Friday 16 December 2011

Student Rep Responsibilities

So my role as student rep was put to the test this week my first meeting, held in the fashion and textile office with all tutors technicians library staff and a rep from each year. A new discovery about myself surfaced during this process, it is my job to pass on good and bad things that surface during the first semester. So this is what i tried to do i'm pretty good at the complimentary stuff i am a half full kinda girl always focusing on the good, but this job is about the bad as well so i have to pass on the groups frustrations. I couldn't explain myself well enough and felt really bad about the negatives even though these weren't personal. What!!! whats wrong with me it played on my mind so much i couldn't sleep that night. So next time if they let me in again i will read from a script to make sure i get the point across clearly without being a bumbling fool.

Christmas is coming the goose is getting fat

Or should I say my final major project is coming and the workload is getting fat..................................
Edeline Lee S/S 2012
Love this collection styling (great hair) photography, prints, construction, gorgeous is this something i could achieve i want to achieve. The idea is to focus on finishing Indigo, once i start on my FMP i won't be able to go back. So write the list work through it knowing that when i get to the end i can start on the really exciting stuff but in the mean time focus focus focus. At the moment though the list feels enormous, my mantra must be 'less haste more speed'.

Digital Prints for Indigo

So here is a taster of my idea for Indigo Paris Trade show, also prints for my 12 piece collection, taking inspiration from the Vorticist's, Art Deco and Marimekko florals. Spring Summer collections for 2012 that have also inspired this collection comes from...........................................

 
MARNI
KENZO
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Marni for its unusual colour combination and the simple floral print. Kenzo for its geometric all over repeats and Dries Van Noten for the way in which he has sliced up his prints to make interesting construction shapes all these items have influenced my own collection.




Sunday 4 December 2011

Dissertation Draft Hand in

So after what feels like an epic research and writing project I handed in my draft i was glad it was handed in but still realised the amount of work i still needed to do. I have not only given it to Gill to read but also Max my husband and my Mum they both enjoyed it but the layout the repetition were the things that they both said my mum is so motivated and was desperate to give me her feedback today. O.K. i thought i'm so glad she read it but was i ready to look at it so soon after hand in but yes i was, she was brutal but that is what i need i want to improve, on the years past. Grammar grammar not my strong point but she helped so much, i was really into it i fell back in love with my subject suddenly there is no dread of completing this task the biggest academic essay i have ever written. Obviously for me the creative process is my strength the thing i adore the most but i am really enjoying the dissertation process, it does help that i love the subject i'm writing about though. Be great to hand it in completed and happy with it.

Designing a Fashion Collection

So my plan for my designs for a twelve outfit collection was to put in every print idea into each outfit as I have a final of twelve print ideas and twelve outfits i have managed to produce 144 different prints into the twelve outfits. Even though they are the same prints i have changed the scale of each print and as each print has three different print ideas in one this gave me so many options. The purpose of this was to produce the best possible collection and to show as many different options. This really matters to me as i need to show how each garment would work with every print to give myself the best possible chance of achieving a refined cohesive fashion collection. This process has been very beneficial and will help with the development of my final major project. It has challenged me and this is the type of thing that keeps me motivated at this crucial stage of my learning. I am getting really excited about next year and anything i can do to improve the processes i need to achieve my ultimate goal are paramount.

Collecting Sky

To show us some variety Jem put Sky's brother in the cage for us to look at as a kind of comparison. Well we saw him and he was so unusual white but with pale grey markings a yellow beak and the blue bit on his nose a beautiful colour story. Well we wanted him as well Jem looked worried he obviously had a soft spot for this bird and there was a moment of hesitation, I completely understood he was so beautiful, but then you could see his brain working well i don't breed this type for shows so well ok you can take him. This was great news Sky would have his brother with him and they would have company we named him Cloud. Now we have these two beautiful budgies hanging in their cage in perfect view of everyone Ruby and I couldn't be more happy we will give them a great home and they are so loved already.

Budgie Fair


 
My daughter is about to turn ten, so we were chatting about what she would like for her birthday, a few weeks previous i had been telling her about our pet budgies when i was a child she was fascinated, and decided she would like a budgie for her birthday.  Nanny wanted to buy the budgie for her and became budgie detective, looking for a breeder over the internet to see if she could find a baby. She came across a few but most babies wouldn't be ready till early next year not great when the birthday is in a few weeks. Through her investigation and chatting to some of the breeders she discovered a show in Stanway Village Hall, the perfect place to introduce Ruby to these feathered beauties. So off we went it was a small affair but a great collection of all types of birds, I fell in love with budgies all over again as did Nanny we found ourselves wondering around with big smiles on our faces cooing and talking to the birds as if they were babies how daft but how exciting. Ruby was a bit overwhelmed but found herself attached to a turquoise spangle budgie, we got chatting to one of the breeders Jem a lovely friendly man, he was telling us that he would have babies available around Jan, Feb time, ok we thought we can wait but then he said pointing to the turquoise spangle if you want one now you can have that one, well Ruby's face lit up this couldn't have been more perfect. We arranged to visit him at home to collect our new budgie. We all were very excited, what did we need a cage to start and all the other bits but really we couldn't wait to collect our bird.

