And that's a wrap...Signing off for Christmas and saying Goodbye!

Hello my loves...My last blog post for 2016 and I can't believe I've actually written 9 of these since September. It may not be a lot in the world of blogging but It's great for me as I had never blogged before.

The run up for assignment deadline day has been crazy and so stressful. I've learnt so much about myself during this process-I'm such a flipping worrier and could do with an extra large bottle of chill pills but with all the worrying aside, I did make it to deadline day :-)

I really don't know what I was thinking when I decided to design a shirt dress that could also be worn as a coat too..I mean It can't be that hard to make? Gosh I was so wrong but despite it's huge challenges..I did it...I MADE IT!

Nearly finished!!!!

 In fact, whilst I'm sat here writing this I've just realised a couple of things I have forgotten to do like-Overlock the inside sleeve seams (on shit!) and blind stitch the seam that I had accidentally pulled open on my small collar. Hmmm What can I do about it now but I know my tutors will be reading this so *WINK-WINK KISS KISS*

As always I like to fill up my post with lots of visuals along with a brief explanation.Here goes.....

Large outer collar in pink Chenille
Very hard fabric to sew!

Darts in bust line. Originally
had shoulder darts but removed
them as the bust darts looked
nicer

Plackets added as grow on
in pink Chenille

Although I've found these last couple of months extremely hard..I'm super proud of myself for actually getting this far as I really was ready to quit (as I've mentioned before) but seeing my garment go from first design concept to an actual wearable garment, that I have made,  has just made me hungry for more GRRRRR and even more determination to carry on a gain my degree! Especially as I've also found my illustration 'style' and my confidence in drawing has really improved.

3 portfolios of design development
ready to hand in, along with
fabric and print samples

Final fashion boards with flat, technical
drawings and fabric samples.

My final illustration of AM 2 PM
collection-Can't believe I drew these!!

Last week we said Goodbye to our fashion tutor-Kerry. She is going to be missed so much. Kerry is such a wonderful person and has really help build my confidence and find my illustration style as well as teaching me construction too and thats only a fraction of what she has taught me..She literally walks, talks, eats and sleeps fashion and when I grow up, I want to be her. I'm 33 and far from growing up yet but having had the pleasure of knowing her for only a short time even though it feels like a lifetime, She has ignited a fire in my belly to make it in the industry. Thank you Kerry <3

L-R Debbie, David, Kerry and Me! HND 1 gang

Pretty sure most of you know my other passion is photography and I have my Facebook page. This weeks self portrait is here and Its one it took a couple of  months ago, I just hadn't found the right words to use alongside it. Well my loves...Cheers and have a wonderful Christmas. I'm signing off for 2016 but I'll be back in 2017 with more fashion studying shenanigans. Abi xxxx

Cheers Everybody and Merry Christmas

Calico heaven or maybe....Hell!!!!

Calico, Smhalico...If I have to see another piece of that muslin cloth I'm going throw a fit but I'm super excited to show you my final toile piece. There is a few images in this blog tonight so keep scrolling and i'll talk you through it :-)

Lay plan to begin

Reverse of bust dart

Inserting bust darts

I started out with my lay plan to see the most effective way to get the most out of my fabric and measure how much fabric to buy for my final piece. Some pattern pieces needed to be cut on the fold and some pieces like the fronts, I only needed one of each. It worked out that I needed roughly 3mtrs of fabric just for one dress!! WOAHHH!! Once I had cut all my pieces, I started with the two front pieces and putting in the bust darts.

Right sides together for french seam part 1

Finished french seam

Wrong sides together for FS part 2

Kerry had asked me if I had thought about how I'm going to finish off my seams and well, I looked at her rather blank. It's taken me all my effort to think about what I want for lunch so seams were the last thing on my mind lol. She suggested that I could try sampling a french seam as I gave a nicer, structured and supportive seam than the over-locker. I'm always game for a challenge so french seams it is!! It might not be 100% clear from my photos but the first part of the french seam is sewing the right (correct) sides together allowing a 0.5mm seam allowance, then part 2 is folding the two pieces of fabric back on themselves so you get the wrong sides together and sewing them together allowing a 0.75mm seam allowance. Them you fold back to bring the right sides together and TAA-DAAAHHHH, That's your french seam.

