Textiles/Fibers

Textiles/Fibers at the University of Kansas

Textiles/Fibers studios are spacious and well stocked with the equipment and materials necessary to produce high quality work. Surface design courses explore a variety of screen-printing techniques (cut-paper stencils, photo processes, thermofax, polychromatic, etc.) as well as mechanical and paste resist-dye methods. Quilt and construction techniques are combined with hand-dyed fabrics. Repeat pattern is more fully developed in the rendering course. Weaving courses explore both multi-shaft textile construction and image based weaver-controlled skills. Courses in Fiber Forms focus on three-dimensional construction processes (basketry, feltmaking, knit, crochet, knotting, twining, plaiting, etc.). The Textiles/Fibers faculty strive to create a supportive studio environment in which all students can develop the strongest work possible. Students are encouraged to find their personal interest and focus whether they are interested in creating artwork or producing designs for the textile industry.

Facilities

Our weaving studio includes:

Floor looms ranging from 4 – 16 harnesses
Two AVL Compudobby looms
Weaving tools and accessories
- Various shuttles, skein winders, ball winders, swifts, bobbin, bobbin winders etc.
Wide range of weaving yarns in a full range of colors, weights, and textures available for student and faculty use.

Large exposure unit for photo screens
Large spray out area with hoses and power washer
Large sinks
Seven 16' and five 8' padded print tables
Induction burners for dye processes
Other small tools and equipment
- Large and small stainless pots, plastic buckets/pans, mixing tools, irons, ironing boards etc.

Large washout sink
Commercial gas burners appropriate for large stock pots for dye vats
Stovetop steamers and bullet steamer
Two washers and two dryers
Various size large (25gal) to small (2 qt) stainless steel stock pots for dyeing
Countertop ventilation hood
Table top induction burners
Various small tools for dyeing
- hot mitts, mixing utensils, steamer racks, etc.

15 Bernina Sewing Machines
One Bernina computerized embroidery machine
3 Bernina sergers
Brother brand Industrial sewing machine
Long arm quilting machine with 12 foot frame
Dress forms and mannequins
Three 8 foot cutting/work tables
- with additional access to larger tables in adjoining studios
Various tools and accessories
- various specialized machine feet, quilting rulers, cotton fabric, sewing threads, etc.)

7 Mac computers
Weave design software
Adobe suite software (complete)
Microsoft suite software
Data projector on cart for mobility to other studios
Two high resolution Epson scanners
Laser printer to use free of charge (B/W only)
Large scale color ink jet printing available in different studio in the building
Open access 24/7 available to students in textile classes

Semi Private studios are provided for all graduate student in the Department of Visual Art. The Textile/Fiber grad studios are located adjacent to all other Textile/Fiber studios and classrooms and provide easy access to the studios, equipment, tools, and computer lab needed for fiber processes. The large graduate studios are shared an divided among approximately 3-5 Textile/Fiber graduate students. Graduate students are given key access to the graduate studio which remains locked for private graduate use only.