I researched many fabric manipulation techniques from smocking and pleating to embroidery and shirring. I have basic sewing skills, so I have not done so many variations of fabric techniques. Research was an integral part to learning how to begin when it came to manipulating the muslin. I usually like to create my own artistic ideas rather than following step-by-step tutorials, but in this case, I know that it is important to learn the fundamentals before creating your own ideas.
I have created a box pleat before, but added to this technique by researching the knife pleats. I have seen these in garments and wanted to figure out how to create them myself. After learning the basics of the knife pleats, I think creating pleats of various sizes is attainable.
After completing this technique, I found a helpful website with various tutorials for sewing techniques. This site: https://mypatchwork.wordpress.com/quilt-tutorials/textured-quilt-sampler-tutorial/ gave me a lot of information, inspiration, and ideas. The basics are all on the site and difficulty builds from tutorial to tutorial. I researched the shell smocking and pin tuck tutorials on this site and successfully created these manipulations. Furthermore, I researched techniques like creating flower shapes and different techniques that would work better on different fabrics or with different inspiration. Although I did not make a piece for each of the tutorials, I did look through most of them to get a sense of how they are created.
Pleating Youtube Tutorial:
Shell Smocking Tutorial:
https://mypatchwork.wordpress.com/2013/10/26/block-12-shell-smocking-textured-4-patch-quilt/
Cross-Pin Tucks Tutorial:
https://mypatchwork.wordpress.com/2012/07/21/cross-tuckin-textured-quilt-sampler-2/
Fabric Manipulation in Garments:
