Jordan has his own sewing machine and designs his own clothes - usually with a variety of different pockets on it. He has made - undies, shorts, long pants, and a top - all in matching colours - red and blue being his favourite choice. He also makes various items for selling at the home school markets. He has made things like cosy bowls, scrunchies, bags, bibs. Jordan measures the size of the pockets, compares the pattern with the amount of fabric he has, measures from the selvege to make sure the pattern is placed straight on the grain of the fabric. Jordan chooses the colour and patterns that he wishes to combine for the items he is making. He threads the elastic and cord through the hems etc as needed. Jordan can sew both on his sewing machine and on the overlocker. He knows how to begin and end the stitch on the machine. He also knows how to thread the sewing machine and how to wind the thread on the bobbin. Jordan is developing the skill to cut out the patterns and the fabric. He understands the right and wrong side of the fabric and how to tell which side had the most stretch..

Art

• Jordan demonstrates creativity and artistic expression through designing and creating his own clothes with unique pockets.
• Jordan shows an understanding of color and pattern combinations in his clothing designs.
• Jordan uses various sewing techniques to add details and finishes to his creations.
• Jordan showcases his items at home school markets, demonstrating presentation and marketing skills.

English Language Arts

• Jordan develops his communication skills by describing his process, choices, and finished products.
• Jordan practices reading and following patterns and instructions for sewing projects.
• Jordan may explore writing and illustrating his own fashion design book or creating a blog to share his sewing journey.
• Jordan could write a persuasive essay or create a presentation about the benefits and importance of learning practical skills like sewing.

Math

• Jordan applies measurement skills when determining the size of pockets and comparing patterns with fabric.
• Jordan demonstrates an understanding of geometry and spatial reasoning when cutting out patterns and aligning them on the fabric grain.
• Jordan may explore the concept of ratios and proportions when scaling patterns up or down for different sizes.
• Jordan might calculate the cost of materials and determine pricing for his items at the home school markets.

Science

• Jordan observes and identifies the different properties of fabric, such as the right and wrong side and the side with the most stretch.
• Jordan develops fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while threading elastic and cords through hems.
• Jordan explores the physics of sewing machines and overlockers, understanding how the thread and needle create stitches.
• Jordan could research and experiment with different types of fabrics and their suitability for specific clothing items.

For continued development, Jordan could consider exploring more advanced sewing techniques, such as pattern drafting or garment fitting. This could involve taking online courses or joining local sewing groups or workshops to learn from experienced sewists. Jordan could also experiment with different fabric types and textures to expand his design possibilities. Additionally, Jordan could explore the history of fashion and different cultural clothing styles to gain inspiration for his designs.

Book Recommendations

• The Sewing Book: An Encyclopedic Resource of Step-by-Step Techniques by Alison Smith: A comprehensive guide to sewing techniques and projects for all skill levels.
• Design Your Own Clothes: Patternmaking Simplified by Cal Patch: A beginner-friendly book that teaches the basics of patternmaking to create custom-fit clothing.
• The Fashion Design Book by Nancy Riegelman: A visually stunning book that explores the principles of fashion design and provides inspiration for creating unique clothing.