Waikato Diocesan
The Fashion and Design
student’s at Waikato Diocesan School have been putting their creative minds to work. Their task was to develop a textile applied design for soft furnishings. To check out the full pictures you can visit their school Facebook page here
Tuesday, 5 September 2017
Screen Printing Practice
The year 9’s had the opportunity to practice making a paper stencil for screen printing. As this is an element required on their drawstring bag, it was the perfect time to put their creative skills to the test by designing a stencil of their name/nick name. Here they are working cooperatively in the Textile's room
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
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
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?

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

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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!).
Blended fabrics keep their shape & require little to no maintenance (like ironing!).
Information sourced from: https://blog.stitchfix.com/fashion-tips/guide-breathable-summer-fabrics/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!
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.
Sunday, 28 May 2017
Joseph Iosefo's Inspiring Speech
What Language Features and Techniques does Joseph use to deliver his speech and capture the audience's attention?
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.
|
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