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This module provides students with practical skills in garment draping techniques used by fashion designers. Students will learn to understand human body proportions, master basic draping techniques on a dress form, and explore various garment draping methods. By the end of the module, students will have developed the necessary skills to translate their initial fashion research into actual garments using draping techniques.
Task 01 : Garment Draping - Basic Top
Week 01
In the first class of this module for the semester, Ms. Melina provided a comprehensive briefing on the MIB (Module Information Booklet), detailing the assignments and expectations for the upcoming weeks. Compared to last semester, the workload is significantly more challenging, with additional tasks and higher expectations for precision and creativity. Despite this, I feel prepared to tackle the challenges and embrace this new chapter in garment draping.
In addition to the briefing, Ms. Melina instructed us to bring our own mannequins to class and guided us in placing draping tape on them. This foundational step is crucial for preparing us to understand body proportions and execute accurate draping throughout the semester. The hands-on activity marked the beginning of a rigorous yet exciting journey into advanced draping techniques.
Week 02
In week two, we officially began our first assignment, which required us to drape a basic princess line top using calico fabric. This assignment marked the start of hands-on practice, and Ms. Melina demonstrated exceptional patience as she guided us through each step. She carefully explained the process, addressed every question we had, and even provided individual assistance to ensure we fully understood the techniques.
Draping the pattern directly onto the mannequin was an entirely different experience compared to drafting it on paper. This method allowed me to visualize the garment’s structure in a more tangible way and gave me a deeper understanding of fabric behavior and body proportions. The process was both challenging and enjoyable, and I gained valuable insights that I couldn’t have achieved through traditional pattern-drafting methods alone. This task was a great start to honing my draping skills and building confidence in this new approach.
This week, we continued working on our basic princess line top draping. Ms. Melina provided a detailed demonstration of the correct techniques for positioning the fabric and pinning it securely onto the mannequin. Her guidance was invaluable, as using the wrong pinning method often caused the fabric to shift, making the draping process much more difficult. By applying her techniques, I found it much easier to control the fabric and achieve precise results.
After completing the draping process, we moved on to cutting out the pattern pieces and carefully tracing them onto mahjong paper to create a clean and accurate pattern. Once the basic princess line draping was finalized, we advanced to the next step: the armhole princess line draping. This variation introduced new challenges, but it also allowed us to build upon the foundational skills we had just learned. The progression of tasks was both engaging and educational, helping us refine our techniques and gain confidence in the art of draping.
Week 04
This week, we continued working independently on the armhole princess line top draping. Unlike the previous draping task, where Ms. Melina guided us step-by-step, this time we were expected to apply what we had learned and build upon those foundational techniques. It was a great opportunity to test our understanding and problem-solving skills in a more self-directed environment.
The process required precision and attention to detail as we shaped the fabric on the mannequin, ensuring a smooth and accurate fit for the armhole princess line design. Once the draping was complete, we moved on to cutting out the pattern pieces and tracing them onto mahjong paper, which was essential for creating a finalized pattern. This independent practice reinforced my confidence and highlighted areas where I could further refine my skills. It was challenging but rewarding to see how much I had improved since starting the module.
After completing the draping and pattern-making for both the basic princess line top and the armhole princess line top, we moved on to the next step: hand-sewing and assembling the pieces to create a fully constructed garment. This phase required precision and patience, as it was essential to align the fabric pieces accurately and maintain clean, neat seams.
The hand-sewing process allowed us to focus on the finer details, ensuring that each stitch contributed to the overall structure and fit of the top. Combining the pieces into a single, cohesive garment was both challenging and rewarding, as it brought our work from flat patterns to a three-dimensional form. This exercise not only strengthened my sewing skills but also deepened my understanding of how patterns and draping techniques translate into actual garments. It was satisfying to see the final product take shape, showcasing the skills I had developed throughout the project.
Week 6 marked the submission deadline for Task 1, bringing the first major assignment to completion. After finalizing the draping, pattern-making, and sewing of both the basic princess line top and the armhole princess line top, we moved on to the final steps of the project.
To ensure a comprehensive submission, we were required to prepare a detailed presentation slide deck showcasing our entire process—from initial draping to the final constructed tops. This slide presentation needed to include visual documentation of our draping techniques, pattern layouts, and the sewing process, along with reflections on the challenges and learning outcomes.
In addition to submitting the slides online, we also handed in our physical work to Ms. Melina for evaluation. Presenting the physical tops alongside the documented process was an excellent way to display the craftsmanship and effort that went into creating these pieces. While it was a challenging journey, I felt a sense of accomplishment seeing everything come together, and I am eager to receive feedback to improve further in the next tasks
Task 1 was a challenging yet rewarding experience, involving the draping and construction of a basic and armhole princess line top. Working on a mannequin for the first time provided a new perspective on pattern-making, and Ms. Melina’s guidance was invaluable in mastering draping and pinning techniques.
Cutting, tracing, and sewing the tops helped me refine my technical skills and understand the importance of precision. Despite the challenges, completing the task and preparing the submission slides gave me a sense of accomplishment and confidence for future projects.
Task 02 : Exploration of Garment Draping
Week 07
In the second task, we were required to select a design either from online sources or one of the three designs from our fashion project to drape into a garment. This task presented an exciting opportunity to bring a chosen design to life through draping techniques.
The initial step involved creating a detailed technical drawing of the selected design to serve as a blueprint for our draping process. This step was crucial as it helped us visualize the structure and proportions of the garment clearly. Alongside the technical drawing, we prepared white cotton fabric, a versatile material ideal for practicing draping, to begin constructing the garment on the mannequin. This preparation marked the start of a hands-on process that demanded both creativity and technical precision.
