A Common Thread

Exhibition of textile works made by students in TAFE’s English language and textiles program accompanied by historical photographs that depict the garment-making and textile industry in Western Australia. 

State Library of Western Australia exhibition created in partnership with North Metropolitan TAFE. A Common Thread is a specialised English language and textiles program offered at the North Metropolitan TAFE to new migrants arriving in Western Australia. The program combines teaching English language skills with sewing skills and is a collaboration between the Fashion Department and the English and Languages Department. 

In A Common Thread, students learn various screen printing and garment manufacturing skills, from creating patterns to completing the final products you see in this exhibition. In the process of learning practical skills, students are also able to hone their social English skills in a relaxed, friendly environment. The students in this exhibition have many different countries of origin, including China, Japan, Ethiopia, Mexico, Ukraine, Vietnam, Italy, and Peru. Western Australia has a rich garment-making and textile heritage to which migrants have contributed heavily. Accompanying this exhibition are photographs that depict the fashion and textile industry in Western Australia.