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3. Circular Open Source Fashion

Research & Ideation

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This week we focused on open source and zero waste systems. I found a few artists and concepts that I beleive align well with my understanding of both ideas. 

* 0-waste modular dress - [Stephanie Johnsons - TextileLab Amsterdam](https://class.textile-academy.org/2024/stephanie-johnson/assignments/week03/#f-i-n-a-l)

* Modular balaclava - [Mina Mayo Smith - FabLab Kamakura](https://class.textile-academy.org/2024/mina-smith/assignments/week03/#octopus-balaclava)

* Modular jewellery - [Shefali Desai - Somaya](https://class.textile-academy.org/2025/shefali-desai/assignments/week03/)

* 0-waste garment - [Ruby Lennox - FabLab Bcn](https://class.textile-academy.org/2024/ruby-lennox/assignments/week03/#final-garment)

* 0-waste garment - [Alve Lagercrantz - FabLab Bcn](https://class.textile-academy.org/2023/alve-lagercrantz/assignments/week03/)

* Assembly instructions & embedded message - [Jessica Stanley - TextileLab Amsterdam](http://class.textile-academy.org/2019/jessica.stanley/assignments/week03/)




_Add your fav alumni's pages as references_

References & Inspiration

"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum."

  • Two images side-by-side

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  • Image reference

centered image with credits/reference

Tools

Process and workflow

My hand drawn sketches are were created after my digital designs this week as I am more comfortable sketching digitally than by hand. Also, I began this week by exploring the use of machines and locally sourced and abundant materials (corn husks in this case). After creatively exploring the concept of zero-waste by utilizing corn husks from a previous week's waste and also deepening my understanding of how to research how waste materials can be repurposed and used as a component, I proceeded to complete this week's tasks.

This week we were tasked with creating a design and prototype in both paper and other materials using modular configurations and interlocking connections first through handmade methods then through digital design and manufacturing.

After creating the design, we are to create a modular or seamless garment, showing that the connection is well-designed and holds after being pulled/stretched. Below you will find documentation of the assembly process and tests for strength and stretch.

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Step 1

Originally I was interested in exploring what types of materials could be successfully modified using the laser engraver and digital design. I decided to try and see how dried corn husks could be modified in the machine to test my own understanding of locally sourced materials, calculating their needs (drying, any safety preparations to preserve material integrity, etc), and attempting this week's main goal. Thankfully it worked wonderfully and I was able to not only make a slot in the dried corn husks but was also able to engrave a legible message as well. I hope to explore this further in the future.

The laser cut nesting 2 was created using inkscape and a 40 watt Co2 laser engraving and cutting machine for my corn husk example.

Corn Husk Recipie - Drying and Gluing

- Centrally store files
- Track changes over time
- Collaborate with multiple people without overwriting one another
- Revert to earlier versions if/when needed
- Publish publicly or in private

Corn Husk Recipie - Preparing Laser engraver

- Review laser capacity
- Make note of fire safety steps
- Ensure that machine operator understands to be present with the machine until the process is complete and all materials are safely removed from the laser bed.

Corn Husk Resiliance Testing

- The husk engraved very well
- The husk was cut cleanly with minimal husk damage surrounding the cut
- The husk was not able to be pulled or stretch upon first prototype.

My paper example was completed using construction paper and standard scissors.

Textil Based Application - Preparing Laser engraver for Leather testing

- Review laser capacity
- Make note of fire safety steps
- Ensure that machine operator understands to be present with the machine until the process is complete and all materials are safely removed from the laser bed.

Textil Based Resilience Testing

- The leather...
- The pull and stretch...

Step 2

Next i neded to upload my findings to OS Circular Fashion as well as begin building out my lab's local materials library. Please see below a video of how to upload to OS Circul Fashion as well as a video showing the creation of the FVSU Fab Lab Material's Library using an upcycled book case.

How-To DIY Videos

learn how to upload to OS Circular Fashion and how to Upcycle a Book Case into a Materials Library

From Vimeo

Sound Waves from George Gally (Radarboy) on Vimeo.

From Youtube

Fabrication files

  1. File: Modules ↩

  2. File: Laser cut sheets ↩