GCSE Design and Technology A highprofile activity or

GCSE Design and Technology- A high-profile activity or occasion Centre number: 42310 Candidate number: 6513 1

Initial exploration of a high profile activity or occasion Occasions: -Baby showers -Wedding -Festival -Birthdays (16, 18, 21) -Christening -Christmas -Easter -Ramadan -Graduation Clients: -Babies -Children -Teenagers -Brides -Grooms -Adults -The elderly -Parents -Students Product ideas: -Blankets -Suits -Dresses -Skirts -Shorts -Hats -Bags -Gifts -Jackets Colours: -Pink -Blue -White -Neon -Black -Grey -Green -Purple -Yellow -Orange For a good ‘high profile activity or occasion’ design you would need to choose many different options to ensure you/others that it is the right idea some are: - As the design is for an occasion you would want it to be visual and eye catching this is because then it stands out and is easily understandable because if it was plain and boring people would not find it eye catching. -Also you would need to consider safety this is because you don’t want any sharp edges because anyone could cut themselves, you wouldn’t want the final product to be flammable because that is another danger and you wouldn’t want choking hazards because that is putting peoples lives at risk. -The fabric of the product would need to be an appropriate texture this is because you want it to be quite strong , comfortable and not itchy so then customers may feel like if the product was quite expensive. -You would also have to consider the durability of the product because you want it to last as long as possible because if it doesn’t last long the reviews will be bad and it will un attract customers. -When manufacturing the product a main thing to think about is the size because you need to get the measurements right because you don’t want the sizing to be wrong (too big or too small). -The colours of the design is also important because you want them to stand out and different people have different opinions and tend to prefer different colours than also using themes will attract them like putting patterns, designs etc. -The materials may be environmentally friendly if they are it is really good because once the product is at the end of its life you can recycle it and then it will get re-used. -Weight is also an important part of the final piece as it is for a different variety of customers you would be aiming the product to be as light as possible because if it was heavy people could struggle to wear it or use it depending on what the final piece is. -Using interactive things like sounds and lights is also a good technique because it adds interest and helps to produce an original product. -Also the customer needs to be able to use the product easily so the designer would have to consider all the ergonomics. -The manufacturing of the product would have to be quite easy to make but then a little bit complex as you want to take time with it but have to make sure the price is reasonable. -The target audience will be looked at after I've decided which activity to use. --Using components is also a good way for the customer to interact like using Velcro, buttons or zips is an effective way to add value and detail onto your item. 2

The work of others- these products could link into to the baby shower and christening occasion as a gift off friends or family. I met a lady called ‘Lisa Joyce’ and she is a local designer and has experienced working in many big projects helping design products for babies. She is very creative and inspiring as she designs products for younger children and its has been very successful. She was behind the collaboration of the ‘oral Kiely grobag’ this is a bag that baby's go in when thy are sleeping but have spaces for there arms and head to be out. Her recent project/brand is called ‘kiddunk’ this is a child's outdoor clothing like jumpers, bottoms, hats wellies, tops etc. Also a jumper and bottoms that attach all in one. The average price for the 2 pieces are £ 60. 3

Mood board 4

Client/user group I need to do research for who my product is for and what people look out for. This is so I can get my product correct and work towards others wants. Needs Having an interview with Fiona really helped with my ideas because she has helped me with my ideas and what I need to improve. Also the product needs to be an affordable cost to manufacture so then once the product is finalized it can be sold for a reasonable price that when over a certain amount is sold it can hit the breakeven point and then profit will be coming in. She has told me her needs and it is my goal to successfully meet her needs. I have learnt that the product is more about the durability than the looks but as the blanket is unisex it needs to be suitable colours. My target market: this product will be specifically made for a younger child but anyone can have one. Gender: can be for both boys or girls. Interview Name: Fiona Age: 37 Gender: female Any children: a boy (1 and a half years of age) 2 girls (5 and 7) Job: works in a child's nursery Questions How much would you spend on a blanket for a younger child? Around £ 10 -£ 20 depending on how it looks or what is does. What does the product need to catch you eye? A nice/simple design with a few components. What colours would you go for if the product is unisex? colours like grey/yellow/white/cream. Is the product itself or the design more important? Both because you need a nice design but also need the product to be a durable and light material. Would you keep the product in one place or take it when you go out with your child? As the product is for a child and especially they like to use a blanket as a comfort/something to snuggle up to I would personally take it with me wherever I go. Where do you shop for child's blankets? Different places depending on what catches my eye previously I've been to: -Mamas and papas -Next -Boots -Matalan Key points from the interview: -low price £ 20 -£ 30 -light -good quality material -long lasting -grey/yellow/white or cream colours. 5

