Evaluation

Evaluation:

This unit has challenged me in all aspects of costume construction; it has developed my understanding of dancer wear costume construction. I have learnt a lot about my strengths and weaknesses which will enable me to improve my professional aspirations. It important to take extra time on certain areas, this would have improved the finished product.

I have found the workshops really useful; they have advanced my understanding of the technical side of dance wear construction. It has made me recognise why the construction techniques are changed and fundamental rules have broken to improve the flexibility in the dance wear. For example some of the seams are on the outside, and bodices not being lined.

I have enjoyed learning a completely new area of construction. I was apprehensive at first because I was throwing myself into the deep end. I am glad I took on this challenge as the new skills I have learnt will further my development in third year and provide me with an alternative way to flatter the movement of the body.

Good time management skills have really helped with this project. It has been really important to get each weeks workshop completed for following week’s workshop.

Sometimes I find myself setting “To do” lists and giving myself a few spare days in case of anything that may go wrong. This made me rush and sometimes make unnecessary mistakes. I need to trust my ability and not give myself such big le-ways. Extra organising and preparation will help my future progress, such as having one note book for each project. I have found myself jumping from one to another which has caused only problems and confusion on what is in which note book.
I find myself ploughing through my “To do” and not thinking about how steps may have side affects on my next construction. I.E I constructed and attached basic piping for hem and neck, but hadn’t been taught how this bodice was to be done for the client. As the costumes are going to be used next year, we are leaving the side seams for any future alterations. We needed to conceal the binding inside at the side seams.
In future I will make sure I know how the areas of the costume is needed to be constructed before I go ahead, and I ensure this doesn’t happen again by doing extra research from books, internet or tutor.

My research has broadened my knowledge of the various styles ballerina tutu and their origins and also history about classical ballet which will support my knowledge to achieve and further my professional aspirations.

I found the pleating hard to keep consistent, which is really important, I found as I was trying to put more of the net underneath the pleat it ended up looking as if the pleats where on top of each other looking gathered. I will practice on scrap net so I can fully grasp the technique for any future work in the professional environment.

I had patterns for the bodice provided for me so all bodices would be exactly the same, as it was for a client it was important. I had to show that I understood how I would have created a pattern; I really enjoyed drafting my bodice on the stand. Previous lessons had really helped me understand how to manipulate the fabric to my advantage-to get it as a “second skin.” I was really pleased with how my bodice patterns looked. I would have improved them by marking alternative markings in different colours to make it as clear as I could.

Working with a client and producing a group of costumes is difficult as it is so import to keep the costumes exactly the same. A group of 6 with alternative style of working and working in alternative areas, it was difficult to keep the costumes the same; it was important to have good communication skills.

My fitting went really well, I only had to change a few minor sections, for me, it was a conclusion that I had grasped the unit and understood the construction of a ballerina’s costume. I was pleased I adapted my patterns correctly.

I have really enjoyed this brief; it has been challenging and very rewarding. At times it was very difficult as it was an area I had never done before, but that’s to be expected. Working for a client was interesting, and showed what the profession would be like, and for that I have learnt a lot, design, shape, colours all have to be checked with the client. I have learnt a lot about how I work and the faults in what trips me up on creating a strong garment along the way. I will take everything I have learnt form this project into my final year and to help achieve my professional aspirations.