Textiles and Design
Home > Textiles and Design > Site Reviews > Site Reviews
Search Site Reviews
Resource reviews are provided for teachers to
support their teaching and learning programs.
The views expressed by reviewers are not necessarily those
of the NSW Department of Education and Training. Copyright
for reviews is held by the NSW Department of Education and
Training. Permission for reproduction of reviews in part or
full for any purpose must be sought in writing. For further
information contact colleen.foley@det.nsw.edu.au
Sites are listed alphabetically by title. Those reviews which note links to other sites, especially as a major part of the site, will require additional exploration time by teachers to verify specific curriculum applications relevant to their classes. The USER LEVEL descriptor, Professional, is a pertinent reminder of such issues. Please note that changes happen daily on the Internet. Sites come and go. We cannot guarantee that the following sites are permanent or are structured as they were when they were reviewed.
Adire African textiles; kente bogolan aso oke
kuba African weaving
The Australian Ballet
Australia innovates
Australian merino wool: celebrating 200 years
The Bayeux Tapestry
The colour experience
Contemporary Japanese textiles: structure and surface
The costume gallery’s research
library
Cultural spotlight
Dyed and gone to heaven: an online magazine and needlework resources
Fabric
FabricLink: the educational resource for fabrics, apparel, home furnishings, and care
Fashion windows... fashion thru the eyes of a
visual merchandiser
FiberScene: the leading website for showcasing fine art with a textile sensibility
Fibers, fiber for apparel & textiles industry
Floral frocks: floral dress in the 20th century
Gerber Technology – Automation
systems
Kimono, kimono fabric & Japanese clothing
KvB Institute of Technology
Making the modern world: stories about the lives we’ve made
Marla Mallett: textiles and tribal oriental rugs
MekongRiver Textiles
Merino innovation.com
Nature’s bounty: quilts and more
NZEDGE.COM
Patterns of identity: textiles in
Aotearoa
Qantas : history
Textileb2bcentral.com
Textile culture of India
Wool production, testing & processing: educational resource material
World Shibori Network
Wormspit.com: a site about silkworms, silkmoths and silk
Adire African textiles; kente bogolan aso
oke kuba African weaving 
Although this site is primarily designed for the purchase of
fabric online, it provides a range of information about the
best known types of African textiles. Those described include
Adire, Adinkra, Aso
oke, Bogolan, Ewe,
Kente, and Kuba cloths. The
origins, construction techniques, and uses of the cloth are
described. It provides an interesting cultural variation of
examples for the Properties and performance of
textiles Preliminary component of the Textiles and
Design: Stage 6 syllabus. Photographs showing each of
the techniques support the written descriptions.
Gallery offers more detail on the origin of
specific cloths and the traditional and modern techniques
used in their production. Introduction African
textiles describes the traditional looms used in
cloth construction. L. Harrison
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Textile crafts; Textile
design; Textile industry; Weaving
KEYWORDS: Africa; textiles
PUBLISHER: Duncan Clarke, UK
REVIEW DATE: 16/5/04 SCIS 1056229
The Australian Ballet
A broad range of dance related information is presented on the Australian Ballet’s official site. Watch & listen is a valuable resource for students as it includes interviews in Audio and Video, plus Photo galleries of works, behind the scenes and rehearsal information. The latter has a fine example of the basic steps. Textiles students will be engaged by the site’s wonderful costume sketches, mainly found in the galleries, and by the explanation of costume craftsmanship in Video. In Resources, a video interview with the company’s physiotherapist on dance medicine adds depth to the content on the site, as does the well structured and useful dance safety material in Education. Interviews with dancers and staff on safe dance will support teaching and learning about performance. There is an interesting array of material relating to theatrical elements and ballet history, and the interviews with choreographers are an excellent resource for the study of composition. R. Kirsten
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: CA; TAS
SYLLABUS: Dance 7–10; Dance Stage 6; Textiles & Design Stage 6; Textiles Technology 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Ballet; Dancing – Australia
PUBLISHER: Australian Ballet
REVIEW DATE: 24/04/09 [792.80994] SCIS 1329501
Australia innovates
The Powerhouse Museum and the Australian Academy of
Technological Sciences and Engineering have collaborated to
produce this informative web site. Its three distinct
sections explore: A century of innovation,
which leads the user to a search engine, allowing easy access
to information on many Australian inventions; The
edge of Innovation, which provides links to sites
judged by the museum to be particularly relevant to emerging
technologies; and The innovation cycle,
giving an easy to understand discussion on how to turn an
idea into a finished product. Time would be required to
verify the curriculum relevance of external links. P.
