23rd November 2020

Design

Today I spent half the day trying to figure out how to get rid of the bust dart on the front of the jacket. But after a lot of experimenting, I figured out that it was impossible, so decided to put a small dart in the bust detail instead. Darts have always confused me, but I know it's an important part of pattern cutting. I feel as though doing this project has helped me understand them a lot more, especially through experimenting by cutting into my pattern and figuring out how to remove/move a dart. I work a lot better by doing things in 3D rather than drawing as you can get a better idea about where the lines will be most flattering or interesting on the body. I’m still worried about being behind on this project though as I've still got a lot to do. Once I've sewn the jacket together, I need to think about the collar and pockets. From my research of Chanel jackets I would like to incorporate a similar collar and chest pockets. These chest pockets will also cover the small bust dart to make the jacket appear more polished.

Later in the week when I made up the jacket, I was finding that the sleeves weren't sitting correctly on the shoulder due to the number of seams. After discussing with the tutor, I learned that the order you sew things in can affect the fit. Therefore, by sewing the sleeve in a different order the pieces sat perfectly. It isn't just the pattern that is important but also the order in which a garment is constructed.

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Research

Reflecting further on whether to change the project proposal I decided to email my tutor. Initially I was going to focus on it during the Christmas break, but my tutor suggested changing it for the hand in in December. So now I think that is what I'll do, as I won't be wasting time doing work that want be relevant for the final proposal. But I'm still not sure what to do. Perhaps if I go back to how I started this proposal, by creating a mind map, then filling out the FCPC form is good place to start. I know that I'd like to incorporate similar topics from my original idea, and maybe also include positive fashion. The lecture on positive fashion was really interesting and I'd like to research more about it. The one thing I may not include is timeless fashion, but instead maybe something to do with our connection to clothes. I worry that by producing something timeless I will be restricted in what I can create, but at the same time reducing waste is a major issue within the fashion industry which I'd like to raise awareness of within my work. Because this project is what employers will see I want to ensure it reflects my work and ambitions. This is why I'm worrying about it so much. I know that I would like to work for an upper high street, ready to wear or bespoke company rather than a high street brand. But the types of garments I'm still unclear about as I don’t want to restrict myself. I used to work in a bridal shop were they designed and made dresses, which I loved as the whole process with the bride built a strong connection and appreciation for the garments. But I feel as though I have the most knowledge in tailoring. I would like to gain experience in both occasion wear and tailoring so maybe my proposal need to incorporate both in some way.

I'm going to do some research in the library on waste, craft, positive fashion, and luxury to help me come up with ideas. I'm also worried that I haven't started writing anything for the hand in yet so hopefully this will help me with the rational.