3M Fashion Design Competition

Here are pictures from the 3M fashion competition in aid of the Laura Lynn foundation I came 3rd place in, September, 2010! The dress is made entirely from 3M products including sandpaper, post-its, medical protective covering, bumpons, duct tape etc.

I can't believe its took me this long to put the images up....

Dress Maquette on display in the Hunt Museum, Limerick.

Creation of dress maquette as part of the 'Instruments of Perception' Exhibition and Eva at the Hunt Museum, Limerick.

This piece was inspired by the "Pink Ice' evening gown by Sybil Connolly (HML 018) and a silver-gilt chalice with enamel inserts (NGI 12042). In much the same way as the dress is a vessel for the body, the chalice is a vessel used in sacred rituals including the transubstantiation. The piece engages with the problematic relationship between fashion, the role of women in global industries which support it, and constructs of femininity. By its nature, the maquette hints at potential, the possibility of what may be rather than a definitive; this piece is intended to stimulate the viewer's imagination and provoke an opinion of both the piece and its potential. 21st Century Mantua suggests a layered approach to the observation of these areas through both the fragile and intricate design of the maquette and the multimedia accompaniment accessed through a technological interface. the audio composition uses sounds including an industrial sewing machine, scissors, zips, and applause at a fashion show, suggesting global movement and personal agitation. It was scored for double bass, viola and cello to create a sense of familiarity. "21st Century Mantua merges fashion and music into one clear message: 'What is the human sacrifice of fast fashion when quality will suffice for a lifetime, if not into another generation?" - Aoife Moriarty

Children's patterns from the 1950's

Bless my poor Gran who died three months ago. She was a genius tailor and craftswoman. Here is a small selection of the commercial patterns for children she bought in the 1950's. My first communion coat was made form one of these. I hope those of you who are good at drafting patterns find some inspiration in these!

A Hoody!

Here is another item I made this week. It also took fifteen hours. I used up scraps from the floral skirt to create a piping above the waistband and a border across the hood. Instead of ribbing, which is hard to come by and even more difficult to match up with this colour, I elasticated some green fabric. This created a runched effect for the waistband and cuffs. However, the best part was hammering in the snap fasteners. They're quick and easy to do and look professional and neat on jersey.

The Finished Skirt

It was made from a very small piece of cotton I got as a present. On the front it has a skinny blue satin waistband, side pockets in cut out of same fabric and a vent in the lower third. On the back it has two welt pockets. Its fully lined and has two snap fasteners for an enclosure. Total time taken including design, drawing, pattern drafting and cutting = 15 hours.

Nine Heads

For my first fashion design art class, I was taught the nine heads approach. In normal anatomical drawing, the rule is, a body is eight heads tall. In fashion drawing, a body is nine heads tall. And add 3/4 for the feet and its ten heads. So, next time some one says, 'he/she looked at me as if I had ten heads', you may interpret that they thought you were very tall. Or does the saying go 'two heads'....??


As I'd already started to make my skirt, I decided to concentrate on the design of a shirt. I got my inspiration from a cape style 1950's new look Dior dress. The first design (below left) is adapted from this with a peplum end where the skirt was. I modified this design (see below right) using colour nearest to fabric I already have.

However, the construction of the sleeves would use up too much fabric in the second design so I modified the idea one more time to make the construction easier. The chiffon sleeves are still present, but the upper chest areas is less exposed, making it more suitable for day time wear. I think I'll go with this idea.

The Grafton Academy

Not wanting to cramp my step-daughters style, I decided NOT enroll at the Grafton Academy for a month this Summer. However, after two infuriating days looking for my muse, I decided go for it, providing I was put in a different class.

I did my best to suppress the teacher in me. After one day, diligently listening more then I spoke, I learnt an awful lot from Colin my teacher. We started off with my measurements, drafting a basic block for a pencil skirt, which I altered to my design (quite primitive but I will learn how to draw better). Then I simply cut out the pattern I made myself quite a revelation to a humble dressmaker so long dependent on commercial patterns! Two welt pockets, two side pockets in contrasting material and the rest to be completed on Thursday, 23rd June.

The mission is to use up all the fabric I have lying about the place in bags before I start college this September.

Here is my first page of drawings