G . O : Books

Getting On :

Books : Metric Pattern Cutting

Winifred Aldrich's Metric Pattern Cutting , 1991 (reprinted and extended) - Original 1976.

This pattern cutting book was a staple at my university for fashion students, and we had 3 editions in the library. The contents are organised with students in mind - the acknowledgements show this, with the advice sought and the technical drawings are clear and easy to understand. The text explains any details clearly, and any references for differing details or options are all referenced well. Allowing any reader to find the page and compare the information and choices. Whether its referring to another basic block, the processes included or fit issues to address.

The editions we had available at university led me to look for any edition I could own for myself, because of my interest in fashion, while on my textiles design - weaving course. I got this edition as a lucky find while on a textiles/fashion trip to a old English home, which had a second hand book shop as an extension to the gifts shop. I  unfortunately can't remember the name of the place, but I do remember the purchase and how lucky I was to find the book. Let alone the first person to pick it up out of all the students. At the time I had found others online for 4/6 times the price, even well used. While this one though sun damaged on the spine, its pristine.

Reads - ' Metric pattern cutting has now been extended to
include a new section on computer pattern grading and
numerous blocks have been added to this edition.
Having become the recognised leader in its field, this book
 is written for  beginners and will be equally valuable to
students of fashion and design, clothing manufacturers
and the creative home dressmaker.

Anyone who wants to create patterns for original clothing
designs can follow the techniques directly from the simple
 diagrams and step-by-step instructions in this book. It also
shows how to combine the technique of good pattern
 cutting with the principles of design and so to create an
almost  limitless variety of styles.

Winifred Aldrich is an experienced designer and lecturer in
design and pattern cutting.' 

The blurb summarises the intentions of this book better than how I was trying to explain.  Each edition adds to the content and advice for those using the book at the time. Modernising and adapting as needed. Even the contents and the chapters change - in later editions this goes through sections of how clothes fit the body - body hugging - or adding information for newer materials and processes. The basics are always covered to help anyone who needs to go back to basics or just starting - with basic blocks, measurements and toiles.

I've included a select few pages I've kept marked for myself, since the month I brought this book, to show the brilliant instructions and technical drawings included. Books like these are so important to students and at home sewers to teach anyone what they might need. Further instruction or watching videos and going to classes may be needed, but having a reference that is clear and adaptable to aid in designing is amazing. I find it inspiring to go through books for sewing, and  needle-craft.
Flipping through pages remind me to try different sleeves and fits. Going out of my comfort zone a little to practice and build my skills.


I hope others find inspiration in the editions of this book, any similar books or in any way that works best for them.

                 ________________________________________________________

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

G . O : Books

Welcome Back!

I've been quiet for a long time - I've explained and checked back often though. Work and sewing has kept me busy, but with everything going on I have wanted to come back and keep this blog up. I really enjoy blogging and how it motivates me. I'm looking at video design, I get to design, organise and work on projects to sew and research. I get to help share some information and ideas.

So, I want to say welcome back everyone, my schedules changed a bit 4/5 blogs a week is too much at the moment still.

Also, hello to new readers too. 

I'm happy to say I have made some big plans and some smaller ones too, I've also completed a few projects, while I've been gone. - Which I'll share the details later, but there's not a later I haven't mentioned before so there won't be many surprises. Other than bits I've brought  - yep! New Equipment! New Fabric! New Sewing Machine! 

I usually buy fabric but with new projects I needed to use the right tools to complete the finishes I wanted so research led to buying some things you guys might want to see. And I love buying new tools to try them out, as much as researching new techniques for me to try.

Getting things new or second hand is always good. And oddly exciting - but different to buying more fabrics. This also means I just have some pieces to just try out  & practice with. Doing all I can while I have a pay check coming in. This means a lot of traveling for me every week., but it's worth it. I get to sew in my own space, work and be home. I've also had the chance to got to markets and shops in my work area- and there's a lot more than in my local area. 

There's a plenty of fabrics unless I am after something specific but that's usual for most people. And I like to be picky if I have something in mind. The stalls are great for fabrics, and odd pieces, and there's two shops with equipment. - Though there's only one for sewing machine feet, a little sewing machine shop & repair. I'm afraid one of these days I'll leave with an over-locker or more sewing machines. I do want one!

