PEP Badge: Textiles

For me, maintaining textile tools is a big part of the skillset.  I've seen so many people misuse tools then complain that the tools are crap.  I'm hoping some of the future badge options show basic understanding on how the tools work and how to maintain them.

Jay Angler wrote:but there's one feature that's been non-functional for months and I'm pretty much at the point of trying to tackle the problem myself

Just as a side note, most sewing machine problems have multiple videos on Youtube about how to fix, especially for vintage machines. And there's a whole group on Ravelry dedicated to vintage sewing machines, with lots of folks rescuing and fixing them.

Everyone has their own line as to what they are willing to fix themselves and what goes to an expert to be fixed, depending on all kinds of personal things. No one size fits all, as always.

Hi. Nicole says I have to post it all here. So I can get my Sand Badge in Textiles.
Here are the links:
https://permies.com/wiki/20/105490/pep-textiles/PEP-BB-textile-sand-darn#1017444 (darning 1 )
https://permies.com/wiki/30/105490/pep-textiles/PEP-BB-textile-sand-darn#1067615 (darning 2)
https://permies.com/wiki/10/105492/pep-textiles/Sew-patch-PEP-BB-textile#1008986 (sew a patch)
https://permies.com/wiki/105498/PEP-BB-textile-sand-twine#1052503 (twine)
https://permies.com/wiki/20/101122/pep-textiles/PEP-BB-textile-sand-hotpad#1024299 (knitted hot pad)
https://permies.com/wiki/10/105756/pep-textiles/PEP-BB-textile-sand-basket#1073024 (woven basket)
https://permies.com/wiki/10/102584/pep-textiles/PEP-BB-textile-sand-pillow#1136294 (pillow)

It was fun doing all this.
On to the next Badge!

Hi. I already did some of the needed things (including making photos) for the Straw Badge. Where can I post my photos?

Inge, which ones did you do?

A while back, I made rough drafts of these ones:


- PEP BB textile.straw.pillowcase- quilt a pillowcase
- PEP BB textile.straw.stocking- quilt a Christmas stocking
- PEP BB textile.straw.JayneCobb- Knit a Jayne Cobb hat
- PEP BB textile.straw.babyblanket- knit or crochet a baby blanket
- PEP BB textile.straw.bag- knit or crochet a bag
- PEP BB textile.straw.hat- knit or crochet a hat
- PEP BB textile.straw.scarf- knit or crochet a scarf
- PEP BB textile.straw.toolbox- create a textile toolbox
- PEP BB textile.straw.buttonjar - make a button jar
- PEP BB textile.straw.sewbutton- sewing on a button
- PEP BB textile.straw.quiltblanket- quilt a baby blanket
- PEP BB textile.straw.smallbag- quilt a small bag
- PEP BB textile.straw.pouch- felt a bag or pouch
- PEP BB textile.straw.ball- felt 3 dryer balls
- PEP BB textile.straw.feltscarf- wet felt a scarf
- PEP BB textile.straw.needlefelt- needle felt a figure
- PEP BB textile.straw.grocery- sew 4 grocery bags
- PEP BB textile.straw.pajama- sew pajama pants

So, if you did one of those, I can probably get that page up pretty soon.

But, if you did something else on the list, it'll need a BB page made for it. Do you know how to make one? Basically just follow the formatting and requirements, and then Paul or Raven (or maybe me) will double-check the BB page and maybe edit it if it needs a little more. (I've had plenty of mine edited by Paul, so don't worry if it happens to you!), and just post your pictures as a reply to the BB page you made.

Nicole Alderman wrote:Inge, which ones did you do?

A while back, I made rough drafts of these ones:

...

So, if you did one of those, I can probably get that page up pretty soon.

But, if you did something else on the list, it'll need a BB page made for it. Do you know how to make one? Basically just follow the formatting and requirements, and then Paul or Raven (or maybe me) will double-check the BB page and maybe edit it if it needs a little more. (I've had plenty of mine edited by Paul, so don't worry if it happens to you!), and just post your pictures as a reply to the BB page you made.

