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Beauty and the Beast

Motivation & Experience

INSPIRATION

MOTIVATION & EXPERIENCE

I have always had an interest in clothing design and the process that goes into making the iconic outfits we admire. I knew when I started this project that I didn't want to chose a topic that I would dread having to do. I wanted to choose something that excited me and would encourage me to complete it to the best of my ability. With these considerations in mind, I settled with the idea of trying to create a simpler version of the Beauty and the Beast dress. I chose this dress as I loved the movie growing up and Belle's yellow ball gown is one many people can recognize. The purpose of this project was to develop my limited pre-existing skills in sewing.

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My experience before the start of this project was very limited. It consisted of only knowing how to sew on a button and how to work a sewing machine. Before starting the project I did a lot of research and had to watch a lot of video tutorials on the best way to execute my plan. From there I had to practice using the sewing machine. I practiced by sewing random off-cuts of material to ensure clean hems and straight lines.

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Criteria

-must be able to wear the dress

-someone should be able to identify what princess movie the dress is from

-at the end of the project I must have a better understanding of how to sew and design

INSTRUCTIONS & DESCRIPTIONS

PROCESS PLANNING

Initial Research Question:

Is it possible to create a dress that somewhat resembles a professionally made one without having any prior experience?

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Global Context: Personal and Cultural Expression

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Research Conducted:

Over the course of the first month, I prioritized just researching. I searched the internet looking at different designs and photos of others' attempts. I looked at different versions of professionally made ones and used this project as an excuse to re-watch the Beauty and the Beast movie.

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Throughout this project I have had to overcome quite a few obstacles. I had no prior knowledge or experience in designing and creating a dress which meant I had to be quite patient and learn that YouTube tutorials are my best friend. I have also had to overcome having very bad time management skills.

PROCESS TAKING ACTION

After figuring out what I wanted to do, I spent the first month trying to figure out how to try and accomplish my goal. I watched multiple videos and tutorials to figure out the best way to follow my plan through. I practiced by sewing random pieces of materials to ensure that my dress would be neat. I also practiced my using cheaper material to make a 'mock' dress. 

I first started with recording my measurements and marking the material to wear it needs to be cut. I planned to make the dress in three parts. The under-skirt, the over-skirt and the top. The first thing I decided to make was the under-skirt. This consisted of layering multiple pieces of the mesh material until it was poufy. I then made the over-coat. I measured and cut the material and decided to sew it in a way that there would be a slit down the side. When making the top, I copied the design of a top I already owned. I decided not to connect all the three dress pieces, but rather keep them separate.

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COSTUME DESIGN

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