Fashion and Textiles Taster

For the first session in the fashion and textiles taster week, we were given small samples of colour to then replicate on blank pieces of paper using paints and inks. This was so that we could use these colour samples when making our 2D fashion garments. 

We also had to make samples using paper and other materials such as masking tape, electrical tape, wool etc, to form patterns using lines and shapes. As well as this, for private study I had to develop these by adding different types of straps so that it could be applied to the body. Below are the samples I created. 

After doing this I found that the straps that were stronger and would work better were those made from electrical tape, as when folded it was quite smooth so it wouldn't be uncomfortable when fitted around the body. 

As I was ill for the last two days of this taster, I had to make my garment from home with limited materials. I managed to purchase two different types of paper bag. One white with handles and two that were green paper bags that were brown inside. I managed to mix colours using watercolour paints that were similar to those on my colour sample, but these weren't as effective and as similar to those I created with inks and acrylic paint in college. Other materials included masking tape, electrical tape and pritt stick. 

This is my 2D piece once applied to the body. I created a loop fastener with electrical tape to tie it around the back but unfortunately I created the strips too short so cello tape was needed! (I should have measured this before). 

Although I worked from home for this I think it worked quite well and I was relatively pleased at how it all came together as a garment in the end. The handles worked really well as straps and the accent colours looked attractive as decoration on the front. However this would have all looked much better if this was done properly in college and I was able to take professional looking photographs there too. 

I enjoyed this taster as it is something I am not used to and would never choose to do personally. It gave me a good insight into fashion and textiles and taught me that it isn't all about what something looks like, it's the design, the thought process and the planning behind it which is much more important. Without these skills there would be no successful outcome.