Thompson, R. Thompson
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
Stage 6 Community Professional
KLA: ST, TAS
SYLLABUS: Agriculture Stage 6; Design &
Technology 7-10; Design & Technology Stage 6; Engineering
Studies Stage 6; Industrial Technology Stage 6; Science &
Technology K-6; Technics 7-10; Textiles & Design Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Australia –
Industries; Inventions; Technology
KEYWORDS: Engineering; innovation; science
PUBLISHER: Powerhouse Museum, Sydney
REVIEW DATE: 16/5/04 SCIS 1051567
Australian merino wool: celebrating 200 years
A potted history of the Australian wool industry dating back to the arrival of the first sheep in 1788 is displayed on this site. History is an illustrated timeline which steps users through important dates in the development of the wool industry in a sequence which is a little too clever technologically. The sophisticated layout and colours are slightly compromised by the lack of a smooth sequence in operating the timeline. Latest news provides information about current trends and events related to the industry. Although the site’s content is limited, it provides an overview of historical information which may be of use for students studying historical perspectivesinTextiles Technology 7–10. Worthy of mention is the link to Australian Wool Innovation in Contact, which is particularly relevant to the Textiles and Design Stage 6 Area of Study: Australian textile, clothing, footwear and allied industries. K. Lissa
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles Technology 7–10; Textiles & Design Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Wool; Wool industry – Australia
PUBLISHER: Australian Wool Innovation Limited
REVIEW DATE: 04/04/08 [636.3] SCIS 1342161
The Bayeux Tapestry
Stunning colour photographs of the tapestry beam from this site. The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the Norman invasion of England in 1066. It is shown here in 35 parts, with each part containing a photograph, and a Latin and English explanation. Each link downloads quickly, and users may view the images in sequence. The history and significance of the tapestry are explained and an outline of the Battle of Hastings is provided. White text on a black background inhibits ease of reading but the tapestry images and calligraphy are outstanding. The site would be useful when studying English history in History 7–10, and for students interested in the historical and cultural design of textiles in Textiles and Design Stage 6. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE; TAS
SYLLABUS: History 7–10; Textiles & Design Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Bayeux Tapestry; Great Britain – History – 1066-1485; Hastings, Battle of, 1066
PUBLISHER: G. R. Crack, UK
REVIEW DATE: 24/04/09 [942.02] SCIS 1403019
The colour experience
Bold and interactive, this exciting website is very user friendly, making learning about colour and design an engaging experience. Flying colours is designed for K–6 students. Matching colours strongly supports Year 11 TAS students looking at Fashion trends and design, Fashion throughout the ages, sketching, and elements and principles of design. In Boogie nights, students can design an outfit for a model including set design, hairstyle and fabric print. In the Colour museum, students can play games, investigate colour vision and look at the cultural use of colour and symbolic meanings. Year 7 History students can research specific ancient cultures and their use of colour in Colouriser, and Visual Design students will find information on Colour for food and packaging here. Teachers will find this excellent site is well worth a look, and the best place to start is Focus on colour as it synthesises the site’s material. M. Timperley
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: CA; HSIE; TAS
SYLLABUS: Creative Arts K–6; History 7–10; Textiles & Design Stage 6; Visual Arts 7–10; Visual Design 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Colour; Design; Fashion
PUBLISHER: SDC Colour Museum, UK
REVIEW DATE: 02/09/08 [667] SCIS 1379563
Contemporary Japanese textiles: structure and surface
Students will enjoy this special investigation into Japanese Transparent, Dyed, Reflective, Printed, Sculpted and Layered textiles. Each of these sections features research and photographs of textiles that integrate ancestral techniques with contemporary tools and technologies. The textiles are presented in detail, including mediums, fibre and fabric structures. The elements and principles of design are also mentioned. An Artist’s bio has concise information. HSC students studying Japan as their culture in Textiles and Design will find this site very useful as sections on textile production and textile art forms will assist them in their study. M. Timperley
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Costume – Japan; Design – Biography; Fabrics – Exhibitions
PUBLISHER: New York Museum of Modern Art, USA
REVIEW DATE: 02/09/08 [677] SCIS 1379626
The costume gallery’s research
library
Developed as an amateur site, contained here are many
