FPU MP3 Visuals

 

 

STEMM Midterm Report

 

 

Introduction

Scenario

The Technology Student Association (TSA) hosts multiple competitions each year. One of the events, Fashion Design, requires the group of students to design and create two outfits for an original storybook character of their creation. My partner, Alyssa, and I used this prompt as inspiration for our project. We must design and produce two outfits for an original storybook character that are inspired by marine organisms.

Design Solution

    My outfit consists of a shirt inspired by a comb jelly with a matching black skirt. The comb jelly shirt will be made of a light pink chiffon fabric. Sequins painted with fluorescent fabric paint will be sewn onto the shirt in rows to resemble a comb jelly. The skirt will be made of black cotton polyester blend. The final solution drawing is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Comb Jelly Shirt Solution

Relation to Systems Engineering

Innovation

    An innovation is defined as “the act or process of introducing new ideas, devices, or methods” (Merriam-Webster, “Innovation”). The design and construction process of creating new garments has long been established and is well-practiced. Alyssa and I are simply using these concepts and processes in creating our own original pieces. We are using existing fabrics and sewing techniques to create these outfits.

Engineering

     Textile engineering involves creating fabric from different yarns and threads. A textile engineer is constantly finding new and innovative ways to create better quality fabric. A textile engineer must be experienced in the textile industry and must explore new techniques for production and innovation of making the fabrics.

Manufacturing Type

    Making the garments involves craft manufacturing. Craft manufacturing, or craft production, involves making goods by hand. Alyssa and I will be sewing each of these garments without heavy machinery. Sewing machines will aid in sewing the seams of the garments. Craft manufacturing causes each final product to be unique.

Manufacturing Categories

    Textile manufacturing is definitely involved in creating the garments. The clothing industry includes the making, sewing, and selling of clothes and accessories. Figure 2 shows numerous clothes being sold at a store. Hypothetically, the garments Alyssa and I will be producing will be part of the clothing industry and textile manufacturing.

Figure 2: Clothes in a store

(Apparel Industry, Web)

Science Concepts

Related Concept/Organism

    My final solution is inspired by comb jellies. Comb jellies (Figure 3) are marine organisms that glow in the dark. The shirt designed will glow under black light to mimic the comb jelly’s bioluminescence. Comb jellies move by “pulsing,” so the shirt will have a lightweight, flowy quality. The chiffon fabric mimics this pulsing movement.

Figure 3: Comb Jellies (National Aquarium, Web.)

Technology

Technology Used in Final Solution

    Producing the final garment involves multiple technologies. The first, in order to print the patterns used in creating the final shirt and skirt, is the plotter (Figure 4). The plotter prints images and CAD drawings on a large-scale paper. The patterns Alyssa and I created were plotted on paper and fitted to the model. Once pattern fitting is completed, Alyssa and I must cut the fabrics by hand. Most clothing factories cut these patterns using industrial laser cutters. After fabric is cut, we must sew the seams by hand using a sewing machine (Figure 5 and Figure 6). All factories must sew seams by hand because this is a delicate process.

Figure 4: Plotter (Design-Jet Plotter, Web)

Figure 5: Workers sewing fabrics (BusinessLine, Web)

Figure 6: Sewing machine (SewingMachines.us, Web)

Mathematical Computations

    Creating garments involves minimal math computations. These simple equations, however, are crucial in correctly producing clothes. In creating the garments’ patterns, one inch must be added to the measurements to place the seams. The equation for this is below:

(measurement + 1)

    The measurements taken of the model were in inches, so another simple math equation is converting inches to yards to buy the fabric for the garment. Alyssa and I, while buying the fabrics, gave the measurements needed in yards to the sales associate (Figure 7). The equation for converting inches to yards is below:

(inches/36) = yards

Figure 7: Cutting fabric (CBS Tampa Bay, Web)

Conclusion

    My final solution, the comb jelly shirt and skirt, involves using textile engineering, textile manufacturing in the clothing industry, and craft manufacturing. Producing clothing involves well-practiced techniques, such as sewing seams on a sewing machine. My final solution is a shirt inspired by a comb jelly with a matching black skirt. The shirt will have lines of sequins sewn onto it which glow under blacklight. A plotter will be used to print the patterns onto paper, and a sewing machine will be used to sew the seams. Simple math will be used to measure where seams go on the pattern and to determine how much yardage of fabric needed for final solution. My final solution relates to Systems Engineering and STEMM, as shown in full detail.

Works Cited

“Apparel exports can treble on central incentive: AEPC.” Business Line. The Hindu Business

Line, 5 January 2013. Web. 29 January 2014.

“Apparel Industry.” Supply Chain Visibility Best Practices. N.p., 5 June 2009. Web. 29 January

2014.

“Best Fabric Stores in Tampa Bay << CBS Tampa.” CBS Tampa Bay. CBS Local Media, 24 July

2012. Web. 29 January 2014.

“HP, Plotter.” Design-Jets. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 January 2014.

“Innovation - Definition.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 28

January 2014.

“National Aquarium | Leidy’s Comb Jelly.” National Aquarium. National Aquarium, n.d. Web.

29 January 2014.

“Sewing Machine Shopping Guide.” Sewing Machine Selection Guide. SewingMachines.us, n.d.

Web. 29 January 2014.

FPU MP2 Visuals

AutoCAD Pattern Drawings

Testing Procedures

Introduction

    The final solution will be a costume intended to be worn by a fairy tale character of our creation. The story will be transformed into a live stage production, and, hypothetically, the outfit will be worn by a live actress on stage. The outfit must be inspired by a marine organism and made completely from scratch. The outfit will be made using proper sewing techniques. The outfit must be appropriate for stageplay. This entails that the outfit must have permanent closures and can easily be taken on and off for quick changes backstage. I will be administering testing and carefully choose the best way to create this final solution.

