From doing our toile we couldn't decide which design we wanted to pursue for our final piece - so we decide to do both you know push ourselves a lil bit!

Toile time . . .

(group post)

We thought it would be a good idea to toile 2 of our designs to see which would work and best reflect our concept.

The triple dress

The pattern

1. Draw around a basic dress block straightening out the waist.
2. Add 4cm to the side seam.
3. Add another dress block to create 1 and 1/2 dress pattern.

The final outcome.

We were really happy with the outcome of the toile. The shape expressed the concept just how we wanted it too. The weight of the fabric created a good fall however we did not like the sheen it had as we thought it coincide with the androgynous style we are after. 

The conjoined dress
The pattern

1. Start with a full dress block
2. Add a half length, full dress pattern to either side.
3. Position a full dress block in the right corner.

The final outcome

Again we were really happy with the outcome of the dress. with the same concept we wanted to create what would be a dress that 'could fit' several people in but for one person so the extra shapes will create drapes.The weight of the fabric we felt was too heavy to create the folds we wanted.

The next step . . .

(group post)
The next step is to design and make a final garment as part of a group of three, based on the techniques we have learnt in innovation design and innovative cutting. Looking at each of our research, blogs and designs, we have collaborated ideas based on our concepts. We have decided to make one of Natalies designs which is based on the concept of 'connection' which also ties in with Kellys ideals. Taking inspiration from the exhibition ' Future beauty: 30 years of japanese fashion' that we attended at the Barbican Centre in London, we have decided to produce two garments. Our first piece is a conjoined triple dress, made from a light weight jersey, as we feel draping will be achieved best by this weight of fabric. The colour choice of our fabric also ties in with every ones colour palette. The second garment (made from the same stretch jersey) is another conjoined dress, however it is an altered design and pattern, as we felt exploring different variations of the garment would push our concept further and begin to develop a range.

Collaboration . . .

To progress on to the next stage I had to work within a team of 3 to design and make an innovative piece. 
My group consisted of 


Natalie Martin http://natalie-martin.blogspot.com/ 

and 

Becca Lloyd http://rebeccaelizabethlloyd.blogspot.com/

We shall see what happens next.                 

The beginning of ideas . . .

Here are a few basic ideas to get the ball rolling looking at shapes, technique, detailing and general development from my research.