Pattern cutting and flat drawings of my steam punk shirt design.

My steampunk shirt design.

At this stage I had already came up with several design ideas that could be used and developed them until I was satisfied with the end product. One of the things I decided early on in this project was to keep the overall construction simple as I have not had much experience in patter cutting and using industrial sewing machines, by keeping it simple I would be able to complete the garment while learning techniques I could use with in other projects (dart manipulating, controlling the machines etc.).

During pattern cutting one of the things I found difficult was the sleeves not knowing how to draw them out so that i would be able to be constructed them, however after trial and error I was able to come up with what seemed to be a working pattern. Another thing that I found frustrating was the notches as I would forget to put them on each stage of my development and would have to go back to the basic patter and figure out where they needed to be (this is something I will have to improve on). I did struggle with some of the patter but over time I came up with a final patter that would work.

The Discovery Museum

http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/discovery/

To get a better idea of how clothes were constructed in the time period that Steampunk is set in I visited the discovery museum, by doing this i saw historical garments and also machinery.  One of the things I was most inspired by was the use of copper in the mechanics and the warm rich colours used in the garments.  

Here are some of my own photos of the things that gave me inspiration with in the museum. 

I think the use of the wood on the model gives an interesting texture and could be shown though fabric by using pin tucks.

I like the tight construction of the sleeves on the bodice of this dress and also the point around the base of the bodice.

Clock cogs.

Copper and gold.

Vogue

I love the complete look of all these photos it shows a complete link between each one, i hope to be able to use such a strong connection through my own work.

I find it quite interesting how you can find one image that can inspire you even one as simple as this this classic 70's inspired look conveys the summer trend with a modern twist.