Making clothes has always been a big part of my life, you need a lot of patience, which I have to say sometimes I lack, but the end result is rewarding and fun. It's nice to have the freedom and creativity to make whatever you want, I usually base the design on a pattern I already have (and believe me, I have a lot) or on something I've seen in the high street which I want slightly different.
About two years ago, I started a pattern-cutting course at South Notts, which was great since many people their had to pay but as a student under 18 it was completely free! I really recommend anyone to do this course who is interested in fashion design as it takes you through all the basics of adapting a simple pattern block for everything.
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| A poor example (using paint) of how I adapted this pattern to make the garment below. |
Getting rid of things is easy. A zip simply has a extra 4cm on the front of the CF, Pockets are separate pattern pieces altogether, as are collars. Instead you have to make a facing for the garment.
The Centre Front pleat was more difficult than usual because the fabric was patterned and when the pleat was closed I wanted to the pattern to carry on as normal.
The problem also, is sizing. My parent's vast collections of old-fashioned patterns are always too big for me, despite a size 14/12 was much smaller than it is today. Still I usually have to take about 1cm out of the centre front and centre back, as well as shortening the shoulder line and lifting the dress.
I'd like to thank my grandma for picking out the fabric!
Green Grooves
Bag: Topshop, Shoes: KG by Kurt Geiger
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Again slight alteration - I wanted to keep the gorgeous big colour, almost mini-mouse style, because it added character to a simple dress
Pop Goes The Weasel
Headband Miss Selfridge, Collar: My Sisters Shoes: Paul Smith
I'm extremely influenced by the 60s, there's something about the era that emphasises how people found a sophistication in fun. The photography was exquisite as well with icons like Twiggy and Mary Quant, (pictured below), captured the camera and made it their own. 60s photography truly evolved around capturing life.
I've been working at HOBBS for over 3 months now I love the shift dresses that we've had for Spring/Summer '11. A red tweed A-line with matching jacket, A navy tweed one, a multi-coloured one that looks like it has giant brush strokes on it as featured in the Main line collection campaign and finally silk one with a gorgeous graphic print of flowers with a touch of sophisticated dip-dye. I have to admit however the styles are popular with the customers, yet they only suit a certain body type. Twiggy, the Shift and the circles Vidal Sassoon - shaping the way women cut their hair (I'm absolutely raring to see the film!) Girls in groups with legs eleven images above courtesy of Google E xx |
