Yin: My First Textiles Project
The project I became obsessed with crocheting
“There is no doubt that decorative and domestic handicrafts empower women and bring them together, enabling them to bypass consumer culture and reclaim the traditional women’s skills devalued by society.”
—Michna, Natalia Anna (2020) Knitting, Weaving, Embroidery, and Quilting as Subversive Aesthetic Strategies: On Feminist Interventions in Art, Fashion, and Philosophy, p. 181
Sewing, weaving, crocheting, embroidering, mending, knitting—the list could go on—have never been art forms I experimented with. So when I took my first textiles class, it was all about trial and error. For our final project, we created a mini-collection of three looks, combining samples we made with ones we sourced. I’m so excited to dive into one of my favorite projects from my master’s program and share the full behind-the-scenes process.
Yin moodboard scanned from my notebook.
Introducing Yin: A First-of-Its-Kind Fashion Collection for Menstruating Bodies
Yin is clothing made for people who menstruate, not just during their period, but throughout every phase of the cycle. Each piece is made from recycled or upcycled cotton and dyed with plants, not chemicals. The collection is designed to breathe, to stretch, to be layered or stripped back depending on how you feel. Stains aren’t hidden, they’re expected. You’re encouraged to mend, dye, or patch your clothes as they change with you. Yin is about comfort without shame, softness without fragility, and clothing that doesn’t just fit your body, but listens to it.
Natural Fibers
The decision to use only natural dyes and 100% cotton (recycled and upcycled whenever possible) was intentional. Many wearable period products contain harsh chemicals that restrict breathability and have environmentally harmful production processes. Cotton, on the other hand, allows the internal female organs to breathe and also takes beautifully to natural dyes, which customers are encouraged to use to refresh garments over time.
Yin Spring/Summer 2026 looks scanned from my notebook.
Look 1
A free-flowing layered dress ensemble: indigo tie-dyed slip dress with an indigo-dyed crochet overdress. Each piece can be worn separately or together, depending on how you’re feeling.
Look 1 final samples.
Look 1 scanned from my notebook.
Look 2
An airy crochet cardigan paired with relaxed denim overalls designed with room to move. Patchwork and red detailing add personality, turning each mark into a story of care and transformation.
Look 2 final samples.
Look 2 scanned from my notebook.
Look 3
A texture-forward look featuring a woven tank and denim skirt, paired with a crochet bag and belt for utility and freedom of movement. A wide-brim hat tops it off for time outdoors in the sun.
Look 3 final samples.
Look 3 scanned from my notebook.
Process
If I could sum up this project in one word, it would be experimentation. Committing to natural fibers and dyes (which also happened to be very cost-effective), I explored endless ways to customize my handmade samples. From dyeing fabric and yarn with avocado pits to carving linoleum blocks for “patchwork” patterns, I gave myself permission to play with my materials without limits.
Enjoy my process book below, where I documented each step.
Reflection
The biggest takeaway from this project? Discovering how much I love crocheting. A friend sat down with me one evening over a bottle of wine and taught me the basics, which made all the difference.
Looking back, there are a few things I’d change. For example, the colors of my repeat pattern turned out too bright and vivid, clashing with the muted tones of the natural dyes. But I was able to use them sparingly, and in the end, I’m happy with how it all came together.
A creative mind and design professional, Julia is an Art Director, Senior Graphic Designer, Beauty Enthusiast, and a Master's Student in Global Communications. This blog is an extension of her multi-faceted journey, offering a space to explore the intersections of design, beauty, culture, and lifestyle