Monday, April 20, 2026

CYRK: Transience in Bloom - Week 12

 This week was a big week! I had my photoshoot with my assigned photography student, Will. Overall, I think everything went very well, and I am so excited to see the final product.

For the all-black outfit, I ended up having to change the top design due to issues with the original velvet I had selected. In the end, I used black silk charmeuse instead and accented it with velvet cap sleeves. Because I was originally fitting this top to the model that was going to wear it at the fashion show, the proportions were really off for my model in the photoshoot. My runway model, Mara, has a shorter torso, while my photoshoot model, Hanna, does not. Because of this, I ended up tapering the shoulder towards the cap sleeve and using black lace trim to connect this gap. Because the neckline is wider now, I was having trouble keeping the top from falling. To counteract this, I used the lace trim again to add a halter/built-in choker to the top to better secure it.

For the gold and ivory outfit, I ended up redrafting and recutting the top. I am much happier with how it looks now. The sleeve has much more movement and is more dramatic than the original design I submitted to the fashion show. I also redid the unfinished edges of the skirt and added an off-the-shoulder strap with hand-sewn appliqués I made on my machine.

The third ensemble is still a work in progress. I still need to add the buttons, buttonholes, and hem the top. I need to completely redo the skirt, as I just quickly basted the pieces together to have all three ensembles put together enough for my photoshoot. I also decided not to make the sheet overskirt I had originally planned to go with the third ensemble. I cut out the pieces, but when I pinned them in place over the box-pleated midi-skirt, it looked very awkward. I think the fabrication I chose for the underskirt, a cotton twill, is creating too much volume for the overskirt to look right. I also decided to make the under pleat of the midi-skirt in a contrasting fabric to add more texture, and I actually like this addition better than the overskirt idea. To incorporate the gold satin-faced silk organza, I still used it for the bow that is tied under the collar.

CYRK: Transience in Bloom - Week 11

 This week was the Student Fashion Alliance show at Ferris State University. I realized I wanted to redo the pattern for the gold top, as I did not like how it was lying on the body. However, I still love the overall silhouette and how the textures and movement of the fabrics I chose came to life on a model. I was also having quite a bit of trouble with the black top, and unfortunately, it did not make it into the show. 

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Red Pink: Week 12

This week was my first experience padding out a dress form. Luckily I had some "Fabulous Fit" padding that I bought with my size eight dress form, and lots of batting scraps on hand from the many quilts I've made. I padded my dress form to my models measurements as carefully as I could, but I had my doubts as to whether or not it would be close enough to make a good fitting garment for her. It's just so much more squishy than a regular dress form!





The top looked really cute on the padded form, but how about on my model?



Not too bad! Some minor adjustments were needed, and the second fitting went really well. Now I'm moving on to stitching this up in the final fabrics.






 

VIER: Week 12

 This week I worked on my third ensemble. Starting with my cone bra, I spent around 12 hours constructing this and working out and pattern flaws. However, I'm so happy with how it turned out. I actually have the cones stuffed with upholstery foam to keep their shape and smooth out the leather shape. 






I also scouted photoshoot locations this week and came up with this house (pictured below) to shoot outside of and possibly inside the lobby. My photoshoot is happening tomorrow in the evening and I'm very excited for it.

Thursday, April 9, 2026

week 13

 Week 13 


This week was full! I did 1 of my 2 capstone photoshoots, made my banner , and started the set up of the senior exhibition where the capstones will be displayed. 


 

Here are some pictures of the shoot taking place! It took much work to get this photoshoot off the ground! I had to coordinate last minute with some friends to model for me since my models either didn't respond or canceled last minute. This was a good lesson on communication and connections. Thanks to the connections I have made, I was able to have my photoshoot!  



Here is my banner that will be displayed by my capstone collection. This banner has my flats, illustrations, mood, and statement. It tells the story behind the collection and the goal. 



Here is my banner printing in the flex lab!




This is the set up for my capstone display and banner ! big thanks to Josy and professor Faulkner for helping me set up! 



week 11

 Week 11 


This week I worked on my 4th ensemble and started planning with my photographer for my capstone photoshoot ! I made a green velvet bodysuit with a back velcro closure. I then made a pair of white scuba knit pants. 



Here I am cutting out my pieces and using anything as a pattern weight! 


This is the beginning of the matching suit jacket. The jacket will be made with princesses seams and will be lined with a light green lining. 


week 10

 Week 10


This week, I finished ensemble 3 and showcased 3 of my capstone ensembles at the ferris fashion show.  



For ensemble 3, I was able to practice my pattern grading and took a size 8 to a 1x.  



Day of the show was a great learning experience in so many ways. From last minute model changes, backstage support, dressing, model coordinating, and hand stitching! I am forever grateful for the fashion show production class I took last year because without the lessons learned from that class I believe the show would've been much more chaotic!