FABRICS TO FASHION · DISCOVERING GOD’S GIFT OF ARTS & SKILLS 81 FABRICS . TO FASHION. Sewing is a rewarding hobby. It takes practice and patience, but the results . can be very

DISCOVERING GOD’S GIFT OF ARTS & SKILLS

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FABRICS TO FASHIONSewing is a rewarding hobby. It takes practice and patience, but the results can be very satisfying. It is exciting to be able to create useful things and save money at the same time.

THINGS TO KNOW AND DOComplete the Tasks, plus the number of tasks listed in each section.

TO EARN THIS EMBLEM COMPLETETASKS

1, 2 AND 3

PLUS

1 MIND MATTERS CHOICE TASK

1 BODY BASICS CHOICE TASK

1 SOUL QUEST CHOICE TASK

1 OTHERS CHOICE TASK

Task 1Complete the following task.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ GIRL GUARDS

Collect the following items:

SEWING BOXSome suggestions are a cookie tin, shoebox, or basket.

STRAIGHT PINSChoose rustless dressmaker pins. Pins with colored heads are easy to see and handle; however, they are more expensive.

PIN CUSHIONThey come in all shapes and sizes. Some have an emery bag to keep pins rust free.

THIMBLEThese may be either metal or plastic. Select one that fits your middle finger snugly.

HAND-SEWING NEEDLESThey come in sizes ranging from one (coarsest) to ten (finest).

Have a selection of the following:

• SHARPS: All-purpose needles of medium length.

• BETWEENS: Short needles for very fine stitches.

• MILLINERS: Long and slender; used for basting.

• CREWEL: For embroidery work.

THREADChoose several types of thread in different colors and thicknesses.

SCISSORS:

• Bent-handled shears are the best for cutting fabric because the blades rest flat on the cutting surface. A pair of seven or eight inch shears is most commonly used.

• Sewing and embroidery scissors have pointed blades and are good for cutting thread. Try to choose four or five inch scissors.

TAPE MEASUREThis is essential for taking body measurements. Select one that does not stretch and has metal tips at each end.

TAILOR'S CHALK OR TAILOR'S CHALK PENCILThese are used for making marks on material.

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Know how to operate a sewing machine. Be able to demonstrate the following skills:

• Thread the machine

• Raise and lower the presser foot

• Wind a bobbin properly

• Sew a straight line of stitches

• Sew a line of zigzag stitches

• Sew in reverse

• Adjust the tension if it is too tight or loose

Make an article of clothing for yourself or for someone else.

1. Use a tape measure to take your measurements. Select a pattern that you would like to use.

2. Check the back of the envelope to see what kinds of materials are recommended for use with this pattern.

3. Choose a material that is appropriate for the pattern, making sure you purchase the amount recommended according to your measurements.

4. Choose thread and the other notions needed to finish the garment. These will be listed on the back of the pattern envelope.

5. Read all of the pattern instructions before you begin.

6. Lay out your pattern according to the instructions. Make sure everything is right before you begin to cut the material.

7. Finish your garment according to the instructions.

8. Show the finished article to your leader.



Mind MattersComplete at least ONE of the following tasks.


1. COLOR PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE WORLD OF FASHION DESIGN.

The color of your hair, eyes, and skin tone help determine which colors look best on you.

Try an experiment. Collect samples of clothes or fabrics in various colors. If you have a thrift store, ask to borrow articles of clothing to use for this task. Hold the different samples up to your face and ask your friends to help you decide which colors look best on you. Take turns until every girl knows which colors are best for her.

2. FASHION TRENDS COME AND GO.

Choose a period of time, such as the Victorian period or the 1960s, and study the fashions from that period. Make a display or sketches to illustrate those fashions.

– OR – Choose one particular item, such as a swimming suit or Girl Guard uniform, and make a display or sketches showing how that item has changed and developed throughout its history.

3. REPURPOSE ONE GARMENT.

Change the length, embellish, or redesign it so that it is something you are proud to wear.

4. FASHION SENSE MEANS KNOWING HOW TO TAKE SOMETHING YOU ALREADY HAVE IN YOUR WARDROBE AND ACCESSORIZE OR MATCH IT UP WITH OTHER PIECES TO CREATE A NEW LOOK.

Go through your closet and see what you can match up or accessorize to create a new outfit for three of the following events:

• Job interview

• Christmas party

• Family reunion

• Church

• Date night with friends


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1. PRECAUTIONS MUST BE TAKEN WHEN USING SEWING EQUIPMENT.

Ask an adult who has observed and supervised you sewing skills to sign the “My Tasks And Activities” page indicating that you have followed the rules below.

• Needles and pins could be dangerous if lost in a chair or bed, or on a carpet. When you have finished using needles, put them into a needle book. Put pins into a pin cushion.

• Always close scissors when you are not using them. Carry them point down.

• If you are not sure how to operate a sewing machine or an iron, ask for help!

• Keep your fingers away from the sewing machine needle when it is in motion.

Body BasicsComplete at least ONE of the following tasks.


5. PEOPLE DRESS DIFFERENTLY AROUND THE WORLD.

Choose a country that interests you and learn about fashion customs and traditions of women living there. If possible, interview someone from that country to help you gain insight into the fashions of their homeland.

Make a poster showing what you learn. Things to include on your poster:

• Name of the country chosen.

• A map of the country.

• Special or traditional costumes worn on national holidays. Include pictures on your poster.

• Clothing worn for day-to-day life and work. Include pictures on your poster.

