CHOOSE YOUR DESIGN AND HAVE A GO...

At the moment I have been working on some trousers designing them and then having a little go at manufacturing them. I had an idea that I wanted a spiral going round one leg and a gathered knee using a striped fabric to relate to unit 8 as I have a trend of prints. I got this idea from drawing on my toile and and then cutting up all the pattern pieces, trace them off and create the new patterns for manufacturing. To identify the design lines I was going to use ruffles but then piping was suggested so I thought it would be a new skill and would look more bold for the seams. I chose a vibrant colour that was in the colour scheme of the fabric to use for the piping but realised I didn't have enough so I had to problem solve and find an alternative. I found piping alright to work with the piping I started with was easier than the other type just because it was on tape that measured 1.5cm seam allowance so I didn't have to measure it out. I also created a waist band and now up tot the stage of hemming but want to do something different so I will do that next time.If I were to create these again I would make sure the piping doesn't cross at the front stopping the piping before it meets and I could have considered flattery to the thighs and used vertical stripes rather than horizontal. Another thing to consider would be following the design lines of the piping down the back leg and maintaining that line through the gathered knee to make it even and fluid.

SLASHED POCKET WITH WELT...

Now for the harder sample, slashed pocket with welt. This was made of multiple stages that can be confusing if you get them in the wrong order. I found this pocket hard to create but it provided the nicest appearance out of them both as it was more discrete and looked rather professional. I am pleased with this sample as all the stitched lines secured the pocket in the right way not facing many problems along the way. I think if I were to design some trousers I would incorporate this pocket technique as it create a nice effect on the trouser.

CREATE YOUR OWN POCKET...

After completing my tasks for the day I got set the challenge to design and create my own pocket in which this case I got futuristic inspiration and fused both geometric shapes with pleating. Still using the same process in which the patch pocket was made I first of all created my pattern and pleated my fabric by pressing the pleats in. Then I sewed down the pleats to secure them and then stitched around both lining and shell using 1.5cm seam allowance, reduced the bulk and bagged out. This then left a gap so I stitched that to hide the opening and attached the pocket shape to a mounted piece of fabric using a 0.5cm allowance leaving an opening for the pocket. So it shows if you put your mind to a shape you can make it work, why not have a go?

LINED PATCH POCKET SAMPLE...

Another sample I finished today was a lined patch pocket which was created by cutting out patterns and sewing it all together keeping in mind it would have to be accurate and very neat. The stages I recorded for doing this technique were:
1. Sew 1.5cm seam allowance leaving a gap about 3cm wide.
2. Reduce bulk leaving top free then bag out and press.
3. Top stitch close to the edge of the pocket starting in a triangle.
If you ever need any help her are some images that might help you out if you ever decide to create your own very lined patch pocket.
I found this technique a good way to start on pockets educating me on the different components that make up a pocket. I feel this turned out well as the stitching was neat and close to the edge and the pocket was neatly displayed and secured on the mounted fabric.