A week and a half to go before before my classes end. Before that, I still need to finish my final project. Two if I include the poster requirement for Life Drawing. Did I mention I got reprimanded last class in LD? Served me right for being too forward and forgetting my manners. But it was cool afterwards.
Anyway, I've finished my fashion poses two week ago but when I started drawing the clothes on the figures, it just felt wrong. So I kept changing and changing and changing and even when the rendering has been completed, I redo it. If I weren't so nitpicky with what I'm doing, I'd probably be done by now. But I'm not doing it just for the sake of handing in something. I want satisfaction in what I do. The fact that I'm waaay older than the others (late 20s is old to late teens)means I have to do much more than the others. Time is a-ticking.
I've already decided on my theme - Renaissance Woman. A strong-willed independent woman who is not only fashionable but who is smart, appreciates art, and curious about the world. Then when I took a step back, I started thinking that maybe Modern Woman is a better theme. Note that I have problems with vague-sounding-ooh-inspiring words. I'm not a wordsmith much to my everlasting dismay. Or I could just title it - Attempts of a Struggling Fashion Design Student at Rendering Fabrics and Drawing Fashion Poses as Required by the Fashion Drawing Class of the Melbourne School of Fashion. Hehehe
I still have to think of a background for my storyboard. And the accessories, too. Aargh.
Ah, well. Tomorrow is another day.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Sewing Class
It wasn't really a sewing class in the sense that the students were working on their sewing machines. It was more of a demonstration class where a representative from Bernina, Debbie, showed how to do things. It was fun watching and listening to the other, older, more experienced students.
For this class, Debbie showed us how to wrap strips of fabric over a cord and how to sew these cords to make a place mat and a bowl. First, the fabric had to be cut on a bias. To do that, get a folded cloth a meter in length (when you buy fabrics, the fabric is already folded), fold it to make a triangle and then cut it diagonally. She used an 8 millimeter cord. She wrapped the end of the cord with a fabric so the cord didn't show and then she started to stitch.
When she asked if anyone wanted to try, part of me wanted to but part of me was afraid I'd touch a wrong button or something and ruin the project.
The second was a bag with an applique. She took a folded a tear-away towel, placed the fabric where she wanted the applique to be on top of the tear-away towel and then placed some cut-outs of daisies she got from some scraps. One thing I learned from the ladies was to use at least 2 layers of tear-away towel to hold the embroidery otherwise the edge of the embroidery would have a bubble effect instead of it being flat. Someone also suggested spraying the fabric first with starch especially with dense embroideries while using tear-away towels. I forgot the other suggestions but I think those two are the important ones.
I also learned that the type of fabric one uses will determine what needle to use. For normal sewing, a number 80 needle should be used. For fine fabrics like velvet, a number 60 needle should be used. For finer fabrics like silk or satin, a number 70 should be used. And for thicker fabrics like denim, a number 80 should be used.
It was just a two-hour class but it was nice. The next class would be in March. Hopefully, by then, I'd be able to do something with my machine. Tomorrow, I'll be going back to the sewing shop to get a free lesson on how to use my sewing machine.
For this class, Debbie showed us how to wrap strips of fabric over a cord and how to sew these cords to make a place mat and a bowl. First, the fabric had to be cut on a bias. To do that, get a folded cloth a meter in length (when you buy fabrics, the fabric is already folded), fold it to make a triangle and then cut it diagonally. She used an 8 millimeter cord. She wrapped the end of the cord with a fabric so the cord didn't show and then she started to stitch.
When she asked if anyone wanted to try, part of me wanted to but part of me was afraid I'd touch a wrong button or something and ruin the project.
The second was a bag with an applique. She took a folded a tear-away towel, placed the fabric where she wanted the applique to be on top of the tear-away towel and then placed some cut-outs of daisies she got from some scraps. One thing I learned from the ladies was to use at least 2 layers of tear-away towel to hold the embroidery otherwise the edge of the embroidery would have a bubble effect instead of it being flat. Someone also suggested spraying the fabric first with starch especially with dense embroideries while using tear-away towels. I forgot the other suggestions but I think those two are the important ones.
I also learned that the type of fabric one uses will determine what needle to use. For normal sewing, a number 80 needle should be used. For fine fabrics like velvet, a number 60 needle should be used. For finer fabrics like silk or satin, a number 70 should be used. And for thicker fabrics like denim, a number 80 should be used.