Anyway - back to posts - I'll be doing a few polls if anyone's interested in changing things here. Thy'll be among my blog posts as I get back into a rhythm. My first few post will focus on a lot the new equipment I have, my trip to Bowes museum & an alteration pieces & new patterns!

Thanks for reading - I hope you all enjoy the things to come.

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

Welcome Back!

Blog I Love

I found Gertie's Blog for Better Sewing when I was looking at princess seams for car upholstery. Yes, this is a fashion and craft blog for mainly clothing and its history. But, I've been researching car covers for my dad - one of his projects - finished - will be sitting on the side lines for a while and English weather is not the best for it. I was thinking of princess seams to shape it a little more to the car, and I wanted to look at some shapes you can use.

Anyway, I was really happy to find this blog, even if it got me to procrastinate a little too much. I still got some work done and found a nice source to look into later for help with projects. Gertie shares tutorials, her own work and projects (including her collecting some Vogue patterns), and her published work - she has at least three books out on different themes. She's given advice on sewing, patterns, and given history and culture lessons to a larger audience. Bringing attention to skills, styles,  materials  and methods.

Her blog is a wonderful read. It's informative, clean, helpful, and interesting. It's a joy to read. I've left a few links, below, that I have found interesting or helpful. Though something I have loved is her personal style that shines through on so many of her projects for her to wear - whether its for everyday or for different occasions.

_____________________________________________________

* All images are from Getie's blog and are not mine
http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/
http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2010/09/sewing-princess-seams.html
http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2015/10/giveaway-winners-for-gerties-new.html
http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2011/03/your-sewing-machine-overlock-stitch.html
http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2010/06/twirl.html
http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2015/08/the-daily-dress-50s-nautical-rope-detail.html

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

Blog I Love

Blog I Love!

miss patina

This blog is an addition to the label Miss Patina's online site - providing a personal touch.

The blog covers a lot of topics, from their clothes and design, artists, to big fashion events and some history at times. Something that is important to their label.

The blog, right down to the rest of the site, is clean and with lots of white space -  the images are cutesy and with a theme of innocence. Styles of vintage fashions are mixed with the contemporary - using simple and detailed patterns. This mix creates a unique collection, year after year.

They give news, and insights to their work - showing mood boards and behind the scenes with models and photo shoots. They show off some exhibitions, museums and interviews with artists. 

Some favorite articles:

http://misspatina.com/blog/interview-with-artist-limzy/

http://misspatina.com/blog/miss-patina-cat-collection/

http://misspatina.com/blog/royal-ascot-then-and-now/

http://misspatina.com/blog/hello-my-name-is-paul-smith/

_____________________________________________________________________________

* All photos are from the website and blog, they are not mine. Please, go to the website to see more.

http://misspatina.com/

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

Blog I Love!

800 Views on my Blog!

I wanted to draw something and this is the result - only because my tablet isn't working. I need to reinstall some of the drivers. But I'm so happy I have 800 views on this blog. I am really proud of my blog, its been received so much attention lately.

I actually have 810 views - sorry I missed the point the other day. I wish I had been able to do something properly - a illustration or design to share on something other than paint would have been great.

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

800 Views on my Blog!

Textile View

I had an article which my work was involved in!

I have held off on writing about this article in Textile View because I wanted to see the response to my work. Which I have welcomed and really enjoyed seeing my blog and work being viewed more. It's been exciting to see.
Though I didn't know when it would be published I wasn't prepared to receive much attention, and I certainly didn't keep it. At the time it was published I wasn't posting as much as I should have been.

I know my work wasn't in the spotlight, only part of a larger inspirations piece. I am really proud of my work. I love that the writers found my work displayed in my university's little booklet of degree work and sought me out. It's not a lot but I am really pleased.

I also have read the article and enjoyed looking at all the other work. It is a really good piece of writing and a good showcase for so many peoples work.

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

Textile View

C.W : Filling up my dress up box

I actually love dressing up, whether I'm in my 20s or younger or when I get older I think I will always love costumes.

