Design
So! Grand visions now.. can I integrate all the things I have learned into one all-encompassing design, one that will fulfill all my hopes and ideals?
I have been inspired to imagine the highest possible vision for how far this project can go, and work towards that. I feel that as I have delved deeper into this project, things have moved around me to help me find what I am looking for. I also feel that this will continue so long as I have it very clear in my mind what it is I am hoping to create, and keep a solid belief in myself.
There is a wonderful oppurtunity here for creating a multi-functioning design, one that could be fully transparent and ethical in all of it's resources and processes, whist also being financially independant and productive. It can be creatively fulfilling, for me and for the others that are involved in all stages. It could be utilising local natural materials, grown and harvested with organic permaculture methods,, making the outcomes unique to that area and as gentle on the surrounding land as possible. It could connect local craftspeople, sharing knowledge and skill, and when up and running successfully can serve as an example of sustainable clothing production for other communities to follow.
Below I have added some pictures from my learning journal, to show some of the thinking and planning around these stages.
I have been inspired to imagine the highest possible vision for how far this project can go, and work towards that. I feel that as I have delved deeper into this project, things have moved around me to help me find what I am looking for. I also feel that this will continue so long as I have it very clear in my mind what it is I am hoping to create, and keep a solid belief in myself.
There is a wonderful oppurtunity here for creating a multi-functioning design, one that could be fully transparent and ethical in all of it's resources and processes, whist also being financially independant and productive. It can be creatively fulfilling, for me and for the others that are involved in all stages. It could be utilising local natural materials, grown and harvested with organic permaculture methods,, making the outcomes unique to that area and as gentle on the surrounding land as possible. It could connect local craftspeople, sharing knowledge and skill, and when up and running successfully can serve as an example of sustainable clothing production for other communities to follow.
Below I have added some pictures from my learning journal, to show some of the thinking and planning around these stages.
Zoning
Looking into the process of how this will manifest, I see the different tasks potentially separated into zones. Zoning is a process used often in land based permaculture designs when working out where best to place elements within the design. I have never come across zoning used in a design similar to this, but it feels that this method may be really helpful at this stage, the stage of planning the route to take to fully realise this design to it's highest potential.
Typically, zone 1 is the area closest to the living space, the space that you visit most often. In a land based design this would be the area next to the house where you pass through daily or most regularly. Here you may plant your kitchen herbs, or have your water supply. With this design zone 1 holds all the things that I can include in my daily life that will add to this design. They are also physically the most easily accessible things for me to achieve at this time. (Working through the design with these stepping stones makes the tasks ahead much more manageable.) The zones then typically radiate out from there, transitioning to include elements that are less likely to be visited or needed as regularly. Zone 0 is also commonly included, integrating internal processes, thoughts and feelings.
These are the zones, as I see them now;
Zone 0 - looking within. Zone 0 refers to the growth and learning that I expect I will be facing on emotional, spiritual and personally physical levels throughout the journey of this design. Thought put into developing this stage will have a great impact on all other things that follow, so I see it as a hugely crucial part of this design, supporting all further areas.
Something I am looking back on here is the outcome of another project I have completed, where I looked into what I felt most necessary to create a sustainable life. (If you like you can look into this work here.) It seems like a wise idea to take heed of my earlier learning and pay attention to what I discovered to be the things that I need to remain happy. I will be making sure I keep these integrated into my every day life.
You can see how permaculture principles are being integrated into this phase of the design here.
Zone 1 - sending out feelers. This phase involves gathering knowledge and increasing my skills. Making contact and forming connections with local craftspeople, experimenting with local dye plants and fabric options ('local' meaning local to wherever I may be at the time) Experimenting with designs, continued research within my local and non-local community. research and communication with potential partners/buyers/funders. Possible crowd sourcing campaigns for funding of later stages. You can see how permaculture principles are being integrated into this phase of the design here.
Zone 2 - Preparing to burst into flower. This feels very much like a preparatory stage - preparing the ground for the next zone, making sure things are in place to fully support the next move.
Further developing the skills that will be needed for this project, organising natural dying workshops, clothing making skill shares, mutually beneficial interactions to inspire creativity and further develop ideas and designs, Finalise designs for preliminary collection of clothes. Work out all pricing's and develop a solid business plan. Develop a solid plan for sale of garments, to be able to move onto the next stage. You can see how permaculture principles are being integrated into this phase of the design here.