It was just a two-hour class but it was nice. The next class would be in March. Hopefully, by then, I'd be able to do something with my machine. Tomorrow, I'll be going back to the sewing shop to get a free lesson on how to use my sewing machine.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Miffed
That's my reaction when I got the results for the 4th folio. Among all my folio works, I've done far greater work on the 4th one. However, for some reason C kept marking me down. Some of her comments were point on but some just seemed puzzling to me. I don't know whether it's because she's pushing me (that's what she said) or because I don't do things the way she taught them. I thought I was the only one who thought that way until B also gave the same sentiments. C apparently gave all of us high marks in our first folio although it was kinda crappy as we (most of us) were still finding our feet. But as we progressed, she started giving us lower scores.
I don't know whether it was because I wanted to prove something or because my energy level went up but in the afternoon I had good results in the Life Drawing class. We had F as model again and we had to draw her in her streetwear, evening wear and in a coat (this was for the texture portion).
Only 3 more weeks to go until I get my Certificates for these two classes. Next would be the Patternmaking and Garment Construction Class and the Fashion Design Class.
In preparation for my Patternmaking and Garment Construction Class, I bought my very first sewing machine - a Bernette 90e. V and I got went to C Sewing Centre and bought it there. They said it normally retailed for AUD799 but they were selling it for AUD499. It looked so easy when the store assistant was demonstrating it but when I got home and tried to use it, I became clueless. I have to call them up and attend one of their classes to be able to use it.=)
I don't know whether it was because I wanted to prove something or because my energy level went up but in the afternoon I had good results in the Life Drawing class. We had F as model again and we had to draw her in her streetwear, evening wear and in a coat (this was for the texture portion).
Only 3 more weeks to go until I get my Certificates for these two classes. Next would be the Patternmaking and Garment Construction Class and the Fashion Design Class.
In preparation for my Patternmaking and Garment Construction Class, I bought my very first sewing machine - a Bernette 90e. V and I got went to C Sewing Centre and bought it there. They said it normally retailed for AUD799 but they were selling it for AUD499. It looked so easy when the store assistant was demonstrating it but when I got home and tried to use it, I became clueless. I have to call them up and attend one of their classes to be able to use it.=)
Saturday, February 2, 2008
4th Folio Done
Submitted my 4th folio yesterday. I think I did alright. I checked out my classmates's works and there are areas where they did well and some they didn't. It's the way it is. You can be good in one aspect and not in another aspect.
Most of us did agree that the final lesson was a bit confusing. We've already done faces, hair, eyes and lips previously so why did we have to do it again. Also, C couldn't even explain how to do the "shadow" category. So, we interpreted it differently and came up with different results.
Had a chat with D on the tram and we both shared the observation that we didn't learn as much as we wanted to learn. We didn't really learn about how to render fabrics, how to translate what we see in photos or in reality into fashion drawings. I also did not appreciate getting handouts of lessons which were obviously from different books. I had expected the school to have a syllabus of its own and for the teachers to show students how to do things properly, not to rely on these handouts. Not that there's anything wrong with photocopying pages off books but those should only be supplements, an alternative on how other people do it, not the main basis of the lesson.
Anyway, I did what I could and I'm proud of some of my works. I say some since the others could do a little more work.
Here are some of my works. I should've just scanned them but it takes too much time. =)
The first drawing is a render of a dress with sequins. The second is of knit. The third is of fur and tweed.
Most of us did agree that the final lesson was a bit confusing. We've already done faces, hair, eyes and lips previously so why did we have to do it again. Also, C couldn't even explain how to do the "shadow" category. So, we interpreted it differently and came up with different results.
Had a chat with D on the tram and we both shared the observation that we didn't learn as much as we wanted to learn. We didn't really learn about how to render fabrics, how to translate what we see in photos or in reality into fashion drawings. I also did not appreciate getting handouts of lessons which were obviously from different books. I had expected the school to have a syllabus of its own and for the teachers to show students how to do things properly, not to rely on these handouts. Not that there's anything wrong with photocopying pages off books but those should only be supplements, an alternative on how other people do it, not the main basis of the lesson.
Anyway, I did what I could and I'm proud of some of my works. I say some since the others could do a little more work.
