This project was daunting in the beginning, as my midterm project was quite difficult for the beginning pattern drafter in me. I learned a lot about my sewing abilities while completing this project. I completed tasks that I had never attempted before, like attaching sleeves and a collar. I believe my abilities as a seamstress have grown tenfold from challenging myself in this project.
I struggled quite a bit while pondering what I wanted to create for this project. I was trying to pull inspiration from current fashion trends, but ended up doing more of a Victorian era set with a modern spin. I found it best to stop thinking so hard and just sketch different design elements based off of basic slopers. By changing the angle of a dart or cutting a segment out and using a different fabric, I drastically altered my garment from a fairly basic design and made it look challenging.
All around, I feel my final project is solid. While I struggled sewing the lace top of the bodice to the bottom part of the bodice, I succeeded. There is a bit of puckering in the center, but I spaced the gathers evenly, as if to make it appear intentional. While designing the collar, I assumed the opening would be big enough for a head to fit through, but as I slipped it on the mannequin, I realized there would have to be some sort of fastening element like several buttons or a zipper. I think my outfit as a whole is well put together. I incorporated different design elements and hoped for the best, with great results. I feel as though my outfit came together nicely and would be something quite a few women would wear.
I may not pursue a career in fashion, but I now have the skills to start making my own ideas come to life. I can use my new-found abilities to alter old clothing for myself and others and bring it into a new era. In the ever-changing world of fashion, it’s nice to have certain skills. Although pattern drafting was a challenging class, I feel much better about my abilities as a fashion designer, professional or not. I am happy to have dabbled in the art of fashion with this class.
