Browsing by Subject "Textiles"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Fate and collecting embroidery in India
    (Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays (JOIE), 2013-11) Johnson, Donald Clay
    An overview of the challenges and experiences the author had in 2005 while collecting embroidered textiles in India. This includes identification of some of the distinctive techniques used in India to enhance artistic expression on surface design fabrics.
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    Garment-Based Respiration And Pulse Oximetry Sensing Using A Stitched Sensor And Chest Mounted Pulse Oximetry Sensor
    (2023-08) Clarke, Megan
    Garment-based wearable devices have the potential to make on-body sensing of vital signs a more seamless part of everyday life. This research seeks to investigate a wearable chest-mounted stitched strain sensor and pulse oximeter for the purpose of developing a garment-based sensing device. A wearable or garment-based device could be used for long term or long distance monitoring a wearer’s respiratory health when regular access to healthcare is challenging due to distance, such as is the case in many rural communities. However, the effect of fit and sizing of a wearable device is a significant challenge when it comes to the balancing comfort and sensor accuracy needs in a wearable device. A stitched conductive thread sensor and an adapted pulse oximeter probe integrated into a chest-mounted mounted adjustable sensor belt were investigated to understand their performance relative to more typical sensing approaches. Two fit conditions were employed to measure effects on sensor performance and understand the challenges presented by garment-based sensing of respiratory signals. This research found that in general a tighter fit condition improved the performance of the stitched respiration sensor and chest mounted pulse oximeter, however sensor dropout greatly influenced both blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and beats-per-minute (BPM) data resulting in suboptimal readings. The stitched sensor was more accurate in measuring breath frequency than the comparison clinical device when fit was not optimized. As a result of this research, it is clear that the fit and sizing of a garment-based sensing device is a crucial factor in developing sensing garments suitable for everyday use.
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    Innovation In Craft: A Mixed Methods Study on Pre-Cut Fabrics' Impact on Quiltmaking
    (2020-06) Pokorny, Colleen
    The purpose of this mixed methods study was to develop an understanding of how the innovation of pre-cut fabrics impacted the Under 45 Quilter’s processes, quilt designs, and connections to the historical craft of quiltmaking. The effect of pre-cut fabrics on contemporary quiltmaking has been a neglected area of scholarly research. This research advanced the understanding of shifts in quiltmaking and the relationship between historical and contemporary practices of quiltmaking. A review of the literature discussed the impact of previous innovations on the evolution of quiltmaking. Background was provided on pre-cut fabrics, based on information from literature as well as interviews with industry professionals. Core values of quiltmaking were identified from the literature and categorized into three aspects specific to quiltmaking: processes, designs, and connections to the historical craft of quiltmaking. A mixed methods approach was used with multiple data sources, including interviews with 14 Under 45 Quilters, quilt photographs, five industry professional interviews, and participant observation. Data were analyzed through a grounded theory approach to find emergent themes on how pre-cut fabrics impacted quilters’ processes, designs, and connections to the historical craft. The themes identified were categorized under the three aspects of quiltmaking. Results showed that pre-cut fabrics were pivotal for the Under 45 Quilter’s sustained engagement in the craft of quiltmaking. Pre-cut fabrics redefined the traditional relationship with the fabric stash through purposeful buying and collectible eye candy. The Under 45 Quilter’s aesthetic preferences were affected by pre-cut fabrics, as seen through simpler quilt designs with a variety of fabrics. While the Under 45 Quilter found ways to be creative within the constraints of pre-cut fabrics, pre-cut fabrics were also limiting to design capabilities. The quilters’ selection of quilt designs and fabrics reflected the influence of pre-cut fabrics. Pre-cut fabrics contributed to a reworking of traditional patterns for contemporary techniques. Pre-cut fabrics also influenced how the Under 45 Quilter adopted quiltmaking. The interrelationships among the resulting themes of this study showed the scope of the effect pre-cut fabrics had on the Under 45 Quilter and quiltmaking. There was a shift towards efficient, quick completion, which caused changes to the aesthetics of quilt designs. Historical connections to traditional quilt designs potentially were being lost. For the Under 45 Quilter to maintain a historical connection to quilting, traditional designs needed to be presented in pre-cut fabric friendly techniques and modern colors. The findings of this study contributed to theory development on the relationship between innovations and quiltmaking. The study illustrated how pre-cut fabrics fit into the values and lifestyle of the Under 45 Quilter, and therefore impacted their quilt designs and connections to the historical craft of quiltmaking. The Under 45 Quilter was looking for solutions that accommodated their lives and allowed them to enjoy a creative and meaningful craft. Using pre-cuts, the Under 45 Quilter could quickly finish quilts, which helped sustain their engagement in the craft of quiltmaking.