Here are some of my works. I should've just scanned them but it takes too much time. =)
The first drawing is a render of a dress with sequins. The second is of knit. The third is of fur and tweed.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Looking for a Sewing Machine
So...it has finally come to this. A serious effort in looking for a sewing machine. Since my sewing experience is rudimentary at best, a result of having had someone else do my sewing projects back in grade school, no home ec in high school, and minimal sewing done (mostly darning) over the years, my knowledge of a sewing machine is zilch. Not exactly zilch; I do know how one looks, as well as the new permutations. I just don't know how to use it. My mom used a Singer manual sewing machine eons ago but she never taught me how. (She said I was never interested in anything domestic, thus she had to make do with my brother who was.)
Enough reminiscing, I've been scouring forums and reviews in the hopes that it might help me decide on which brand and model to buy. I initially wanted a Bernette 65 as it was what a dealer recommended for a beginner like me. I watched her demonstrate and it was like a whole new world opened before my eyes. I was so impressed with the way she picked what seam she was going to use, how she adjusted the tension and even how she managed to make a buttonhole in seconds. I wanted to buy that machine there and then but V was reluctant to do so as we haven't done research yet.
Which explains my current dilemma. I have already read dozens of reviews and now I'm torn. Some say since Janome makes the Bernette series to get Janome instead. Then, I also discovered that Janome also makes some of Kenmore machines which makes me wonder if there was this conspiracy among these brands. The upside to this is that the parts are easier to find, I think.
Well...I'll just have to keep looking.
Enough reminiscing, I've been scouring forums and reviews in the hopes that it might help me decide on which brand and model to buy. I initially wanted a Bernette 65 as it was what a dealer recommended for a beginner like me. I watched her demonstrate and it was like a whole new world opened before my eyes. I was so impressed with the way she picked what seam she was going to use, how she adjusted the tension and even how she managed to make a buttonhole in seconds. I wanted to buy that machine there and then but V was reluctant to do so as we haven't done research yet.
Which explains my current dilemma. I have already read dozens of reviews and now I'm torn. Some say since Janome makes the Bernette series to get Janome instead. Then, I also discovered that Janome also makes some of Kenmore machines which makes me wonder if there was this conspiracy among these brands. The upside to this is that the parts are easier to find, I think.
Well...I'll just have to keep looking.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Dynamic Catwalk Pose and Rendering Fabric
Last Friday, we had Brenda again for our instructor which was good. While she was more lenient than C, she was less critical than M. I managed to produce some good drawings. Not perfect, but not bad either.
For the morning class, she brought in a model so we could draw a dynamic catwalk pose. Although the model was on the thin side, she wasn't exactly a model and needed a bit of coaching on how to strike a pose. Her second pose wasn't a catwalk pose though as she did a reclining pose. We had to draw her and render the clothes she was wearing. I was glad that she wore one one of those fitted bodice dress on top and triangular-handkerchief type below (sorry, I haven't learned the language of clothes so I can't really give an accurate description). The dress was red and had swirling white patterns so it really gave a great visual effect. The tricky part was drawing it in ink. I didn't want to use the red ink (I did have red ochre gouache but I didn't want to use gouache)that Brenda provided since I didn't want the red color to overwhelm the drawing. Instead, I used purple. Purple for the dress and black for the outline of the figure.
As usual, using black to outline the figure was tricky. The line tended to become think. I did manage to control a bit of the thickness with the sable bristled brush I just bought that day before I went to class. I must say the brush was much, much better than the brush the school asked us to buy. It was a tad bit more expensive but worked better.
In the afternoon, we had Jfry to model for us. We were supposed to render heavy clothing on the body but since it was 31 degrees outside, he didn't come in wearing thick clothing. He wore a black netting type of shirt which clung to his upper torso. I didn't mind that he had a nice bod. What I didn't like was that it was hell to draw. We were given the option of using charcoal, gouache, ink, and pastel. I chose coloured pencil to give me more control. The outcome was good but I still had to work on how to show the folds and the lines.
I really appreciated the way Brenda allowed us longer periods to draw. I was able to really focus and correct my drawings. While she did make comments occasionally, it was never intrusive and she did apologize. Sure will miss her.
For the morning class, she brought in a model so we could draw a dynamic catwalk pose. Although the model was on the thin side, she wasn't exactly a model and needed a bit of coaching on how to strike a pose. Her second pose wasn't a catwalk pose though as she did a reclining pose. We had to draw her and render the clothes she was wearing. I was glad that she wore one one of those fitted bodice dress on top and triangular-handkerchief type below (sorry, I haven't learned the language of clothes so I can't really give an accurate description). The dress was red and had swirling white patterns so it really gave a great visual effect. The tricky part was drawing it in ink. I didn't want to use the red ink (I did have red ochre gouache but I didn't want to use gouache)that Brenda provided since I didn't want the red color to overwhelm the drawing. Instead, I used purple. Purple for the dress and black for the outline of the figure.
