2023
Puzzleware (formerly known as ‘Convertibles’) is modular DIY kidswear, inspired by early learning theories; Loose parts play (Simon Nicholson), Froebel and Montessori. Puzzleware asks questions about the way we dress our kids, invites kids to participate, and build their own playful, woolly wearables, whilst supporting a range of STEAM skills. Essentially, Puzzleware is ‘learning through clothing’. Puzzleware is made with knitted puzzle pieces, accompanied with a tactile tool kit for assembly, repairable and extendable, and adaptable to growth spurts, infinitely.
A Puzzleware workshop brings tactile and imaginative puzzle kits to you and your children (age 6 onwards) to design and construct their own wearable items, inviting the wearer to participate in the creating of their own items, the way they want to.
Through clothes making, many transferrable skills are achieved, as well as a great sense of achievement. Hand sewing doesn't only provide the maker with dexterity and hand-eye coordination, but this is also a mindful and calming activity that allows us to take a break from everyday life. You can read more about Puzzleware in the Selvedge Magazine here and watch a presentation at conference ‘Not Only Dressed but Dressing (Clothing, Childhood, Creativity)’ by Dr. Hannah Field and Professor Kiera Vaclavik here.
Puzzleware is currently exhibited at MUNAÉ National Museum of Education, Rouen, France
See shop for current handmade products.
Puzzleware has been published in print through the following publications:
Paulicelli, E., Manlow, V. and Wissinger, E. (2022) The routledge companion to fashion studies. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
Frankel, S. (ed.) (2023) Establishing child centred practice in a Changing World, part A. LONDON: EMERALD GROUP PUBL.
Holroyd, A.T., Gordon, J.F. and Hill, C. (2023) Historical Perspectives on Sustainable Fashion Inspiration for Change. London: Bloomsbury Visual Arts.
