Describe what your organization/company does:
TEF Braids pioneers fabric and product design innovation by patterning performance directly into textiles through advanced braiding techniques. Utilizing historic Jacquard Circular Lace machines, we create unique fabrics and 3D textile structures featuring zonally targeted performance properties. By seamlessly integrating design and fabrication into a single step, TEF Braids produces efficient, high-performance textiles that redefine sustainable, low-impact manufacturing and functional fabrics.
1. PROPOSAL TITLE: What is your succinct project title? (100 character limit)
Locally Manufactured Lace Braided Sports Bra from Botanically Dyed NY Linen, TENCEL™ & Wool-Elastic
2. INDUSTRY CONTEXT: What need are you addressing, and how is it relevant to the New York sustainable textile industry? (1000 character limit)
Our sports bra will address a critical gap in the active-wear market: the lack of high-performance, plastic-free alternatives to synthetic sports bras.
Most performance bras rely on petroleum-based elastics and moisture-wicking synthetics that shed microplastics and resist biodegradation. Our project directly responds to this need by using New York–grown linen, biodegradable TENCEL™ Lyocell, and shrunken, twisted wool with natural rubber, as a elastic substitute. This innovation supports New York’s growing regenerative textile movement by leveraging regional fiber systems, from farm to finished garment. By creating a functional, fully compostable sports bra, we model a new path for sustainable performance apparel rooted in local agriculture, circular design, and climate-aligned materials.
3. PROJECT SUMMARY: What are you proposing to do with a $10,000 NYFIC Grant? (1000 character limit)
We propose to develop a regenerative, high-performance sports bra made from a blend of NY-grown linen, TENCEL™ Lyocell, shrunken, twisted wool with biodegradable latex, that is botanically dyed.
With the $10,000 NYFIC
Grant, we will source local fibers, blend and spin custom yarns,
fabricate braided textile structures, and manufacture plastic-free bras designed for comfort, support, and movement. We will test the fabric’s performance (stretch, resilience, moisture-wicking), refine the design,
and document our process for knowledge-sharing within the NY sustainable textile community. This project demonstrates a fully compostable, zero-synthetic garment rooted in local agriculture and advanced material innovation.
4. PROJECT WORKPLAN: What are your specific project tasks, milestones, and associated timeline? (4000 character limit)
Our proposed workplan will span 6 months and is structured around 3 main phases: Material Development, Prototype Creation & Testing, Manufacturing and Industry Integration & Knowledge Sharing. Each phase has defined tasks, milestones, and partners to ensure successful and timely execution of project goals.
Phase 1: Material Development (Months 1–2)
- Identify and secure partnerships with New York linen flax growers for fiber
- Source local wool suitable for felting and stretching tests.
- Source natural latex
- Process wool through controlled felting (shrinking)
- Twist and braid wool fibers to create" wool-elastic" yarn prototypes.
- Prepare linen and TENCEL™ fibers for braiding trials.
Milestone: - Functional "wool-elastic" yarns developed and initial fiber batches prepared for spinning.
Phase 2: Prototype Creation & Testing (Months 3–5)
- Conduct spinning trials blending linen and TENCEL™ at various ratios to optimize softness, stretch, and durability.
- Test compatibility of wool-elastic yarns with braided linen–TENCEL yarn shells.
- Produce sample braided bras integrating wool-based elastic zones.
- Pattern and construct bra prototypes using braided fabric and wool-elastic components.
- Refine garment design for fit, support, and comfort.
- Prepare multiple size variants for wear testing.
- Conduct mechanical tests on fabric stretch, recovery, durability, and moisture-wicking performance.
- Organize wear trials with volunteers to assess comfort, support, breathability, and fit.
- Collect and analyze user feedback for iterative improvements.
- Implement design and material adjustments based on testing outcomes.
- Produce final prototype(s) for presentation and potential pilot production.
- Document the entire process, including sourcing, fiber processing, fabric construction, and testing results.
- Prepare final report and outreach materials to share with NYFIC and the sustainable textile community.
Milestone:
- Prototype fabric samples demonstrating integrated natural stretch properties.
- Completed bra prototypes ready for testing.
- Performance and wear data gathered; design refinements identified.
- Final bra prototypes and comprehensive project report completed.
Phase 3: Industry Integration & Knowledge Sharing (Month 6)
Objective:
- Prepare commercialization roadmap and share findings with the broader sustainable fashion ecosystem.
Tasks:
- Develop detailed technical documentation of braiding methods, material properties, and manufacturing techniques.
- Create visual documentation (photos, videos, process diagrams) to communicate innovation clearly.
