Final Evaluation
This project has challenged me more than I initially thought it would. It took me several attempts to drape the skirt and this was something I was not anticipating. I found that I am more confident when it comes to draping because I had to do this so many times. Initially, I created a toile and then tried to transfer the shape onto the top fabric. This didn’t work as I had planned, however, meaning I had to drape the skirt in my top fabric anyway. With hindsight, I will probably just go straight into top fabric next time as I am confident that I would be able to get a more accurate drape. I have learnt that certain techniques don’t work for everyone but I am glad that I created a toile and attempted to transfer the pattern onto my top fabric because I now know that this is not the most time efficient method for me. However, I do think that the drape of my skirt is a particular strength because the shape is good and the pleats are deep enough so that the fabric hangs well.
Working to the National Theatre’s standards has also been a new experience; creating a garment to a high standard whilst also thinking about how it can be altered easily has been a challenge because it affects how processes have to be undergone. I needed to consider any alterations when designing the decoration, for example. I decided to insert a tuck behind the decoration that could be let out if alteration was needed. This meant that the decoration would stay in the same place on the skirt and was more effective than if I were to have just added a 4-inch hem. Decisions like this are not something I have had to consider before because I have never created something that could be easily adaptable. This has definitely been beneficial to my development because I will now take these considerations with me on further projects.
Working with the National Theatre because has allowed me to experience what it is like working with what you’re given. I have learnt to be sparing with fabric and it has proved very challenging. I had many problems with the fabric I was given, especially the amount it frays. However, I feel as though I have developed my independent skills through using a challenging fabric because I have had to problem solve. Although I am not totally pleased with the final finishings of my skirt, I feel as though I used the best technique I could considering the problems I faced and the time frame. The time constraints caused an issue for me, especially because I fell slightly behind after I had to re-drape several times. I think I coped well but I also need to improve my time management skills further.
Overall, I am pleased with my final garments. I feel as though I learnt a lot from working with a partner when creating the bodice. Working as a team is definitely a skill I plan to develop further, because it is very likely that I will be doing this in the future. I think we were a good partnership and completed the bodice to a good standard. This project has furthered my skills as a costume interpreter because I have had to work to requirements specified by a potential employer with time constraints whilst overcoming challenges along the way.