Before August I was invited to a costume party and it took some time to set my heart to something as it was themed to something from your childhood. I picked Hades, but I didn't have the time to do something really fun like I had originally planned. I made a female version and bleached the ends of my hair to apply blue to it. However, I did a wardrobe costume with a dress, and added pieces or accessories  - so this isn't what I want to share. I want to share that I made a alternative costume, a unicorn outfit. I want to share this unicorn horn I made!


Made a lollipop stick, wadding, bright fleece, several sparkly or organza fabrics, ribbons and thread. The little  'gems' lying around were gonna be loose inside or glued to the outside, or just under the top layer of material. The ribbons allow the horn to be tied to the head or to a head band.

I am sorry I didn't take any photos of the construction. But I'll do my best to describe my process.

I started with the lollipop stick, and glued the wadding to it, just a basic cone shape to begin the shaping. This then needs to dry.

Then I used strips of wadding, I created the spiral shaping, stitching this into place, This is then layered on with two more layers, With less and less wadding nearer to the top, so the cone is heavier at the bottom.

The boldest, and sparkly fabric is then layered to cover it from the bottom to the top. This is then roughly stitched down in a spiral pattern, before layering the yellow fleece, in strips down the horn - not matching the spiral exactly. This is then stitched down, this time more neatly following the spiral again and the edges. More stitches are applied to add more colour - using pastel blue, yellow and pink threads. Just using seed stitches.

Now the bottoms is tidied up a little, bringing in the wadding and the fabrics that have already been applied, Create a rounded a base to work into more later. The next layer is the pink organza. This layer doesn't cover the entire horn, in one layer, it's a strip of fabric with the edges folded in, and spiraled till it covers the horn, this is then stitched down along the spiral and the bottom to tie the remaining down, cutting down on too much excess before folding the edges in.

To neaten the overall shape, stitch the spiral in, making sure stitches are even and neat. Then stitch down the folds and loose areas down.  With the horn complete I then added how the horn could attach to my head, for me this was ribbons, I could then tie this to my head, to a headband or a comb etc.
Whilst if some else had the option this might go for hair grip or clips. But I live this ribbon and if I did opt for a comb or something else, I could tie these to nice bows.

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

C.W : Filling up my dress up box

New Layout and Plans

My new layout - this makes me extremely happy to see! I updated this yesterday, and it is a brought layout, not made by myself, but an etsy product (I'm happy to give out the etsy stores name to anyone who asks)- I choose to buy one as I plan to continue this blog after university, as a hobby. 

Blogging is something I've really come to enjoy, even though its small, and needs development to bring in more ideas and articles for my audience here. This blog has changed over the years and I want to continue seeing it grow.

I'm hoping it will encourage me to show off my work and little projects more in the future. The confidence boost will help me to continue working. I never show off my work to it's full advantage nor do I show it off very often.

This is my old layout - I'm not sure why I picked a teal and lots of blue, but it worked for me at the time Though the background art is ruined if you try to use a wider template. That was kind of restricting and this layout was not very creative of me. It's not too simple, thats not the problem with this old layout but it didn't have all the thought and planning it could have had. The colour was too cold and the white background was too much. However, I have never been a fan of coloured backgrounds for text.

__________________________________________________________

Next I plan on sharing some of my weave patterns and the doodles for my boards. 

I'm hoping this will help develop my ideas and the layout I want to create, and possibly

 the theme too.

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

New Layout and Plans

Blog that I love

Here's a blog that I have come to love through this project - hooked blog.

I've found great photos of work and graffiti artists of all kinds, with different styles and work in different areas. It's been a good resource to look at work around the world and is a good read.

It's given me a view of the events that go on world wide as well as artists and their work.
It talks about graffiti as though its art - describing murals and art to exhibit. A lot of work seems to be commissioned work.

Videos of work and interviews are often used to inform people of the work going on. Giving us insight to these artists work, in general and the pieces we can see them create, through the photographs from the blog.

This is something that has been a help in my work - allowing me to see the 'canvas' during and after the works creation. This has included some studio created pieces - e.g. canvases and illustrations (including screen printing) for exhibition work.