Zone 3 - Blossoming. Making up a first collection of designs, working within a fully transparent and ethical process. Have a dependable framework in place for sale. Tweak as necessary.
You can see how permaculture principles are being integrated into this phase of the design here.
Zone 4 - Putting down roots. Instigating a collective of people to form a co-operative (most likely) to come together to create their working space, providing all we will need for the creative process; surrounding land planted out with dye plants, a whole dye garden on a manageable scale, Running courses in natural dying, sewing and weaving techniques, as part of larger courses and standing alone. Providing a market for handmade organic goods. Awareness raising through courses, packaging and advertising. Creation of a model that can be transferred and used elsewhere, adapting to the local environment and materials available.
You can see how permaculture principles are being integrated into this phase of the design here.
I feel that these zones, or layers of growth that may naturally progress in order, although there is a much greater likelihood that as oppurtunities arise the zones will all be worked on alongside each other. I imagine dipping into and out of the zones as needed, but with a clear and definate progression towards the aims of zones 3 and 4. I also recognise these zones as they are mapped out now as just that - how they are now. I imagine things will enter and change things, and I want to remain fluid and adaptable to change. so long as the project remains within the ethics of permaculture design.
I have recorded some videos explaining this design process in more detail;
Typically, zone 1 is the area closest to the living space, the space that you visit most often. In a land based design this would be the area next to the house where you pass through daily or most regularly. Here you may plant your kitchen herbs, or have your water supply. With this design zone 1 holds all the things that I can include in my daily life that will add to this design. They are also physically the most easily accessible things for me to achieve at this time. (Working through the design with these stepping stones makes the tasks ahead much more manageable.) The zones then typically radiate out from there, transitioning to include elements that are less likely to be visited or needed as regularly. Zone 0 is also commonly included, integrating internal processes, thoughts and feelings.
These are the zones, as I see them now;
Zone 0 - looking within. Zone 0 refers to the growth and learning that I expect I will be facing on emotional, spiritual and personally physical levels throughout the journey of this design. Thought put into developing this stage will have a great impact on all other things that follow, so I see it as a hugely crucial part of this design, supporting all further areas.
Something I am looking back on here is the outcome of another project I have completed, where I looked into what I felt most necessary to create a sustainable life. (If you like you can look into this work here.) It seems like a wise idea to take heed of my earlier learning and pay attention to what I discovered to be the things that I need to remain happy. I will be making sure I keep these integrated into my every day life.
You can see how permaculture principles are being integrated into this phase of the design here.
Zone 1 - sending out feelers. This phase involves gathering knowledge and increasing my skills. Making contact and forming connections with local craftspeople, experimenting with local dye plants and fabric options ('local' meaning local to wherever I may be at the time) Experimenting with designs, continued research within my local and non-local community. research and communication with potential partners/buyers/funders. Possible crowd sourcing campaigns for funding of later stages. You can see how permaculture principles are being integrated into this phase of the design here.
Zone 2 - Preparing to burst into flower. This feels very much like a preparatory stage - preparing the ground for the next zone, making sure things are in place to fully support the next move.
Further developing the skills that will be needed for this project, organising natural dying workshops, clothing making skill shares, mutually beneficial interactions to inspire creativity and further develop ideas and designs, Finalise designs for preliminary collection of clothes. Work out all pricing's and develop a solid business plan. Develop a solid plan for sale of garments, to be able to move onto the next stage. You can see how permaculture principles are being integrated into this phase of the design here.
Zone 3 - Blossoming. Making up a first collection of designs, working within a fully transparent and ethical process. Have a dependable framework in place for sale. Tweak as necessary.
You can see how permaculture principles are being integrated into this phase of the design here.
Zone 4 - Putting down roots. Instigating a collective of people to form a co-operative (most likely) to come together to create their working space, providing all we will need for the creative process; surrounding land planted out with dye plants, a whole dye garden on a manageable scale, Running courses in natural dying, sewing and weaving techniques, as part of larger courses and standing alone. Providing a market for handmade organic goods. Awareness raising through courses, packaging and advertising. Creation of a model that can be transferred and used elsewhere, adapting to the local environment and materials available.
