(Mr.JR's first class of the semester)
- On the first day of class, Mr. Jr gave us a brief introduction to the module and an overview of the assignments.
- After the module and assignment briefing, we had an ice-breaking session. Except for a few classmates I met in the previous semester, everyone else was new to me, so this part was really important.
- Finally, we were briefed on the safety rules of the mayamode and instructed to handle it with care.
(Essential Fashion mins making)
- The topic for the assignments this semester is essential fashion. For the first task, we have to research and create a mind map about essential fashion, the world's top 10 designers or fashion brands, and five inspired designers.
- I conducted online research about essential fashion and found a lot of information, which really helped me gain a good understanding of the concept.
- For the top 10 designers and the five inspired designers, I searched for their information online based on my prior knowledge.
(Mr.Jr's week two class)
(Top 10 designers mind map)
- In week 02, we began working on Assignment 01.
- We conducted in-depth research on essential fashion and the world's top famous designers.
- After gathering information, we developed our mind maps to organize our findings visually. We then presented our mind maps to Mr. Jr for feedback.
- Mr. Jr reviewed our progress, provided constructive feedback, and suggested corrections to improve our work. This guidance helped us refine our research and better understand the key elements of essential fashion and the influential designers in the industry.
(Mr.Jr's A3 size portfolio)
(Task 01 finishing)
- This week, we continued working on our mind mapping and research for Assignment 01.
- Mr. Jr gave me valuable advice on creating the mind map and designing the slides. I learned a lot from him and appreciate his guidance.
- Before the submission deadline for Task 01 this week, I completed the slides and all mind maps and submitted them on time.
- Mr. Jr also gave us a briefing about Assignment 02.
- We were asked to prepare materials such as a dummy and a white shirt for the next assignment.
- This week, we began working on Assignment 02.
- For Assignment 02, we are required to deconstruct a shirt and reassemble it into a new garment. The new creation must include 3 different styles of sleeves, 3 types of pockets, and 3 variations of collars.
- Additionally, we need to source thrifted shirts for this assignment. I visited several thrift stores to find the most affordable and high-quality shirts. This process involved comparing prices, examining fabric quality, and selecting shirts that would provide the best material for reconstructing the new garments.
- The task challenges us to think creatively and experiment with different design elements, pushing the boundaries of conventional shirt construction.
(few more initial drapes of mine)
- In week 05, I continued working on the remaining garments for Assignment 02.
- During class lessons, I developed 9 initial designs by draping fabric on a dummy.This hands-on approach allowed me to experiment with different styles and techniques.
- After completing the garment, which included 3 sleeves, 3 collars, and 3 pockets, Mr. Jr taught us the next step: drawing the stroke lines on the garments we made.
- Next, Mr. Jr selected two garments from our nine completed garments.
- We were tasked with creating ten extended design variations for each of the two selected garments, resulting in a total of twenty new designs.
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Neckline/Collars:
- I created 3 different styles of necklines/collars by manipulating fabric folds and testing various shapes.
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Sleeves:
- I designed 3 sleeve styles by experimenting with different cuts and draping techniques.
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Pockets:
- I developed 3 pocket variations by playing with placement and size to achieve unique looks.
(Ending of Task 02)
- Moving into week 6, Mr. Jr gave us a more detailed lecture about the twenty designs we need to create and provided a brief overview of the mood board requirements. He emphasized the importance of cohesion between our designs and the mood board, ensuring that our creative concepts are clearly communicated.
- This week, everyone began working on their designs and slides for the assignment. We focused on developing unique and innovative design ideas while maintaining consistency with our overall theme.
- I had several questions about the design process and the mood board, particularly regarding how to effectively convey my inspiration and design choices. Mr. Jr patiently and gently explained the concepts to us, providing clear examples and practical tips. His guidance helped clarify my doubts and gave me a better understanding of how to approach the task.