There's often a focus on London and Berlin due to the areas for graffiti - legal or otherwise and the events supporting the artists. Due to a lot of graffiti areas and events in pockets of cities a community has grown around them and more space is dedicated and made available to graffiti artists.

Giving our cities more colour and art.

 ____________________________________________________________________

2 WEEKS

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

Blog that I love

Jacquard Warp

New Jacquard Warp, hopefully ready for Tuesday 5th May.

It will be a  black and white warp, like the one I used at the beginning of the year to create my first few Jacquard samples. This means more contrast in my work and the need to use black and white in the warp, meaning it has to be used in my designs.

This could be a good thing for my woven pattern pieces - for other samples this might not be as advantageous. Especially for samples of just weave patterns in sections as the black will need to be incorporated. Though this could produce some really good ideas and designs.
But I'm going to be happy when I can start weaving again.


This will be my last push for samples and designs.

          ____________________________________________________________________

4 WEEKS

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

Jacquard Warp

Blog layout - its getting an update if I can just choose!

Yep, this layout is going and on its way out -  teal and blue are gonna be changed to more suitable colours.

This layout was a good start for me blogging but it needs an update. I never even came back to really made a header image for this layout yet. Though I have tried from both this blog and the Facebook page. I haven't like anything I've developed, I'm afraid.

I need to update my profile information page and a portfolio page of my work. I might also create tabs for different projects of large work - as examples to what I have made and focused on other the years.

This will most likely be featuring uni work, rather than my little home projects, as these are small projects so far. Despite wanting to do more impressive projects at home I've had little time to really make anything large scale or detailed except for drawings and illustrations.

When I've selected the new layout I'll be comparing the two - new and old, and hoping you guys like the change.

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

Blog layout - its getting an update if I can just choose!

Board layout

Work space

TextilesSewingFashionStudio

These are the terms I searched for in Pinterest, for inspiration to development my ideas for my exhibition boards. Which is something I have thought about a lot for the past 2/3 months, I really want to present my work well and show it off . Which I can' t help but think of this as difficult due to the fact my work is white. But I'll share more on that later when I have some final ideas and/or samples to show off on this blog.

I've really focused on the theme of a fashion or textiles work-space and studio area. Though it's only been the last two days that I have put pen to paper to doodle the layout and ideas. Despite having looking at possible materials, supplies and equipment. I can't help it, I love shopping for nearly anything textiles/sewing related.

I've looked at starch, cork-board, chalks, tapes, tape measures, patterns, hangers and  rails. It's fun to plan, but I need to focus on creating the work and the layout that will compliment it best. Not do the shopping first which could limit what I can create for my exhibition.

I hope that I will have a finished idea soon to show you all. But for now here is some of the research for today. I've looked at a lot of patterns illustrations/photo and messy/in-use tables. This has helped create some more creative ideas that yesterdays doodles.
But these ideas may not be good in practice, e.g. using the idea of looking through a railing at a workshop, so more work will stand out against the back drop and hang on the railing nicely.

Or another example is using pattern pieces (or mock ones with patterns or pattern details) to use as a background for my work so to not use anything to bold or contrasting against my work. These ideas are interesting but focus too much on a backing and not enough on my work, so that I am not sure how to present them or what I might choose to present.

_______________________________________________________________________

My Pinterest Board for inspiration:

https://www.pinterest.com/lizzone/workshop/

______________________________________________________________________

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

Board layout

Graffiti for Texture

I choose Graffiti for this project because of the variety - design, topic, meaning, texture, materials, artist, style, environment, everything is different to each piece. It was after visiting London for New Designers last year that I decided to go with that theme for this project. But it was whilst I was at New Designers that I got inspired by the graffiti surrounding me, I photographed a lot of it, and loved that my friends took me around the a big part of the city - they knew where they were going, I did not.

I loved that after turning one corner the graffiti was next to gone, after streets of it. There were clear sections where street art was okay and where it could not cross. That kind of amazed me.

