Summary: What wheat is to bread, cotton is to textiles. But the "white gold" that has lined the coffers of cloth manufacturers for centuries has also brought about economic and environmental harm. This program examines the global impact of cotton production and its effect on vulnerable populations. Viewers learn how pesticides, insecticides, and irrigation systems used to grow cotton have increased...
Format: software, multimedia
Publisher / Publication Date: Films Media Group 2010
View online at AVOD
Summary: While human technology has produced a range of useful fibers, the world of textiles continues to value nature's magnificent materials. This video introduces students to the differences between natural and synthetic fibers, then divides the first category into animal, vegetable, and mineral. A range of protein-based fibers are discussed, including their herd-animal sources and the methods by...
Format: software, multimedia
Publisher / Publication Date: Films Media Group 2010
View online at AVOD
Summary: If the average consumer only knew the mind-boggling process behind the yarn in a sock or sweater! This video illustrates yarn production methods and the various properties of woven and knitted fabrics. It explores the reasons for twisting yarns, discusses S and Z twists and plied yarns, and shows fibers being prepared for spinning as well as finished slivers. Students witness fancy yarn...
Format: software, multimedia
Publisher / Publication Date: Films Media Group 2010
View online at AVOD
Summary: Cut-price garments not meant to last for more than a year or two make up nearly half the clothing market, resulting in a rising tide of textile waste. This program profiles clothing designers who are turning consumer demand for green products into fashion trends. The Junky Styling team searches thrift shops for vintage fabric which it then uses to create outfits for their high-profile...
Format: software, multimedia
Publisher / Publication Date: Films Media Group 2009
View online at AVOD
Summary: Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing has replaced the old-fashioned screen process of transferring designs onto fabric, giving textile artists more flexibility while reducing overhead costs. In this program designers at RA Smart demonstrate how CAD and CAM technology is used for joining, engraving, printing, and cutting fabrics. The video also investigates computer-aided...
Format: software, multimedia
Publisher / Publication Date: Films Media Group 2009
View online at AVOD
Summary: Information and communication technology is changing the fashion industry by helping make design, development, and sampling of textiles more efficient. This program takes viewers inside Coppernob, a London-based fashion house, where designers use ICT tools-sketching and visualization software and digital pattern-makers, plotters, and printers-to easily explore different color and style...
Format: software, multimedia
Publisher / Publication Date: Films Media Group 2009
View online at AVOD
Summary: Retailers go to great lengths to ensure the garments they sell live up to certain standards of quality-anything less would mean returned purchases and the risk of losing repeat business. This program shows technicians conducting a variety of performance and physical-wear tests on fabrics. Jackets are assessed for waterproofing, breathability, windproofing, and warmth. Tee-shirts that promise to...
Format: software, multimedia
Publisher / Publication Date: Films Media Group 2009
View online at AVOD
Summary: A new generation of industrial materials may change how we think about textiles. Many components of airplanes, including the wings, are already made using carbon fiber composites-a type of technical textile-and the ability of a Formula One racing car to crumple upon impact rather than crushing its driver is due to the properties of these materials. This program examines the construction of...
Format: software, multimedia
Publisher / Publication Date: Films Media Group 2009
View online at AVOD
Summary: Computerization has taken fabric-printing to new levels, allowing for more designs, more colors, and softer fabrics, all at a lower cost. This program explores technological advances in printing and dyeing, giving viewers a detailed look at flat-bed, carousel, roller-screen, and transfer methods of producing patterns on cloth. Digital color-matching, use of an atmospheric jet machine for...
Format: software, multimedia
Publisher / Publication Date: Films Media Group 2009
View online at AVOD
Summary: Depending on the scale of production, manufacturers use different techniques to make garments, as this program shows. Viewers meet a "cool Britannia" tailor who constructs men's suits by hand as well as a designer using CAD technology to create sportswear-and both methods provide a custom fit. The video also goes inside a textiles factory to compare large-scale batch production with smaller-run...
Format: software, multimedia
Publisher / Publication Date: Films Media Group 2009