My 1st Year CSPE students are currently working on a sustainability project we call “Fashion Future”.
The project is framed as the case study of Willow Weaver, who is the new manager of school wear company “School Garb”. Willow is looking for a sustainable fibre alternative to replace the materials used for their current school uniforms. The fibres and fabrics must be natural, sourced from and produced within the island of Ireland.
Initially, the students research the fibres used in their own uniforms, and where they are produced. They then investigate the impact of Fast Fashion and of themselves as consumers on the environment, and research natural fibre sources from within the island of Ireland. After studying the properties of wool, flax and alpaca, they explore fibre properties by learning how to make their own knitting needles and how to knit, how to felt with wool and alpaca, and how to make flax cordage. As the final step, the students will utilise their knowledge and design a new school uniform which is based on the natural fibre’s properties. They create sample swatches and design a crest to reflect “School Garb’s” sustainability ethos.
The students were invited to display their work as part of the Visual Artist Exhibition at this year’s Galway Wool Co-Op “Meitheal” (translating from the Irish to “a meeting of hands”), where their research and designs will be presented to the public.
This course module is independent of any other government, business initiative or competition and devised by me. If you like more information or if you are a teacher and want to implement this project in your own school, please contact me.
I would love to her from you!
Anja Sammon 