photographic records of changing fashions. There are some
unusual and diverse resources including, articles from home
and fashion magazines like the 1893 Ladies Home
Journal giving insights into the styles and craft
activities of the day, such as tatting. Within
Research by time and Research by topic are
subject and period lists. These contain photographs and links
to associated sites. Time would be required to verify the
curriculum relevance of these links. A. Whyte
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
Professional
KLA: CA; TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design 7-10;
Textiles & Design Stage 6; Visual Arts 7-10; Visual Arts
Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Costume; Fashion
KEY WORDS: Costume; fashion
PUBLISHER: Penny Dunlap Ladnier, USA
REVIEW DATE: 16/5/04 SCIS 1037788
Cultural spotlight
Despite targeting tourists, this easy to use, very colourful and simple site is well worth a visit. Students will gain a solid understanding of the Korean people, and their culture, society, and customs. Topics are arranged in a linear format and cover war, martial arts, food, music, religion, and clothing. Information on festivals can be found within some topics. Traditional clothing is relevant to cultural studies in Textiles and Design Stage 6 and in TextilesTechnology 7–10. Korean traditional embroidery and Traditional court clothes may also be relevant to the Textiles Technology syllabus. Traditional patterns and symbols looks at meaning in the order of nature and this may be useful stimulus for young artists. Information on Rice cakes (deok), Traditional tools and utensils and Kimchi–Korea’s food will support TAS students researching Korean culture. K. Lissa
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: CA; HSIE; Languages; TAS
SYLLABUS: Food Technology 7–10; HSIE K–6; Korean K–10; Textiles & Design Stage 6; Textiles Technology 7–10; Visual Arts 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Korea – Social life and customs
PUBLISHER: Life in Korea, USA
REVIEW DATE: 16/07/07 [951.9] SCIS 1314638
Dyed and gone to heaven: an online magazine and needlework resources
This online store provides products and as well as information on textiles and techniques. There are tips and guides on needlework and in Designer spotlights students can discover the inspirations behind designers’ designs. There are Free patterns ready for download, and a large number of patterns can be found in Kids projects, including hair bands, tags, hardanger embroidery, t-shirts and artwork, complete with instructions and colour photographs. The Innovation gallery will inspire Textiles students and the site supports students investigating the elements and principles of design. M. Timperley
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: CA; TAS
SYLLABUS: Creative Arts K–6; Textiles & Design Stage 6; Textiles Technology 7–10; Visual Arts 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Needlework
PUBLISHER: CARON Collection, USA
REVIEW DATE: 17/12/08[746.4] SCIS 1374665
Fabric
Designed for the general public, this site has some informative pages for students on wool. It analyses wool fibre and its use in furnishings, and the use of wool in carpets and in bedding. Wool upholsteries concisely explains wool fibre with regard to weaves, knitted fabrics and the worsted and woollen yarns. It explains the care and cleaning required to keep woollen furnishing in good condition. The site also provides information on the merino, the benefits of wool, colouring, and the Woolmark symbol and blend. Site users will find it easy to navigate their way around the site and to obtain relevant syllabus related information. M. Timperley
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Fabrics; Upholstery; Wool
PUBLISHER: Woolmark, Australia
REVIEW DATE: 10/09/07 [684] SCIS 1322986
FabricLink: the educational resource for fabrics, apparel, home furnishings, and care
Information on fibres, yarns, fabrics, finishes, end uses and new product developments can be found in this excellent resource. There is detailed information on recent innovations such as digital printing, ecospun and cocona fabrics. Site users have access to a technical centre where experts keep customers well informed on new textile products, and media releases give information on new fabrics and environmentally friendly finishes. Career paths is a good tool for students researching careers in textiles. The site is valuable for the Textiles and Design Areas of Study: Properties and performance of textiles and Australian textile, clothing, footwear and allied industries, where access to current industry information is required. M. Timperley
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Fabrics
PUBLISHER: FabricLink, USA
REVIEW DATE: 17/12/07 [646] SCIS 1192517
Fashion windows... fashion thru the eyes of
a visual merchandiser
A brief overview of many aspects of the fashion industry is
provided here. It is an easy site to navigate with categories
such as: Visual merchandising;
Mannequins; and Fashion
designers. An extensive list of international