Design brief from my initial ides so far I am going to look into all aspects of designing a gift for a baby shower. The gift I will be looking into is making a blanket that you can use from 0 -however old. The blanket needs to be safe and lost lasting as it can be used for many different things. Design specification Function the product should be able to keep the child warm, and let them use it as a comfort. It can also be used as other things like a mat, something to sit on or to wipe something etc. Size The size of the product will be around 60 x 60 cm (a square shape). Cost It will cost around £ 8 -£ 10 due to the material costs and vat on the product. Ergonomics It will be eco friendly because I am going to look into the materials and components and what is in them. So hopefully the product will not cause pollution. Safety The product has to pass the risk assessments and be checked thoroughly and make sure there is nothing sharp or faulty because if there is it could cause injuries and no one will buy it afterwards. Lifecycle The materials of the product will be really strong but lightweight so the product can have the best use it can and will last a very long time unless purposely broken. Materials I have done some research into the different fabrics and for this particular product it needs to be soft and comfortable. Performance The product will be used to keep you warm and because it is lightweight you can take it anywhere and it is a small size. Target customer The target customer is for younger children but this doesn’t mean other people cant use it because all blankets do the same purpose. Aesthetics The product should be a square shaped blanket that is grey with components on and it is unisex , so all genders can use it and it will be a good baby shower gift if the parent hasn’t had a gender reveal. Scale of production At first I will make a sample to work out the time it takes to make the product then once I have done that make another bulk and see how quick they sell/then go from there on how many should be made. 6

Components 7

Design inspiration 8

Using a range of techniques 9

Materials and properties Cotton Wool Cotton is a popular fabric. Its is soft and gentle against the baby’s skin. You can also get organic cotton for children that have sensitive skin. So this fabric would be good for a comforting blanket. a wool blanket provides plenty of warmth. It will also adapt as the temperature changes. Also wool is naturally fire resistant which is very safe for a babies blanket. Bamboo Rayon Polyester Bamboo rayon is a soft durable fiber and comes from bamboo plants. It is also good for sensitive skin and younger children. Minky this fabric is a soft polyester knit fabric with a brushed pile. The material is good for fluffy cozy blankets and teddys. it is not as natural as other fabrics due to it being fluffy and cosy. Fleece is a good material especially for its warmth. It dries quickly and resists stains. Also it is a good fabric for a babies blanket especially if you are going out in the cold. Polyester is a strong lasting fabric. It doesn’t cost a lot of money. It is a blend of polyester and cotton mixed together to make the softness. Pima cotton This cotton is a better version of Egyptian cotton but from south America. It is similar to normal cotton but its hypoallergenic and super softer, so really suitable for blankets. Acrylic is a warm material, very light and hypoallergenic. Its is very easy to look after and can also be washed many times without the colors fading. Cashmere Gauze fabric is also a popular fabric for babies. It comes in double or single gauze. It is a light breathable material. It is commonly known as a babies ‘muslin’ super soft and easy to wash and very light. Cashmere is known to be one of the softest fabrics in the world and also one of the lightest. It is also eight times warmer than sheep's wool so it would be good for a babies winter blanket but could be a high cost. 10

Anthropometrics and ergonomics 60 cm Anthropometrics for baby blanket (sizes not to scale) The sizes for my blanket will be the same on both sides as it is the shape of a square. I have chosen this size because as its for a baby they are all different sizes so it should fit every baby and be comfortable but I haven’t followed the sizing chart because I want my product to be unique. For my product the relationship of the product is a very important part of my final design due to it being for a gift at a baby shower so it will be preferably for a new born to however long the blanket lasts for and if its handled with care. Also the material will need to be suitable for a baby because they could be sick or spill food onto it so making sure its washable and doesn’t effect the material/colour. It needs to be comfortable aswell and not irritable due to sensitive skin and also something they can wrap around them to keep warm and comforted. 11

