The Sweater Work / Shop

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

URL

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

School of Arts, Design and Architecture | Master's thesis
Location:
P1 OPINNÄYTTEET D 2018 Lachner

Date

2018

Major/Subject

Mcode

Degree programme

Product and Spatial Design

Language

en

Pages

128

Series

Abstract

The Sweater Work / Shop is a project focusing on the utilization of DIY, crafts and making techniques in a design context. Setting out to develop a small-scale system, this Thesis explores the possibilities of working with textile waste in new and innovative ways through hands-on making while searching for an alternative to mass consumption. Theoretical research provides relevant and contemporary knowledge about the key areas of DIY, crafts and making, as well as their suggested benefits for the environment, society, individual wellbeing and the human-object relationship. Added to this, an extensive practical research provides deeper insights into these themes, related businesses and local projects, together with applied knowledge about the DIY, crafts and making process in a series of experiments with techniques and materials. An in-depth analysis summarizes the most significant problems and opportunities learned by application of the previously mentioned research methods, resulting in the formulation of a design brief for the practical prototype. The prototype itself is a small mobile kiosk to show, make and sell. It visualizes the process of un-knitting old garments, making recycled yarns and then knitting new products from these yarns. It serves both as a workstation and a small shop, therefore the title of this Thesis: The Sweater Work / Shop. This prototype is combined with an alternative pricing system, offering customized products for a lower price, and thereby creating value through engagement of the customer and the story of the making process instead of monetary investments. In the end, a real-life trial proved, that customized products offer a good balance of involvement; allowing even those who don’t want to craft, DIY or make to participate and benefit from some of the positive aspects of DIY, crafts and making.

Description

Supervisor

Mäkelä, Maarit

Thesis advisor

van der Lei, Anna-Marie

Keywords

design for sustainability, DIY, crafts, making, alternative economies, textile waste, design for customizability, mobile furniture

Other note

Citation