Hi Nicole,
Most of what I did is not on your list here. I didn't know I was allowed to start the thread myself. I can try to do that.

What I did are these:
- start a button jar (harvest buttons from old shirts) (required)

harvest fabric scraps for future sewing projects (required)
- a clearly labelled box/bag showing “fabric scraps”
- save all fasteners like buttons (to go into the button jar), zippers, etc.
- at least 6 pieces of old clothing get processes

And this one I am busy doing:
- build a textile toolbox or hussif (sewing kit) (https://youtu.be/vui_-n9Glck) (required)

I see some things on your list I did too, but without making photos ...

Hi Nicole, Mike and others. I am going to make some more of those Straw Badge threads. Will you please have a look at them (when they'll be on the forum) and do what's needed to fit them to the formatting for the other BBs?
Thank you. Inge

Possible badge for Straw:

use Ply-Split techniques to make open weave baskets and bags

https://permies.com/wiki/90/97787/pep-oddball/PEP-Badge-Oddball#1162390

Hi Nicole, r. or who else is responsible for the Badges here:
is it OK if I make a thread on making a knitted or crochet blanket? I mean: one BB thread for all sizes of blankets, from baby to king-size?
When I have a draft for it I'll show it in the 'PEPpers in action' thread first. Or here in this thread, or both.

Here is my draft (concept) for the BB on knit or crochet a blanket.

TITLE Knit or crochet a blanket - PEP BB textile.straw.blanket


This is a badge bit (BB) that is part of the  PEP curriculum.  Completing this BB is part of getting the straw badge in Textiles.

In this Badge Bit you will knit or crochet a blanket. This can be a blanket in any size, varying from baby blanket to king size blanket. Depending on the size of the finished blanket you will get a certain amount of points.

[insert image here]

Here are some related threads, articles and videos:

https://youtu.be/ntbCpSNLTOs
Baby blanket knitting for beginners

https://youtu.be/f0w2FoVSOqs
Simple crochet blanket

https://youtu.be/npIsh-o9AM0
Crochet Granny Squares

https://youtu.be/uk4pDyYTsHA
Ways to join Granny Squares for a blanket

To complete this BB, the minimum requirements are:
– you knit or crochet a blanket from start to finish , using all natural materials.

To show you've completed this Badge Bit, you must provide proof of the following as pictures of video ( < 2 mins):
– materials and tools you used to make the blanket
work in progress making the blanket
the finished blanket, showing the size

Mike suggested I put the amount of points for different sizes blankets in it too. So I'll try to do that.

But first I wait for Nicole and/or r to reply.

It looks like I've already made a baby blanket one https://permies.com/wiki/127901/pep-textiles/Knit-crochet-baby-blanket-PEP

But, I made it up before we'd switched to having a point system, so I honestly don't know what Raven is thinking for these.

Nicole Alderman wrote:It looks like I've already made a baby blanket one https://permies.com/wiki/127901/pep-textiles/Knit-crochet-baby-blanket-PEP

But, I made it up before we'd switched to having a point system, so I honestly don't know what Raven is thinking for these.

Yes, Nicole, I saw (after I made this) you had the baby blanket on your list. Maybe we can compare the two (yours and mine) and combine into one. Let's wait for Raven's opinion

That's a good question.
I think we need to find someone who understands the overall structure of the BBs better than me.  What happens in other badges in this situation?  Does each one have their own page?  Something in my mind says it does but I'll ask the PEP team and see what they say.  

r ranson wrote:That's a good question.
I think we need to find someone who understands the overall structure of the BBs better than me.  What happens in other badges in this situation?  Does each one have their own page?  Something in my mind says it does but I'll ask the PEP team and see what they say.  

Hi Raven. You could be right. In the PEP Nest there are 'lists', but every bit in that list has its own thread.

I'm no expert either, but some of the popular "bits" have a *lot* of responses, so having different bits mixed together could get confusing for both people reading through who are "thinking" about tackling the bit, and also the staff trying to score them.

Yeah, I think having three separate threads might be nice for people when they look for examples. When I go to complete a badge bit that I don't know how to do, I often look at what else has been certified for it. The previous examples gives me both inspiration, as well as a guide to know what's okay.