designers can be found in Fashion designers,
with a brief outline of each designers’ inspiration and
their latest fashion range. Many photographs support the
information. It would be a useful tool to create case studies
on factors influencing fashion. The site is updated regularly
and provides an insight into the fashion trends for next
season. The information is relevant to the Design
component and may serve as stimulus for the Major
textiles project of the Textiles and Design: Stage 6
syllabus. L. Harrison
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Clothing industry; Fashion
design
KEYWORDS: Fashion; designer
PUBLISHER: Fashion Windows Inc., USA
REVIEW DATE: 16/5/04 SCIS 1056192
FiberScene: the leading website for showcasing fine art with a textile sensibility
Beginning with works from the 1950s, this artist resource and fine art gallery specialises in the San Francisco Bay area fiber art. The gallery’s aim is to educate, exhibit and offer sales online. Fibre art is a fine medium for art expression using textiles with a history that can be traced back over thousands of years. Users can view artists’ work, providing inspiration for students for their textile projects. Work examples include the mediums of cotton, silk organza and techniques of batik, stenciling and other combinations of creativity. Artists provides a list of local fibre artists, biographical information and examples of current work. M. Timperley
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Art, Modern – Exhibitions; Textile crafts
PUBLISHER: FiberScene, USA
REVIEW DATE: 17/12/08 [746.074] SCIS 1374680
Fibers, fiber for apparel & textiles industry
Users will find this American site quite informative but busy. From the home page, a list of textile fibres, from abaca to wool, can be accessed. On choosing a fibre, there are links to the definition, manufacture and end uses. The blue links rely heavily on Wikipedia but interesting historical facts relating to the fibres, and modes of dress are presented. Some other links are for commercial information, mainly American, but these do include a few Australian companies. Textiles and Design students looking at the Area of Study: Properties and Performance of Textiles will find all their fibres listed, but there is little pictorial support. Apparel search lists stockists and information about the apparel item. Teachers should be aware that some links may be inappropriate. M. Timperley
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Fibres; Textile industry
PUBLISHER: The Apparel Search Company, USA
REVIEW DATE: 15/07/08 [677] SCIS 1369871
Floral frocks: floral dress in the 20th Century
There are opportunities here to view some current and historical costumes, and student artworks. Fashion museum leads to displays of fashion from the 18th century to the present day, including corsets and accessories, with notes on fashionable women. The written and photographic information given is minimal, but site users following the Learning and Just for fun links will find some fashion based games, including the Roman baths game which could be an interesting aspect of study for History Stage 4 students studying ancient Rome. Also here are Webquests for students, including lists of research resources. M. Timperley
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE; TAS
SYLLABUS: History 7–10; Textiles & Design Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Costume – 20th century; Dresses – History
PUBLISHER: Bath Spa University, UK
REVIEW DATE: 02/09/08 [391.009] SCIS 1369875
Gerber Technology – Automation
systems
Although designed and directed towards the textile
manufacturing industry, this site provides some useful
information for students and teachers requiring up to date
information relating to textiles technology and uses of
textile products. This is particularly relevant to the
Textiles & Design: Stage 6 syllabus core,
Australian textiles, clothing, footwear and allied
industries. Primarily text based, this site explains the
benefits of automation in several areas of the industry. It
also identifies the current role of computers, computer
assisted technology (CAD), digitisers, and plotters in the
mass production of textile products. L. Harrison
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Automation; Industrial
design; Manufacturing process; Textile machinery
KEYWORDS: Manufacturing; textiles
technology
PUBLISHER: Gerber Technology, USA
REVIEW DATE: 16/5/04 SCIS1056178
Kimono, kimono fabric & Japanese clothing
Filled with beautiful photographs, this site is a pleasure to browse. It has information on all aspects of the Japanese kimono, including making and wearing, kimono fabrics and accessories. The site also deals with other clothing items in a culturally significant style that could support the teaching of Japanese. Textiles Technology students could use this site when describing how different cultures use textiles as an expressive and functional medium in their study of Textiles and society. Stage 6 students will find this site useful when studying the Influence of culture on design. In particular, they may discover significant and historical influences to apply to their design inspiration for the major textile project. K. Lissa