Ideas and client feedback Fiona’s response: -I think these simple designs show that you are developing different ideas to make a final piece. -The colours are suitable as it is a unisex blanket and looking back at your other slides you’ve varied through looking at all the different materials and properties that will help you decide on the best material for your final piece. -Also looking at the sizing they are very accurate and thought about well. -even though they are basic pencil sketches it still shows a lot of the product and that there will be a good outcome due to the generation of all of the design ideas. 12

Design techniques/ideas 13

Techniques Why I like them padding Padding gives a different texture and because it’s a child's blanket they will enjoy playing with the texture. Applique will let me add a shape/pattern to my blanket and it will attract the child to interpret what it is. Tucks Using tucks is very detailed and will be another technique on the blanket. Ribbons Sewing ribbons onto fabric is also a different technique and I can also use many different colours and designs. Tie dye Tie dying I can also use different techniques and I like the end effect they give. Batik Using batik I can draw my own shape/design with the wax. Plain fabric To obviously change the blanket one square will be just the original fabric. Stencil and fabric paint Using paints and stencils gift a neater effect than what drawing would. 14

Development prototype 1)First of all I drew out my 80 x 80 cm pattern piece. 2)I then changed my mind on the size so I altered it to 60 x 60 cm 3)I then cut my pattern piece out forgetting to make a seam allowance. 4)I then used one of my ideas to do 4 squares so I divided the piece into 4 equal squares and drew them out 30 x 30 cm Summary so far By starting off experimenting the different sizes of my blanket I have chose the size I think will we best. Also I know for my final piece I can not forget to do my seam allowances because if I do it will affect the finishing product. 5)Then I started to cut the squares out 6)Then once I cut out all 4 I cut out fabric. 15

Putting it together Using this pattern I started joining it together. I sewed 2 pieces together Then joined them both together to make the final shape Then I thought I would add a embroidery on to it As I have made this it isn’t really detailed and is different to how I wanted it to turn out so personally I am going to have to try another model that I would prefer. My client Fiona has given some feedback and she personally thinks my next design idea will work out a lot better. The final prototype The embroidery finished 16

Modelling developments of design 2 1 . I changed my pattern piece to a different design and added smaller squares to it as I thought it would look more effective. 2. I sewed them together but as you can tell they aren’t equal due to not making a seam allowance. But as a rough idea I do like this design a lot better. 3. The stars would need to be drawn with a stencil so they are all the same and I will use cross stitch over them to give off a better effect. 17

Development detailing Cross stitch Each star is a different colour or design but not finalised yet for my final piece. The process of the penguin getting stitched onto the fabric. The thread has to get changed through out certain parts of the process I also used the embroidery machine to try out another of one of my ideas. I think the design I did is too small for what I was wanting and personally in my final piece I wouldn’t use this machine as you are quite limited on what designs you ca do unless it is letters. Also this sizing doesn’t really show an effect. Straight stitch Using straight stitch and cross stitch I have been experimenting with stitches and seeing which I prefer to work with I personally think cross stick give off a better effect. The final penguin and baby penguin in different colours. 18

Final design 19

Manufacturing specification Machine Heart embroidery star plain pocket Stencil paint plain Tie dye embroidery An average child's blanket shaped square 60 x 60 cm 2 Fabrics I'm usingquantities and cost 2 mx 1 m grey fabric -£ 7. 49 White fabric 40 x 40 cm 2 - £ 5 Components Thread Interfacing Dye Stencil paint Padding (all supplied) Tools and equipment Needles Machine Scissors Unpicker chalk Quality control It is important all sizes are equal, layout is accurate as planned and that everything is pinned in the correct places. Health and safety Make sure when using the sewing machine: -that you hair is tied back -take pins out Also make sure you are walking in the room with equipment not running Layout plan (to the left) Tie dye ribbon batik Dimensions tucks heart 20