For example, if I were going to make a twin-size blanket, I might get confused if I see a bunch of baby blankets, and think I could make a smaller blanket and it'd count.

Having them in three different threads might also make it easier for the evaluator. Instead of having to decide what the blanket gets between 4 to 15 points, they only have to decide if the twin-sized blanket is super fancy (10 points) or pretty basic (8 points).

I understand now why it's better to have three different threads.
Nicole, you have the draft for the baby blanket, so that one's for you. I'll make the other two: the twin size and the king size blanket BB. Some new videos are needed then, I will start searching for them tomorrow.

I see wool, cotton, linen, and silk all listed as fibers that will count towards this badge. Is there a possibility to submit an alternative fiber? The fiber I have the most access to is Newfoundland fiber from my dog, which is quite similar to wool in terms of washing/spinning. Would I be able to use that for one of the requirements, or would I have to submit that for oddball points?

Dog "wool" should work out great! I think it's extra awesome to use a fibre that most people just toss into the garbage. I now wish I'd known how to spin when I was a teenager, because we had an akita that filled paper grocery bags with her shed fur twice a year.

Other alternative natural fibres would be those made from fur of any animal, or from non-industrially processed plant fibres (so hemp or nettle fibres would work, but not rayon or viscose or "bamboo" yarn sold in stores)

I suspect that if using other natural fibres, there would be an extra step like talking about the method you choose for that fibre and why.

r ranson wrote:I suspect that if using other natural fibres, there would be an extra step like talking about the method you choose for that fibre and why.

That absolutely makes sense, once I get another batch to take pictures of I'll make sure to include that.

I can't see making curtains/roman blinds from scratch listed anywhere. I recently made a roman blind for our bathroom, would it count for the straw badge or should I apply for an oddball badge bit? Thanks

When you talk about Roman Blinds, can you tell me more about what kind you mean?

The kind I know involves weaving wooden slats into the cloth.

Roman blinds have horizontal rods across them so that you can draw them upwards instead of across. Here is the youtube video I mostly followed to make my one.



This is it all functioning.

Here is my submission for my Textile Sand Badge.

  Mend a Hole - Quick Darning
  Crochet a Dishcloth
  Sew a Patch
  Make a Small Pillow
  Weave a Basket
  Knit a Hotpad
  Make Twine

Please excuse me for posting here with my questions but I made these bags 3 years ago for my eldest son for kindergarten. There are very specific uses for each bag here in Japan and the bags have the be a certain shape. Anyway, my youngest will start either in Feb or April and he will also need some bags. I'm wondering if I can count them for anything here?I did the construction and embroidery myself. I don't see needle work or embroidery features here much. I will document these new bags if they can be counted.

Anyway, I asked in oddball and they referred me here. Hope someone here can help.

Those are beautiful bags! And useful too.
There's nothing about embroidery in PEP, but you can embellish everything you make as much as you like! In the 'straw badge' part a bag is one of the BBs you can choose from. But this part is still under construction, not all threads are there yet.

Inge Leonora-den Ouden wrote:Those are beautiful bags! And useful too.
There's nothing about embroidery in PEP, but you can embellish everything you make as much as you like! In the 'straw badge' part a bag is one of the BBs you can choose from. But this part is still under construction, not all threads are there yet.

Yeah seems like it is still under construction but I was turned away from oddball...I suppose i'll make the new bags and then see who/where will let me count them.

Does the book bag happen to be at least 12x12 inches? If so, it should fit for https://permies.com/wiki/128025/pep-textiles/Sew-grocery-bags-PEP-BB

Nicole Alderman wrote:Does the book bag happen to be at least 12x12 inches? If so, it should fit for https://permies.com/wiki/128025/pep-textiles/Sew-grocery-bags-PEP-BB

I'll have to check the specifications by the school for the new bag or i'll measure on Friday when it gets brought home. I'll probably make my youngest kid's one a bit bigger as the one I made is a bit on the small side.