Though it does make perfect sense with the stigma attached to graffiti, it's not wanted in all areas, even if its just decoration than art with meaning or purpose to be there. But there's people who do appreciate the street art, big or small.

This piece to the left was the first picture I took that day in London - I looked the style and the dripping paint and best of all I love big cats! This was on the gates of the location for New Designers. This didn't tell me much about the themes for New Designers and the work produced. However combined with all the other graffiti I saw around, it told me a lot about the area, and I loved it. I loved that we were surrounded by Graffiti and graffiti based events.

This experience encouraged me to continue with Graffiti and the photos from New Designers were my starting inspiration. The work was amazing - all of it that day, Textiles, fashion, graffiti and each exhibit. I'm glad I got to see the graffiti, though this meant I missed the cat walks that day.  I probably missed some great work on display, but I got the chance to see so much of a city that's different every time I visit, and I got to see that there was so much more there than I had seen,

____________________________________________________________________

 More from London

__________________________________________________________________

     From Derby

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

Graffiti for Texture

Studio closed for a week - plans

The studio has been shut since last Thursday from 5 pm to this Thursday morning (2nd - 9th April 2015), for Easter. Before this, I managed to do a lot of digital designs on the jacquard and even weaving a 'plain sample' of just a weave without a design. I have more plans when I can come back into the studio and access the jacquard designer software and machine. However, for the week out of the studio I want to focus on other areas of my work.

I really want to focus on;

• The Statement of Practice
• My sketchbook work
• Market Research

My Statement of Practice needs to develop into a first draft and become a good piece of writing. I also need to check that my bibliography is up to date.

My current sketchbook needs to be filled - I have some work and ideas that need to be written up and stuck in, including my 3rd warp and patterns. I have some jacquard designs and development that needs to be put into the sketchbook too.

The market research needs to be built on and printed, allowing for a clearer view on my market - young women who shop at higher end stores. Giving a better idea on my design choices, This research might also help develop further work and inform future choices.

I also want to organise my patterns for this project - ready for hand in and use in my work. I have a box file and poly-pockets to do this allowing me to keep them neat and protected for future use and hand-in.

          ____________________________________________________________________

5 WEEKS

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

Studio closed for a week - plans

Sketchbook pages ~ Current work

 My White Sketchbook's first page - as I have two, one full of colour based work and a second book, I am currently using  based on white work.

This page is quickly followed with similar work in watered down black mediums, though applied with more care and design. The layers in the work are to build texture and design - from a white page, building on the layers for contrast.

Work like this was to let me look at contrast and layering in my sketchbook specifically. 

 Close to the beginning of the sketchbook I also have some examples of lace that I tried - this I believe is stitch lace.

This is where designs are stitched onto a prepared closely woven fabric, some of which have cut out sections -  which I have also tried.

I enjoyed doing this because of my past experiences and interests in embroidery and sewing. This practice led me to continually look into other types of lace.





                ___________________________________________________________________

 These textured drawings of paint, glue, inks etc. were experiments in how to apply texture to my drawings. These drawings were inspired by my previous work for my spray paints - where I used a lot of geometric designs to accompany other parts of the designs. This work then began to feel like it had a 'Aztec' design aspect to some areas, something I've quite liked, but not developed into weaves - hand or machine woven. However, I did develop this into designs for laser cutting experiments.

_______________________________________________________________________

These images show my market research - above and my own illustrations - below. There are a lot of different imagery that I need to think about, ranging from: clothing styles, to styling choices and also illustration styles. I have also got to decide on use of colour - to illustrate my designs I can remain true to design and visual features or expressive to appear pleasing to my market and be interesting in aspects other than the design. I choose to pick illustrating in a style that was truer to form - allowing me to design and illustrate my collection, much more clearly. This has allowed me to develop my work, my design choices and my illustrations.

 ______________________________________________________________________

 Below is more textured drawings and experiments, made at a time closer to some of my illustration work, These experiments look closer at mark making and textures. I wanted to do this because of my illustrations to look at and my options with design - especially with a lot ideas surrounding possible jacquard, which would most likely have a contrast colour in the design, unlike my hand woven samples.

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

Sketchbook pages ~ Current work