Pattern Cutting - Dart Special

In this weeks pattern cutting session, we were taught how to make two different kinds of dart, contour and deep darts. We were also shown two different ways of creating the dart, pivoting or by cutting and folding.
Our first task in the morning was to create a miniture block of a front bodice, and from this block we made miniture pattern pieces, which all had different placed darts in them. For example, shoulder dart, armhole dart, french dart and a side dart. It was interesting to learn all the positions for darts and how to create them. In the afternoon we were given a hip block, which we had trace onto paper, adjust and then seperate into panels. Tricky stuff!

Organic Project

This weeks project was to research the work of Dale Chihuly and various designers that have used ruffles in the a/w08 collections, such as Lanvin and Christopher Kane. Once we had collected our research and completed a themeboard, based on the theme 'organic', we had to used the models to drap and ruffle fabric to create a garment.
I was particularly inspired by Sonia Rykiel, who designed a collection called 'The New Romance' which featured many ruffles, frills and roses.
The photo to the right shows the skirt that i made. I used panels of knife pleats around the skirt and finished it off with fabric roses, which were pinned to the top of the skirt. I used chiffon to make the ruffles and roses look more dainty, feminine and organic.
If i were to complete this project again, i think that i would sew the pleats in the opposite direction and use a different coloured fabric, which wasnt folded, to make the skirt seem more delicate and flowy. However, i enjoyed researching into the different designers and seeing how they have used ruffles and pleats in various ways. I also enjoyed experimenting with drapping and manipulating different fabrics on the stands.

Themeboard Project - Classical

Our design principles project this week was to complete a themeboard about one of the themes listed below:

• Classical
• Rococco
• Spice
• Surreal

I decided to go with the theme classical as i felt that i could gather lots of research and receive much inspiration from the finished board. I collected many things for my themeboard such as magazine clippings of classical interiors and garments, buttons, beads, feathers, and various material swatches as well as lace. I kept to colour schemes of golds, reds, soft peaches and white. Many of the buttons had a lot of detail on them, pearls and coloured stones, to give the board a more rustic and classic feel. I also included pearl beads (inspired by 1920 Chanel jewellery), and black and white lace, which is used to make items of clothing seem more feminine and again classic.

I enjoyed making my classical themed-board, as i could picture ideas of what i could design from looking at this moodboard. If i were to design and make a collection with a classical 'theme', i would use a lot of light fabrics, such as chiffon, silk and lace. The finished garments would look very dainty, feminine and timeless.

Below is a photo of my completed themeboard:-)