Is there nothing in textiles that I can use to count all the other pieces? If not, should they be counted in oddball? Or just not at all? Some of the fixtures are plastic (I have to add those because they have been specified by the school. I would have chosen metal myself but I suppose metal is heavy and can hurt kids).

Question on Straw Badge Requirements and points:

1) Are Oddball or Textile Oddball points allowed?

2) Is duplication allowed?  One example: Needle felting on a wire form vs needle felting without a form

3) Are point(s) available for doing the second pick one from the sand badge?  
    For instance, if I crocheted a dishcloth for the Sand Badge and also knit a hot pad.

I'm ready to apply for my textiles sand badge!

mend a hole (quick darning)
sew a patch
sew a small pillow
make twine
weave a basket
knit a hotpad

FYI, a LOT of big work has been going on with textiles in the google doc.  The idea is that when the google doc is done, we will move the completed stuff over to this wiki.  

This is what we have been doing with all of the aspects.  So, naturally, I thought that we would leave the current textiles aspect a bit outdated for a while and then there would be a sudden, massive update.  Now I get the impression that a LOT of changes have been happening here AND on the google doc.  Merging all of this stuff is going to be a massive task.  I suggest that somebody that has access to both will come up with a merge strategy.   Any takers?

paul wheaton wrote:FYI, a LOT of big work has been going on with textiles in the google doc.  ...   Any takers?

I'm interested in joining the group that is behind the curtain.  :)
I've been working periodically on making textile straw bb pages and asking questions that I don't get answers or feedback on.  Now it makes sense why that has been the case.  

One of my big problems with this is that I've had a lot of bad pain days.  I can still get work done, but I know when it's a bad pain day, I don't put the sunshine and rainbows around my words that I usually try to have.  I sound grumpy and harsh.  You should see me in the flesh, I am not good to be around so I avoid people which makes people think they did something wrong because I'm avoiding them when really I'm trying to be in pain alone so not to wreck their day.  oh well... too much information.  Basically, on days like this, I try to stay away from public forums because I can't always communicate as clearly or as kindly as I would like.  It's a flaw in me.

Also, pain makes limited energy so I'm trying to put my energy into the master document.  It's a very interesting exercise.  We are creating PEP - aka, PEPaul.  So Paul is a big part of the choice of badges and wording.  But I'm hoping by helping Paul design this, I can influence it to include a lot of skills that many textile artists ever heard of.  Like invisible patching (which used to be quite common pre-1930s) or making one's own loom.  

This weekend I am going to try and catch up a little.  It might mean that there aren't rainbows and unicorns and all the lovely happy faces surrounding my words (pain also plays havoc on my dyslexia).  But I hope we can pretend that they are there.  

One thing to note - any BB on the list with a points range will probably be broken into a few different BBs or redefined to have one point.  probably.  

Something else I find interesting doing this is to see the places that Paul and I differ on choosing what's important.  Upholstery for example.  From my understanding, Paul considers it a necessity, whereas I have almost exclusively hard, wood furniture in my home (except for a futon which is really the guest bed).

Once we get PEP Iron finished, I can very much see me creating a PER (PERaven) Iron badge that has very different focuses and projects.  I think mine is going to be quite a bit harder.  

I'm matching up the Textile thread to the google document. These didn't seem to match up with the google document. So I'm putting them here for future reference in case we do need them

leather mending - patching or stitching (1 point)
leather maintenance (shoes, belt, bag, or another leather item) (1 point)

deep clean the fabric on a couch or chair using natural cleaners (1 point)

(gotta double check these are still on the upholstry list:
repair the pad on a padded chair (1.5 points)
repair the fabric on a couch (1 - 2 points)
deep clean the fabric on a couch or chair using natural cleaners (1 point)
repair a seat in a car (1 - 2 points)
add new fabric over the worn fabric on a padded chair (2 points)
add an upholstery cushion to a chair or stool (3 points)
make a firm, four-button pillow (2 points)
make a bolster pillow (2 points)
Create a camping cot-sized mattress (tick) stuffed with natural materials like wool, cotton, hemp, seeds like this one (3 points))

Note to self: I've matched up everything from google docs to the thread though Stickwork