Creative skills and teamwork for face mask production on campus

Tuesday, 28 July 2020

Staff from our Education and Vocational Skills department turned their skills and creativity into making protective face masks last week, with a production session on the go in the Fashion Design studio.

Earlier in the week, our Fashion Design teacher adapted a pattern for a reusable face mask and developed test versions (toiles) for trial, all while ensuring the product would still fit in with government guidelines of close fit and multiple layers.

Staff then tested the prototypes for fit and comfort, and the pattern was refined in preparation for the mass production of Friday's creative session. Making use of the cutting tables and machines on hand in the studio space, all staff involved had a part in the process, from pinning and cutting fabrics, trimming elastics, overlocking and sewing, to ironing of the finished product. It was a great exercise in teamwork!

Many hands made for light work, with over 50 masks made through the morning for distribution to key staff.