(Progressing stroke lines and 20 design)
(Replacement class)
- Unfortunately, this week’s class coincided with a public holiday. However, Mr. Jr kindly arranged a class replacement to ensure we didn't miss out on valuable discussions about the assignment.
- During the replacement class, I presented my stroke lines and twenty design variations to Mr. Jr. Although he acknowledged my efforts, he pointed out several areas that needed improvement. Mr. Jr provided constructive feedback and specific suggestions, which will help me refine and enhance my designs. His guidance was instrumental in identifying key aspects that required modification, allowing me to better align my work with the assignment objectives.
(Mood board and stroke lines)
(20 design)
- In week 8, as class began, I had completed my mood board along with twenty design sketches, all printed in A3 format for review.
- I presented these to my lecturer for final approval. We engaged in a productive discussion to determine which two sketches out of the twenty would be best suited for my final project garment design.
- The exchange of feedback and opinions was invaluable, providing critical insights that helped me make an informed decision. This collaborative review process was crucial in refining my designs and ensuring they aligned with the project requirements.
(final design and technical drawing)
- Before this week’s class started, Mr. Jr instructed us to create technical drawings for the two designs selected from our twenty sketches.
- I attempted to complete these drawings at home, using my basic knowledge of technical drawing and additional online resources. When I presented my work in class, Mr. Jr praised my efforts but also pointed out several areas that needed improvement.
- He provided detailed feedback and guidance, helping me refine my technical drawings. Mr. Jr also offered valuable insights into how to better integrate my designs with the mood board.
- With his assistance, I was able to produce clean, precise, and easily understandable technical drawings that more accurately represented my final garment designs.
(Fabric Purchasing)
(Pattern Drafting with the help of Ms Melina)
- As we began week 10, we focused on pattern drafting and fabric purchasing. Ms. Melina assisted us in drafting the patterns for the two designs that I had selected with Mr. Jr. She meticulously followed the technical drawings I prepared, which were further detailed with Mr. Jr’s feedback.
- Drafting an entirely new pattern for a unique design proved to be challenging, especially since our previous experience in Ms. Melina’s class was limited to basic shirt and skirt patterns. I encountered several difficulties during this process, but Ms. Melina provided significant support and guidance, helping me navigate these challenges.
- The pattern drafting took the entire week as I had to ensure that the patterns were detailed accurately and aligned with both the technical drawings and my design concepts. This intensive effort was crucial for achieving a well-constructed final garment.
(Sewing on progress)
- This week, I finally began sewing my first look. I felt extremely stressed and anxious, spending nearly every day from morning until night in the Mayamode studio.
- I focused on making progress with the work I had already started. I traced and cut the fabric using the patterns I completed last week. My goal is to finish my first look by next week, as I still have a second look to complete. This tight timeline has made me push myself to work faster.
- Unfortunately, due to lack of sleep and high stress, my immune system weakened, and I caught the flu towards the end of the week. This illness significantly slowed my progress, causing me to pause my work temporarily. This setback was frustrating, but I’m determined to catch up once I recover.
(sick and move on 🏃🏻♀️➡️)
- It’s bad news—I couldn't finish the first look by the end of this week, and I only have two weeks left. This situation has made me feel very stressed and anxious.
- Despite not being fully recovered, I continued working. The assignment is quite challenging for my first semester, as I have limited knowledge of pattern making and sewing techniques. I had to tackle two difficult designs on my own, and I started to regret choosing such complicated designs, especially when I saw that my classmates were progressing much faster than me. This made me feel down and discouraged.
- During these moments of doubt, I reminded myself not to give up. I told myself that I could complete my work on time. These small, positive thoughts pushed me forward. I have almost completed 50% of my first garment. The toughest part was sewing the placket, which is not straight and has two angles to turn. I experimented with several methods, but they all failed. I sought advice from Ms. Melina and searched online for more information. This section took me a lot of time and stalled my progress, but luckily, I managed to finish it, even though it's not perfect.