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: Languages; TAS
SYLLABUS: Japanese K–10; Textiles & Design Stage 6; Textiles Technology 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Japan – Social life and customs; Kimonos
PUBLISHER: JapaneseKimono.com, USA
REVIEW DATE: 16/07/07 [391.0095] SCIS 1291393
KvB Institute of Technology
For students interested in a career based in design, this is
a vital site. It provides information on a range of courses
available at the KvB Institute of Technology. It is well
organised and can be navigated easily through the various
schools, including the schools of fashion design, graphic
design, interior design, digital design, visual
communication, film and TV design and multimedia design. A
brief overview is provided on the courses offered including
their relevance to today's society. Of particular
interest are several sample design portfolios displaying the
work carried out by the students within the details of
courses. The variety of materials used may serve as stimulus
for student major works and projects. L. Harrison
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: CA; TAS; VOC ED
SYLLABUS: Design & Technology Stage
6;Textiles & Design Stage 6; Visual Arts Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Fashion design
KEYWORDS: Career; design; fashion;
technology
PUBLISHER: The KvB Institute of Technology,
Australia
REVIEW DATE: 16/5/04
Making the modern world: stories about the lives we’ve made
An outstanding example of the educational uses of internet technology, the site has information on the development of modern society since the mid 1800s, with a timeline facilitating understanding. Icons of invention in scientific, technological and medical concepts are explored in images, sound and words. How technology and science have impacted on Everyday life is discussed. Guided tours focus on a variety of topics, including transport, women, conflict, health and employment. Learning modules currently feature demonstrations and activities using a variety of media on Biology, History and Psychology. Especially useful for science and technology topics, the site has extraordinary breadth and capacity for cross curriculum student engagement, from Urban sustainability essays to a creative audio visual using Kennedy’s moon landing speech. The site is designed for older students and is well worthy investigation by educators. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: HSIE; Science; TAS
SYLLABUS: Biology Stage 6; Design & Technology Stage 6; Geography Stage 6; HSC History Stage 6: Extension; Science 7–10; Textiles Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: History, Modern; Science and civilisation
PUBLISHER: Science Museum, UK
REVIEW DATE: 16/11/08 [303.48] SCIS 1391894
Marla Mallett: textiles and tribal oriental rugs
Mallett is a textile researcher, lecturer, and fibre artist. She has researched over 1600 textiles and presented them on this great site, for educational and commercial purposes. Users can view textiles by searching a wide range of countries from Laos to the Ottoman Empire; by type of textile, such as kilims, Folk art tapestries and Japanese kimono and obi; and by articles on textiles and processes, such as The basic tribal weaves. A large number of links to textile related sites will be very valuable for students as the list is annotated and extensive. The site has detailed information on textile items and their cultural uses and there are many colourful images. Textile students studying the influence of culture on design will find this resource a useful research tool. M. Timperley
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design Stage 6; Textiles Technology 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Ethnic groups; Social life and customs; Soft furnishings; Textile crafts
PUBLISHER: M. Mallett, USA
REVIEW DATE: 17/12/08 [746] SCIS 1374651
MekongRiver Textiles
Well laid out and simple to use, this site contains photographs of remarkable handwoven cottons and ikat silk designs from mainland Southeast Asia. Although designed and directed towards the textiles consumer, Textiles and Design students will find this site useful for examining the Influence of culture on design within the Area of Study: Design. Students will admire the patterns and fabrics displayed, and they may gain some inspiration from products and processes exhibited. About us briefly describes how products are made. Current fabrics are shown in Fabric and specials and students can research ikat fabric in this section. Creative corner has examples of products in quilting and sewing photographs, and students can also view Patterns designed for use with these exquisite fabrics. Textiles students and teachers may also appreciate the opportunity to purchase scrap bags of gorgeous fabric online. K. Lissa
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Dressmaking – Patterns; Fabrics
