Textiles

Over the past five weeks, our Textiles spaces have been buzzing with creativity, curiosity and purposeful design thinking. From first stitches in Year 7 to ethical innovation in VCE, students have been developing both practical skills and a deeper understanding of how textiles shape our world.

Year 7 Textiles

Our Year 7 designers have been building foundational knowledge of textiles, fibres and construction techniques while exploring the power of visual communication through packaging design. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Lucy Sparrow and Holly Levell, students have analysed how everyday supermarket products can be transformed into playful yet thought provoking textile replicas.

Through examining colour, typography, layout and branding elements, students have begun to understand how packaging influences consumer choice. They have now moved into the production stage, carefully cutting felt components for their own replica products. Precision, patience and attention to detail have been key skills, and it has been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they translate packaging into three dimensional textile forms.

Year 9 Textiles

Year 9 students have been engaging in rich discussions about fast fashion, ethical manufacturing and the environmental impact of clothing production. Exploring labour conditions, material waste and consumer responsibility has encouraged students to think critically about their own purchasing habits and the lifecycle of garments.

With this ethical lens in mind, students have now commenced the construction phase of their custom shorts project. Working collaboratively in teams, they are carefully laying out patterns, pinning and cutting fabric with increasing independence. Emphasis has been placed on accuracy, grainline placement and efficient fabric use to minimise waste.

The classroom has been filled with teamwork, problem solving and the satisfying sound of fabric shears in action. It has been particularly pleasing to see students supporting one another, demonstrating both technical growth and maturity in their approach to sustainable design.

VCE Product Design and Technologies

Our VCE students continue to demonstrate thoughtful and innovative design thinking as they develop ethical products that respond to specific end user needs. Through detailed research, client analysis and consideration of materials, processes and sustainability, students are refining concepts that balance function, aesthetics and social responsibility.

They are engaging deeply with the design process, from thorough research to building end user profiles. It has been impressive to witness their ability to articulate design decisions using appropriate industry terminology while remaining focused on user centred outcomes.

Across all year levels, students are not simply learning to sew. They are learning to question, evaluate and design with purpose. The future of thoughtful textile design is certainly in good hands.