Production of Innovative Fashion Accessories from Blends of Raffia and Polypropylene Fabrics

Abstract

This study examined the production of innovative fashion accessories from blends of raffia and polypropylene fabrics. The study took place in Bayelsa State and employed a survey and Research and Development design. The target population consisted of 1,704,515 households in Bayelsa State. The unit of observation and respondents were male and female homemakers. Krejcie and Morgan's statistical table for sample size determination was used to determine the sample size. A sample size of 300 respondents was selected using a multistage sampling technique. To collect data in the first phase, a structured questionnaire was utilized. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, which yielded a value of 0.839. Data were analyzed utilizing mean, standard deviation and t-test. A blended fabric weaved on loom from raffia and polypropylene was produced. This fabric was utilized for the production of four fashion accessories. The fashion accessories produced include a sandal, slippers, handbag, and hat. Findings revealed that the probability values (0.22-0.85) are greater than 0.05 level of significance (p ˃ 0.05). Hence, the null hypothesis was upheld. The study concluded that raffia and polypropylene blends are compatible and can be processed on a loom for the production of fabrics that could be used for the production of fashion accessories. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that fashion accessories should be produced from raffia and polypropylene blend fabrics as income-generating opportunities for individuals and households.