Intro to Textiles

This project-based semester course integrates art, science, cultural history, and technology to help students develop a comprehensive textile portfolio. Students will explore the journey of textiles, from fiber to weave, and delve into textile science, design, and embellishment. They will acquire hand-sewing skills and have the opportunity to pursue their interests and talents in textiles and textile design. The curriculum includes techniques in fabric dyeing, embroidery, and textile construction, while also examining the impact of technology on new textiles and the environmental implications of textile production. Students will experience demonstrations, hands-on demonstrations, and guided instruction. Each unit will encompass a comprehensive discussion and illustrative examples of various careers within the respective field.

The course is organized into two main types of units: conceptual units that encompass the entire semester and studio units focusing on specific topics for a defined duration. Designed to foster independent thought and investigation, the course aims to cultivate student voices as artists while enhancing their knowledge and skills in materials, techniques, conceptual thinking, and visual communication. Emphasis will be placed on providing students with opportunities to select resources, products, pace, and learning pathways as appropriate, aligning with the Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) instructional philosophy. Students will engage in studio work driven by performance tasks that yield products allowing them to develop portfolios that enhance career readiness. This course serves as a prerequisite for Fashion Design and Construction.

Fashion Design and Construction is a semester-long course that employs a project-based approach to integrate art, design, history, and technology, enabling students to develop a comprehensive fashion portfolio. Throughout the course, students will engage in planning and constructing sewing projects, providing them with opportunities to enhance their personal skills. They will explore the fundamentals of fashion sketching and garment design while learning to operate a sewing machine to create a finished article of clothing. This course allows students to pursue their individual interests and talents in fashion design and construction. The curriculum encompasses an examination of the impact of technology on fashion, as well as the environmental implications of fashion production. Understanding fashion history is crucial, as it reveals the cyclical nature of style and trends, featuring iconic designers, significant periods, and the evolution of consumerism. Fashion serves as a medium for communicating various ideas, values, and interests. 

Students will benefit from demonstrations, hands-on experiences, and guided instruction, fostering a reflective approach through criticism and aesthetics. Completion of the Intro to Textiles course is a prerequisite for enrollment. Through studio work, students will delve into diverse aspects of textile and fashion production, driven by performance tasks that yield tangible products for their portfolios. Each unit will encompass a comprehensive discussion and illustrative examples of various careers within the respective field.

The course is organized into two main types of units: conceptual units that encompass the entire semester and studio units focusing on specific topics for a defined duration. The conceptual units are expanding upon from the pre-requisite Intro to Textiles class. Designed to foster independent thought and investigation, the course aims to cultivate student voices as artists while enhancing their knowledge and skills in materials, techniques, conceptual thinking, and visual communication. Emphasis will be placed on providing students with opportunities to select resources, products, pace, and learning pathways as appropriate, aligning with the Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) instructional philosophy. Students will engage in studio work driven by performance tasks that yield products allowing them to develop portfolios that enhance career readiness.