5 Stars for 4R Fashion

On Saturday June 30, nearly 40 people gathered in the fashion department classroom to take part in the 4R Fashion Workshop. In attendance were textile artists, professionals from the fashion industry, and sustainability specialists. Several students interested in sustainable fashion also participated.

The morning’s activities were broken into three parts: a presentation by Cañada College fashion student Shana McCracken, a hands-on activity, and a group discussion. Shana’s presentation covered the waste reduction principles known as the 4Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot (compost), as they relate to textiles.

Shana talked about the reasons our society needs to stop throwing away clothing—among them, even natural fibers don’t biodegrade in a modern landfill. Better to donate or repair a garment rather than toss it in the trash. Participants worked with salvaged materials to create new designs or repaired garments they brought with them. Thrifted t-shirts were available for making reusable shopping totes—a fun project even for non-sewists.

Featured speaker Angela Chou, founder of kids’ fashion brand Utterly, talked about how she uses screen printing to customize discarded fabrics from local clothing manufacturers. Tracey Harper, Integrated Waste Management Specialist for CalRecycle, provided a statewide perspective on the challenges of reducing textile waste. Among other alarming facts, Tracey shared that textiles from residential sources climbed 45% between 2008 and 2014.

Though they only had an hour, these participants each completed a 4R Fashion project during the workshop: two reusable bags and a skirt made from a salvaged tablecloth. After the workshop, we asked participants to respond to an anonymous online survey. The responses were very positive, including 100% rating the workshop “Excellent” or “Very Good.” More than one respondent said the most valuable part of the workshop for them was meeting and networking with other like-minded people. One person commented, “I hope you continue to do more of these workshop[s] … ,” and several said they would like another opportunity to continue the conversation.

Fall Fees at Cañada College Due August 7, 2018

Fall Fees at Cañada College Due August 7, 2018

The fall 2018 semester starts in just a few weeks and we want to make sure that you have paid your fees so that you can attend your classes and be successful.

Fee Payment Final Due Date: Tuesday, August 7 at 9:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, August 7 at 9:01 p.m. Pacific Time, students who have any outstanding fee balances, including fall 2018 fees, will be dropped from all fall 2018 classes for non-payment of outstanding fees.

Beginning Wednesday, August 8, if you register for classes you will have one day to pay your fees. Students will be dropped at 9:01 p.m. Pacific Time the day following their registration for non-payment of fees. For example, if you enroll in, or add any fall classes on August 9, you must pay all your fees by August 10 at 9:00 p.m. Pacific Time to prevent being dropped.

If you need assistance in paying your fall fees, here are some options:

• Payment Plan: Enroll in an inexpensive payment plan via WebSMART by 9:00 p.m. Pacific Time on August 8, 2018.
• FAFSA: Complete the 2018-19 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov. A minimum of five (5) business days processing time is required to ensure receipt of the FAFSA to prevent your drop for non-payment (school code required: 006973 Cañada College, 001181 CSM, and 007713 Skyline College).  
• AB 540 Students: If you are an AB 540 student and unable to complete a FAFSA due to citizenship status, complete the 2018-19 California Dream Application. A minimum of five (5) business days processing time is required to ensure receipt of the Dream Application to prevent your drop for non-payment (school code required: 006973 Cañada, 001181 CSM, and 007713 Skyline College).
• California College Promise Grant (CCPG) (Formerly Board of Governors Fee Waiver (BOGFW): Complete the 2018-19 California College Promise Grant application via WebSMART. You should complete the CCPG at least two days before the drop date.

If you have additional questions about paying your fees, you can stop by the Cashier’s Office or the Financial Aid office on the first floor of Building 9 during regular business hours. If you still need financial assistance after exhausting all options listed above, please contact the Vice President of Student Services.

We look forward to welcoming you to the fall 2018 semester!

Summer Basic Serging Course is a Hit – Again!

Summer Basic Serging Course is a Hit – Again!

Every summer Cañada College’s Fashion Department offers a weeklong intensive course in using a serger sewing machine: FASH 140 – Basic Serging. The summer session is the only time of year this course is offered, and Cañada College is lucky enough to have industry expert Mary Lou Lange as the instructor for this course every summer.

This summer the class was full and students learned how to use a serger sewing machine to create a variety of seams, as well as functional and decorative edge finishes used in the construction of garments.  Fashion Designers and Seamstresses use a serger sewing machine opposed to a regular one when they are sewing fabrics that stretch or for fabrics that are more delicate.

Using a serger is an art, and this course gives students the skill set they need to be able to use one. Join the Fashion Department next summer and sign up for FASH 140 – Basic Serging and learn from the best!