- I quickly moved on to the next part of the sewing process. Overcoming the previous challenges, I gained new techniques and knowledge, which allowed me to make faster progress on my next steps.
(2 garment almost!!!!!!)
- I finally completed my first look and started on the second look by the second-to-last week before the submission date. I told myself, "Maybe it's not that bad yet; I can finish on time."
- I quickly moved on to my second look, from pattern drafting to fabric cutting. Unfortunately, I ran out of fabric and had to go to the fabric shop to purchase more. Starting this week, I stayed in Mayamode every day until midnight with my friend and classmate Geraldine. Despite rushing to complete our garments, spending so much time together day and night, and working hard while supporting each other, brought us closer.
- On the last day of this week, I finally finished my second garment. However, I realized I hadn't bought the buttons yet, and it was Sunday, so many shops were closed. I had to go to Spotlight, which is a very expensive shop, and buy buttons at a high cost just to complete my garment on time.
(Look 1)
(Look 1 details)
(Look 2)
(Look 2 details)
- Finally, it was presentation day, marking the last week of our semester. I owe a huge thanks to my friend Amanda and my classmate Ailing for modeling for me.
- My presentation slot was on Monday morning at 11 am. I managed to get my models' makeup and hairstyling done just in time. While waiting for my turn to present, I was extremely nervous. I feared I wouldn't get good marks or that I might ruin my presentation. Thankfully, the presentation went smoothly.
- Although Mr. Jr criticized some parts of my work, overall, he praised and encouraged me. I was deeply touched and grateful to my lecturer. Despite the many challenges and difficulties over these past few weeks, I still feel happy because I learned so many new things. Making clothes was fun, and completing the garment myself for the first time gave me a tremendous sense of achievement.
The final task of this semester was a challenging yet rewarding journey. Starting with the initial pattern drafting and fabric purchasing in week 10, I faced numerous obstacles due to my limited knowledge in pattern making and sewing techniques. Ms. Melina's guidance was invaluable during this period. As I began sewing my first look, the stress and anxiety were overwhelming, and my health suffered, further slowing my progress. Despite these setbacks, I persevered and learned to approach my work with determination and resilience. The second look brought new challenges, including fabric shortages and the need for late-night work sessions, but the camaraderie with my classmates, especially Geraldine, provided much-needed support and motivation. The presentation day was nerve-wracking, but the positive feedback from Mr. Jr and the successful completion of my garments filled me with a sense of accomplishment. This project taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the value of collaborative support, and it has significantly boosted my confidence and skills in fashion design.
Overall Reflection
Throughout the 14 weeks of this subject, I have experienced a profound journey of growth and learning in fashion design. In the initial weeks, we delved into research and mood board creation, exploring essential fashion and studying top designers. This foundational work expanded my understanding of fashion trends and design principles. The hands-on experience of developing twenty design sketches in Assignment 02 was both exciting and challenging. I learned to experiment with different styles, receiving invaluable feedback from Mr. Jr, which honed my design skills.
Pattern drafting and fabric selection in week 10 were particularly daunting, as my previous experience was limited to basic patterns. Ms. Melina’s guidance was crucial, helping me navigate through the complexities of creating new patterns. The sewing process was intense, with numerous late nights in the studio, particularly with the support of my friend Geraldine. Despite setbacks, such as fabric shortages and health issues, I pushed through, gaining new techniques and confidence with each challenge.
The final weeks were a whirlwind of finishing my garments, refining my technical drawings, and preparing for the presentation. The presentation day itself was nerve-wracking, but receiving constructive feedback from Mr. Jr was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced the value of perseverance and collaboration, and completing my garments brought a tremendous sense of achievement.
Overall, this subject has not only enhanced my technical skills and knowledge in design and fashion field but also taught me the importance of resilience, creativity, and teamwork. I am grateful for the support from my lecturers and classmates, which made this journey both challenging and enjoyable. This experience has significantly boosted my confidence and has laid a strong foundation for my future in fashion design.
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