Textiles

Our Year 9 Textiles students have had an exciting and creative start to the term, diving into the fascinating world of heliograph dyes. Students have been exploring how these light-sensitive dyes react to UV light, revealing bold and unique prints through exposure to the sun. It has been wonderful to see their curiosity and experimentation as they tested different shapes, layering techniques, and compositions in their initial design trials.

Building on these explorations, students then transitioned into the construction phase of their project, carefully cutting out a commercial bucket hat pattern. They have been developing their accuracy and confidence in pattern handling, while also considering how their earlier design work can be translated onto a three-dimensional product.

Using their pattern pieces as a base, students began creating their own heliographic designs, thoughtfully placing materials to produce striking visual effects once exposed to sunlight. Each piece is already showcasing individuality and creative risk-taking, which has been fantastic to see.

Looking ahead, students will begin working on the reverse side of their bucket hats, making them fully reversible. This next stage will introduce tie-dye techniques, allowing students to revisit and build upon the skills they developed in Year 7. It’s a great opportunity for them to refine their technical abilities while experimenting with colour, pattern, and resist-dye methods in a more advanced and intentional way.

We are very proud of the enthusiasm and creativity the Year 9s have shown so far, and we look forward to seeing their final wearable pieces come together.