Monday 14 November 2011

My Photoshop Addiction

                                                              A Print based on hydrangeas
I purchased photoshop during the summer and since I have been back to college I find myself creating new pattern ideas for print I can't stop it has become an addiction. It is so fulfilling instant gratification especially if I like it. I think this may be half the reason for my addiction I always feel I could do better. It is there at my fingerprints, it is also one of the things I find easy to do at home with all the distractions that brings if I'm sitting at the computer my children seem to leave me to it for a while. I'm prolific. The biggest down side is that its costing my husband a small fortune in print cartridges.

Fashion illustrator

                                                                      Cassandra Rhodin
Fashion illustrator Cassandra Rhodin is my new found favourite illustrator her drawings have elements of Julie Verhoeven's fashion illustrations and graffiti artists Miss Van, fafi and EGR. As I am trying to create my own 12 piece collection I am always on the hunt for my muse to show off the look in the style I would like the collection to be seen. Her illustrations have inspired me to try and create my own version of this look for my portfolio.

Dissertation Part 2

Group discussion at the minories. I arrived to an environment I'm not just not used to. It was a room full of the people I have heard speak over the last two years delivering lectures. Even though I recognise them I am unfamiliar with their style of teaching. I am however very used to Gill Morgan phew a familiar face. I felt suddenly unprepared and unsure of my own dissertation subject something I have been working on now for at least 3 months. I was with some of my fellow class mates but also a collection of other students from different art back grounds. So we sat around a table with the words, don't worry, this should just be really beneficial and we can possibly point you in the right direction or check you are going in the right direction.
 Ok I thought good we each had to read out the title and chapter ideas, o yes very easy but when I spoke a whole load of rubbish left my mouth and I didn't even say the words to really get to my point. I was hoping for some questions but none came my way I felt my subject was boring and who really cares what I'm writing about except me. I felt myself drift off, all I know is that if the tutors liked your ideas you were laughing im-put a plenty for those lucky ones. So I sat there waiting for the time to evaporate then right at the end the question came to the whole group now does anyone feel they haven't been spoken to, well yes my hand should of gone up but no it stayed firmly into my lap. Disappointed with the whole thing I just wanted to leave. This I did, wondering what was the point.  

Monday 31 October 2011

Self Discovery

So why is it that a week off leaves me feeling relaxed about the tasks ahead but as soon as monday morning comes after said week I feel unsure of all my decisions. It's not through lack of work as I feel I have put in a lot of hours it is this feeling that I am still on the right path. This journey I am on is a roller coaster of emotions. My biggest distraction and responsibility is to my children I love spending time with them they make my life a complete joy but I am determined to do my absolute best in my final year. 
Life is inspiring and everywhere there is something to grab my attention it's not always in the obvious places like museums, exhibitions and trips to the city. Sometimes my best ideas come to me in the middle of the night by something I have seen in my day to day life with my children and then it processes in the night hours. All I need is my notebook and pen by my bed and I can empty my ideas to make room for more. So back I go today I'm revving up my engines fully charged to fulfil my expectations.

Tuesday 25 October 2011

Working into my Sketchbook

Starting out, all my research is so important for the beginning of a collection. Everything has to come from somewhere, luckily I feel I have plenty and am able to start drawing. Even though this process is totally enjoyable I can't wait until it all starts making sense. I'm using graph paper to show a more graphic repeat and more painterly patterns to give a looser feel setting these next to each other to try and create something new.
Graph paper to achieve a graphic repeat.
Using different objects to create an effective pattern.


Dissertation

One of the projects this year is to write 6,000 words in a dissertation. My subject seemed  quite easy to choose because of the current story that has unfolded concerning John Galliano. I always look forward to the Dior collections because of the talent of Galliano, but now he has left the business after being disgraced in a Paris bar. This is my starting point but what is my title?

Monday 24 October 2011

Dries Van Noten Love love love



Love this collection from Dries Van Noten S/S 2012 inspiring my collection wish I had made it.


Starting Back 3rd Year

Well I'm back into it, work work work. Its all about my ideas which is great. Taking all the things I've learnt in the last 4 years. My inspirations are vorticists, bauhaus, and a bit of art deco so far, but this could increase. This picture is of Edward Wadsworth, Yorkshire Village 1914. These pictures are inspiring my print ideas and also construction shapes.


Thursday 15 September 2011

Jimmys Farm Harvest Festival

                      Ahhhh Piglets and mating butterflies all sights at Jimmy's Farm
 
Sitting out the rain

PARTY TIME


The Harvest Festival at Jimmy's Farm was a great day out for family and friends the most enormous amount of food you could possibly choose from great farmy things to do for the children and good music to bop along to, we were thoroughly full, played out and danced out. The small shower didn't dampen our spirits.               

