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