Students add fibre to fashion

More than 2000 teachers and students from across the country have registered for the 2014 Wool4Skool program which celebrates Australia's natural fibre in fashion.

A classroom project designed for students in years seven to 11, Wool4Skool has been backed by a comprehensive resource library and more than $10,000 in prizes.

With 2014 marking the Woolmark brand's 50th anniversary, students are being inspired to design a garment in the styles of the 1960s to the fashion of today.

In its fourth year, Wool4Skool has placed Merino wool into the hands of thousands of design and technology students, introducing young Australians to the versatility of the fibre and the fabric it creates.

While the project does not involve students making their designs, they must demonstrate knowledge of wool and the textile innovations that have made it so popular with leading designers.

Teachers who register at www.wool4skool.com will be sent a resource pack tailored to their specific year groups, including large fabric samples, swatch books and classroom posters, not to mention the endless resources online.

Wool4Skool teacher award winner 2013 Nicole Koinuma said she was privileged the program acknowledged teachers' role. "It is a special award because I value the sheep and Merino wool industry," she said. "It's a fantastic product."