Credit Points: 30
Study Time: 300 Hours

This unit encourages the development and extension of conceptual and practical processes commenced in the Autumn Term unit Creative Beginnings and Introduction to Textile Techniques consolidating and refining skills in response to a given brief. This unit allows for experimentation, development and manipulation of fabrics in order to explore technical processes and formulate personal methods of textile creation. Reference is made to exemplars of contemporary practice and historical applications to provide a context for your explorations. The production of a series of experimental samples will encourage the generation of personal and innovative textile responses. These will in turn inform the exploration of solutions to a given project brief, where emphasis is placed upon final application.

Outline Syllabus
An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit:

Initial exploration of textile techniques will inform the outcomes for a relevant and challenging creative professional based brief. Students will be provided with a choice of application to inform and influence the research, design and the techniques implemented. Students will apply themselves to specific briefs in order to confirm their interests. The unit will be evidenced through studio and workshop practice.

• Introductions to technical and experimental processes, e.g. heat-press, dye techniques, procion printing, fabric manipulation techniques, basic knitting, felting, and stitch techniques. 
• Extension and development of digital manipulation skills. 
• Extend and develop personalised visual language, design, and basic textile technique skills. 
• Challenge the design and making process through conceptual and creative investigations. 
• Develop and consider through, research, designing, and making, the final application of the fabrics, e.g. for Interiors, fashion, arts/craft. Evaluate and analyse your response to creative solutions.

Method of Delivery
Demonstrations, workshops, studio practice, independent study, lectures, tutorials and critiques.

Aims

A1 To extend your skills and knowledge through the exploration and inventive use of textile techniques and processes.
A2 To further extend and develop a personal design and textile technique language through exploration of media and the brief.
A3 To further develop the design and making processes through problem solving methodologies and research of applications.
A4 To develop your ability to analyse and critically evaluate your responses to textile solutions.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of development of creative concepts through the explorative uses of textile techniques and processes.
LO2 Demonstrate the development of textile outcomes through research, invention and problem solving.
LO3 Demonstrate problem solving abilities in the realisation of an applied outcome in response to the brief.
LO4 Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the body of applied work through critical evaluation and reflective analysis.
LO5 Identify and utilise appropriate primary and secondary sources of information for your work.
LO6 Demonstrate your understanding of contemporary practice in relation to historical contexts.

Reference Materials

Key
Black, S. (2006). Fashioning fabrics. London: Black Dog Publishing.
Braddock, S.E. and O'Mahony, M. (1998). Techno textiles. London: Thames and Hudson Ltd.
Fogg, M. (2006). Print in fashion: design and development in textile fashion. London: B T Batsford.
Hayward Gallery Addressing the century: 100 years of art and fashion. London: Hayward Gallery.
Larsen, J.L. (1989). Furnishing fabrics: an international sourcebook. London: Thames and Hudson Ltd.

Recommended
Yusuf, N. and Etzdorf, G. (1998). Georgina von Etzdorf: sensuality, art and fabric. London: Thames and Hudson Ltd.
Aav, M. (ed). (2003). Marimekko. London: Yale University Press.

Periodicals
Bloom // Crafts // Collezioni // Drapers // Elle Decoration // International Textiles // Selvedge // Surface // Textile Forum // Textiles View // View on Colour // Vogue

Websites
Contemporary Applied Arts // Crafts Council // UK Department of Trade and Industry // Embroiderers' Guild // London Fashion Week //  
Society of Designer Craftsmen // Victoria & Albert Museum