'Manifesto'

Today we had our first proper Creative Design and Promotion lesson. Before Christmas we were given our new design brief, Manifesto, so during the holidays I made a start on the 100+ designs we have been asked to produce. I really enjoyed producing designs which are based on quite a colourful and vibrant patterned theme although I will need to pin point how these designs can tie into the 'Manifesto/Ethical' brief. I have been very inspired by a piece of work I produced for my A Levels (shown below) and this has provided me with plenty original and imaginative design ideas.

Introduction to Buying & Merchandising and Lectra...

This week we’ve had an introduction to both our Buying and Merchandising unit and the Lectra computer suite and program. Both lessons were interesting and it was nice to be given a taster of what we'll be learning this term.
I thoroughly enjoyed the B&M lecture as it's definitely an area I'm interested in and I want to know more about. I look forward to learning more in our weekly lectures although I need to get used to sitting and concentrating for 3 hours – not used to it at all!
Lectra seemed a pretty clever and helpful program and piece of equipment which I can see being useful.

Beginning 2010...

Yesterday was my first proper day back at uni and we had to hand in the work we completed from our Fashion Design Principles unit. This included both our ‘Black and White’ and ‘Melting Pot’ projects. I found the whole ‘hand-in’ process a wee bit awkward as I didn’t really know what to expect and how to go about it. Most of the desk space in the studio was already taken despite arriving early so I was unable to set out and present my work as well as I’d have liked. I did the best I could but I will learn from my mistake and be even earlier next time!!

PCCP Hand In and CHRISTMAS!!

Well the first term is already over!! I handed in all my PCCP work today including all my toile’s and both my Garment Construction and Pattern Cutting folders. I’ve been over all my work to check it’s all complete and in order and I gave everything a final through press, including my shirt which I’m very happy with!
So now some time off for Christmas and I need to start thinking about our ‘Manifesto’ design project for next term!

Illustrator Hand In.

Today we handed in all the work we've completed for our Illustrator unit. I was fortunate to have the the necessary work to hand and I was pleased to get mine in slightly early.

London, Eco Debate and Deadlines...

Yesterday we had our second trip to London to look around a few exhibitions which relate to our next design brief, Manifesto. First, we went to Somerset House to see an exhibition called '100 Portraits' by Nick Knight with i-D Magazine. It was good to get the opportunity to view work by this photographer and some of the pieces displayed were very dynamic and vibrant.
I personally felt the best part of the exhibition was the chance to view Nick Knight shooting an actual photo shoot behind a one way mirror! It was really interesting to see the shoot and the models as well as the photos which had been taken and how the whole photo shoot set-up works.

Today we’ve all taken part in our very own ‘Eco Fashion Debate’. We’d been split into for and against teams a while ago and have had some time to collect relevant information to help us prepare for the debate. Honestly, I wasn’t overly looking forward to the exercise (bit like presenting all over again!) but I actually rather enjoyed it and I felt we all did really in presenting our points and opinions.

As for deadlines...I'm working to get my sketch book up the standard I want it to be and making sure both my pattern cutting and construction books are all complete to be handed in shortly!

Pattern Cutting for our Shirt!

Today was our first pattern cutting lesson with no demonstrations! We had to complete a pattern for a shirt we are going to make using the techniques we've learnt and documented throughout the term.

I thought the whole process was quite a good challenge and I thoroughly enjoyed bringing together the different skills and techniques we’ve been shown to produce our own pattern. We all worked together more or less and after a few minor blips we all complted the necessary pattern pieces. Now the only way to see if what we've done is right is to make the shirt using the pattern!! - which we'll be doing all before the end of term!!

Presenting Melting Pot!

Today we each presented our sketch book, our theme board and our designs to the rest of the class and explained why we’ve chosen our theme/culture and how it has developed etc. I feel my presentation went quite well (I always get pretty nervous speaking to a whole room!) but I explained all I wanted to and I was pleased to get a vote from someone who felt they could get inspiration from my work - nice to be recognised and your work appreciated and all that! I'm going to carry on with the project to do all I want with it until a couple of weeks time when we’ll be given our next brief!
As far as that goes, we're off to London on Monday to see an exhibition which relates to the new brief so lets hope it's inspiring!

Collars and Melting Pot.

We spent Thursday pattern cutting, focusing on collars and plackets, features which we will need to include in the shirt we produce at the end of the term. I’ve been pretty busy working on the ‘Melting Pot’ project this week as we have to present our sketch book, theme board and final design to the whole group on Monday. I’m not overly looking forward to it as I’m not a big fan of presenting but ensuring I have all the work I need and I’m happy with the quality of the work should make the whole process a little less daunting.