Hi, Everyone!
I have a lot to cover, but I can't expect you to sit and read everything. So here's an outline for you to choose your topic of interest:
1) Comments
2) School
3) Recent project and reflections (youtube video of my work in this section)
4) Where I'm headed
5) "Fairness" Cream
6) Oil
1) Comments
Some of my readers have left comments with lots of encouragement and suggestions. However, I never really got back them. If you have commented, THANK YOU!!! I'll keep everything in consideration.
Tonya Trabant asked the nature of my "revolution." Well, I think it has to do with overthrowing a future that did not make sense for me and trying something different. My initial goal was seeing how far this idea went. Now, I want something bigger: online store, show at New York Fashion week, someone to wear my creations at a red carpet event. My new goal is totally on Saturn, but I think dreaming big is always good! Nevertheless, I'm keeping myself grounded by taking reasonable steps (I learned my lesson from DS 153).
2)
So I've complained about school a lot in all of my posts. I'm not really happy about it because it adds a dark element to this blog, so I'm not going to do it in this post (lol, maybe in the next post)!
3)
This semester I was enrolled in DS 154, Fabric and Apparel Structures II. The best definition of this class is from my schools course guide: "Analysis of fabric suitability in relation to silhouette, target market and consumer end use." In other words, this class was all about research, which I like because I've come to realize that school can not teach me everything. School will give me some resources to make my plans achievable. However, it is up to me to explore those resources in depth.
The main project in this class was to come up with a 5 piece collection. Because of time limitations, we were required to make 3 out of the 5 pieces. I've compiled a fun video to show you what I made!
Students in DS 154 are limited by one factor, zero to little patterning skills. So in order to make this collection we had to search for patterns that would go together. What I really wanted from this class was experience. I wanted to make a lined jacket with lapels and fly front pants. So I looked for patterns with these elements. However, as I was looking for patterns I fell in love with designs that had organic lines in the form of gathering that draped beautifully around curves:
http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1238-products-14149.php?page_id=858
http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1016-products-8946.php?page_id=858
http://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/43764
The three links above and the three pieces in the video became part of my 6 piece collection (I increased the number in my collection because I thought the pieces fit better). The three pieces in the video are a lot more tailored. However, I tried to make up for this by emphasizing the princess seams which outline the the curves beautifully. For the pants, I altered the pattern to add lines that went with the theme (the fabric was the the same, just reversed in places to get that darker color).
[Note: the patterns in links are altered to includes the colors you see in the video...]
Fabric: For this project one main component was using a fabric we've never used before. I chose metallic in the form of lamé. Lamé is used heavily in theatrical costumes and evening wear. Because my collection was mostly evening wear, my choice was great.
Evening gown in video: I pattered the "mermaid-tail" portion. Originally this bottom was supposed to have an under-structure to make the mermaid bottom a lot more voluminous (I like to use the term poofy). But time restraints cut that idea out in a snap. Now that I have time (summer vacation), I might complete my original vision... but no promises!
Overall, I'm happy with what I've made. My goal was to make a lined jacket with lapels and fly front pants, and I did that. Also, I found a new way to make pants look interesting. Finally I know that the evening gown looks a bit wonky, but ultimately, I'm glad that I experimented with combining different fabrics! I got a lot of points docked off for the jacket because it was so tailored. I agree, but I'm not complaining that I made it!
What do you think? Comments help me improve!
4) Where I'm headed
Well, I've bought a lot of books on technology and fashion, and I've got a couple of books on pattern making. I also bought this pattern (on sale, of course, I would never pay $18):
http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1249-products-14160.php?page_id=264
So I'll start somewhere in there. I can't really decide where to start... the technology books are very interesting though!!!
5) Fairness Cream
I am so sick of watching commercials that sell products to lighten up your skin color! It's revolting that the media is telling people that one shade is more advantageous and socially acceptable. If you're reading this now, go to a mirror and tell yourself that you are beautiful, because you truly are!!!
The fashion industry is heavily criticized for targeting unnatural body types. I don't disagree that it's happened. So, my message to you is that you are GORGEOUS just the way you are :) Don't ever feel pressured to change.
6) Oil
For most of the year, I live on a college campus. Because of this, I really don't need a car (most of my classes are 5 mins away). However, I recently went on a trip where I passed a gas station. $4/gallon. Not cute! I was so shocked! I asked my parents what's up, and they said it's the same situation where they come from. Omg, what? Can we re-evaluate our lives here?