Lettie sews...: Project Runway and Draping...

Last fall, I got a wild hair and decided to sign up for some fashion design classes. I figured that I would get some much needed time with adults, as well as learn a few new tricks! Unfortunately for me, I signed up a little late and all of the fashion classes were full, ugh! So, I emailed the department head and she was able to sign off a few pre-requisites for me and I was enrolled in the draping class! It was such a fun class, and I learned so much. I loved seeing how the drape transformed itself into a hard pattern, and seeing it completed in fashion fabric, it was magical! The very first class, we jumped right into making our very first dress, a basic sloper.

Over the course of the semester we made several dresses, but I would have to say the funnest (yes, in my world that's a word!) thing we did was part of our final. We were given a Project Runway style challenge and had one class in which to complete the assignment. We had to make a garment using non-conventional materials, no fabric. So, I went to a party store and bought a bunch of paper doilies. Once I had those I knew I had to make a party dress!

I made a basic a-line skirt out of muslin and sewed the doiles on in tiered layers. The bodice is just a basic strapless top with a band at the top. The band and belt are both made using party streamers. I am really happy with how it came out, and I would totally wear it if it wasn't paper!

The second part of our final was just to finish our last drape in fashion fabric. I chose a large scale black and white gingham and lined it with a raspberry pink. I really like the way it came out, except that I didnt really take the time to match my plaids (grrr!) and it really detracts from the overall look. BUT it fits my dressform like a glove!!!! And since that's really all that matters...I'm gonna let the fact that my plaids don't match go!