Final Toile

Here are photos of my final toile. I made another petal this time using lighter and thinner wire but I still wasn't happy with the size and how the petal still drooped. So I then sketched another petal pattern and compared it to the one sewn onto my garment - I finally came to a decision that the petal needed to be smaller than the one I'd just made so I drafted a final pattern. I also used a white netting for the insert which I think looked a lot nicer than the organza I'd used in my first toile.

After finishing my final toile I decided I wanted the silhouette of the skirt to be a lot more fitted, so I took in the side seams in and altered the patterns, adding a vent for ease of movement.

First Dress Toile (Part 2)

I then progressed to making a petal by sketching a shape on paper and using this initial pattern, and sewing a channel with wire threading through to see whether my idea would work. The wire proved to be too thick and heavy which meant it was harder to mould to shape the of the petal and was to heavy to lift the petal to stick out from the waist.

I also experimented with using an organza material for the insert but I decided I didn't like the finish - although it was slowly starting to look like my design.

Drafting Initial Dress Patterns and First Toile (Part 1)

The drafting of my first toile was pretty straightforward because I only had to make a few changes to the standard dress pattern to create my desired shape. Firstly I lengthened the skirt to make it midi length, added in a waistband, created a sweet heart neckline and then adjusted the darts to make the bodice into four pieces so would fit nicely around the bust.

I also made the pattern piece for the insert to go between the collar and bodice. As you can see below when I had sewn the bodice, it proved to be a bit big at the side seams so I had to then adjust the patterns accordingly.

Final Major Project - Inspiration and Primary Research

 

For my final project at college we had to write our own brief and choose a theme, so I chose to do 'Growth and Decay in Nature' because I felt there would be a lot of different elements to my theme which I could explore and design from.
My silver spray painted sheep skull which my uncle gave to me (not your typical 18th birthday present but I'd been after a decorative skull for my room for aaaages and I absolutely love it) proved to be the first object I photographed as a starting point for the project. I then took a series of photos from inside the conservatory in the Botanical Gardens in Sheffield of any plants that were in the process of blooming or decay which I found interesting - focusing on shapes and textures. I also had a look around Weston Park museum to see if I could find any animal skeletons/bones, however I hardly ended up taking any photos and the ones I did take I wasn't pleased with so didn't include them.
 

 

Em x

 

 

(L-R)  Monki Denim Jacket, £50 / Monki Denim Shirt, £35 / Topshop denim top, £26 / Monki Blue Bustier, £20 / Topshop A-Line Skirt, £28 / Monki Black Jacket, £50 / Warehouse Jacket Dress, £52 /

 

Denim is a staple in pretty much everybody's wardrobe and so here are some of my favourite denim pieces for spring. Even though denim is always a reoccurring trend, it's a bigger and better for spring/summer this year - whether you like minimalist or more retro styles, the styling options are literally endless!

 

Monki's selection of denim at the moment is on point and my wardrobe is crying out for this gorge shirt. I've been wanting a denim shirt for a while and this is the perfect one, I love how minimalist it is and I think it would look great with black ripped skinnies and chunky silver sandals or worn undone over a striped dress.

 

I also absolutely love this a-line skirt from Topshop, which is really similar to the one from Alexa Chung's collection for AG jeans. It's the perfect skirt for this season and would look really cute styled with an off the shoulder crop top and platform sandals for a 60s/70s vibe.

 

Which is your favourite piece? How would you style denim pieces for spring?

 

Em x