PATTERN CUTTING WORKSHOP 2

After quick workshop form pattern cutting, we were supposed to make our own garment. While making I allowed a 1.5 cm seam allowance when I was cutting my pattern. Instead of using pins to mark out the top of the dart and notches for the bottom of the dart, I decided to tack my garment. It was easier for me to sew. I found part of sewing darts the most exciting. I was trying to be as precise as I can, but also careful to do it in a straight line. I have previous experience with sewing, but I have never been doing garment by myself. 

WEEK 12

This weekend was the continuation of the 'reconctruct & deconstruct' project. I was mainly focused on how to develop my design and silhouette ideas. I have been working on the materials from the previous week. I found a lot of things as shirts, trousers etc. that in the process of making they were completely unuseful, so I bought few new materials that are more connected with my theme. I decided to work on black, leather coat as a base for my project outcome. Additionally, I was experimenting with black fur, fishnet shirt,red checkered pattern material and some transparent textille. I used also the knitting technique to make some additional parts to my sleeve. The process of making was really fun. I found this project very enjoyable. I learned that we can easily use old clothes to reconstruct them in something fresh and new. It is really cheap, but also really fun way of making clothes. For myself I also learned how to transfer the idea, concept into the clothing. In this case idea of prostitutes fighting for their rights to work.

I cutted some parts, as well as I was linking fabrics by adding different materials. The coat is really hard to saw, so I decided to use a glue. I made a collar, which can be wore in various ways.

PATTERN CUTTING WORKSHOP 1

I have produced my own paper pattern and I was manipulating the darts using the slash and spread method. I have learned what darts are. They are an essential part of garment construction, because they allow the flat fabric to take on a shape that will fit the body well. A dart is a folded wedge of fabric that is tapered and stitched down to give shape to a garment.

There are two main components of a dart: the point, also known as the apex, and the legs, which start at the widest part of the dart. The dart legs are the two lines that are brought together to create the fold of fabric that is stitched. Darts need to be sewn in the correct direction, from the widest point of the legs to the apex, to ensure they lay flat and press well.

WEEK 11

This week we started 'reconstruct and deconstruct' project. We were focusing on methods of recording primary research (by photographing, photocopying, sketching of garments/details). Also, we were developing a Frankenstein collage by using the photocopier for recording garments and detailing. I found this as a really great opportunity to experiment with cutting the garments in different ways. 

On Wednesday we learned how to generate design ideas from stand work (manipulation of garments on the stand). We were pinning clothes to the stand in a non-conventional way, trying to make as many alternatives as possible, then we were deconstructing our garments, by doing that I understood better how they are made. It showed me how many options we can make by using only a few things.

On Friday we focused on developing our ideas further. I planned my timetable for next week, and my sketchbook work. I tried to focus on what I should do as my final piece. During the revolt and manifest project, I found a really interesting article about how prostitutes are fighting their rights. I started researching and looking how their style of clothing was changing over the past. I thought that the theme is really vided and I can try to look at this from range perspectives. For example, from one hand they are manifesting, want to be free and respected, but on the other hand, they are using camouflage and trying to hide who they really are. Also, it reminded me of the idea of being homeless and humiliated and how it's perceived by the society. As a continuation of a revolt and manifest, I thought about showing sexiness that's completely own by the woman. By that I mean not in as simple, sexy, provocative garments, but the opposite of that. By using second-handed, cheap clothes and making them fancy and extravagant. The theme will be shown by the materials that I will use (leather, fishnets, PCV). 

WEEK 10

For the fashion illustration project I visited few galleries. First of all I went to Saachi and Tate Modern gallery. I was looking at different styles of drawing and painting, also I've done secondary research looking at different illustrators in the internet. It was really helpful and showed me new, interesting styles that now I'm using in my illustration. 

First day was really exciting. I learned how to explore various mediums to create a variety of illustrations by working individually but also collaborating with a peer. We've been using research from a range of industry illustrators to develop our own style. We've done also a concept board to illustrate our research and ideas. We were drawing to music, poems and and words as a inspiration. I enjoyed the most drawing to the music. I felt really free and comfortable, I think my best outcomes are from that part of workshop. I was drawing one line and using markers. I don't like my 'drawing to words' pieces. I was experimenting with paint, but I think It doesn't look good.

Next day was going deeper. We were developing and expanding different mark making methods, mainly by drawing and taking photos. Peer conversations were really important in this workshop, because as a new fashion student I have opportunity to talk with new people about their experience. 

Friday wasn't for me really productive, because I felt really bad. I've done my 'final pieces' but I'm not happy with my outcome. I think work my peers was stronger and much more interesting. By the end of the day we have little crib, and were talking about our work. It was helpful, because my friends gave me lot of suggestions, that can improve my drawing skills.

WEEK 9

This week we've been catching up with a material. It was really intensive, but also productive week. During this time we have workshops from knitting and draping on the stand. Knitting workshops were really interesting, we were shown how to set up the knitting machines and were introduced to all the knitting tools. The induction enables us using this for our future projects. We worked in pairs and learned about the tension of yarns and how it affects the structure of knitting. We have been analysing and looking at different knitted fabrication made by different yarns and combination of patterns, & surface structure. It was a really quick introduction to knitting but also very helpful for our future work as designers. I was really happy with our small outcomes.

The List of knitting techniques will be demonstrated:

1. Cast on
2. Honeycomb
3. Lace holes
4. Stripes

Another workshop was draping on the stand. The first task was how to form quick ideas in 3D through the draping of fabric, how to quickly and easily form conceptual designs and how to experiment and prototype. We've been taking photos, drawing and asking questions. At the beginning, I was really stressed because It was my first experience with draping but on the end of the task, I felt comfortable with what I've done.

The last day was really intensive and exhausting, but the amount of new experience was worth it. We learned how to design and develop ideas, design a collection and how to extrapolate ideas from existing designs. We've done this mainly by doing quick sketches and watching films (fashion shows). I learned a lot, all the workshops opened my brain to new methods of designing and looking for ideas.