Sustainable multi-purpose blanket

The Background

Julia’s project was inspired by her concern for the environment, particularly the over abundance of plastic bags and the threats they can cause to the natural environment. She wanted to act in some way to address the basic needs of disadvantaged people in developing countries, particularly in the wake of the tsunami. With these aims in mind, Julia decided to create a multi-purpose blanket that could be used by families needing shelter and warmth. The blanket would make good use of a readily available resource that is often wasted - plastic bags!

The Project

As part of her Design and Technology studies, Julia spent over a year researching, developing and creating her sustainable multi-purpose blanket. She thoroughly researched and tested a range of textile techniques such as crocheting, weaving and knitting to determine the most suitable approach. Through trial and error she developed a process of incorporating plastic bags into a woollen structure or base. With this new crocheting technique she created a fabric that was warm, comfortable, breathable and transportable. The fabric could be used for many different purposes, for example as a blanket, a sleeping mat, for insulation or as a lean-to for shelter. Julia also designed an easy to understand pattern that was highly reproducible. She hoped that the pattern would be used by community groups in Australia and developing countries to work collectively on projects to create blankets.

The Journey

Julia's multi-purpose blanket is a creative solution to a number of sustainability challenges such as poverty and pollution. By carefully considering people's needs and available resources she developed a product that was culturally appropriate, extremely useful and encourages others to work together to take action for sustainability.