PUBLISHER: Mekong River Textiles, USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/09/07 [646.4] SCIS 1291364
Merino innovation.com
Recently updated to become more user friendly, this textiles site has much useful information for Year 11 Textiles and Design students and the Topic: Properties and performance of textiles. Students will find the site useful for investigating wool’s fibre, yarn and fabric structures, properties, care and end uses, with written information backed up by colour diagrams and photographs. Explanations of textile innovations, such as quick dry merino, eco-friendly wool and organic wool, will benefit HSC students of the Topics: Properties and performance of textiles and Australian textile, clothing, footwear and allied industries. Students are provided with an interactive timeline to help them understand how wool innovations have changed over the years. Site users can sign up to get an email newsletter for breaking developments in merino wool. M. Timperley
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Textile industry – Australia; Wool industry – Australia
PUBLISHER: Australian Wool Innovation, Australia
REVIEW DATE: 02/09/08 [677] SCIS 1341661
Nature’s bounty: quilts and more
Predominantly a site on quilting, this resource provides some useful information for students and teachers interested in this activity. Textiles contains inspirational photographs of quilts dating back to the early 1800s. Education provides some social and political history, resources, and a quick reference guide to techniques and terms. The downloadable Quilting education guide is a fine resource for schools. Activities and worksheets are age graded and these could be easily and productively adapted to fit NSW syllabus content. Online resources is a useful list of websites for further research into quilting. K. Lissa
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design Stage 6; Textiles Technology 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Quilting
PUBLISHER: Western Kentucky University, USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/09/07 [746.46] SCIS 1321617
NZEDGE.COM
Created to laud the identity and international role of New Zealand and its people, the site is a well written and visually appealing collection of fascinating material. Heroes contains stories of high achievers such as designers, athletes and scientists who have made their mark on world culture. Features has stories and comments on contemporary issues. The site is a fine resource for the study of New Zealand within the Society and Culture Stage 6 syllabus, and for the study of design and textiles in Visual Arts and TAS syllabuses. Textiles students will be inspired by material in the Style index, within Top 10. For Design and Technology students, the site profiles some interesting innovations, such as motorbike design. There is a multitude of material for young artists and social scientists on the site, and students of New Zealand culture, art and design should find this site extremely interesting and useful. R. Parnis
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Community Professional
KLA: CA; HSIE; TAS
SYLLABUS: Design & Technology Stage 6; Society & Culture Stage 6; Textiles & Design Stage 6; Textiles Technology 7–10; Visual Design 7–10; Visual Design CEC Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: New Zealand; New Zealanders
PUBLISHER: NZEDGE, NZ
REVIEW DATE: 24/04/09 [993] SCIS 1395559
Patterns of identity:
textiles in Aotearoa
An inspirational resource, this site clearly
reflects New Zealand culture with an extensive image
collection, including the work of designers of contemporary
Maori textiles. Profiles
contains biographies and a design photo gallery of the
textile works of artists and designers working in Aotearoa.
Dylon includes step by step instructions on
dyeing techniques in Batik, Tie&
dye and other Craft projects. In
New Zealand design archive users will find
digital archives, documenting and analysing New Zealand
design history. This is a valuable site, supporting the
achievement of outcome LS3.1 in the new Textiles
Technology Years 7–10 syllabus or assisting
students needing inspiration for their Major Textiles
Project. M. Timperley
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design Stage 6;
Textiles Technology 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Shirts;Textile crafts;
Textile design; Textile printing
PUBLISHER: School of Art and Design,
Auckland University of Technology, NZ
REVIEW DATE: 16/03/05 [667.0993] SCIS
1192482
Qantas
: history
From advertising images to technical
specifications, this site examines the fascinating history of
Qantas and its association with civil aviation in Australia.
Clear headings direct the user to a wealth of information on
the airline including the Flying doctor
service and the development of the Kangaroo
symbol. Black and white photographic images provide
supplementary source material, but in I still call
Australia home and Qantas uniforms,
vibrant colour and interactive images take over. In the
latter, a slide show and technical information will be useful
for students of design and textiles.
