ALLEVIATE
Alleviate considers the physical, skin deep symptoms of the body moving through substance addiction detox and questions how textiles and textures can aid in alleviating discomfort. This collection uses exisiting properties of merino such as temperature control and compatiblity with skin to then build the collection upon. My target community would be moving through multiple spaces both in and outside control environments such as rehabilitation clinics therefore this collection has the focus on being adaptable and wearable.
I aimed to build upon and enhance the existing properties of merino such as breathability, comfort, odour control and temperature control. My focus was to bring comfort in a space of the body adapting and activity processing. Through research rehabilitation processes (Salvation Army via email) and comfort clothing (Pyschotextiles. G. Stylios, M.Chen) a main concern is fluctuating body temperature. The use of merino as the primary material was chosen for this reason.
The woven collection focuses on the breathability and comfort that merino offers. Each piece was made using 100% Merino Wool and crafted on a 8 shaft table loom.
The knit collection is focused on the tactile components of aiding in addiction detoxing. A mixture of densities and textures was created to target issues such as skin sensitivity and muscle aches. All pieces were created using a domestic knitting machine and felting techniques.