A Project Runway Unconventional Materials Challenge
The First Conversation
Recently,I was approached to teach a creative fifteen year old girl. What do you want me to teach her? The father liked my website, but .wasn’t exactly sure about what he wanted for his daughter. He liked that I had done Mexican folk dance like his family does. I suggested that I teach her a small project like to make a gift bag. Or perhaps how to create a quilt using the fabric layering technique. He mentioned that this girl was working on a dress. I thought maybe she would like to work on that. Most of this communication happened by text.
The response, a resounding YES! He sent photos of the dress that his daughter was currently working on. The teenager had completed a design drawing of a prom dress. The zippered bodice of the dress covered a free standing model of a bust. Small pieces of fabric sewn together created the larger fabric of the dress Small pieces of fabric . The dad asked for feedback and thoughts.
The First Assessment
Compliments for nice colors and good design. Inspiration from Project Runaway and Next in Fashion made me smile. She had brilliantly emulated them. Concerns: fit and comfort. She would need a pattern. I pointed out that a lining would make insure comfort. She would need a pattern. I suggested that she bring her fabric, bodice stand and design when they came.
Making Plans
In preparation for our two hour session, I considered several thoughts. What if they hadn’t already bought a pattern? We would need to get one. Maybe we could go to a local fabric store. Yet, I don’t think that she should go in my car to the store. Surely we would be able to find her design, a strapless bodice with a not too full skirt. We would need to cut out the tissue paper pattern before it could be used? It would be easier to adjust a pattern rather than create one. Just perfect for her own Project Runway Challenge!
She had sewn in a zipper in the bodice. That level of sewing was reassuring; she could sew. I couldn’t tell from the photos what type of fabric she had chosen. I could set up an extra table outside of my studio for extra room if necessary. Remove extra clutter to allow for a bit more space in my small area. All of my forethoughts proved successful.
First Steps
The family of five arrived at my studio. First, we discussed the need for a pattern and lining fabric for the dress. The whole family would go to a local fabric store for those items. While I took my own car, they followed me. Fortunately, I had considered all of these possibilities beforehand.
On the one hand, because the bodice was complete, we were able to get a pattern for an A-line skirt only. Rather than trying to find a complete dress instead. The pattern came with several lengths . The design called for a short length in front and a longer train in the back with the lining showing. Furthermore, the pattern called for beginning sewing skills. In addition, we found a lilac cotton lining. I learned a long time ago that dressing was easier with a long zipper opening. We found a longer matching zipper. Ready we were.
Next Steps
Upon returning to my studio, I put Mom to work cutting out the tissue paper pattern pieces. This was a new experience for her. Above all, she appreciated being involved. Meanwhile, the young designer and I worked to cut out the lining for the completed bodice. Then we measured the bodice for fit and discovered that it needed about 4″ more. Above all, the wearer needs to be able to move comfortably. Next, we added more fabric and a new longer zipper. finally we began to cut the skirt out. Allowing for a generous seam allowance just in case, we laid the bodice on the fabric.
Project Runway Issues to Address
Issue One
Certain issues needed to be addressed. Above all, the teenaged designer is not local. Most importantly, she lived three hours away. For example, a follow up session was unlikely. So the young designer took notes on next steps and important things to remember.
Issue Two
Even though her sewing wasn’t perfect, it was totally acceptable for a beginning highly challenged creator. She had the right idea to finish the curved top edge of the bodice by turning it over. Yet the edges were left off. Ripping out of that work and attaching the bodice lining would solve that problem.
Issue Three
Due to its petite size of the bodice, I suggested that the lining be made of one piece of fabric instead of three; side, front side. We discussed how to sew the three sides and then turn it inside out. The lower edge would have to be trimmed as well. So the plan for the top was completed so that she would know what to do to complete it at home.
Issue Four
Now we turned to the pattern for the skirt . We organized the pattern pieces into groups that we would use.
The pattern came with a wide range of sizes marked on the pattern pieces. We discussed the information on the back of the pattern and how she should use it to determine which size to use. I showed her how she might trim the pattern pieces to the correct size once determined. The pattern proved more expensive than in the past. However, the included instructions were more comprehensive and actually very helpful.
In Conclusion
We were just about at our two hour time limit. Luckily the trip to the store went smoothly. I was able to send them away with a plan to complete the dress on her own. I felt confident that she would be able to do that successfully.
To my thought , the use of fleece as a prom fabric was a bit odd. However, I found out that the young designer had access to a lot of pieces of fleece. So in addition to creating her own design, she was upcycling materials. She accepted a Project Runway challenge!
I can’t wait to see how the Project Runway dress was completed. Furthermore, I expect to see wonderful designs from her in the future.
https://www.bravotv.com/project-runway
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Runway