The site has application in the Geography Unit:
Investigating Australia’s identity, and could
form the basis of a virtual study in History 7–10 for
Investigating history. A. Fisher
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage
5 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE; TAS
SYLLABUS: Geography
7–10; History 7–10; Textiles & Design Stage
6; Textiles Technology 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS :
Aeronautics, Commercial – History; Airlines –
History; Air travel – History; Australia –
History
PUBLISHER: Qantas Airways,
Australia
REVIEW DATE: 16/03/05
[387.7] SCIS 1195186
Textileb2bcentral.com
Students will find this site to be very informative. Basically a business portal for the textile and apparel industry, the site covers the Textiles and Design Stage 6 Areas of Study: Design; Properties and performance of textiles and Australian textile, clothing, footwear and allied industries. Brief glimpses of information and articles are provided with the option of joining as a member to receive the full text. Students and teachers will benefit from the site’s current information on fibres, yarns, fabrics, finishes, fashion designers, innovations, fibre testing, environmental impact, textiles manufacturing improvements, end uses and global market impact. The site has links to manufacturers and upcoming events. M. Timperley
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design Stage 6; Textiles Technology 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Textile industry – Australia
PUBLISHER: textileb2bcentral.com, Australia
REVIEW DATE: 04/04/08 [677] SCIS 1341649
Textile culture of India
Designed by an admirer of Indian textiles, this enthusiastic and colourful site contains photographs of Indian textiles and information on Weaving techniques and weaving in local cultures, Embroidery locations and mirror work, and Surfacing media and processes. The latter looks at techniques of Batik, Ikat weaving, Tie-dying and Handpainting. There is a link to the Bengal weavers and articles on textiles and their makers. The Site map icon can be helpfully used for navigation and to access a full page of links to Indian culture, textile production and textile art forms. There is information on traditions and ceremonies such as weddings. Textile students will value this useful site while studying the influence of culture on design. M. Timperley
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design Stage 6; Textiles Technology 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: India – Social life and customs; Textile crafts; Textile industry – India
PUBLISHER: Indistudio, Canada
REVIEW DATE: 17/12/08 [746.0954] SCIS 1374608
Wool production, testing & processing: educational resource material
For students researching technical aspects and current issues within Australia’s wool industry, these educational materials will prove valuable, if a little complex in places. The site contains an intensive explanation of wool production and testing technology, along with a brief look at contextual issues such as the history of wool. The online brochure Testing the woolclip is suitably presented to engage students, despite its technical language. Wool: fibre of the gods is a CSIRO produced film, short and colourful, which boldly illustrates the structure of wool fibre. Teachers may need to guide students through the site’s material, but it is certainly a fine resource for formulating and understanding wool industry issues. M. Timperley
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Agriculture Stage 6; Textiles & Design Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Wool
PUBLISHER: Australian Wool Testing Authority
World Shibori Network
Shibori is the Japanese term for shaped resist dyeing. Stage 6 students of Textiles and Design who are looking at the influence of Japan on contemporary design will find this site to be useful. It is particularly suitable to help students understand textile production, textile art forms and textiles as a medium for self expression and communication. Information on World tradition, Wearable art, Techniques, designers and symposiums is provided. Exhibitions has some interesting images. Information is well illustrated and a thorough understanding of shibori traditions, the artistic process and end uses is gained. M. Timperley
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: CA; TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design Stage 6; Visual Arts 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Textile crafts; Tie-dyeing
PUBLISHER: World Shibori Network, USA
REVIEW DATE: 04/04/08 [746.6] SCIS 1341655
Wormspit.com: a site about silkworms, silkmoths and silk
Do not let the title deter you from this magnificent, easy to navigate site, which is packed with interesting information and photographs. Domesticated silkworms is a comprehensive look at traditional sericulture and the rearing of the domestic mulberry silkmoth. Wild silkmoths has links to species of moths from America and Asia, with a visual comparison of the different cocoons. Silk work covers techniques and equipment used to make yarn out of silk; a video link shows the processes involved. Projects displays items made from silk and includes a segment on saganishiki, a Japanese weaving technique using silk. Silk library provides a link to an online digital archive of documents on weaving and related topics. Stage 5 Textiles Technology and Stage 6 Textiles and Design students will find this site useful and interesting. K. Lissa
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Textiles & Design Stage 6; Textiles Technology 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Silk manufacture and trade
PUBLISHER: M. Cook, USA
REVIEW DATE: 04/04/08 [677] SCIS 1330775
|