- Present results to relevant stakeholders, including NYS sustainable fashion groups, educational institutions, and potential investors or collaborators.
Milestones:
- Final project report and visual case study package.
- Preliminary partnership discussions with athletic apparel and sustainable fashion brands.
- Prepared roadmap for scaling and refinement in future funding phases.
5. PROJECT OUTCOMES: What are the expected outcomes from completion of this project? (1000 character limit)
The Sports Bra project will deliver a fully biodegradable, high-performance
sports bra made from New York-grown linen, TENCEL™ Lyocell, and
shrunken wool with latex as a natural elastic alternative. We will produce prototypes demonstrating superior moisture-wicking, stretch, and comfort without synthetic fibers. The project will validate a scalable, plastic-free material system that supports local fiber economies and advances regenerative textile innovation. Additionally, we will generate detailed documentation and open-source resources to share best
practices with the NY sustainable textile community, helping to
accelerate the shift toward circular, climate-positive apparel
manufacturing.
6. PROJECT IMPACT: How will the project outcomes impact your organization/company and New York State? (1000 character limit)
This project will enhance our organization's capabilities in sustainable material innovation, apparel design and zero waste, efficient local manufacturing, positioning us as leaders in Eco-friendly fashion solutions. By developing prototypes using New York-grown linen and wool, we aim to establish a scalable model for sustainable athletic-wear production. This initiative will foster collaborations with local farmers, designers, and manufacturers, strengthening the state's sustainable textile supply chain. The project's success could lead to increased demand for New York agricultural products, job creation in the green manufacturing sector, and a reduction in environmental impact from traditional athletic-wear materials. Ultimately, this aligns with New York State's goals of promoting sustainable fashion and supporting local economies.
7. PROJECT ALIGNMENT: How is your proposed project addressing NYFIC’s mission/vision? (1000 character limit)
Our project directly advances NYFIC’s mission by revitalizing New York’s fiber systems through the innovative use of locally grown linen and wool, as well as demonstrating New York's support of manufacturing innovations that are efficient, waste free, micro and local.
This work strengthens regional supply chains from farm to finished garment, fostering collaboration across agriculture, fiber processing, and textile innovation. The bra exemplifies climate-aligned material innovation, reduces reliance on petroleum-based fibers, and offers a replicable model for sustainable fashion rooted in New York’s unique resources—perfectly aligned with NYFIC’s vision to lead a resilient, circular textile economy.
8. PROJECT TEAM: What are your relevant background/qualifications? Who is your team, and what are their relevant background/qualifications? (1500 character limit)
The project is led by Brad Jamison and Terri Jamison, co-founders of Tensengral and creators of TEF Braids. For over a decade the couple has been building on the heritage of lace as both structure and ornament, transforming jacquard circular lace braiding into a form of zero-waste, additive textile manufacturing that bridges design and engineering.
-
Brad Jamison brings decades of experience in engineering and sustainable systems. He developed the proprietary TEF Braids technique, informed by principles of tensegrity, which allows for seamless, sculptural, and highly functional fabric forms. His technical expertise drives the project's innovative production methods and scalable applications in circular fashion.
-
Terri Jamison leads creative direction, product development, and ecological storytelling. With a background in design, she has developed community-based projects that fuse local ecology, artisan techniques, and youth education. Terri will guide the visual identity of the hats, oversee dye development, and lead the creation of the storybook hangtags and educational website.
Budget
1. Materials, Supplies: $2,800
Description: To purchase NY-grown linen and raw wool for twisting/shrinking, as well as botanical dye materials and sample-making supplies.
2. Equipment: $0
Description: No new equipment purchases are planned; existing tools and community studio access will be used.
3. Contractual Services: $3,200
Description: For braided textile development, botanical dye consulting, wool processing (twisting and shrinking), and sample sewing through local skilled labor.
4. Marketing: $0
Description: No funds requested; outreach will be conducted using existing channels and community platforms.
5. Personnel: $1,500
Description: For time dedicated to project management, product testing coordination, and documentation of results.
6. Construction, Renovation, Site Work: $0
Description: Not applicable to this project.
7. Travel: $500
Description: To visit local fiber farms, dye sources, and textile collaborators within New York State.
8. Other: $2,000
Description: Includes testing (moisture wicking, stretch, and wear trials), digital documentation, knowledge sharing, and contingency for unexpected costs.
9. Total Amount Requested: $10,000
10. Matching Funds or In-Kind Resources (Optional):
We will contribute in-kind time, design expertise, yarn resources and access to
braiding/sewing factory equipment. We are also engaging collaborators who offer subsidized testing and studio time as part of their commitment to sustainable
textile innovation.