Independent Portfolio Project

For this project, you will have an opportunity to explore a project of your choice that demonstrates textiles skills. You will have class time on Fridays as well as some time at the end of the semester to complete your project.

This project is designed to offer you the freedom to explore textile techniques and skills that are of particular interest to you. It is an independent project, your teachers are here to support you, but the motivation and initiative for the project should be led by your interests and desires to acquire or explore certain skills.

  • Your independent portfolio project will follow the Design Thinking process including a Proposal —> Conference —> Studio Time —> Reflection and Submission of your project for marks.

  • All the projects will work together to create a larger portfolio that will account for 20% of your overall mark in this class.

  • Your project can be a larger-scale project OR a series of projects, but should reflect a good use of studio time.

  • We will probably have 3 or 4 rounds of project proposals depending on time and how the semester unfolds.

Potential Project Ideas

Fashion Design - sketch and design an original item of clothing or accessory.

Costume Design - sketch and design an original costume based on a play, character or dance routine.

Personal Styling - act as a personal stylist and create a lookbook of a capsule wardrobe or specific style box for a fictional client. Be sure to source items and include links. Example: https://fashivly.com/

Embroidery Project - design and create a personal embroidery project as a work of art or on an item of clothing. Select a larger scale embroidery project. Use Pinterest for inspiration.

Upcycling Project - upcycle an item of clothing or series of items to bring new life into your item. Use online resources for inspiration.

Sewing Project - hand sew or machine sew a project of your choice.

Puppet or Doll Making - sketch, design and create a puppet, doll or creature using textile techniques to bring it to life. You could include clothing and accessories as well as the physical creature.

Weaving - complete a weaving project of your choice.

Leatherwork - design, sew or paint a leatherwork project of your choice. Be sure to find or draw a pattern for this project.

Crochet - crochet a personal project or series of items. You could select from stuffie patterns or clothing items. We have stuffing and eyes as well.

Knitting - create a knitting project of your choice.

Textile Art - explore a range of textile artists for inspiration and then create your own style of textile art. Check out Lorraine Roy: https://www.lroyart.com/

Macrame - create a macrame project of your choice.

Another idea? Talk to Ms. Brewer and Ms. Nethery to explore if your idea is a possibility.

Success Criteria

Define and Empathize

  • I’ve identified a target audience for the project. 

  • I can explain how this product meets my target audience’s needs, doing research if needed.

Plan

  • I came up with a creative idea(s) for my project proposal.

  • I planned materials and textile techniques that were creative and met the user’s needs. 

  • I made a plan for my time so that each block was used efficiently. 

  • I considered if my idea matches my skill level or requires skills I am able to learn.

Prototype and Test 

  • I tested a prototype to try out different tools and materials. 

  • I considered any changes or improvements I needed to make based on my prototype and/or feedback I received.

Make and Implement 

  • I was able to successfully complete my final product. 

  • I used the right tools and materials that matched my project and my skills. 

  • What I planned for matches my final product. If there are changes, I can explain why.

  • I kept the shared space tidy by putting away my tools and materials properly.

Share and Reflect

  • I can reflect on my entire design thinking process, taking note of any changes I made and/or what I would do differently next time. This allows me to set goals for the future when necessary.

Evaluate 

  • I can consider what impacts my design choices, such as my culture, place, resources, and tools that are available to me. 

  • I can evaluate how designers’ choices might have personal, social, and/or environmental impacts.