3rd April 2009

Today I went to John Lewis with Rebecca to get some bits and bobs, she then showed me where Pikes was in the market where they get some of their trimmings, fastenings etc. I then had to push fabric over some buttons for a waistcoat, this was so hard getting the fabric to stay over the button, tuck under and hook onto the sharp hooks, my fingers were very sore!
Then the models turned up and I helped dress some of them in corsets, this was fun!
Later I started to hand sew some tassels and frills on a bra for Cherry, Cherry is a customer, she is a burlesque dancer, Eternal Spirits make a lot of her costumes.
At the end of the day I mopped the boutique floor with Rebecca, long, long day!

2nd April 2009

For a fitting tomorrow with some models who were going to be wearing corsets to an event I had to learn how to lace up a corset properly, I enjoyed this and found it interesting how the corset changes and improves the shape of the body.
I then with the help of Rebecca had to make up a textile piece that was a picture of a corset, this is to go in mini wardrobe doors for the furniture shop owned by Susi's friend. I enjoyed this and the end result looked lovely.
I then cut out and overlocked around 4 big panels of fabric to go behind the jewellery cabinets to cover what was on the wall behind. I then obseverd Simon pattern cut and cut some myself.

1st April 2009

Did aloooooot of jobs today, first when I arrived I carried on putting eyelets in the wardrobe door panels, this was a pain as the fabric was so thin the eyelets kept getting stuck on the machine. I then had to lace up the panels, sounds easy enough but it was a lot of ribbon and it kept twisting..grr! I had to get these panels done so didn't go to the photo shoot but was assured there would be other photo shoots while I was there. I was sent to John Lewis to get some boning, laced up some corsets that had come back from a shoot, searched for Paisley prints online and learnt how to package items for delivery. Busy busy day!

31st March 2009

Today at Eternal Spirits I met two more of the people that work there: Simon who is very nice and helped me a lot and also Sarah who was a student on my course. I started my sorting more tubs of fabric and organising them, Susi seemed grateful for this. I then was given the task of helping Rebecca who is second in charge with making a textile piece prototype for a wardrobe door, this was for a friend of the company who owns a furniture store. I had to cut out fabric, mark where eyelets go and iron on fusing tape.

I'm finding it a very friendly fun place to work, the atmosphere is relaxed but there is always something to do. I am enjoying it so far and have a photo shoot to help with tomorrow which should be a good experience!

Work Experience at Eternal Spirits 30/03/09

Today I started my five week placement at corsetry and bridal boutique Eternal Spirits. Here they design, make and sell corsets, bridal wear and underwear. Eternal Spirits not only sell to individual customers they also sell to other stores and have made garments for celebrities such as Britney, the Saturdays and Girls Alloud.

I met most of the staff today including Susi the owner of the company, everyone is very friendly and made me feel welcome they also answed any questions I had. Jobs I was given today were sorting through boxes of fabrics and organising them, organising past customers' files and delivering parcels to the post office.

I'm looking forward to helping with a photoshoot on Wednesday and a model fitting on Friday!

Nearly there!

Well I have just about finished all my work just got my 1000 word critical review to write. Overall I think I have worked well this term despite the fact I am not confident using CAD, I kept having problems with sewing machines and my computer kept acting up I have managed to complete everything. I am pleased with my marketing campaign the photos are gorgeous, my outfit was a success on the clothes show catwalk and I have learnt more about CAD and stretch fabrics. Oh and I also have some work experience lined up in Easter at Eternal Spirits! next term though I am going to improve the quality of my work as I don't think it looks as good as it could this term as I am still learning new things!
Bring on Christmas!

My directed projects in fashion outfit on the university catwalk at the Clothes Show