About My Research

This site serves as a reflection of my graduate thesis work in automotive textile design at North Carolina State University.  I began this site in January 2009 and plan to maintain it until my graduation in December 2009.  I have been in the graduate program at the College of Textiles for 1 year of a 2 year program.  During this first year, I have focused on the automotive industry, design, and sustainability.  Now at the half-way point, I have selected my thesis topic and made plans as to how to approach my research so that my work is complete by October 2009.  In the right column of this blog, I have posted my personal timeline to ensure that I am meeting my deadlines.  Please take time to look through all the information included in the right hand column, especially if this is your first time visiting this site.

The purpose of this site is 3-fold.
1) Most scholars are only given 1 chance to write a thesis, and 2 years to learn how to do so.  Sure there are books on research methods and databases of theses to form a background or starting place for your work, but no one really explains to us exactly what this process is like from start to finish.
2) Over the past year, I have learned beyond my expectations about the automotive industry, past, current, and future.  Throughout my next year of study, I have access to resources that would be coveted by any designer in this industry and plan to uncover valuable correlations between design and success.  I will post many images and articles which I find the most enriching.
and 3) Writing my thoughts and progress where it is publicly available will encourage me to meet deadlines and provide a clear platform to keep my committee informed.

My Topic
I will be examining the history of automotive bodycloth development and aligning this with outside factors such as the economy, increase in mass production, increase in technical standards and regulations, the importance of fashion and color, along with what at this time is an unpredictable number of additional variables.  The ultimate question I aim to answer is if there is a concrete way to measure and predict success in order to save time, money, and resources.

1.26.2009

More Great Sites and Organizations

Hey hey its been a lovely day!
I've got some great new links for you guys as I've been extending my virtual network.

First...today has been wonderful because I got to sign for a $3000 check! 
But the reason I'm sharing this information is to promote Industrial Fabrics Association International.  IFAI is a not-for-profit trade association representing the entire spectrum of the specialty fabrics industry.  These include: Awnings and Shades, Geosynthetics, Graphics, Lightweight Structures, Marine, Protective (Safety & Medical), Tents & Temporary Shelters, Transportation & Automotive, Truck Covers, and Upholstery.  Check them out:  www.ifai.com.
So where does the money come in?  I was selected to receive the 2009 Industrial Fabrics Foundation Student Scholarship, along with Jeff Hillenbrand at Ivy Tech Community College.  Here is the link in order to download the application: www.indfabfnd.com/scholarships. The new application is not yet posted, but will be due in September of 2009.  


Another site definitely worth checking out is: www.InnovationInTextiles.com. 
The Founder and Editor, Billy Hunter, came across my blog and introduced me to this successful and informative resource.  Innovation in Textiles is an up-to-date source for online news and technology for the global textile industry.  
Also be sure to swing by his other site: www.KnittingIndustry.com. 


Also interesting is an online fiber publication creator by a contact from the Inspired Design Conference, Joe Lewis: www.VelvetHighway.com host the Canadian publication, fibreQuarterly.  Please be sure to check out the latest issue!
Joe also keeps a blog: www.JoeLewisTextileArt.blogspot.com  


And just 1 more for now: www.AmericanCraftMag.org. 
American Craft has been around as a physical publication created by the American Craft Council for decades, but has recently been revived and made its mark on the virtual world.  Andrew Wagner, Editor-in-Chief has played a key role in this process.  Andrew was a key note speaker at the Inspired Design Conference and a pleasure to listen to.  He has a very hip and modern approach to the craft world, which has recently gotten a bad rap for outdating itself.  But with publications like this, crafts are sure to be recognized for their true value and make an outrageous comeback!
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1 comment:

  1. ABOUTJanuary 29, 2009 at 2:06 AM

    Jenna

    Thanks for the post re my two sites. I've decided to follow your lead and start my own blog - textiletechnologist.blogspot.com.

    Billy

    ReplyDelete

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