10 Teaching Methods
10.1 Resources
10.1.1 Textile Resources
Clay, James Darren. (2002). Fabric Swatch Kit. (First Edition) Los Angeles: Clay Hunter.
Reviewed by Cynthia R. Jasper, University of Wisconsin
The Fabric Swatch Kit is designed to
help students and customers understand the types and varieties of fabrics
that are available within the textile industry. It facilitates learning
about textiles. The arrangement and display of materials are creative
and facilitate the learning process, allowing the user to physically touch
and manipulate the fabrics.
The Fabric Swatch Kit includes 175 swatches. Readers are instructed to
tape into place within the book the 1.5-inch by 3-
inch swatches. This substantial size is more than adequate for identification
and analysis of the texture. Additional blank swatch areas are provided
for future fabric references. Notes and index that are included are beneficial
when searching for definitions and explanations on the characteristics
of the fabrics and other relevant information. The Fabric Swatch Kit is
beautifully designed with precisely cut fabrics that result in a wonderful
learning package for those interested in learning about fabrics and their
uses.
Clay includes a description of conditions and types of garments for which
each fabric typically would be used. As example, whether it would be appropriate
for summer or winter weather patterns or indoor or outdoor clothing. The
kit is also organized into sections that are sensible for the study of
fabrics. The sections are as follows: cotton, linen, silk, wool, polyester,
rayon, knits, linings, specialty, treatments, blends, Clay's notes on
fabrics, Clay's technical glossary and the index. Information regarding
limitations of fabric use and price are not included in the text.
James Clay, a fashion designer and instructor at the Fashion Institute
of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, California, clearly understands
the learning process of fabrics. I highly recommend the Fabric Swatch
Kit as a resource for students in textile and design classes. Overall,
it is a good resource for textile and apparel design students and practitioners.