Draping Class

One of the ways to come up with a new design/pattern is by draping. This is a process where fabric is directly placed onto the form. It is then moulded to create the desired look before being marked and taken off the mannequin to create the pattern piece.

We had two classes in this, first we made a basic bodice. I found this really fiddley to do as we worked on smaller half scale models. It took me a while to figure out the pattern pieces and position the darts in the right place.

However I was surprised once I had finished at how easy it makes designing pieces that were more unconventional.

The second class was about taking that idea and creating a form with different uses of shapes. I found myself focusing mainly on squares and rectangles and was shocked at the wide variety of ideas that could come from a seemingly normal shape. It is amazing what you can create once you step out of your comfort zone.

Then I began including the construction words I had chosen (folded and panelled) and playing around with the Art of Draping. I found this hard, as I was not feeling particularly creative at the time. I was worn out but still keen to create. I did come up with a few interesting shapes that have since contributed to my ever growing ideas board.

I went back another day to play around more with draping and see what else I could come up with. in a Group tutorial we had after this session, someone mentioned how my designs looked like they should be more structural, more 3D. I loved the idea of squares and bricks so I decided to include some cubes made out of wire. to bring my designs out more and make them appear 3D instead of flat. this is still the early stages but I also loved the navy velvet fabric I found in contrast to the copper wire. I'd love to include some brighter colours too if possible.