Red Pink: Week 9, Part 2

 This was an uplifting week. Ensemble two is really starting to take shape, but there's still a lot of work to be done. Final fittings happened today, and there are still a few corrections to be made to the pattern. Then it will all be cut out and assembled for the fashion show at the end of next week, and for the photo collab later in the semester. More on that later.

For now, I made some changes to the design that resulted in yet more pattern making. At the follow-up fitting during spring break, I decided I didn't like the look in the front. It was a little lackluster, so I added a vertical style line on both sides of the bib leading in to the curves of the two front pockets for a slimming and elongated effect. The added style lines also serve the dual purpose of mimicking the curved style lines of ensemble one to make the overall collection more cohesive. 

The new style lines were drawn directly on the garment as my model was wearing it, ensuring good pocket placement. They were then copied onto the bib and pant block patterns.

At this stage I also drew the seam lines for the gathered side insert onto the front and back pant block and copied each pattern piece from the block, including the front pocket bags and lining. 

The two front darts were eliminated by slashing and closing towards the pocket opening. 

This resulted in a raised section of the waist, so that wedge was trimmed away. The pocket opening then aligns with a notch on the pocket bag to serve as a hidden dart.

I had decided that the snap opening would also follow the new style line on the front left side. The left front strap and left side piece were merged into one pattern piece to include enough width for the snap placket. I tested the shape by taping the dart closed on the front bib and laying the strap/side/snap placket piece over it.

At some point during the pattern making process, I realized the snap opening on the pants would need to follow the pocket opening on the left. It was a little complicated figuring that out. The solution was a stand alone pocket attached to the waist on the left side of the bib with a snap placket that would align with another snap placket on the front pant and bib style line following the same curve.

I have two models for this ensemble. One will walk the runway in tartan green and "Strawberry Thief" print, and the other will pose for photos in striated denim and plaid. This was a recent change. Both models have very different builds so I am making this look twice. I want them both to feel their best in a well fitting garment. After all, looking good starts with feeling good, which is part of the Red Pink mission. With the first overall prototype completed for one of my models for this look, I took everything I learned from the process and applied it to the pattern blocks for my second model, also making alterations from the first fitting along the way.

We finally made it to final fittings today, and a few more tweaks need to be made. This look is getting cut out and sewn in final fabrics this weekend. Whew! Almost there.