• Kinds of fabrics normally used. Include sample swatches on your poster.

• A paragraph detailing the background of their clothing customs. Are they based on comfort, tradition, religious beliefs, or a combination of factors?

• When using a sewing machine, remove pins from the material before they reach the needle. The needle will usually break if it hits a pin.

2. DO SOME RESEARCH TO LEARN HOW THE FASHION MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTES TO POLLUTION.

Log on to www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/textile-industry-articles/impact-of-textiles-and-clothing-industry-on-environment/impact-of-textiles-and-clothing-industry-on-environment1.asp to read about some of the impact the textile manufacturing has on the environment.

What could you do to make a difference?

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OthersComplete at least ONE of the following tasks.


1. ORGANIZE A BACK-TO-SCHOOL CLOTHES DRIVE TO COLLECT CLOTHES FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE IN NEED.

Make any repairs needed and donate the clothes to your corps or another group that helps families at back-to-school time.

2. TEACH A SUNBEAM OR EXPLORER HOW TO THREAD A NEEDLE AND SEW ON A BUTTON.

3. HELP SORT CLOTHING AT A THRIFT STORE.

4. WORK WITH THE SUNBEAM TROOP TO HOST A FASHION SHOW.

Use Sunbeams as models. Help the girls choose a theme and select the outfits they will wear. Be sure you ask at least one girl to model her Sunbeam uniform. Lead the girls in making invitations and decorations. Choose music and snacks that will match the theme of the event.

5. DESIGN COSTUMES FOR A CORPS, CHURCH, COMMUNITY OR SCHOOL PLAY.

Learn as much as you can about the characters and actors. Create designs that are appropriate for the setting of the play and flattering for the people who will wear them.

2. PUT YOUR DESIGN SKILLS TO WORK.

Create a sketch of what a properly attired female soldier might look like when she is suited up for battle. Include details that will help her survive the most forceful attack.

3. PAUL WROTE THIS SCRIPTURE TO PEOPLE WHO KNEW WHAT ARMOR LOOKED LIKE AND WHO UNDERSTOOD WHAT A SOLDIER NEEDED IN ORDER TO GO INTO BATTLE.

If you were trying to tell a friend to be ready to stand up against the devil, what would you say? How would you change this passage so they could understand? Write a letter to a friend (real or imaginary) that will help them prepare for a face off with the devil.

Soul QuestComplete at least ONE of the following tasks.


Does it matter how you dress? Of course it does. You would never go skiing in a swimming suit or wear a bride’s dress to clean the bathroom, but there is one outfit that is always appropriate.

Read Ephesians 6:10-17 and do one of the following tasks:

1. CHOOSE THE PIECE OF THE ARMOR YOU THINK IS MOST IMPORTANT.

Research about how it was used and why it is essential equipment for a properly dressed soldier of Christ. Write a commercial to convince others of the need to have this in their wardrobes.

This is my armor!


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Additional Resources

AppsBest iPad, iPod, and iPhone Apps for Fashion Designershttp://appadvice.com/applists/show/best-fashion-designer-apps

Top Android Apps for Fashion Designerswww.topapps.net/android/top-android-apps-for-fashion-designers.html/

WebsitesThreads Magazinewww.threadsmagazine.com

If you enjoyed this activity, find out how to put it to work. Talk to your school counselor about career opportunities that would allow you to use your new skills. What can you do now to help you prepare for a related job in the future?

Here are several careers related to this emblem. There are many others.

• Fashion or Costume Designer

• Fashion Consultant

• Department Store Buyer

• Seamstress

Looking Ahead

S-T-R-E-T-C-H Project(s)Complete ONE of the following projects.


If you are working on the Catherine Booth Award, take photos to share with the Review Committee.

1. DESIGN AND MAKE A FORMAL DRESS FOR A SPECIAL EVENT SUCH AS A WEDDING OR PROM.

You may consult an expert for help.

2. TAKE A SEWING CLASS OFFERED AT SCHOOL, IN A 4-H OR COUNTY EXTENSION CLUB, OR IN ANOTHER COMMUNITY PROGRAM.

Share what you learned with your leader.

3. ORGANIZE A FASHION SHOW FEATURING TRADITIONAL CLOTHING FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

Teen Sew! A Teen’s Guide to Sewinghttp://teensew.blogspot.com

Directions for a Mini Sewing Kitwww.craftstylish.com/item/33940/how-to-make-a-candy-tin-sewing-kit

Sewing for Beginnerswww.craftsy.com/sewing/sewing-for-beginners

Fun Fashion Partywww.queen-of-theme-party-games.com/project-runway-party-ideas.html

Fabrics to Fashion on Pinterestwww.pinterest.com/sagirlguards/fabric-to-fashion/

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FABRICS TO FASHION

Task 2Signature:

Date Completed:

Task 3Signature:

Date Completed:

Mind MattersSignature:

Date Completed:

OthersSignature:

Date Completed:

Soul QuestSignature:

Date Completed:

Body BasicsSignature:

Date Completed:

Task 1Signature:

Date Completed:

MY TASKS AND ACTIVITIES:

S-T-R-E-T-C-H Project(s)Signature:

Date Completed:

MY NOTES:

MY BIG IDEAS:

I WONDER:

My Name:

Date:

COMPLETED

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FABRICS TO FASHION · DISCOVERING GOD’S GIFT OF ARTS & SKILLS 81 FABRICS . TO FASHION. Sewing is a rewarding hobby. It takes practice and patience, but the results . can be very