Testing Type: Exploratory

Testing Stage: Preliminary

State of Solution: Drawing/Sketching

Condition of Testing Stage: Conceptual on paper

Tools and Equipment Required: Paper, pencil, and eraser

Testing Procedures:

1. Review brainstorming

2. Sketch and review alternate solutions

3. Describe alternate solutions

4. Post to blog

 

 

Testing Type: Exploratory

Testing Stage: Secondary

State of Solution: Design Matrix

Condition of Testing Stage: Conceptual on paper/computer

Tools and Equipment Required: Microsoft Excel/data table

Testing Procedures:

1. Construct a grid/data table

2. Determine specifications/limitations involved

3. Determine rating scale (i.e. scale of 1-5)

4. Rate each solution using specifications

5. Add points together

6. Determine highest scoring solution

7. Post matrix to blog

8. Further develop chosen solution

 

See Design Matrix

Testing Type: Exploratory

Testing Stage: Tertiary

State of Solution: Fabric Board

Condition of Testing Stage: Conceptual on computer

Tools and Equipment Required: Microsoft Powerpoint, images

Testing Procedures:

1. Acquire Comb Jelly alternate solution

2. Research images related to final solution (i.e. different fabrics, sequins, etc.)

3. Post images into Powerpoint slide

4. Insert text related to final solution (i.e. “bioluminescent,” “lightweight”)

5. Arrange images in groups on Powerpoint slide according to text

6. Align images with each other

7. Post to blog

Testing Type: Assessment

Testing Stage: Preliminary

State of Solution: Fabric Testing

Condition of Testing Stage: Fabric store/indoors

Tools and Equipment Required: Final solution drawing

Testing Procedures:

1. Acquire potential fabrics for final solution

2. Test the quality of fabric

3. Test elasticity of fabric

4. Compare color of fabric to final solution

5. Compare prices between potential fabrics

6. Determine yardage needed

7. Purchase fabric for final solution

Testing Type: Assessment

Testing Stage: Secondary

State of Solution: Pattern fitting

Condition of Testing Stage: Indoors

Tools and Equipment Required: Pattern, pins, live model, tape, measuring tape, scissors

Testing Procedures:

1. Acquire full-size pattern

2. Acquire live model

3. Test fit at waist

4. Test fit at arms

5. Test length of sleeves

6. Pin/tape garment where seam is required

Testing Type: Assessment

Testing Stage: Tertiary

State of Solution: Initial fabric fitting

Condition of Testing Stage: Indoors

Tools and Equipment Required: Fabric, live model, scissors, pins, thimble, measuring tape

Testing Procedures:

1. Acquire fabric

2. Acquire live model

3. Place fabric on model

4. Pin garment where seam is required

5. Remove garments from model

Testing Type: Assessment

Testing Stage: Quaternary

State of Solution: Sewing technique

Condition of Testing Stage: Indoors

Tools and Equipment Required: Fabric, sewing machine, needles, thread, scissors, thread cutter

Testing Procedures:

1. Acquire fabric

2. Acquire sewing machine

3. Begin sewing seams

4. Check seam for puckering

5. Finish sewing seams

Testing Type: Validation

Testing Stage: Preliminary

State of Solution: Final fitting

Condition of Testing Stage: Indoors

Tools and Equipment Required: Garments, model, pins, thread, scissors, thread cutter

Testing Procedures:

1. Acquire final garment

2. Acquire model

3. Place garments on model

4. Check fit of each garment

5. Mark seams or spots that need fitting

6. Fix any issues

7. Place garment on model

8. Ensure outfit looks as desired

9. Repeat steps 4-7 until garment fits correctly

Observation Sheet
Testing Type: Exploratory Testing Stage: Preliminary	1. Were at least three alternate solutions sketched? 2. Were these ideas sketched based off of brainstorming? 3. Were these ideas original? 4. Do these sketches meet all specifications required?
Testing Type: Exploratory Testing Stage: Secondary	1. Was a professional-looking/organized design matrix/specification chart created? 2. Does the matrix include pictures of alternate solutions? 3. Were specifications, a scale, and a point system included? 4. Did one alternate solution have a higher score? 5. Is chosen solution viable to use as final solution?
Testing Type: Exploratory Testing Stage: Tertiary	1. Is fabric board created electronically? 2. Are pictures of chosen solution included? 3. Are pictures of chosen fabrics included? 4. Are words related to chosen solution included? 5. Are pictures neatly organized on Powerpoint slide? 6. Does fabric board illustrate final solution?
Testing Type: Assessment Testing Stage: Preliminary	1. Do all potential fabrics meet desired image of chosen solution? 2. Does chosen fabric have desired elasticity? 3. Does chosen fabric have desired color? 4. Does chosen fabric have desired sheerness? 5. Does chosen fabric have desired quality? 6. How expensive is chosen fabric compared to other potentials?
Testing Type: Assessment Testing Stage: Secondary	1. Does pattern fit model as desired? 2. Is pattern an appropriate representation of final solution? 3. Does pattern size need to be altered in any way?
Testing Type: Assessment Testing Stage: Tertiary	1. Does fabric fit model as desired? 2. Are the seams lying where they should be? 3. Do any changes need to be made to the garment?
Testing Type: Assessment Testing Stage: Quaternary	1. Is seam puckering? 2. Does the fabric bunch up while sewing? 3. Are the stitches staying in place? 4.Is the fabric reacting to sewing technique as desired?
Testing Type: Validation Testing Stage: Preliminary	1. Does garment fit model as desired? 2. Do seam look as they should? 3. Does garment look as desired? 4. Does garment need to be altered in any way?