FIDM Launches Two New Textile Concentrations

Have you ever been accused of being "all surface"? Wandered through life being labeled a "knit-wit"? Has FIDM got the career for you! Beginning in the fall of 2002, the FIDM Textile Design department will be offering two exciting new programs, with concentrated study in one of two disciplines: Surface Design or Knitting. As is the goal of all FIDM courses of study, each program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to launch a successful career in the textile industry. Both the Associate of Arts degree and the Professional Designation are available in the Knitting and Surface Design concentrations.

Students entering the AA program in the fall of 2002 will be exposed to a variety of Textile Design courses in their first year which will acquaint them with both knitting and surface design and help them decide on a program of more concentrated study to pursue in their second year.

The second-year AA and Professional Designation Knitting Program students design knit fabrics as well as full-fashioned knit garments. Three educational quarters of hand and machine knitting will be complemented by classes in trend analysis, flat sketching, line developent, and apparel manufacturing. Students develop knit structures using computer-aided Design-A-Knit software. Working on the Shima Seiki industrial knitting machine is the culmination of the learning experience.

Second year AA students and Professional Designation students concentrating on Surface Design learn to develop surface textures and repeat patterns for the apparel and interior design industries. Classwork includes extensive painting and drawing courses and support classes in trend analysis, historic textiles, line development, and materials and processes. In keeping with industry trends, students will become adept at using the computer to create and adapt designs using computer-aided design programs.