Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Prototypes - Round One

So I've determined to start looking into my first round of prototypes. This first batch will be all about testing the fabric. I want to find out which design styles will work with travel-friendly fabrics (mainly merino wool - either pure or with a very small mix; under 10%).

Most of the modern clothing I see that uses those kinds of fabric, bamboo, wool, etc., has a very drape-y, utilitarian feel to it. I want to figure out if that's simply because that is the type of styling they think that consumers will favour, or because they have yet to figure out how to make more structured garments (I feel like this is going to be one of the biggest challenges I will face design-wise).

To be sure, merino wool has such a soft drape (hand) to it, that it does lend itself, stylistically, more readily to those soft, flow-y, boho-hippy, urban looks. However, my idea is to try and inject some structure without loosing any of the fabrics' benefits (i.e. - easy to wear, easy to wash, durable, light and warm).

With that in mind, I have ordered some patterns, and will hopefully be ordering some fabric before the end of the month.  I decided to go with pre-made patterns to start with, in order to eliminate the issues from creating my own patterns, (a skill I have yet to learn) but also the teething problems that come with making a batch of patterns to go with a fabric that I have not sewn with at all.

I am very excited to see how this stage will go - and will definitely be posting updates as I progress through the prototyping.



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