The final outcomes have been posted in the post under final garment. Throughout the whole FC031 Structured Projects 2, I have learnt to apply the skills that we have learned in the first term. Doing my own research and searching for inspiration, I managed to grasp a concept to work with, with the aid of Stefan’s consultation. I have experimented with several ways that I could use knitwear in my design, like trying out a larger knitting needle, using the mesh to knit, and also the embroidery where yarn was sewn together on soluble fabric to create a very interesting texture. Through my concept, the colours that involved a very gothic theme was evident, dark Burgundy and black. They were my main colours for the garment.
While I was working with the garment design, I felt the difficulty of show casing my ideas as it was difficult to use architectural elements to collage it on the human body so I had to sketch them. The details and materials had to be explored too as some materials are not really wearable at all. Initially, I wanted to use boning to create the image of circular fan vaults in gothic cathedrals on the garment but the boning was hard to stabilise so I did not use any boning for the final garment. However, materials involved could be further explored if I had more time.
The skirt took plenty of hard work, while I had to hand knit, tie the individual pieces together, and then stitching the metal craft wire to create the arch that I wanted. There were 4 panels and I stitched 2 panels together that made up the front and back, then using the thinner metal wires to hold the two pieces together and finally using an elastic to finish off the skirt as a waistband for easy wear.
The top was originally designed without the elastic bands that created an outline, but after the final top was made, it looked rather plain. Therefore, the elastic straps that outlined the top actually also creates a modern day gothic theme to it as I structured the elastic strips into a corset like structure.
Overall, I am very satisfied with the final outcome, although the biggest mistake I have made is to not take the model’s measurements. It would be so much easier if I had taken the measurements to work with, so the top would fit much better on the model and on the mannequin. I have learnt a great amount of techniques and ways that I can manipulate fabrics. Not to mention, I have learnt how to use a sewing machine. The weeks that I have not been updating my weekly reflections were the weeks that I have been working on my design, making the garment and really just trying to make my ideas shown through the work I have done.
Corene Ang 