Disaster Printing first outfit

The problems have started already...I suppose it is better to happen earlier then later so solutions can be found and problems solved, however time is of an essence! To make life easier I attempted to expose my design onto a screen the same size as my pattern pieces, except I misjudged the size and exposed a screen too small..creating a print problem as my design could not be repeated. I discovered this when attempting to realign the screen to print...not possible and print ruined as result. I have had to adapt my design and re print the panels however a lesson has been learnt! I am beginning to feel the pressure of the photo shoot deadline!

Selecting Prints for first outfit

Although I am certain of the print I am going to use for the photo shoot outfit and almost pretty certain of the colour way, I thought it would be a good idea to do some modelling on a stand. When I was laying the fabrics together on a flat surface the full intensity of the print was not visible yet as soon as I began to pin gathers into the fabric on a manekin the samples came to life and the colour of the prints became more vibrant. I am drawn to the colour way David Lam responded to, the orange and yellow print is bright and vibrant and a little garish however with the peach accent the design becomes more suttle. I absolutely love the combination on the pink and yellow print with a blue foiled border print, athough it is a little to garish for the mood I want to create.

Toiling first outfit

I have spent the day toiling my first outfit. When pattern cutting I was a little unsure of how successful the shape would be as I had added a lot of gather into the pattern pieces. The pattern was fairy successful with only the waistband needing to be adjusted. When toiling the outfit I found the fabric kept fraying so I will need to ensure I over lock and double hem for a neat finish. The sheerness of the fabric looks great once gathered so I am confident it will look lovely once I have printed on the fabric. Everything is beginning to get exciting!!

Photographer David Lam visits Colchester School of Art third year students

The photographer David Lam visited today to discuss our final major project photo shoot. He instantly connected with the work we had produced suggesting possible poses and make up looks for the final shot. He was keen on one of the samples I had produced for outfit 3, so I am considering making this outfit first so it is ready for the photo shoot day. He appeared very passionate and seemed excited about doing the shoot, this was very inspiring to see and has left me extremely excited about the day of the photo shoot...the pressure is now on to get an outfit completed!

The above photo is the look we are going to recreate in the photo shoot...well at least a starting point! David Lam loved the look so I am very excited...especially seeing how enthusiastic he was about the shoot. My models hair is going to be down and natural as will be the make up. I think high cork wedged shoes would work well with my design and would elongate the legs for the photo. Cannot wait!!!!

Check out his outstanding work at www.davidlam.co.uk

Research for Photoshoot

I have been researching make up looks, poses and style ideas for the photo shoot. As my collection is based on beach coverups, I feel I need a fairly natural look; suttle make up and tussled hair come to mind. I want my print to be the main focus of the photo so nothing to over top. Below are some images I have found which I intend to show the photographer and discuss the potential of them.

Sampling begins....

My wall space at uni - print designs accompanied by samples

I have spent a great deal of time in the studio completing print samples in various colour ways on various weight fabric. I have found the silk Georgette to be the best fabric for my designs. The sheerness of the fabric creates a delicate and feminine look and adds depth to the design when the fabric is gathered. Now that I have sampled all print designs for outfits 1, 2, and 3, I will need to spend a considerate amount of time analysing which colour ways work well together and how successful they will be when printed onto my desired garment shape, photo shop will help aid my decision. Below are photo's of the samples.

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Ideal Homes Show at Earls Court

I visited the Ideal Homes Show at Earls Court today and was instantly excited when I walked into the exhibition hall. The hall was buzzing with stands and excited noise. With millions of people passing through the doors each day...it suddenly dawned on me that in 11 weeks time it will be my work exhibited here!! Exciting!! 11weeks and counting!!

Selecting Prints for Final Line up

I have developed my print designs further and selected the prints which I feel should be in my final line up.

The collection will begin with delicate detailed repeat designs, flowing into all over prints finishing with large scale placement prints. Once I have exposed these designs onto screens and sampled them I will develop supporting prints for them to act as border prints. I am pleased with how the project is going and am looking forward to begin the final pieces...but for now its sample time!!

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Dye Tests

I have been completing numerous amounts of timed dye tests for my final collection. Timed dye tests will help me recreate the strength of colour when dyeing again. I have been mixing 1g of the desired dye to every 5litres of water, boiling the dye bath until it reaches 40 degrees then submerging the fabric in the dye bath for 2, 5, 8, 10, 15 and 20 minutes. The process is a little tedious and very testing yet the results are extremely rewarding. Dyeing can be very unpredictable however I feel it adds to the beauty of the finished design. I have a varied colour palette and it has been difficult to reach the desired colours. I plan to self dye my entire collection so it is vital that I complete all testing this early on in the brief to allow time for mistakes. Overall I am pleased with my progress so far. Below are pages from my sketchbook showing the dye tests.

Developing Print Collection

These are my developed design ideas. Using a selection of my favourite and most inspiring drawings, I have developed them in to decorative print ideas. As you can see with the first four designs I combined two drawings together and experimented with repeat and various scale ideas. They still need work done to them such as adding new elements like spots or stripes to add further effect. This is the second most vital stage in a project for me. Once I am satisfied with a design, I expose it onto a screen and begin sampling the design, testing colour ways, fabric weights and how successful the print design is.

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Letter of commendation

I received a letter from the uni's Art, Design and Media Progress Board today saying I was discussed in a recent meeting and they were writing to me commending me on my progress and performance on the course through out the first semester. I was extremely pleased with this and was pleased all my hard work is paying off. It has given me such a motivational and confidence boost and encouraged me to work even harder through out this semester.

Mood Board for Final Major Project

Below is my mood board for my final major Project. I am designing prints for Spring/Summer 2012 which will be presented on feminine and floaty kaftan style shapes. I feel I have displayed my mood well, emphasising the main print theme to be detailed and decorative florals. I have included photographes of flowers I have been inspired by due to there quality of detail or colour influences, detailed drawings form my sketch book and catwalk inspiration. My aim is to have a colourful collection which is feminine and contains beautifully hand drawn print designs.

Kenzo fall 2010

I absolutely love Kenzo's fall 2010 collection! The variation of small scale ditsy prints and large over scaled placement prints onto various weight patchwork fabric is extremely inspiring. The vibe the prints and garments gave off was vintage fabric combined with a mood of hippyness. I am inspired by the variety of floral prints. The designs below are the garments I am drawn to and feel that I respond to the most.

Images from: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/F2010RTW-KENZO