Saturday, July 18, 2009

One project done

Jacket is done and I got a 90 for it, too. Whohoo. First time I got something over 9 this year, and in styling and couture class at that. The skirt was not up to par though. 

Still dyeing my silk. I've discarded 3 already since I wasn't satisfied with the outcome. Right now, I'm waiting for the last one to dry before painting on it. I even bought a 40"x40" canvass to use a silk canvass. 

I haven't done anything for Design Class which isn't good. I have to finish the range plan because that always takes me awhile to finish. In class, I need to do my knitting. M wanted me to do fully-fashioned garments so I had to do a bit of calculations. And recalculations. Makes me want to buy a knitting machine but that's just way out of the budget right now, especially since I have to spend a whole lot on the upcoming project in styling and couture class.

Yep, it's the dreaded ballgown. We have to present 3 designs to a panel this Wednesday. The designs have to be backed by research and must contain either a corset or petticoat or both and must have embellishments. I've already calculated how much it would cost me and it would reach about AUD500 or AUD 600 just for the main fabric. That still does not include the tulle or the other materials (i.e. boning, lining, trims, etc). Sigh.




Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Deadlines...

are looming. 

I thought I'd be able to finish my jacket today but my jacket had other ideas. I had to spend the entire day just trying to match up my collars so that the pointy bits are matched properly. Then when I finally managed to sew them onto the neck, their heights aren't the same. When that one got solved, one end decided it wanted to have puckers and them puckers are so stubborn. 10 minutes before the end of class, I decided to shift my attention to my sleeves. Of course, this time, they decided they want puckers as well. Haaarggh. 

Seriously!

And I so wanted to start on my kilt already. I've already sent out the registration form to the Wool Awards, not that I'm expecting to win. Initially, I wanted a wrap around skirt to go with it, but T said not to bother and just send a pair of tights. Then I re-read the rules of the contest and it stated that entries should be a complete outfit. Now I can wear a double-breasted coat and just pair it with boots and tights but since the event isn't exactly run by young fashion forward people who can appreciate the look I just described, a matching skirt had to go with it. 

So, I went back to my original idea of a wrap around skirt with a button. T said just use a waistband and have it tied on one side. I didn't like it since the jacket is fitted. Any bulge would show. Pencil style skirts? Simple but I have problems attaching invisible zips. Finally, we settled on a kilt. I still have about a metre and  a half of the wool I bought from Georgette so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that would be enough. Time to google "how to make pleats".

On other subjects, my silk painting was not happening. The water based gutta just won't play nice with them. I had to redo an entire drawing. Second one was so-so. I might have to redo it as well. Deadline, two weeks from now.

Colour matters final assignment. Who ever invented a software that won't allow you to go back several steps  is one seriously mean person. Once you get the hang of undoing everything each time, it's a bit easier but still it's such a hassle. And always framing the work before saving? Somebody tell the person, persons, or company to make their software more user friendly, please! It's a good software especially when it comes to tonal changes, draping and colour separation but these two things are it's biggest drawbacks. It takes tremendous amounts of patience to finish one project in class. If it weren't for the deadline, it would be hilarious. I've been laughing myself silly and mumbling to myself too much to cope with it. My classmates have gotten used to it and are no longer scared I could be psychotic. hehehe

To get away from it all for a bit, I'm going to watch Noche Flamenco this friday with people who are not from school. 

 

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Silk Painting

I looove how the colours just bleed!

Still on the experimental phase. Will see how it goes.