Fionna's Sewing Curriculum February 2022

Originating from February 26, 2022 Transcription March 28, 2026

People of the Stars

Geometry of the Solar System Creates Human Life

Humans exist in the light and climate of the sun. We require wardrobe and accessories to live in comfort and preparedness. Wardrobe is a compound machine and toolset for everyday human use.  

The human body is an earthly organism which has grown and emerged in the image of the sun. The development of our planet is a part of the sun’s history beginning with the fundamental forces of the universe. There seems to be a unifying force which phenomena radiate from allowing space and motion. Our sun and her planets were born from the same condensing cloud. The earth is unique in our solar system. Its proximity to the sun and orientation of its axis provides an overall environment of heat and light suitable for the abundant life on earth. The earth’s movement around the sun dictates the climate. The earth rotates on an axis which is at a 23.5-degree tilt. If the earth spun perpendicular to its path of motion, at anormal angle, the seasons would be eliminated. It is the divergence from regularity that produces a seasonal cycle. The moon affects the water cycle.

Philosophical Inquiry

Stars radiate light and heat. I often wonder why the consequence of radiating life supporting energy is to capture observers, thus creating life. Earth is surely the sun’s favorite planet, the one who has transformed its energy in the most creative way possible. We observe the sun constantly and wardrobe is a direct expression of that.

Questions and Research Leads

Light: UVA, UVB, visible. What defines the spectrum of light causing effects such as cancer, aging, and race. Relationship of melanin to race and if race is best considered as a human adaptation. How does human skin radiate energy as heat because of light. Cold environments draw energy from the body, and vice versa for hot temperaments. Intake of solar radiation or light is also affected by color. Absorption with black and dark colors vs reflection from lighter colors especially white. How does the sun bleach things?

Observing the Seasons through Wardrobe

In February 2022, the spring season was loading though it would still be cold in Virginia. I mentioned how the summer sun was weighing on my mind. I transition from astronomy and philosophy into theory on dressing according to the seasons.

I drew the beginnings of what appeared to be a Punnett square describing the intersections of the seasons and proceeded to scribble it out. It represents how one garment may have functions exceeding one season, as a highly functional wardrobe is made mostly of these kinds of pieces. This effect is achieved by laying various pieces that function in unison to create an optimal atmosphere. I will strive to maintain a certain constant UPF amongst all my outfits year-round.

Ideally, warm season garments are made from lightweight fabrics that are moisture wicking with a high combined UPF. Controlled drying or moisture wicking can be engineered specifically for cooling during the summer months. Lightweight fabrics provide “aeration” or air flow. Wind chill refers to the drop in temperature on the surface of a body due to moving air. This can be felt through billowing garments.

During the colder months, heavyweight fabrics provide insulation. The wick-ability of base layer fabrics is very important thus not trapping moisture on the surface of the skin which may cause hypothermia.

Questions and Research Leads

How does fabric density relate to UPF for different materials and weave patterns. Is the weave structure more important than density? Smaller threads, more intricate patterns equal higher blocking capability? UPF is A measure of blocking capacity. No fabric will block 100% radiation from the sun like SPF. Effective layering methods, stretch fabric relationship?    

Other than thickness or density, what makes a fabric insulating versus “aerating” or cooling.

I’m still unsure about moisture wicking science. Should constant dryness be maintained regardless of season? What touches the skin is the inside of the fabric versus what touches the air or other garments is the outside of the fabric. How does the exterior and interior of a fabric respond to moisture ideally for different garments? Where exactly does wicking occur? Water wicking vs water resistance. Can moisture be wicked through multiple layers? Energy release, does fast drying keep heat in the body, and thus slow drying draws heat from the body creating cooling effect?