Starting to see my design

Too much excess on the shoulder

Flip the lapels back

After sewing my fronts to the back piece together, I popped it on the stand to see initially what it looked like. I was a little concerned as it didn't have an open chest front like in my design. I soon realised that I had added extra to my pattern to flip back the lapels. Phew....I nearly cut them off to expose the chest. I also found that I had too much excess on the shoulder so needed to snip off about 2cm of excess. How nice do those darts look? So proud of myself..

First, large collar

Second, smaller collar eased in

Garment design in the middle

Fast-forward about 45mins and I had constructed my two collars..CHECK OUT THOSE POINTS!! and eased them into the neck seam, which was no easy task but I did it. Having a quick look at again my garment design, I can really see it coming to life. It's so exciting and I'm really, really enjoying this part of the degree.

  

First sleeve in!!  

 

Only a couple of tucks...Impressed

This next and last step to my toile was adding in the sleeves and I was nervous, I'll admit. I'd never put in a sleeve until now and I was a shaking mess!! I tacked it in place, matching up the centre seams and took off for the sewing machine. Let out a deep breath and got stuck in. I was absolutely thrilled with my effort as I had only 2 tucks and it fit fantastically. Go me!! 

In other news. Last week, Igersbirmingham launched their first ever exhibition and I was thrilled to have been chosen as a featured photographer. If you fancy a giggle then check out my Facebook live video here and if you enjoy taking a photo or two and would lime to make some new photo buddies then check out the new website here. 

As always, Thank you for reading, looking and listening. I really do appreciate all your support. Abi xx

I've lost a week...Can anyone help me find it?

Sooooooooo...I thought I had blogged last week and had uploaded week 20 of my project 52, when infact it was actually the week before. I've lost a week..Need to reset my factory default settings *facepalm..My only conclusion to this is, I've become completely caught up in GARMENT MAKING HYSTERIA. WAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH *runs-around-waving-hands-in-the-air

Drawing in the very middle!

From my initial designs here on the right, I have chosen to make the middle drawing (double collar, wrap dress) Obviously I have no previous experience in pattern construction, hence why I'm back studying and I've only ever sewn from a pre-made pattern but cocky old me was thinking...''Aah it won't be too difficult'' especially as my studio buddies are making elaborate pieces. Mine in comparison looks a doddle!! Gosh how wrong was I? Mega! I've secretly cried in the college toilets on a few occasions...Not a secret anymore. My fashion tutor Kerry is absolutely amazing and with her support, teachings and guidance, this drawing is becoming a reality.

 TAA-DAAAAAAAAAH!!! Above is my completed pattern, cut and ready for toile. If your not sure what toile means then check out this +Wikipedia link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toile but In a nutshell this toile is to pratice my garment pattern before making my final piece. As the pattern stands it looks like it should all work *Fingers crossed but it's anyone's guess.

Last Tuesday night I did indulge in a little crafty downtime for the last craft lounge meet up of 2016. The theme was Hygge. Pronounced “heurgha”. The best explanation of hygge I’ve encountered is: “the absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming; taking pleasure from the presence of gentle, soothing things”. Candlelight is hygge (Danes burn more candles per head than anywhere in Europe, according to the European Candle Association). Bakeries are hygge. Dinner with friends is hygge, reading a book in a cosy corner is hygge. 

Just the relaxation I needed. Claires blog is a great read and something to suit most especially if you have crafty hands like myself. Check out the Createsometime Blog. 

As always, Thanks if you've taken the time to have a look and keep up to date on my studying journey. Abi xx