Category: Textile & Fibers – DFD

This in-depth historical study examines the,development of textiles and the events relating,to their influence. Beginning with the Han,Dynasty in China, moving to Byzantium, and then,to the nineteenth century Industrial Revolution;,this course tracks the exchange of color, motif,,and fibers through trade. Also reviewed are,textiles of India, the Near East, Egypt, Northern,Africa, and Europe. Extensive reading and,research are required. Students respond to,content through detailed notebooks and studio,projects.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DFD 111

The ancient basketry techniques of twining and,coiling have become a popular and well received,contemporary mode of expression for sculptural and,utilitarian forms. These two techniques will be,explored through a series of exercises followed by,a final project. The course will be enhanced by,comprehensive powerpoint presentations and a field,trip to Cranbrook Science Museum to view their,historic basketry collection.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

The Special Project class is offered on an,occasional basis, with course content specific to,the area(s) being explored.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

This course is an introduction to a variety of,hands-on fiber and material techniques in order,to develop a broad understanding of the fiber,arts and textile design with emphasis on 2D,surfaces. Techniques may include pattern design,,block printing, screen-printing, silk painting,,fabric dyeing, embellishment, and applique. The,study of techniques is augmented with slide,presentations, visiting artists and field trips.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

This course is an introduction to a variety of,hands-on fiber and material techniques with,emphasis on pliable fiber structures. Students,develop a broad understanding of fiber arts and,textile design. Techniques may include felting,,yarn creation, off-loom weaving, knitting,,crochet, or basketry. The study of techniques is,augmented with slide presentations, visiting,artists, and field trips.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

This course is an introduction to floor loom hand,weaving through a series of material studies and,finished projects. Students study basic weave,structures through the research and exploration of,color, fiber, and texture. Special focus is,placed on sourcing color and material inspiration,for fine art and applied design contexts.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

Students explore stitch by learning hand,embroidery, sewing machine, and digital,technologies used to construct images and,pattern. While exploring traditional,embellishment techniques, and unconventional,materials such as water-soluble embroidery film,,construction materials, found and recycled items.,Participants are encouraged to develop a personal,visual language through a series of class and,individual projects. The course challenges,students to develop concepts and ideas that,expand the traditional notions of embellishment.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

The workshop style format of this class,introduces students to a variety of printing,methods using hand-cut stencils and photo,emulsion. Techniques include preparing original,artwork for multi-color patterned yardage,,improvisational (freestyle) printing, and,engineering placement prints. Textile pigments,,thickened dye, and discharge pastes will be,introduced. Special focus is placed on material,exploration, color mixing, and registration of,multiple screens.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

This course explores piecing, quilting, applique,,embellishment, and stitched collage. Basic,machine and hand sewing will be introduced to,produce pliable, layered, and sculptural,surfaces. Traditional and nontraditional,materials combinations and fabric manipulation,techniques will function as the “skin” of,armature-based sculptural constructions. An,overview of historical and contemporary fiber,works will provide framework for students to,experiment.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

This course focuses on the creation of custom,fabrics for home decor. Students will initially,work on paper to create motifs and symbols that,serve to carry meaning as contemporary cultural,artifacts. These concepts will be refined and,appropriated to suit its intended end use. ,Techniques may include weaving, knitting,,printing, dyeing, embellishment, felting, and/or,laser cutting. Basic sewing machine skills will,be introduced and students will construct,utilitarian objects with their fabrics.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: