Textiles: Reimagined Fibres (Elective)

“In a small way human creative hands imitate this profusion of God, going beyond the minimum requirements of getting the job done. Creative hands are not content to spread on the frosting; they must make a tasteful arrangement of swirls and colour. They don’t just apply a coat of varnish; they polish the surface until it glows like satin. Creative hands do more than plant seeds; they place them in a tasteful and eye-pleasing garden arrangement.” LeRoy Koopman

Overview

This subject aims to introduce students to the knowledge, understanding and skills of using textiles for product design and art making. Students will engage in the design process as they plan and manage practical projects from conception to realisation. Students will use be introduced to equipment and materials through the development to hand sewing techniques including embroidery, measuring, cutting, pinning, applique and fabric dying. Students will use the sewing machine, as well as learn how the properties of fabric can be manipulated with industry technologies. They will use the sewing machine to design and create a textile product such as a cushion cover, tote bag or soft toy.

Students will have an opportunity to work on independent projects and also contribute to a lager collaborative class unit of work. Through collaboration, students will take on the roles within a ‘design team’ to create a class textiles project. They will engage in the design process as they learn how to effectively manage their time, apply critical and creative thinking, openly discuss roles and responsibilities and evaluate their contribution. The design of the class quilt and techniques/skills used will shine light on social justice issue and be placed on displayed within the College. Students look at the economic, environmental and social impacts of the modern textile industry through the study of ancient textile traditions such as weaving; natural dyes and cotton production. Students will analyse how these ancient textile traditions sustain the needs of third world communities, as well as how we as consumers can make wise choices to support this.

Aims

• To develop critical and creative thinking skills throughout the design process
• To understand the global impact that textile industry has on people and the environment
• To explore how to use creativity to establish God’s kingdom to earth
• To generate and create a variety of design solutions
• Students apply project management skills to document and use project plans to manage production processes
• They independently and safely produce effective designed solutions for an intended purpose

Topics Include

• Design process – Sewing Machine Project
• Impacts of Modern Textile Industry
• Ancient Textile Traditions

Time Allocation

• 5 periods per cycle for one semester
• This unit is offered in both Semesters 1 and 2

Prerequisites

• None

Requirements

• Booklist Items
• Student choice fabric

Assessment

• Design folio and final presentation of Sewing machine project
• Contribution to collaborative project
• Ancient Textile Tradition project
• Research and Analysis

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - Yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17