Art and Design Commons^™

Choosing Penumbra, Christina Melchiorre

Graduate Theses

Amaranthine | adjective

am·a·ran·thine | \ ˌa-mə-ˈran(t)-thən , -ˈran-ˌthīn \

1a : of or relating to an amaranth

b : Eternally beautiful and unfading; everlasting, undying

2 : of the color amaranth; a shade of reddish-rose

My work explores the narrative I have with family in relation to who I am and how I have developed as a result of both positive and negative influences. Despite the dysfunctional dynamics that I experience with my family, I choose to remain connected to them and continue to endure and persevere through the obstacles that they create. I particularly experience these moments through …

Through The Eye Of The Needle: Embroidery As A Tool For Intimacy, Feminism, And Activism, Kristin D. Howell

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the work of contemporary women artists who utilize embroidery as their primary medium. The careful execution of each artwork, whether created by career artists or amateur participants in artist-led projects, simultaneously engages with the legacy of the embroidery arts and explores new strategies of expression.

Clothing Construction Curriculum: Exploring Gender Inclusivity, Shaelin M. Nilsen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Female students have traditionally dominated enrollment in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) courses (formerly Home Economics). However, gender diversity has recently increased in many FCS areas due to changes in gender stereotypes and career opportunities. This trend is evident at Utah State University, where gender diversity in clothing construction (i.e., sewing) courses has increased drastically since the creation of the Outdoor Product Design and Development degree program. This study evaluated students’ experiences in traditionally female-dominant clothing construction courses.

Gender-inclusive courses are crucial for a productive and safe learning environment for all students. Avoiding personal biases and cultivating a relevant curriculum …

And All The Things That Grew On The Ground, Sarah E. Phillips

Masters Theses, 2020-current

This is a document archiving and describing my work for the years 2019-2021 as part of the completion requirements for the Master of Fine Arts degree. As a whole, this work investigates the paradox and negotiations of access to the self, the history, and to the landscape you occupy. It asks questions about authorship, valuing, sacred and sacrament, but retains the gravitation, umbilical tie to memoir and narrative. Ritual, habit, and transformational cleansing are recurring themes in the work. Body, breath-- access to the invisible. Preservation of the uncertain. Fragility carries weight, and importance, destruction and negotiation as vessels of …

Pick Up A Habit, Emily Frazier

Honors Projects

Pick Up a Habit is a physically interactive experience that demonstrates the relationship between the strength of habits, their perceived priority levels, and the availability of mental space through a series of tote bags differing in weight, available space, and appearance. Through examining the bags and comparing them to others, a better understanding is gained of the effects that habitual actions have on their thought processes, and a person can more effectively evaluate and adjust their own habits.

Habits are behaviors or actions that have become automated due to repetition. People often desire to form habits to make parts of …

Creating Original Garments Using Couture Sewing Methods, Nicole S. Eckerson

Masters Theses

As part of my research, I examined the techniques and methods used in couture sewing from the past to the present, drawing inspiration from historical couture garments by designers Charles Worth (19th century designer) and Charles James (20th century designer). The four pieces I drew inspiration from include Charles Worth and Bobergh’s evening gown (1861), Charles Frederick Worth’s evening gown (1883), and Charles James’s “Butterfly” ball gown (1954) and “Swan” ball gown (1954). These designers were chosen based on their use of structure and form throughout their pieces. After researching couture sewing methods and using the gowns mentioned above for …

Summary Of Five Garments Created For An Honors Project, Elisabeth Shaw

Honors Theses

The following garments were made for my family as Christmas gifts. They were created to be my honors project for Fall, 1974. Besides containing hard work, imagination, and love, I have created something that can be used and appreciated for years to come.

Personality and taste of the person were taken into consideration as I made the gift. The materials and patterns were selected in relation to how much wear these garments would receive.

The gifts include: 1. An eyelet apron trimmed in pink; 2. An eyelet apron trimmed in blue; 3. A blue velour robe; 4. A cranberry velour …

Honors Project [A Tailored Garment], Pauletta Flowers

Honors Theses

When I began thinking about starting my honors project, I came up with several ideas but the one that interested me most was the making of a tailored garment. My major is home economics so I thought this would be a good experience for me and a good time to learn something new. I liked the idea that I could work on my own and at my own speed, and could make appointments with Mrs. Elledge when convenient for both of us.

I have made garments before but I've never taken on such a large project or as detailed as …

Create Through Sewing, Sharon Kluck

Honors Theses

Gaining a practical knowledge of the basic sewing skills and relating this knowledge in a laboratory was my objective as I assisted Mrs. O. L. Elledge in a beginner's sewing lab. Each Thursday afternoon from three to five o'clock Mrs. Elledge referred me to girls with a particular problem or who needed help in some way such as measuring a hem. Together "my student" and I attempted to solve the problem. From these problems I greatly increased by knowledge since there was such a variety of situations.