This studio course is a laboratory for exploring what can happen when rules are broken. When unorthodox processes normally considered destructive are applied to woven and knitted textiles, the results are unexpected hybrids or Franken Fabrics. Students will transform the surface and/or molecular structure of natural, synthetic and re-purposed fabrics to discover the myriad possibilities inherent in their physical properties. Designed for students in any field, this course proposes a variety of methods to invent eccentric surfaces that can be employed in creating original fashion, textile, furniture, and product design. Deriving inspiration from contemporary Japanese, European and American textile inventors, designers, manufacturers, and scientists, students engage in an interactive dialogue with the materials and produce extraordinary one-of-a-kind fabrics. Processes include bleaching, rusting, bonding, piercing, slashing, boiling, shrinking, heat shaping, machine knitting, laser cutting and more. The resulting "franken fabrics" can be applied to both conceptual-based artwork and commercially driven product design.

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