Evaluation of Garments

Box Top

 

I think the box top was quite challenging, especially creating the top pattern on Gerber. I thought Gerber was a good way of achieving a very accurate pattern, so that the lines matched up. I enjoyed making this pattern and developing it in a different format. I think the main bodice was produced well, matching my vision and designs that I had previously done for this garment. However, the sleeves were the biggest challenge I had, they didn't come out like I'd hope and imagined. The sleeves were slightly too bulky at the back seam so its slightly ruined the clean seam and its appearance; I think a lighter weight interlining would work better. The shape of the sleeves look a little bit flatter, not as much volume as I'd hope so I think more fabric needed to be within the top of the sleeve, which could give more movement for the wearer. To make it easier for the consumer, the top could do with a zip at the back neck to help ease the garment on. Even though the sleeves haven't come out perfect, I enjoyed the process and think they look unique with the garment. The construction and finish of the bias binding needs to be adjusted, s that the finish is a lot neater and cleaner.

 

 

Dress

 

The main dress section worked out quite well; the main body fitted the wearer and was easy to get into with the long zip opening. The chest piece was easy to wear, giving enough space to fit the head through. The chest piece fit the model better than it fitted the mannequin that the pieces were modelled onto. The pattern pieces need changing slightly at the cap sleeve and at the shoulder pieces so that the sleeve falls on the body better, and give more movement. The straps work quite well because they are adjustable, but due to lack of resources, clear straps would be used so that it wouldn't ruin the chest piece feature. The zip would also have a facing, making it more comfortable for the wearer, avoiding abrasion. The dress looks a lot better shape with a belt, making it a more flattering style; I think a belt with hoops on the dress would ruin its appearance, but a matching belt could be used to solve the problem. I think the dress is also too big at the underarms, it needs to be tapered in a couple of cm and curved in so that its a more flattering style to the body. The fullness at the left hand seam needs to be removed from the pattern pieces, so that the zip can be inserted correctly, with less fabric to deal with, so the fabric isn't bulking and creasing, creating a cleaner finish. I think the appearance of the dress would look better if the lining was not as heavy, using a finer lightweight fabric and the outer fabric being a silk/polyester to create a soft look. The dress would also look better if the welded chiffon was sewn into the chest piece; the pattern needs to be further developed, adding the seams in the chest piece for the chosen sampling.  Even though I originally thought the chest piece could be bagged out, testing out the construction made me realise that it would create such a nice finish on the bottom edge. I therefore think that this piece would either be overlocked round the edge using a mini overlocker, or be cut out using the laser cutter so that the edge is sealed and can just be top stitched very close. The chest piece would also be lined with a finer lightweight fabric, which would avoid the bulk.