Another action-packed term is at an end way too soon! Term 2 saw us experimenting with textiles. What is a textile? (you may ask!) We determined that a textile is a kind of fabric which can be created by joining threads and fibres together (plus leather, which is also categorised as a textile!) The threads and fibres can be natural or man-made. There are so many ways to do this, for example, knitting, glueing and knotting!
This term we:
- had a go at crocheting, learning to make a slip knot, a chain and a single crochet, finishing and joining; some people made crocheted chickens or bags; we experimented with circles and squares; and a few also learned how to read a pattern!
- discovered how to make one continuous yarn from a tube such as a shopping bag or t-shirt
- learned about the ancient Japanese techniques of Shibori dyeing, including Arashi, Itajime, Kumo, and also experimented with our own mix of techniques. Our t-shirts were dyed in natural indigo, whilst students explored coloured dyes on cotton fabrics. The cotton fabrics were then ‘value-added’ as lavender bags, cushions and squishies
- completed a quick, fun project involving hand-sewing beads around a circle of felt and then drawing it up into a cute little bowl
- made a zillion (almost) macrame bracelets, learning the square and twist knots, and using a range of interesting threads and cords. Paracord was hugely popular, and the making of loom bracelets continues!
- tried a different method (to the usual) of using Loom Bands to make a cord or bracelet
- got our hands wet making gorgeous felt in the traditional way, discovering the trick of making 3D pieces. The lovely felt was turned into bags, cushions and giant squishies. This was also a foray into pattern-making. Some made tassels for their cushions, whilst others stitched felt, ribbons, button or beaded features on
- learned a few embroidery stitches, such as running stitch, whipped running stitch, chain stitch, whipped chain stitch, blanket stitch, back stitch and cross stitch, French knots, and lazy daisies- making a colourful 3D cat sampler
- used a weaving frame to weave a piece of cloth. These lovely pieces became table mats, soft toys, shoulder bags and wall hangings
- designed our own soft sculptures (animals, squishies, cushions) and made our own patterns, using those pattern pieces to cut the fabric. Details were added by applying safety eyes, embroidery or felt shapes, making pom-poms and tassels. Accessorising our creations has been a very inventive, fun aspect of designing our own creatures and homewares!
Thanks Everyone, for your wonderful support of our art program! We wish you an enjoyable, safe and restful term break.
Catherine and the Team at LimeDoor Studio