In this post I’ll be tying up the loose, mainly administrative, ends for Module 2.
Evaluation: First, my evaluation of ‘the functional 3D embroidered item’.
The completed assessment piece is a decorative collar based on the design topic of a sloughed snakeskin see fig 2.19.1. I am really pleased with the conclusion of this piece, which I have called ‘second skin’, as I feel I have interpreted the design topic in an interesting way to produce a wearable, yet dramatic, collar that captures the essence of a shed snakeskin. The item works well as a collar because it fits around the neck and fastens at the front. The upper section is lined for comfort and has contrasting points which curl over and frame the face. The lower section is unlined which reduces the bulk and allows for better drape. The collar could be worn as a scarf by leaving the fastenings loose. The colours, shades of blue/indigo and white, are less harsh than black and white and, in my opinion, look better with my paler complexion.
Fig 2.19.2 summarises the design process for ‘second skin’. If I were to design this item again I might explore more unusual representations of animal skins/markings as well as realistic photographs. Time permitting, I would explore seam insertion techniques which gave an appearance of the pieces being about to disintegrate. If I were making this item again I would choose a simpler shape to speed up the pattern drafting stage, make a two-layered toile using fabrics of a similar weight and drape to the finished garment, and sample the fastening methods full-sized and fastening the two layers.
Costs: The Costs page shows expenditure of £87.90 for Module 2. Many of my art materials are inherited or gifted by family so in some cases costs are estimated. Likewise, I am fairly frugal with fabrics, recycling and re-using from my stash where possible. Frequently, I get cotton, and sometimes silk, threads from a local charity shop, always checking their strength before buying. Our independent stitch group sales table is another good source of fabrics, threads, equipment and books. Inevitably staples, e.g. calico, need to be purchased as did some black and white fat quarters. I should like to move closer to zero-waste production, without compromising process or product, as possible in future projects.
References: specific books, periodicals and websites referred to can be found on the References page..
Storage and workroom information can be found here. Risk assessments required for specific activities, together with product information, are on the Health and Safety page.
Time: A quick glance at the Time Log page shows that it has taken me 26 months to complete this module, yet only a total of 219.5 were recorded (okay, there may be some I forgot to write down). This equates to just less than 8.5 hours per month or about 2 hours per week. While I do have other commitments, clearly I must prioritise coursework, stay focussed and keep to the goals I set if I am to finish future modules more quickly.
Authentication: Authentication by a third party (fig. 2.21.1) is shown below. There should be a photo of me at the sewing machine, but I can’t find it : (PS I don’t have many pix of me as I hate being photographed.
Stitching Diaries 
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