
Drawing
Drawing is seen as an important medium of communication and thinking for all design. Observation and understanding of the variety of textures is developed. Study and learn the distance of different objects according to the source of light. In this course a student learns to draw human forms, objects, space, and nature.
Print Design
The print design course provides an opportunity to learn the basics of surface design. It is designed to develop keen observation and sharpen the ability to analyze and represent images, ideas and concepts through visual presentations. Basic repeats, colour options, design options and printing techniques are explored intensively. Students learn to critique work through presentations, which sharpens their interpersonal skills. Visit to a textile mill is part of the course to give an insight to the actual production and printing of textiles in Pakistan.
Weaving
The weaving course aims at providing an understanding of the loom and the process of weaving. Students will be introduced to basic types of weave, their variations through the process of graphs and fabric samples. This is to gain an understanding of various basic weave structures and their derivatives, behavior and suitability for various textile products.
Design Intervention
The objective is to revive and make notice of an existing or dying craft. The students will be taught to meet challenges involving the marketing of a craft. Emphasis is on making the product functional and maintaining quality control without taking away the identity of the indigenous craft. Students will learn to respect and value tradition along with humility towards the craftsperson. Stress is placed on the diversity of a product range which is both socially acceptable and economically feasible. The course is supported by research and documentation of the chosen craft.
Fiber and Yarn
This course will introduce students to terminology and concepts used in the study of textile fibers and yarn. The focus will be on the development of skills for examination, selection, general analysis and understanding of economic and social problems associated with the production and consumption of such materials. Students will be instructed in the principles of fabric construction, materials and textile structures in order to be able to make appropriate choices for different applications.
Dyeing
The students will be made familiar with both natural and chemical dyes through lectures and hands on practice. Further understanding of colour matching and fastness will be developed through courses conducted at recognized (certified) dyeing labs. Introduction to traditional methods of dyeing by using natural dyes, mordents, and the preparation of dye baths with its effect on cotton, silk, wool threads and fabrics will also be explored. Introduction to chemical dyes and their properties will be initiated through a blend of theory and studio practice along with the exploration of resist techniques and their translation onto fabric samples.
History of Textiles
The course identifies the rich cultural heritage of the Sub continent, along with global evolution of textiles. This course encourages research on different textiles, supporting studio courses as far as possible. It is treated as a seminar course where dialogue and research is encouraged. The research comprises of information gained through identification of materials, tools, techniques, influences and the cultural significance of these items belonging to people who use them.
Learning from Tradition
This course is focused on encouraging the students to observe and respect the traditional embroidered craft. Students study a chosen sample and learn development of design. This project is carried out in phases, which include pencil sketching, replication, the study of the effect of colours when placed alongside each other, translation of the embroidery into an abstract composition based on a grid and weaving. The weaving process includes horizontal stripes done in rib weaving technique and plain weave.
Ornamentation
This course entails a build up of different ornamentation techniques in the form of a sample book. This includes the derivation of different stitches from traditional textiles, finishing and edging details. Students will be introduced to a variety of decorative materials such as beads, tassels, sequins and metal thread used in combination with 30 basic stitches and their variations. Students will also be required to make a product which incorporates the various techniques mentioned above. The course will include non traditional approaches to design and structure.
Collection for an Interior Space
This course is conducted to develop a holistic approach for the use of textiles (home furnishing) in a given space. It encourages students to successfully work with more than one pattern and texture and is specifically designed towards the study and practice of interior design.
Fiber Art
This course will focus on a style of fine art which uses textiles such as fabric, yarn, and natural and synthetic fibers. Fiber art includes any type of artwork which uses linear, pliable elements - fibers - as a major material. Students will study the methods traditionally associated with textile fibers such as stitching, weaving, dyeing, etc or by any other non conventional technique. Fiber art usually consist of objects traditionally associated with textiles including (actual or virtual) clothing, rugs, linens, wall hangings, etc.
Apparel Design
This course will offer an introduction to the principles of apparel design and concentrate on the development of ideas through well explored research. A combination of research and conceptual development will enable the students to gain an understanding of the design process. The course encourages the application of the acquired knowledge of textiles and embellishment on to prêt wear.
Recycled Textiles
This course teaches reuse and reprocessing of used clothing, fibrous materials and clothing scraps from the manufacturing process. This course will comprise of intensive research in traditional recycled textiles and through which students will be expected to gain new insight in innovation and contemporary demands for the craft and industrial sector.
Important | Curricula, courses and course outlines are continuously under review. The Indus Valley School reserves the right to alter, substitute, eliminate from or add to the list of courses and details at any time without notice.