You can see how permaculture principles are being integrated into this phase of the design here.
I feel that these zones, or layers of growth that may naturally progress in order, although there is a much greater likelihood that as oppurtunities arise the zones will all be worked on alongside each other. I imagine dipping into and out of the zones as needed, but with a clear and definate progression towards the aims of zones 3 and 4. I also recognise these zones as they are mapped out now as just that - how they are now. I imagine things will enter and change things, and I want to remain fluid and adaptable to change. so long as the project remains within the ethics of permaculture design.
I have recorded some videos explaining this design process in more detail;
Clothing collection designs
I have been keeping a sketchbook with preliminary and developing ideas of designs for clothing. I will be taking some of these designs and making up prototypes and improving on them as needed. I've added some of the drawings below so you can get a feel for what I am looking to create.
Implementation
This project is, as of now, in it's very early stages. I am living and breathing this design as on-going work. As I progress through each stage of my design I shall add images here.
These are some of the things that I am occupied with as of now (April 2012):
Update (August 2012):
I am now in Kathmandu, Nepal. This is what I'm up to at the moment:
You can visit the next stage of the design process, the appendix here.
These are some of the things that I am occupied with as of now (April 2012):
- Searching for a second hand sewing machine to begin making up the first examples of designs
- Hand sewing clothing from recycled fabrics to explore design options and experiment with styles
- I have just bought a large supply of Alum- a natural dye fixer. In the upcoming weeks I shall be experimenting with the surrounding plants to explore possible local colours and develop my dye skills.
- I have also just bought threads, needles, fabric shears and a selection of natural fabrics to begin working with.
- Contacting a local natural dyer to arrange organising a workshop together.
Update (August 2012):
I am now in Kathmandu, Nepal. This is what I'm up to at the moment:
- As in Thailand, I have been disappointed to find that most fabric here has been imported from either China or India, and 90% of the 'genuine Tibetan yak wool' comes from New Zealand. I have found local nettle clothing, which is beautiful. I have contacts coming out of my ears for people who want to make my designs using fabric bought from the markets. Hemp, it turns out, is mostly now imported from China, and the only local hemp here is not processed to a quality fit for clothing, only rough woven hats and bags. Can you believe it..
- I can source organic hemp/cotton from China (which, after more research, should not be labelled as organic due to the production methods of the hemp) and organic cotton from India. Of course, it's all chemically pre-dyed. I have found a possible source of natural dye raw materials though here in the city. But I'm uninspired by having the clothing made from imported fabrics in factories here. But it is now an option.
- In an effort to 'tap in' to the local villages producing hand loomed natural fabrics, my first steps have been making contact with clothing manufacturers here, trying to find the link from shop/factory to local fabric weavers and producers. This is involving visiting dozens of clothing retailers and their 'factories' (usually very small scale, several people working in a house nearby). So far, still not much contact with people working with natural dyes or organic fabrics, though I've been told that some would be willing to produce this for me if they can access the raw materials.
- More inspiringly, I have been in contact with Fair Trade Nepal, and they have provided me with names and contact details of all fair trade clothing and fabric manufacturers that work within fair trade principles. All are incredibly inspiring, providing training and employment to local artists, orphanages, disadvantaged women and disabled people. One has already responded and tells me they also work with natural dyes. I shall be visiting them this week.
- Other good news, the owner of my hotel visited his home village this week and noticed they had just began a new enterprise using natural dyes to colour clothing made here in the city. We shall be visiting them together after he returns from a trek in two weeks time. What great news! It really does pay to tell everyone what you are doing.
- As for motivation, higher than ever, but it does have its ebbs and flows. It has been exhausting so far being faced with such a tidal wave of unethical, chemical production methods spilling out of this city like an ocean, with such a lack of demand and opportunity for creating ethical, earth friendly products. Spending every day walking the streets of the most polluted city I have ever visited is also challenging, my head hurts from the smog and Ohli and I are almost hit by several speeding motorbikes, rickshaws or persistent tiger balm sellers ever day. But I feel we're getting somewhere. Hopefully.
You can visit the next stage of the design process, the appendix here.