Particles of Color Exhibition [March 2023 - March 2024]
Chitohusk Yarn [December 2024]
As a key researcher in Dr. Jessica Ciarla’s Particles of Color project, I contributed to groundbreaking work in sustainable fashion materials. This research focused on developing sequins from corn-derived PLA (polylactic acid), offering a biodegradable alternative to traditional petroleum-based embellishments.
My involvement spanned the entire production process, from pressing the PLA sheets to laser-cutting custom sequin shapes using AutoCAD and laser cutting technology. These sequins were enhanced with natural mica powder and featured different a custom abalone colors palette.
Beyond material development, I played a role in the exhibition design and production. I participated in the installation process and contributed to the exhibition by crocheting a dress featuring the sequins (known as punchinella), and by embroidering other garments featuring the punchinella.
Chitohusk is a biomaterial I’ve been developing and researching as an alternative to wool yarn. It’s made from a blend of chitosan, a biopolymer derived from crustacean shells, fungi, and rice husks, an abundant agricultural byproduct. My goal with this project was to build on existing research by Algiknit on alginate-derived yarns, focusing on making a bio-yarn that is stronger, stretchier, and capable of felting.
To achieve these properties, I’ve been experimenting with chemical baths that aim to create scales on the yarn’s surface, potentially enabling it to felt or bind more effectively.