Sewing & Textiles

The textile industry is notorious for creating disposable fashion using unsustainable products and practices. What is your clothing footprint?

1. First explore this article telling us more about the fashion industry: https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2019/09/12/fast-facts-about-fast-fashion/

2. Next, take an afternoon and go through your closet. How many items in there were bought new, versus being second hand? Do you know if any of the brands in your closet are sustainable?

3. Take this quiz about your clothing habits: https://www.thredup.com/fashionfootprint How did you do?

4. Finally, reflect on it: What are you thinking/feeling right now? Do you think there are any changes you would like to (and/or are able to) make? Any other actions we can take to encourage others to make changes?

~Ms. Bornemann

Textile Technology 12, SCO 4.2 compare and contrast standards of quality in textile production

Textile Technology 12, SCO 5.1 investigate the evolution of various textile processes

Textile Technology 12, SCO 5.2 analyze and anticipate the diverse impacts of textiles on culture(s)

We're all living through strange times right now. Many of us are spending huge amounts of time at home. Many people are feeling bored, or are feeling unmotivated. Lots of people want to learn something new but don't know where to start, or don't have the materials or supplies to start. And on top of it all, lots of people are pretty stressed about money.

One new skill that you can try out while we are all isolating at home is mending! All you need is a needle and thread. Not everyone has access to these supplies, and while they are fairly affordable to pick up, it might not be your top priority right now. And that's okay.

But if you do have a needle and thread, learning how to mend clothes has the benefit of being not only a new skill to try out, but will also give new life to clothes in your closet to help save you money! And if you aren't sure about your skills for being able to do invisible mending, you can check out visible mending where you create something completely new.

Visible mending!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ1r3fBZEC0

Lots of tips and tricks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYvsTVlDGa0

And more tutorials!

https://blog.spoonflower.com/2019/04/how-to-add-visible-mending-to-your-handmade-wardrobe/

And when you're done, feel free to share with me what you've fixed or what you've created!

~Ms. Bornemann

ps: I tried my hand at some visible mending this week when my 8-year-old ripped a hole in the knee of her jeans (as seen in the thumbnail), which was pretty fun since there's no wrong way to do it and there's lots of room for creativity. I used a running stitch with a matching thread to attach a scrap of fabric behind the tear. I stitched the fabric to the denim in an oval shape around the tear. Then I used a contrasting embroidery floss to make some decorative stitches, which strengthens the patch while adding some whimsy!

Textile Technology 12, SCO 3.1 identify and demonstrate effective use of textile tools and equipment

Textile Technology 12, SCO 4.6 explore and effectively use textile production and embellishment techniques

Wearing masks is a key part of keeping ourselves - and each other - safe during the pandemic. Many people have begun making homemade masks from fabric they have in their homes.

PICK A PATTERN: There are hundreds of different patterns and tutorial videos available online and it can be a bit overwhelming searching through them all. Some are dependent on having certain materials in your home (such as elastic, or wire for a nose piece), while other variations include pleats, or pockets for removable filters.

There are three simple options available on the Canadian government's website. One is a basic sewing pattern, one is a no-sew pattern using an old t-shirt, and another is a no-sew pattern using a bandana and a coffee filter: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/sew-no-sew-instructions-non-medical-masks-face-coverings.html

Option A. If you have sewing materials at home (either a sewing machine or even just a needle and thread) then I would recommend trying out their 1st pattern. You can add a third layer of fabric for extra protection if you wish. If you are sewing by hand, you can try a running stitch or for a stronger version, try a backstitch.

Options B & C. If you'd prefer to go with the no-sew patterns, these will still give you some interesting insights into different approaches to design and garment construction. What are benefits to these different patterns? Are there changes that you might make to create a better fit or to provide greater protection? Now try making one and see how it goes!

USE IT CORRECTLY: And before you use your mask, check out this video and read the do's and don'ts of wearing masks.

~Ms. Bornemann

ps: I wish I could take credit for the charming heart mask in the thumbnail, but it's an image I found on the government website and it was too adorable not to share!

Textile Technology 12, SCO 2.1 define and investigate the elements and principles used in the design of textile works 4.2 compare and contrast standards of quality in textile production. 4.3 demonstrate skills and techniques used in textile design and/or drafting. 4.4 demonstrate informed preparation skills for textile production. 4.4 accurately interpret the language and symbols used in commercial patterns. 4.5 identify and select suitable notions and materials for use in textile production.