Month: January 2018

Knitting and Sewing

I wanted to title this post “Hand Knitting Meets The Industrial Revolution,” but I realized yarn is spun using a machine too.  I recently completed two classes in Fashion Design at Canada College located in Redwood City, California, one of which was Flat Pattern Design.  The other class, “Designer Techniques” discussed different ways to refashion an existing pattern and make it your own.

Demonstrating a technique not covered in class was one of the course requirements.  I elected to combine hand knitting with fabric.   For the sample, I incorporated techniques from Flat Pattern Design and drafted a half scale dress with princess seams.

Combining Hand Knit With Fabric

The pattern pieces are pinned to the hand knit and traced with two rows of stitching using a teflon foot.

An alternative technique would be to baste a line of stitches on your fabric using sturdy thread.  With your knitting needles, pick up into the stitches and knit down to create an attached piece of knitting.

Combining Hand Knit With Fabric #2

Combining Hand Knit With Fabric #3_1

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In order to eliminate bulk from seams, position the knit fabric with an 1/8″ to 1/4″ seam allowance on the hand knit and 1/2″ seam allowance on the fabric.

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Combining hand knit with fabric is an idea I’ve been thinking about for quite some time.  “Designer Techniques” was the perfect venue which presented an opportunity for me to take my idea of combining hand knit and fabric a reality.

 

A New Year With A New Look

Wow! I can’t believe how long it’s been since my last post.  It all began in August of last year…

At the end of August 2017, I decided to enroll in a Fashion Design Program at a not so local community college.  Immediately, I was thrust into the lanes of commute traffic arriving at my location at least an hour before class two mornings a week.  Surrounded by an interesting group of like-minded individuals, I learned so much about the material and myself.

Flat Pattern Design was an intense, rigorous class with a language all its own.  The process of translating a two-dimensional design into a garment was challenging and at the same time, a rewarding experience.

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Flat Pattern Design

Above is a sample of various half scale and quarter scale dart manipulations I produced. The final project for class consisted of using a basic bodice, sleeve and skirt sloper, along with various dart manipulations, in order to design a garment.

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Final Garment

My design adopts and adapts the loose fit of the kimono by incorporating the dropped armhole along with the chemise silhouette.  Godets are added on the side seams to add fullness imitating fabric layers of the kimono. Fabric folded origami sculptural motifs are added to the surface of the design.

The dropped armhole reflects fashion of the 1940’s along with fabric choices reminiscent of the Mod print fabrics of the 1960’s.  Through the use of dart manipulation, my design expresses the influence the Japanese culture and the 1960’s played in my life.

Mod Floral PrintVintage 1960s small square tablecloth retro

kimono sleeve 1940s

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Just by chance, my final garment fits me too!

 

 

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