Synthetic Fibers
Are you feeling blue? Me too! I'm a friend who is well-traveled! I was the star of the show in the recent Gap "Better in Denim" campaign.
Indigo.
Indigo is a natural dye with a distinct deep blue color and gives denim blue jeans their classic blue color. Indigo was used by various cultures in Asia, Europe, Central and South America and Africa. Traditionally, indigo comes from several plants from the Indigofera genus but much of the world's indigo is now synthetically manufactured.
[Insert image of a close up of a quilt, for example T-1008 which is an Amish quilt]
Quilting [you could accept quilting or sewing as possible answers)
A quilt is a fabric sandwich and is finished by the process of quilting, where the quilter will use either a sewing machine or a needle and thread to sew running stitches in various patterns all over the quilt to prevent the layers from moving around.
I'm a little scratchy but oh so warm. I come in various colors too! Sailors love me since I keep them warm and dry. And I'm a fireman's friend too. Wear me and I'll keep you safe.
Wool
[optionally include image of a sheep and/or a lock of wool]
I'm suuuuper stretchy, capable of stretch 5 to 8 times my size. I'm the best running mate you'll ever have. Wearing me and you'll be able to "Just Do It"!
Spandex/Lycra/Elastane is a type of stretchy, durable, lightweight, fiber that is most commonly used in athletic clothing, swim wear and form-fitting clothing. It was invented by the chemist, Joseph Shivers at the Dupont chemical company in 1958.
[Insert image of Brokpa women's felted hat 2004.7.88]
[Ask students to say what they think the object is and what it's use is or who it was used by]
A yak wool felted hat worn by Brokpa women of Bhutan. The long twisted tufts helped keep the rain from running onto their faces.