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Evidence of my work

This section will include images showing the accumulation of my work files

Files separated into categories.

Documents for written formats. Includes PDFs and copies for editing.

Crucial documents gathered for presentation.

A collection of all footage used for this project.

Storage of images for project. Includes hand drawings, photos, and edits.

Previous work and drafts before feedback.

Extras:

Evidence of testing

This section is dedicated to displaying evidence of my work.

It will include images of testing and work.

Model 1:

Model 1 was a test run on learning the basics of sewing. I used online tutorials and basic equipment to create this pillow. The pillow is made from 2 old T-shirts from home, any remaining material was shredded and used for stuffing. I learnt that making your own stuffing can take a long time. Sewing can be hard for beginners so producing this model was time consuming, I was a novice. The shape was meant to be simple to help me learn these basics. In later models I start to experiment more.

Here is footage of me learning to use a sewing machine:

Model 2:

As part of my experimenting, I bought 3 travel pillows. To learn how manufactured models worked, I disassembled these pillows and then sew them together. The fabric was very easy to work with and I saved time by have the designs already pre-cut. I did learn that working with styrofoam is not only messy, but extremely time consuming. When trying to re-fill the pillows I found it difficult and had to implement extra tools (such as a funnel). After this I made the decision to not work with styrofoam and instead use simpler materials. As the project is aimed toward novices I have to make producing the pillow as easy as possible.

Model 3:

After choosing to stick with home materials, I started to test the limits of complex shapes and smaller pillows. While producing these models I found a lot of detail can be lost in the process, if the cushion is too small. It also becomes harder to stuff if you’ve included complex shapes. I ended up using a pen to place the stuffing inside and I could do it by hand alone. After this test I aimed to create large cushions that didn’t utilise hard angles. Fabric is soft and doesn’t bend like rigid materials, without the use of more advanced stitches.

Model 4:

In this experiment I tested out large shapes and created two matching models. One model used scrap material for stuffing, the other used shredded reycled plastic. The plastic stuffing worked really well in the model. After testing it out I decided to include this plastic as an alternative to waste fabric, if the user so wished it. Both options for stuffing work well. I also tested larger, more fluid, shapes. These interacted better with the human body in tests. It became apparent that it worked effectively as a support for various body parts, either being placed around the neck or under the leg appeared to be recurring uses.

Final Model:

I wanted to create a simple model to demonstrate the ease of the project to users. Using only the basic tools (no machines) I was able to make a small pillow and a video tutorial. This represents an accumulation of all I have learnt as a novice at sewing. Through feedback and prototyping, I am trying to present this project to other people in a beginner friendly guide. Hopfully I will be successful, in showing others how to sew, once the guide is fully presented on a public form.

Survey:

Displayed are some parts to an online survey I used to assist in design choices.

Expert interviews:

Link to interview: https://youtu.be/6RgP-_JRqYs

Link to expert feedback: https://youtu.be/jy-i4rgmPe0

My Prototypes

Specifications:

The prototypes I have built for this project all follow similar guides and lists to the final model. In this section I will be displaying and breaking down each model.

Model 1:

This model was used to learn the basics of sewing and cushion construction.

Parts: 2 T-shirts, black thread, scissors, marker, sewing needle.

Model 2:

This model was used to gain insight on how travel pillows are constructed. I took apart 3 products and combined them. To do this I used more equipment to improve the quality of work.

Parts: 3 travel pillows, styrofoam filler, black thread, scissors, marker, sewing needle, sewing machine, sewing pins, plastic funnel, cup.

Model 3:

This model was used to test the restrictions of smaller sized pillows when sewing.

Parts: 2 T-shirts, recycled plastic stuffing, black thread, scissors, marker, sewing needle, sewing machine, sewing pins.

Model 4:

This model was created to test out larger sized pillows and how they interact with the user.

Parts: 2 T-shirts, recycled plastic stuffing, black thread, scissors, marker, sewing needle, sewing machine, sewing pins.

Final Model:

This model was created to produce a full tutorial for users. It uses the bare material components in order to be simpler for users.

Parts: 2 T-shirts, black thread, scissors, marker, sewing needle, sewing pins.

All models follow the same written guide. The guide is avalible in Product specs section of this blog.

These prototypes aimed to test materials and sizes to create the final guidelines.

Me To You

Aim:

The aim of this project is to provide individuals the means of creating personlised cushions with a basic assortment of equipment.

The guide for this product come with instructions on how to assemble the product, along with two templates for reference.

The delivery of this design comes with a guide, templates, a bill of materials, and a video tutorial.

Assembly:

This product is a distributed design. The delivery of this product is presented by giving people access to digital tools and instructions so they can produce and fabricate the product themselves.

Here is a copy of the PDF instructions: Me To You Guide

The guide should contain the following pages:

  Components:

The construction of the product will require some basics tools and materials.

This is a price list of materials and tools for users: Bill of materials me to you

The document should contain the following:

Tutorial:

To help with instruction, I have created a video tutorial for others to use. It should be simple enough to follow and can be supported by the written guide.

Video tutorial: https://youtu.be/wVHsa_vjqJo

This concludes everything you’ll need to produce your own ‘Me To You’ pillow!