Week 09
Due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to undergo an operation and rest at home this week, which meant I couldn’t attend classes on campus. This situation left me feeling quite anxious about my progress on the second assignment, as I was concerned about falling behind. However, I was relieved to realize that there was still time to catch up, as the submission deadline for this task is three weeks away. Despite my absence, I started planning how to manage my workload effectively once I recovered to ensure I could meet the requirements on time.
Week 10
I quickly resumed my progress on Task 2, determined to make up for the time I had lost earlier. I focused on completing each step methodically, from refining the draping process to perfecting the patterns and final touches on the garment. With consistent effort and effective time management, I was able to catch up and successfully complete the task by the end of this week. This accomplishment gave me a sense of relief and satisfaction, knowing I could overcome setbacks and still deliver quality work on time.
Although the submission for Task 2 is due next week, I decided to complete and submit my slides early. I realized I was significantly behind compared to my classmates, who were already progressing on their final projects, with many having completed the draping and pattern-making for one or two looks. To catch up, I worked diligently to finalize my Task 2 slides, ensuring all details were well-presented and comprehensive. Submitting it early allowed me to shift my focus entirely to the final project and begin closing the gap in progress. It was a reminder of the importance of time management and staying proactive.
Task 02 Reflection:
Task 2 was both a challenging and rewarding experience, as it required me to apply advanced draping techniques to create a garment based on a chosen design. Initially, I faced delays due to unforeseen circumstances, including a medical operation that forced me to rest at home. Despite this setback, I managed to recover and catch up on the work.
Throughout the process, I learned the importance of precise technical drawings and fabric preparation, which laid the foundation for successful draping. Creating the garment on the mannequin helped me understand the complexity of translating a 2D design into a 3D form. Although the process was demanding, I persevered and completed my work, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craft of draping.
This task not only improved my technical skills but also taught me resilience and time management. Submitting my work early gave me a sense of accomplishment and allowed me to focus on the final project with renewed determination. Overall, Task 2 was a significant step forward in my journey as a fashion design student.
The final task for this module is closely integrated with our Fashion Project final assignment. It requires us to drape the patterns for the designs we created in the Fashion Project class and transform them into fully constructed garments. This process involves taking our conceptual designs and bringing them to life through meticulous draping, patternmaking, and sewing techniques.
The task challenges us to apply all the skills we’ve learned throughout the semester, from understanding fabric behavior to creating accurate patterns and achieving precision in sewing. It’s an opportunity to see our creative ideas materialize into tangible, wearable pieces while refining our technical expertise and problem-solving abilities. This task not only pushes our craftsmanship but also allows us to express our unique design aesthetics in a complete garment.
I had to work quickly because the final presentation week was approaching rapidly, leaving little time to complete everything. With the deadline looming, I focused on streamlining my workflow, managing my time effectively, and prioritizing tasks to ensure my garments were finished on time. It was a race against the clock, but I remained determined to deliver my best work. Balancing precision and speed was challenging, but it taught me the importance of staying organized and resilient under pressure.
Week 14
As the final week before the presentation arrived, I had to work at an accelerated pace to complete my sewing while ensuring that every detail was meticulously checked. This phase was critical, as even the smallest errors could compromise the overall appearance and quality of my garments. I dedicated long hours to stitching, refining the seams, and verifying that the fit perfectly matched my draped patterns. Despite the immense time pressure, I maintained a strong focus on precision, making sure that finishing touches like hems, closures, and edge details were executed flawlessly.
This week truly tested my time management, resilience, and attention to detail, but it also highlighted the importance of maintaining quality in fashion design, even under tight deadlines. While I successfully completed the main structure of all my garments, I regrettably ran out of time to finish the bows, which were an integral part of my design. I felt deeply disappointed in myself for not managing to complete every detail, but this experience also taught me a valuable lesson about planning and prioritizing tasks effectively.
Final Presentation Week
Although I couldn’t finish the bows on my garment in time, I was relieved that I still had a complete structure to present to my lecturers. During the presentation, I explained the situation and emphasized the effort I had put into the main elements of the design. Fortunately, my lecturers were understanding and empathetic, acknowledging the challenges I faced and offering me additional time to finalize the garment. This gesture not only eased my stress but also motivated me to perfect the remaining details and deliver a finished piece that truly reflected my vision and hard work.
Final Task Reflection:
For the final task, I had the opportunity to apply everything I had learned throughout the semester, combining both my fashion project designs and garment draping skills. The process was challenging yet rewarding, as I worked to bring my creative ideas to life through draping, pattern making, and sewing. I had to manage my time effectively and stay focused on the details, knowing that everything had to come together for the final presentation. Despite the pressure, I learned the importance of precision and the need for careful planning in garment construction. Completing the task gave me a sense of accomplishment, and although there were moments of doubt and frustration, I was proud of the final result. It was a great learning experience, and I feel more confident in my skills as I move forward in my fashion journey.
Overall Reflection:
Overall, this module has been a valuable learning experience. It challenged me to develop my skills in garment draping, pattern making, and sewing, and allowed me to apply them in real-world fashion design projects. While there were moments of difficulty and stress, especially with tight deadlines and unexpected setbacks, I learned to manage my time better and seek help when needed. The process of experimenting with different techniques, refining my designs, and working through the challenges taught me resilience and the importance of attention to detail.
I am particularly proud of how I managed to incorporate my fashion project designs into the final garment, which allowed me to see my creative ideas come to life. The feedback from my lecturers, especially from Ms. Melina, was incredibly helpful in guiding me through each stage of the project. Overall, this module has significantly boosted my confidence in garment creation and given me a clearer understanding of the technical aspects of fashion design. I look forward to building on this foundation in future projects.
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