Contributor: Ellen McKinney

Ellen C. McKinney writes bi-weekly for Worn Through about fashion education.

Ellen earned her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota College of Design with an emphasis in Apparel Product Development. She served as the Lead Research Assistant of the Human Dimensioning Lab, applying technology to solve apparel sizing and fit problems. She also studied teaching and learning strategies and design for humans.

At the Art Institute of Dallas, Ellen has applied these skills to design curriculum best suited to the diverse learning styles of fashion design and retail management students. She also consults within the fashion industry on pattern making, grading, and garment fit.

She is currently working on research on theory in patternmaking. Her area of specialization is apparel sizing and fit with interest in the use of technology to develop patternmaking theory for improved garment fit, how apparel consumers, retailers and wholesalers impact and are impacted by garment fit, and teaching fitting techniques.

Presentations and publications include:
Bye, E. & McKinney, E. (2010). Fit analysis using 3-D and live fit models. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 22(2/3), 88-100.

Bye, E., LaBat, K., McKinney, E., & Kim, D.-E. (2008). Optimized pattern grading. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 20(2), 79-92.

McKinney, E. & McKinney, S. (2008). Upscale specialty retailer uses data mining to solve vendor fit problems. In N. J. Rabolt and J. K. Miler (Eds.) Concepts and cases in retail and merchandise management, 2nd Ed. New York: Fairchild.

Bye, E. & McKinney, E. (2007). Sizing up the wardrobe: Why we keep clothes that do not fit. Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body & Culture, 11(4), 483-498.

Bye, E. & McKinney, E. (2007). Fit analysis using live and electronic stimuli. International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Meeting Proceedings, 64, Los Angeles, CA. Abstract.

Bye, E., LaBat, K., McKinney, E., and Kim, D.–E. (2007). Optimized pattern grading. International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Meeting Proceedings, 64, Los Angeles, CA. Abstract.

McKinney, E., Bye, E., & Gomez, E. (2005). Creative teaching strategy: Using the fit analysis worksheet for enhanced garment prototype evaluation among fashion design students. International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Meeting Proceedings, 62, Alexandria, VA. Abstract