Ava Bibbs
Cotton Incorporated Field Study
Junior Year | PRESENT
This course explores the journey of cotton from farm to fashion and how sustainability can be incorporated throughout the textile and apparel supply chain. Throughout the semester, we take field trips and hear from professionals in textile recycling, sustainability, and circularity. A major component is a North Carolina field study, where we will visit Cotton Incorporated headquarters and industry partners to experience cotton research, recycling, denim production, and farming practices firsthand.
Course List
Patternmaking II: Draping
Sophomore Year | Spring 2026
This course explored patternmaking through draping techniques, emphasizing fit, design, problem-solving, and fabric behavior. I worked with bodices, skirts, sleeves, pants, collars, bias designs, and structured garments while considering different body shapes and sizes. My three garment projects allowed me to apply draping skills and develop original designs from concept to completion.
Computer Aided Patternmaking
Sophomore Year | Spring 2026
This course introduced Browzwear’s V-Stitcher software and focused on digital patternmaking, garment simulation, and 3D virtual fitting. By creating and editing digital patterns, applying fabric properties, and evaluating fit on virtual avatars, I developed valuable skills in digital apparel design and learned how technology can make the design process more efficient and sustainable.
Product Development
Sophomore Year | Fall 2026
Hands-on course structured to reflect how a real brand team operates, with us students working across roles such as merchandising, design, and art. We used Backbone, a PLM system, to organize product information and collaborated on developing a new product line while building skills in teamwork, industry research, creative problem-solving, and presentation.
Patternmaking I
Sophomore Year | Fall 2026
Patternmaking techniques were explored through drafting, flat pattern manipulation, and fit analysis to create original women’s apparel. I worked with bodices, skirts, sleeves, trousers, jackets, dart manipulation, and style lines. Through pattern drafting, muslin mock-ups, fitting analysis, and construction, I developed original garments by transforming my ideas into finished, wearable pieces.
Computer Integrated Design
Sophomore Year | Spring 2026
Advanced computer-aided design techniques were used to create textiles and fashion concepts for target markets. Throughout the semester, I developed skills in Adobe Creative Cloud and industry-specific textile software while exploring surface design, knitting, weaving, and digital printing. In my final project, I created textile prototypes and developed a cohesive collection for a targeted consumer.
Computer Applications in Digital Design
Sophomore Year | Fall 2025
This course focused on developing skills in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to turn creative ideas into digital visuals through projects and tutorials. I learned how to use design tools to create polished graphics and layouts. These assignments strengthened my digital design skills and introduced me to software that is widely used throughout the fashion industry, giving me a foundation I have been continuously building on.
Introduction to Apparel Design
Freshman Year | Fall 2024
Design boards consisted of inspirational imagery, technical flats, fabric renderings, and fashion illustrations. This course served as my first introduction to the design process and helped me understand the importance of trend forecasting, visual storytelling, and creating cohesive, visually appealing presentations. It also showed me how strong design concepts are built from both creative inspiration and research.
