A study in toy making

FlexStar is a student project developed by The School of Textiles and Materials Technology at Philadelphia University. It's about the search for the right fabric for a fabric-covered throwing-thing. And the manufacture, thereof. I quote: "The purpose of our project was to find an abrasion resistant fabric, which would be flexible at the same time. Due to the nature of the toy it needs to withstand multiple skidding on surfaces such as asphalt and concrete. We continued to do this by exploring different assembly methods as well as different fabric constructions."

For anyone who's ever considered manufacturing their own toys or games, this report is an invaluable introduction to world of toy economics. It captures the process of invention and experimentation, testing and development, and touches on key considerations related to mass market production and distribution. It shows how important it is, when making a toy, at least, to learn by playing. Which, in effect, was the purpose of the entire exercise. For the rest of us, it's an opportunity to contemplate the many potential woes and wonders of a knitted, five-arm throwing thing.