Production plan Task Measure, draw and cut pattern piece Tools Cross and dot paper Pencil Ruler scissors Time Quality control Health and safety 1 hour Ensure each piece is accurate to size Don’t run with scissors Attach pattern piece to fabric and Scissors cut out Pins 1 hour 30 minutes Fabric is cut accurate Hold scissors and pins sensibly Add all the details and components and details to the fabric Pins sewing machine Unpicker Wax Goggles Paint iron 2 hours Make sure the colours are suitable Don’t burn yourself on the iron and match the same as the final design Pin the patchwork together pins 30 minutes Make sure everything is in the correct place Don’t mess around with pins Sew all the patchwork together to make the front of the blanket Sewing machine Thread Pins Scissors 1 hour Double check everything is in place and attached Make sure hair is tied back Pin the interfacing and padding onto the back of the patchwork Pins Sewing machine 20 minutes Check the padding is fully attached Put the back of the blanket on the opposite way round and sew leaving a gap Sewing machine pins 15 minutes It is sewn nearest to the edge as possible Turn the correct way and hand sew with an invisible stitch the gap Needle Thread pins 20 minutes Try to make thread look invisible by sewing very close 21

Final piece making process First I measured out the pattern sizes for my blanket. Pin on the pattern pieces to the fabric then cut them out. Cut out the pattern piece. Once you’ve cut them out remove the pins. Cut the pattern piece into smaller squares 30 x 30 cm 2 with the 1. 5 seam Allowance. Add all the designs on once cut out then lay out how you want it to look. Cut out the shape of the pattern you want (I cut the bigger squares in half). On the sewing machine pin 2 together at a time then sew down then add each line till its completed. 22

(a photo from sewing the pocket together) Iron the seams down flat. I sewed the front o the blanket together. I then added the padding on it and sewed it on. Once all the lines are sewn together and ironed down I layed them out to get a brief idea of how the process is going. Sew down on the lines so the padding gets into place. This is the result once the padding is attached to the blanket. 23

Once I overlocked the padding I then attached the back of the blanket. Then put the blanket the right way round then invisible stitched the gap. The back of what the final result looks like. The front of my final piece. 24

Evaluate specification Function The blanket is warm for the child as I have used wadding to make it thicker and also makes it comfier if the child uses it as a mat. Size The sizing is just a little bit off 60 x 60 cm 2 due to getting a bit smaller in the process. Cost The cost in total was £ 12. 50 but I thought that was fairly reasonable. Ergonomics The blanket is eco friendly as all the materials don’t cause pollution. Safety I have thoroughly checked the blanket for dangers and it is very safe and has no sharp edges etc. Lifecycle The blanket is very durable and soft and will be a long lasting product. Materials I thought about the most suitable material and chose poly-cotton. Performance The performance of the blanket will be for a child to keep warm with or sit on it. Target customer The target customer is for children but anyone can buy them. Aesthetics The product is grey with a few other colours and is unisex. Scale of production After making my sample I wasn’t happy so designed new ideas and came out with my final result. Problems and solutions in my proto type I didn’t have a seam allowance so for my final piece it made me more aware and I made sure my pattern pieces were accurate. Also when making my final piece I didn’t sew part of the patchwork properly so to solve this problem I had to unstitch and redo it. If making the blanket in mass production it would probably be easier to make one at a time but already have the designs ready on the material. Another mistake I made on my final piece was the tie dye because when I ironed it I burnt it but I just re did it and put the iron on a lower setting. As the final result I am a lot happier with the outcome than I was throughout the process. The blanket has resulted to how I wanted it. If I made another blanket I would’ve made sure the squares were fully accurate because they aren’t that noticeable that some are odd but I would rather them all be equal as some went over the seam allowances in the makings. 25

Feedback My clients feedback: “ You can tell you have spent a lot of time to make the blanket look like it is , I like how many different techniques you have used because it doesn’t look boring and the different textures interacts with children and entertains them. Emily really likes it because she can lie on it the add comfort and can like under it to keep warm. You have really thought about how to make the blanket and the sizing is perfect. If I saw a blanket like this in a shop because it is different I would buy it. It is also a very durable and the thickness of it is just about right. ” A students feedback: “ The blanket is good for a younger child as it is quite small and comforting. The designs are very unique. It isn’t a big difference but the squares could be more accurate next time but it still looks really good. It is also suitable to both genders. ” A teachers feedback: I asked a teacher in the corridor their opinion of my blanket and she said “as I have had 3 children I have never seen a blanket like this before but it is great. I love how you have done patchwork to show that you can do different techniques. The thickness of the blanket is good because it can be comfy and keep you warm. Instead of leaving 2 squares plain I would've added another design onto one of them. From my feedback most of it was positive but what wasn’t positive is what I had already seen so I am pleased with my feedback from my client and other third parties. 26