According to the brief, we had to produce 10 - 15 swatches of fabric enhancement. S, gave us 3 options and we picked the most favourable one. Produce 10 swatches and 10 designs. We had 5 weeks to do it including 1 week of vacation but I was panicking all the time. I bought 3 books on beading, embroidery and fabric manipulation.
I didn't even bother tallying how much I spent since I kept buying fabrics, beads, and other materials. The most difficult part was starting. I have very basic knowledge of embroidery, I only know running stitch and back stitch, but I don't do them well. I've never beaded in my entire life. And I know nothing about fabric manipulation. I envied J who had a clear idea of what she wanted (she chose Comme des Garcon as her designer) and just went at it.
I chose Oscar de la Renta for his sophisticated and very feminine evening dresses not to mention his luxurious ruffles. I couldn't replicate what he does but I tried to combine 2 to 3 kinds of fabric enhancement techniques.
In the end, with the help and guidance of S, I managed to come up with 10 simple swatches and 10 passable designs. I was and still am quite happy with my work but I do agree with S that my drawings still need a bit of work. They suck (pardon the word).
Anyway, here are some of the swatches. I wasn't able to photograph my favourite swatch.
This is a North American style of smocking. I got the instructions from the book "The Art of Manipulating Fabric by Colette Wolff"
Sanwiched cording with beads
Sequins and beads with a fabric flower. My first attempt at beading.
One of my favourite drawings. Not as bad as the others. hehehe
