New ideas out of recycled things
When I was given the task of making something out of
up-cycled, or recycled materials, I was a bit unsure at first. This was the
first time I'd ever thought about making a dress, let alone attempting to make
one out of up-cycled clothes. They say there is a first time for everything and
I have a feeling this will become normal by the end of this course.
We were asked to do some research on the subject; mostly to
get ideas; see what other designers have done; and look at what materials they
used. I found some very interesting pieces; a bag made out of a jacket, dresses
made from paper and black bin bags, and a lamp of plastic bottle ends. All
interesting, but nothing really grabbed me. Then I saw a long colourful coat
made out of lots of different jumpers. The multi-coloured patch work effect
worked wonders and I thought at the time how I would love to make something out
of a jumper like that.
I went back and found among the many clothing items on the
table, a light green polo neck jumper. I thought about what could make it into,
and how could I do it? The first thing that came to mind was a dress. I could
easily turn the extra fabric on the neck into a bodice. In my mind I'd already
started to cut and arrange the pieces of the jumper. I quickly began to draw my
design.
I started with the sleeves, cutting them off and using them
for a halter neck. I cut the trim off the bottom of the jumper and placed it around
the waist so that it could be more defined. I took what was left of the trim
and placed it running down the front of the dress. I then took the buttons from
the sleeves and placed them on the front of the bodice for detail, and also so
you can remove the dress.
With that the day was done and I took the jumper home to
work out some details. I saw that the sleeves were at just the right height for
pockets. I could cut and sew them up and I'd have two lovely pockets on my
dress. Sadly, while I was doing that, I noticed a hole in the jumper. It was
only small, but how could I fix it? The knitted fabric was fraying and sewing
it would be difficult. I suddenly realised I might not be able to make my dress
after all.
It was back to the drawing board ... literally.
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