Technology Cluster - - Greater Lowell Technical High School

Students prepare for positions in the apparel industry, learning about textiles, the language of dressmaking, and opportunities in the world of fashion. Studies include sketching and design as well as product marketing and business concepts.

This course gives the students the opportunity to explore the dynamic world of fashion. A view of the fashion industry as it is today, with an emphasis on new job opportunities, is presented. Students learn how to operate sewing machines, emboridery machines and commercial pressing equipment. Fashion accessories are designed and constructed using a variety of materials. Fashion sketching is introduced.

This course is an extension of the fashion technology exploratory. It offers experience using a variety of sewing machine and serger techniques to create clothing and accessories. Basic knowledge of construction skills is incorporated into the construction of simple garments. Holiday crafts and some home interior projects are constructed.

This program concentrates on mastering all skills required in the manufacturing of basic fashion apparel. Projects include skirts, basic knit projects, blouses, slacks, dresses, and jackets from various fabrics, and involve construction skills such as collars, sleeves, zippers, waistbands, buttonholes and hems. Custom and production methods are taught on industrial power-sewing machines and industrial pressing equipment. Dressmaking skills include fabric selection, figure types, layout, cutting, marking, and fitting and finishing. Holiday crafts and quilts are sewn during the year, both by machine and hand sewing.

Students learn to use machinery, equipment, notions and measuring tools required for garment construction. They study garment construction terms and techniques, especially pattern layout, pinning and cutting according to a guide sheet and identifying grainline. They also learn to take body measurements and adjust a commercial pattern for their own measurements.

Shop experience includes using industrial equipment and methods in the construction of all projects. Costume design and original lingerie projects are constructed. Students will be encouraged and will be given “creative permission” to produce original designs identified with their own style. Garments will include details such as bound buttonholes, welt pocket linings, etc. A knowledge of correct fitting and alterations and garment “finishing” are most important. Students are introduced to computerized machine embroidery. Holiday crafts and quilts are constructed both by machine and hand sewing

Sketching And Design
506 A/X
Credits 6.0

The student will maintain an ongoing sketch/notebook. The student will develop, assemble, and maintain a personal portfolio for presentation; render a personal perspective and also the human figure; understand color theory applied to design; demonstrate the appropriate use of space; define principles and elements of design; produce draft quality drawings including thumbnail drawings and rough sketches. The student will learn considerations necessary for print and web-based audiences. The student will produce a comprehensive layout in full color.

Students experience the procedures and methods for advanced custom and mass production dress making and tailoring. Swimwear, active sports wear, evening apparel, machine embroidery and alterations are also taught. Students continue using the embroidery machine, integrating embroidered designs into their garments. Holiday crafts and quilts are constructed both by machine and hand sewing.

In this class the student is prepared to be successful in the business aspect of fashion. The students will demonstrate effective customer service skills; describe and demonstrate how to utilize telecommunication devices and activities; exhibit technique to market products and services; describe and demonstrated management activities; plan and participate in business meetings; describe the functions of business finance; demonstrate project management skills; exhibit ethical conduct in business negotiations or operations. The student will learn more about the local textile and apparel industry; fashion merchandising and marketing; develop employability skills to secure and keep employment in chosen field. Students will communicate in multiple modes to address needs within the career and technical field; solve problems using critical thinking; demonstrate positive work behaviors; analyze basic business practices required to start and run a company/organization; manage all resources related to a business/organization; describe methods for managing, organizing, retrieving and reporting financial data; apply labor and civil rights law and guidelines to business practice and decisions; evaluated the effects of community relations on companies and the industry; and apply legal requirements and ethical considerations to business practice and decisions.