Project Date: Spring 2013 & 2014
Project Directive
You will make a garment by following and reworking a purchased/ downloaded pattern or by patterning a piece of your own clothing. Make alterations to the silhouette that will reflect your theme research.
Step #1. Conceptualize your silhouette.
- You will select a SIMPLE garment pattern or actual garment to follow, a t-shirt, a dress shirt, or a slip dress.
- You will make one important alteration to the form of the pattern.
- The alteration should reflect the the direction of your personal research. For example, perhaps cinching the waist of a men’s dress shirt to make it more “feminine” would relate to the topic of gender.
- Make a series of concept sketches that relate the silhouette you select with your research direction. At least 4 pages in your sketchbook.
Step #2. Select a material and pattern.
- Your piece will be in muslin, or any other planer material such as recycled clothing, sheet plastic or handmade paper. Choose only ONE color for the garment. Select and collect/purchase your material. Keep in mind that this is not yet the final project, so go low budget!
- You may sew the garment or use an alternative method of attachment. But no glue. Collect the thread or connection material.
- Decide to purchase a pattern or to pattern an item of clothing that you own.
- If you purchase a pattern, you may find one at a fabric store or order it online. You may also find a free pattern to download at a source such as m-sewing.com.
- If you decide to pattern your own clothing you will need to bring the item to class along with pattern paper or newsprint.
- Also gather patterning materials such as: transfer paper or chalk, newsprint, pins, tape measure (or a ruler and string), scissors or rotary cutter and cutting mat.
Step #3. Pattern the garment and construct.
- If you are using a purchased/ downloaded pattern you will trace and cut the pieces.
- If you are using your own clothing you will trace the sections of the item to make your own pattern and then trace and cut these pieces from your material.
- Use newsprint or pattern paper to add a new element or change an aspect of the pattern.
- Pin & sew!
Student Examples:
