Category: Fashion Design

Engaging Ways to Teach Sewing Pattern Symbols

Engaging Ways to Teach Sewing Pattern Symbols shows you how you can teach sewing pattern symbols in a variety of hands-on, engaging ways. Every class is different!  I’ve found, in my experience, that sometimes you need options for teaching as an activity that works well in one class may not work successfully in another. So check out the options below and choose one or more to try with your students when teaching about pattern symbols.

Embroidering Clothes

I was thrilled when, during the pandemic, my daughter wanted to learn how to embroider!  She wanted to learn how to make flowers. So we pulled out all of the supplies, drew some free hand flowers and proceeded. She quickly picked up the techniques and went on to embroider some beautiful masks and denim shirt pockets. This got me to thinking that with all of the upcycling and repurposing that is part of sustaining our earth, why not teach students the skill and art of Embroidering Clothes!  Read on to learn more.

Which Bag is Best?

Earth Day is right around the corner and if you’re in need of a lesson and activity around sustainability, then you definitely want to check out “Which Bag is Best?”. In this lesson, students explore various types of bags and then use their critical thinking skills and the decision making model to make an informed decision. Additionally, students will make an earth-friendly repurposed bag from a t-shirt in class that can be used for their gym clothes or shopping.  Don’t have sewing machines?  Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Global Fashion with Barbie & Ken

In the hit movie, Barbie, the main character finds herself in the human world with Ken.  Suppose that while Barbie & Ken are in human land, they decide to travel the
world. We all know that Barbie & Ken are fashionistas and they’d want to wear the latest styles and fashions of the countries they visit. However, they need your help! Continue reading Global Fashion with Barbie & Ken to learn more…

Aprons: History & Design

With the surge in home cooking, aprons are making a comeback!  However, in the cooking lab, they’ve always been a staple!  Learn about Aprons: History & Design and then teach students how to create their own, with or without tie dye.

Hexagonal Keyword Links

Several years ago I learned about the teaching strategy called Hexagonal Thinking. There are many variations on how to utilize the concept in class, but the one I want to focus on is the Hexagonal Keyword Links for FACS Content. This is a great brainstorm, review or assessment activity to use with your students to see how they apply the information related to topics you are covering. Read on to see how Hexagonal Keyword Links works and all of the ready to use examples. As always, if you have ideas for others, please let me know.

Canvas Stitching Project

If you teach an interior design, textile or sewing class, you are going to love this Canvas Stitching Project shared by Katelyn Propper. In this project, inspired by something she saw on Facebook, students get to choose a design, color plan and then hand-stitch it culminating in a beautiful canvas that is display worthy in the home or classroom! Read on to learn more…

Emotions, Mood & Clothing Colors

As I was reading a newsletter referencing an article around emotions, mood and clothing colors, my creative juices started to flow! I knew there was a lesson just waiting to be written on the topic. So, today’s post “emotions, mood and clothing colors” can be used as a talking points lesson as you teach about fashion, capsule wardrobes or even with the selection of fabric color for constructing a garment.

Ugly Sweater Scavenger Hunt Fashion Show

Ugly sweaters are all the craze, so why not incorporate them into a fun winter holiday activity? This Ugly Sweater Scavenger Hunt Fashion Show is an adaptation of an assignment the art teacher at my school does. Send students on a scavenger hunt for ugly sweaters based on project criteria, have them create a digital fashion show (movie) set to fun holiday music and watch them in class right before winter break!

Trendy Threads Wardrobe Box

The Trendy Threads Wardrobe Box project was created to simulate clothing subscription services that are advertised on the internet. These services are designed to tailor outfits that fit and flatter the personality, profile, needs and body type of their client for a fee. In this project, students become the personal stylist as they curate outfits for their “clients” based on profile information. It’s a great way for students to apply what they’ve learned in class and see if they enjoy being a personal stylist!