Saturday 3 September 2011

Tommy Nutter at the FTM

Tommy Nutter the man that changed the way men dressed, working on Saville Row in the 1960s
This is the first suits of the exhibition, I love the look and style of this red velvet suit. Some of the elements of the Nutter Look would include wide notched lapels, sharp shoulders and full trousers reminiscent of 'oxford bags'. Other trademarks would include trimmed lapels and pockets in matching satin or a contrasting colour. This would highlight the details, patch pockets were a feature but in a alternate fabric. He would reference the suits from the silver screen in the 1930s.
This gorgeous three piece suit. This is a small insight into the skills of Tommy Nutter and the history of Saville Row a tailoring institution which holds the secrets to fantastic skills in which the most amazing suits are made. The Fashion and Textile Museum is always a pleasure to visit even with children there are even things for them to do, great holiday visit.

Friday 2 September 2011

Toulouse-Lautrec and Jane Avril

Toulouse-Lautrec dressed up in Jane Avril's hat and boa around 1892, what a look, this is a huge photograph in the exhibition at the Courtauld Gallery in Somerset House. It's a private anonymous collection, it is beautiful and fascinating, showing the importance of Lautrec's muse which influenced his artwork.
Photograph of Jane Avril, around 1890
This image was one of my favourites, Jane Avril at the Moulin Rouge, around 1893. She was one of the star dancers and was known for her alluring style and exotic personality. She was a close friend of Lautrec and he painted her a number of times not only at the Moulin Rouge but also he paints her off the stage to give more of a peek into her private life.
She is recognisable by her angular features and red hair in this painting

Sunday 28 August 2011

Countdown to the beginning of the 3rd Year

Preparing for the final year of my late education in Fashion and Textiles. The anticipation is enormous and even though I can't wait, I'm also feeling a bit nervous this is it, the year I can show all the things I have learnt. I'm hoping for the best but I'm also worried that I won't live up to my own expectations, but hey I'm going to give it my best shot.

Friday 26 August 2011

Aldeburgh 2011 'Movie Time' Carnival

Our float 'Its Grease Lightening' Created by The Woods family; Construction Rob Woods, Art Director Lorna Woods, Stylist Becky Alexander, Hair Becky Alexander, Machinest  Becky Alexander, The Beef Max Alexander, Cast and crew, Louis Alexander, Ruby Alexander, Max Woods, Tashi Woods, Ben Slaven, Charlie Slaven, Issy Myers, Flossie Myers, Lily Myers, Henry Myers, Kath Slaven, Marianna, Max Alexander, Lorna Woods, Rob Woods, Becky Alexander, Rob Myers. We had a blast.
Its 'The Girls' Sandy, Frenchie and the Pink Ladies.
All danced out some of the cast and crew with our Third Place certificate, not bad for our first attempt
Trying to catch the magic of the lantern parade through Aldeburgh High Street it is so magical.
Then the finale of the whole day the paper lanterns and an enormous firework display on the beach, it is so special a highlight of the summer.

Wednesday 10 August 2011

Jalon Valley Spain

Surrounded by grape vines and enormous mountains the view right outside the villa we stayed in for our family summer holiday. It was just scorching, would I go back no, but it served the purpose a complete switch off and my kiddos thought it was fantastic that's all that matters to me.

Thursday 28 July 2011

Testing My New Pattern Cutting Skills



The shape and style of these trousers which are fab are really going to test my pattern cutting skills. They include lots of small pieces which will test my sewing skills, fly front and concealed zips at the ankles, a waistband and a long fitted shape. This will test my tailoring skills to make a perfect fit.

Tuesday 26 July 2011

Pattern Cutting School

Watch out for my new skills in pattern cutting. Summer school at Colchester School of Art.

Wednesday 20 July 2011

Celebrating the Stories Behind Italian Fashion

This exhibition made me fall in love with Italian designers even more than I do already. Put together by Colin Mcdowell who loves all things Italian. The selection of photography was a history of beautiful imagery created by these truly passionate fashion houses. As usual photography was not allowed but the program provided on entry shows every image used and all the text that came with it. With each designer came a film of there A/W 2011/12 collections, this was a great way to see these runway shows, I could have had a front row seat at each enabling me to catch all the detail fronts and backs and how these garments moved on the body. A real sneek peek into how these shows are put together and the venues in which they are held. I got a lot from this exhibition and would highly recommend a visit. It is only on until the 14th August so make sure you don't miss it.

Masters of Style Exhibition at Somerset House

 Missoni Fall 2011, I feel in love with this collection the colours were fantastic the textures and the style.
 Prada Fall 2011, I need these boots in my life they are just genius.
 The styling was amazing on this runway show with the furry swimhats and googlely eyewear fits well with the aquatic theme.
 This collection was massive, I can't help but love everything Prada does it always really inspires me.

Monday 18 July 2011

Print

Loving zigzags

Will Crisp's Print School

Print school, this was a great opportunity to learn new skills to create more accomplished print ideas. My main objective was to learn how to give my pattern depth, especially when designing a floral. It was great to achieve, but sitting in front of a screen for all those hours really was a challenge. This is all good preparation for my return to college as I will be designing print ideas for Indigo. Hopefully this will course will make my prints more credible and possibly could produce a sale. You never know!!!

Saturday 16 July 2011

Colchester School of Art Fashion Show

This collection was my absolute favourite, love the use of colour and different textures with the use of Vanners Silk Mill fabric and silk screen digital prints.

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