Bradford class homework November 21, 2019

So I'm not sure why but the time FLIES by in Bradford!  It seems that we get to class and 5 minutes later we have to leave!  This class covers a lot of material during the 5 minutes we are there LOL! 
Today they tried on their mock ups that fit all of them very well, it was a very quick critique, there were some very minor adjustments with the mock ups if any at all.  These ladies really grasped the concept of fitting the body, taking the cues from the measurements they created Empire cut dresses that fit their models very well indeed! 

Continuing in the vein of different measurements, they once again switched measurements so that they would have a whole new set to draft an asymmetrical top with one shoulder.  The students managed to draft the whole thing in class during the last hour.  Asymmetry really tests the brain's ability to recognize and work with mirror images, basically the front has to be drafted as though it is in a mirror, with the left side of the garment on the right side of the drafter!  The back is a bit more straightforward as it sits on the table the way it would be on the body.  So the first thing I tell the class is to mark the left and right sides right away on the master pattern on both the front and the back drafts!  Also the pattern is drafted on the whole front and the whole back, allowing the pattern maker to treat each side differently.  Asymmetry can create the most interesting garments as long as there is a balance and not over-designed. 

I'm sure the mock ups will fit as well as the Empire cut ones did!  For next week we will be working on the cowl neck bodice, it's the second last class for this semester already!
Homework is to:

• cut and sew a mock up for the pattern drafted in class to fit the models
  • the front is in 3 pieces
  • the back is 1 piece
  • opening is on the right side  
• draft the asymmetrical pattern on page 77 using personal measurements
  
• Create a pattern for the Empire cut with darts if you did princess seams; and princess seams if you did darts using personal measurements. 
• Trace the pattern pieces and bring them to class properly labeled to show how they are to be sewn.   

For the next class students will do the cowl neck pattern for wovens
The choices for the last class on December 19, 2019 are as follows:

• Draft something from the book
• Draft something entirely different not in the book
• Learn some sewing techniques such as; how to make spaghetti straps; welt pockets; how to sew the front point properly or other techniques they would be interested in

Please make your selection and we will decide in class which one will be the focus of the last class. 

Start narrowing down a choice for the final exam for this semester, as was stated in the syllabus, there is a graded garment that will be completed over the winter break to be handed in the first day of the spring semester.  This garment is to be chosen from one of the patterns that were covered this semester, finished and graded, subject to approval.