As usual, using black to outline the figure was tricky. The line tended to become think. I did manage to control a bit of the thickness with the sable bristled brush I just bought that day before I went to class. I must say the brush was much, much better than the brush the school asked us to buy. It was a tad bit more expensive but worked better.
In the afternoon, we had Jfry to model for us. We were supposed to render heavy clothing on the body but since it was 31 degrees outside, he didn't come in wearing thick clothing. He wore a black netting type of shirt which clung to his upper torso. I didn't mind that he had a nice bod. What I didn't like was that it was hell to draw. We were given the option of using charcoal, gouache, ink, and pastel. I chose coloured pencil to give me more control. The outcome was good but I still had to work on how to show the folds and the lines.
I really appreciated the way Brenda allowed us longer periods to draw. I was able to really focus and correct my drawings. While she did make comments occasionally, it was never intrusive and she did apologize. Sure will miss her.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Drapes and Folds
On Friday, Brenda was our substitute lecturer since our Fashion Drawing and Life Drawing lecturers were on holiday. At first, I wasn't that happy to have her back as our substitute lecturer since she didn't help me much the last time she substituted. But last Friday, I learned a great deal from her. Since there were only a few students who turned up, she was able to give attention to each student.
She was especially helpful during the Life Drawing class although, probably judging from the seeming lethargic atmosphere inside the room, proposed to cancel the class should the model not show up. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the model turned up albeit late. Before the model's arrival, Brenda asked everyone to do an exercise. She called it "Imagining the ant's journey". First we drew a letter of an alphabet, in this case, a "W" and made it 3-dimensional. Second, we imagined an ant walking up the alphabet. At each turn of the plane, we had to differentiate the shade or colour of the planes. The front plane would be lighter if the light is shining on it, the top would have to be darker than the front, the side would be darker than the top, and the lines at the back or where the planes couldn't be seen would be darkest. The object of the exercise was to make it easier for us to draw the drapes and folds of a fabric since a fold in a fabric would have different shades.
I, and I suppose the rest of the class, thought it was great. I wondered why we weren't taught this exercise beforehand. It would have made the Rendering the Fabric" relatively easier, for me at least since I had a problem looking at light, medium, and dark shades on a fabric. At the end of the session, we were able to achieve a better output, that's my opinion anyway. I was able to make 3 illustrations but I didn't like the first 2. I did feel proud of my number 3 illustration.
My classmate, Summer, didn't have any problem rendering or drawing for that matter. Her folio work was just awesome. She could already be doing professional illustration if she wanted to. I suppose that's the reason why she doesn't really pay attention to the lectures at times. She wouldn't be staying long at MSF though since she'd be going back to Korea by the end of the Feb then possibly going on to Europe.
She was especially helpful during the Life Drawing class although, probably judging from the seeming lethargic atmosphere inside the room, proposed to cancel the class should the model not show up. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the model turned up albeit late. Before the model's arrival, Brenda asked everyone to do an exercise. She called it "Imagining the ant's journey". First we drew a letter of an alphabet, in this case, a "W" and made it 3-dimensional. Second, we imagined an ant walking up the alphabet. At each turn of the plane, we had to differentiate the shade or colour of the planes. The front plane would be lighter if the light is shining on it, the top would have to be darker than the front, the side would be darker than the top, and the lines at the back or where the planes couldn't be seen would be darkest. The object of the exercise was to make it easier for us to draw the drapes and folds of a fabric since a fold in a fabric would have different shades.
I, and I suppose the rest of the class, thought it was great. I wondered why we weren't taught this exercise beforehand. It would have made the Rendering the Fabric" relatively easier, for me at least since I had a problem looking at light, medium, and dark shades on a fabric. At the end of the session, we were able to achieve a better output, that's my opinion anyway. I was able to make 3 illustrations but I didn't like the first 2. I did feel proud of my number 3 illustration.
My classmate, Summer, didn't have any problem rendering or drawing for that matter. Her folio work was just awesome. She could already be doing professional illustration if she wanted to. I suppose that's the reason why she doesn't really pay attention to the lectures at times. She wouldn't be staying long at MSF though since she'd be going back to Korea by the end of the Feb then possibly going on to Europe.
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