TOP Reflection

After the past few lessons, I felt they are enjoyable but there are lots of information that need to be taken in. The lessons have widen my horizon, they have introduced me different fabric that I have never heard of , such as, spider silk, bark, milk etc. Being a Textile designer, these knowledges are required indeed. Although I may not able to recognise every fabric, at least I know basic intelligence on  common fibre like cotton, flax, wool, silk etc. The knowledge that I have learnt can help me to consider my use of fabric in designing my own textile. In the past, I mostly focus on the fashion industry, but I have neglected the existence of the agriculture industry, medical industry and transport industry. When I have a deep thought, I really think that textile is everywhere. For example, I am sitting on my office chair to write on this blog, I have found that I am sitting of a chair covered with imitation leather, wearing textiles, looking at my curtain which is made from polyester. Textile is everywhere!!

In the seminars, they have given us a very good chance to learn from each others, for example wood textile by Elisa Strozyk, two gaze activated dress by Ying Gao etc. These are the designers that I haven't heard of, they are introduced by my classmates. Seminars have created a platform for all of us to exchange informations, indeed its an important and realistic way for designers to share what they have and learn from it. On the other hand, tutor can clear our doubts from the presentations in seminars. In terms of GM-spider silk, we may think it is come from real spiders but actually it is from goat or silk worms that with the genetic of spiders. If we don't have a deeper research, we must get confused. In my presentation, I think I didn't research very deeply on the spider milking process which made everyone questioned about the spider silk that I mentioned was GM- spider silk or real spider silk. After I have been questioned, I digged into the spider silk and figure out the truth. From this, I have learnt to listen and make improvements.                      

I have tried to put my daily life projects and what I have seen into this blog. I would like to share my projects and show my thoughts in terms of textile. Honestly speaking, I am very in to sustainable designs, I think it is a big tread for fashion and long term. According to the resources from earth, they are getting less and less. Since textile is everywhere, we should start making changes from it. Every designers have their own responsibilities to their own work. We may not able to change everyone purchasing habit, but we can change our design materials and style, even with people and culture. After my sustainable lecture, it makes me reflect on my passed projects, I found that its not an easy task. I have tried using recycled paper which are only used for one side, I made jewellery out of them. And I have tried to create a piece of fabric with all the fabric strips. All of these products take longer time than a normal item, because they have to be handmade and they take time to find all different resources. Sustainable design still has a long way to go, but I believe one day everyone can be sustainable.

To conclude, I really enjoy my lessons and I have obtained lots of informations on materials and fabrics. Beside of all the basic informations, I have learnt the attitude of listening and learning from tutors and classmates, it's very important process to share and obtain. I hope I can use all I have learnt in my future projects and career.




http://www.elisastrozyk.de/seite/woodtex/woodentextiles.html
http://www.dezeen.com/2013/06/24/nowhere-nowhere-two-gaze-activated-glow-in-the-dark-dresses-eye-tracking-ying-gao/

Top 4 Using wasted fabrics from factories

Based on my factory visit, I have done a project on wasted fabrics. I am inspired by the beauty of women. In different countries, there are different definition of Beauty. This time I have taken African neck stretching and the ideal bodyshape of being skinny as my main inspiration. Fashion is used to glamorize ourselves. Lots of girl prefer skinny bodyshape and keep losing weight in an unhealthy way, in this case, fashion can create an illusion to satisfy their beauty standard. In terms of colors, African stretchings are chosen , the colors are attractive and cheerful.

Lycra fabric strips from the factory

Fabric strips with sewing threads on top

Different fabric waste from the factory

Knotted Fabric strips  

Circular form on elastic fabric

Details on overlapping circles  

 In this collection, I have used wasted fabrics from a factory to create my own textile. The concept is similar to creating felt, but I used unwanted strips to link different piece of fabrics together. At the same time, the fabric will be more textured. However, this type of textile skill is more suitable for lycra strips. I think using factory wastes is not only for fashion designers but also textile designers. We all share a same aim - being sustainable and responsible to our earth!