DST64204 Garment Draping
LESSON OF THE WEEK
This is the first week of the semester; hence, we started the first assignment as quick as possible, as we need to have more time for the collaboration project, which will be submitted at week 7. Hence, for our first assignment, we will only have 2 weeks to complete it, which all of us need to be done by week 2. Ms Melina started the class by having a lecture class, by explaining the definition and concept of draping to us. It sounds interesting. As for draping, we will normally use hand-sewing only, which we will rarely use a sewing machine for. Next, we started to cut the calico right away into 10cm x 15cm for our exercise in order to learn how to identify each side of the fabric. Then, we started to cut the bodice out for assignment 1, and Ms Melina demonstrated to us step-by-step. The process was kind of complicated for me, as this is my first time to drape.
MISSION OF THE WEEK
The task of the week is that we all have to complete assignment 1, have every friend's calico fabric, and file some exercises in a folder. The process when I am doing assignment 1 is difficult, as I need to figure out how to do the side version of the princess armhole since Ms Melina only taught the front and back during the class due to limited time. Hence, I need to ask for assistance for my friends during Friday, which is a good time for us to discuss and figure it out together on how to do it, which can allow us to experiment with it.
This is my final outcome:
LESSON OF THE WEEK
This week, Ms. Melina continued guiding the students who hadn’t completed last week’s work. Since most of them hadn’t finished, we couldn’t start working on the armhole version of the princess line yet. For those of us who had already completed the previous tasks, we had one-on-one consultations with Ms. Melina so she could check everything and ensure it was perfect. Additionally, she taught us how to do pattern making on mahjong paper neatly and correctly, as many of us were doing it incorrectly. She also asked us to use an alphabet ruler to write our names and topics on the mahjong paper, which I found interesting because it reminded me of kindergarten—we used to use that ruler back then.
Before ending the class, Ms. Melina gave us instructions on how to do the armhole version of the princess line as our homework. To save time, she explained the process using a small mannequin. Since this version is different from the one we did last week, we need to use a sewing machine for some parts, incorporating the bubble sleeve method to allow the bust area to curve properly.
MISSION OF THE WEEK
This week’s task is for all of us to complete both bodice pieces and the mahjong pattern and submit them next week. After submission, we’ll move on to the kebaya pattern-making stage. Because the process of making the armhole version of the princess line is similar to the previous one, I was able to complete it quickly. My prior experience gave me a clearer understanding of how to do it.
LESSON OF THE WEEK
Since we completed the first assignment last week, Ms. Melina started this week’s class by briefing us on the next assignment, which is also the final one for the Fashion Project 1 module. We need to complete our designed version of the kebaya before Week 8.
After that, we began drawing the kebaya pattern front, back, and sleeve by following Ms. Melina's detailed step-by-step demonstration to ensure we didn’t get confused.
MISSION OF THE WEEK
There’s no homework for us this week, as we had already completed it in class. So, our focus now is to prepare for next week. We will be making our own designed kebaya pattern, so we need to bring the fabric and samples to class to show Ms. Melina what we plan to do with our designs.This week felt quite chill and relaxed since it’s just the beginning of the assignment and the workload is lighter. We also managed to finish our tasks during class. I think this week is a good time for us to take it easy and prepare ourselves well for the upcoming weeks, as we’ll soon be rushing to complete everything before the deadline.
LESSON OF THE WEEK
There will be no class this week, as Ms. Melina is absent during our usual class hours. Therefore, we will have a replacement class next Tuesday.MISSION OF THE WEEK
We need to start draping and pattern making for our own designed version of the kebaya. However, since there’s no class for this module this week, we need to be more independent and take initiative. Ms. Melina might be busy or have other classes, so even if we’re unsure how to proceed, it’s better to give it a try and have something to show her next week.For the skirt, I managed to ask Ms. Melina for help during another class. As a result, I only need to draw one side of the skirt pattern, since both sides of a flared and gathered skirt typically use the same shape. At first, I was clueless about how to begin, but Ms. Melina suggested looking for references on Pinterest, which turned out to be quite helpful.
For the bodice, I started with draping. Since my design is similar to Assignment 1, which used the armhole princess line, it was easier for me to complete that part. However, I’m still unsure about how to handle the hem. In Assignment 1, we only worked up to the waist, so I’ll need to ask Ms. Melina for guidance next week on how to continue down to the hem.
As for the sleeve, I used the sleeve block from Semester 1, since it matches the size I need. I followed pattern-making instructions I found on Pinterest, using the same tip I learned during the skirt-making process.
This week, I felt a bit lost and frustrated because there was no garment draping class. I had to figure everything out on my own. I also felt stressed due to the tight progress timeline, and I worried that I might be falling behind. Still, I’m doing my best to complete as much as I can for now. That way, if adjustments are needed next week, I can make them quickly which is much better than showing up with nothing. I hope to finish my pattern making as soon as possible, as I find this to be one of the most complex stages in garment creation.
LESSON OF THE WEEK
This week, we had a replacement class on Wednesday morning because Ms. Melina was absent last Thursday. Therefore, we continued working on the calico version of our fashion look during both the replacement class and our regular class. All of us are required to complete the calico version this week so that we can have more time next week to focus on texture manipulation for the actual version.
MISSION OF THE WEEK
Our goal is to complete the full kebaya-inspired design.With the additional classes this week, I’ve already started sewing, which helps me progress faster since I still remember how to do some of the sewing techniques. This has allowed me to move through certain steps more quickly. However, I think the most challenging parts are the zip and the skirt. For the zip, I need to make sure it’s sewn accurately so that it works smoothly. As for the skirt, mine is flared and gathered, which means the pattern is larger and longer than usual. When I was working on the gathering process, the thread kept breaking halfway through, which was really frustrating. This tested my patience a lot.
This week felt quite stressful because we had to an entire calico look within just one week. Last semester, we spent one week just to complete a top, so doing a full look in the same amount of time really puts pressure on us. I realized that time management is extremely important. I’m also feeling anxious about next week, as we’ll need to complete the full actual version along with texture manipulation. I hope that after next week, I’ll be able to relax and reward myself, maybe by enjoying a nice meal, as a way to celebrate all the hard work I’ve put in these past weeks.
LESSON OF THE WEEK
This week, during the entire class, all of us continued working on our final look. Some were still working on their calico versions, while others had moved on to working with the actual fabric.MISSION OF THE WEEK
Our goal this week was to complete at least 80% to 90% of our work, so we could show our progress to Ms. Melina and Mr. Jasmi.
At the beginning of the process, I found it quite easy to work on the top and skirt since I had already done them once for the test fit. However, when I moved on to the sleeve, things became more complicated because my design features a pintuck sleeve. Even though I had already asked Ms. Melina about it during the pattern-making stage, I still felt unsure. So, I asked her again during the actual fabric stage, and she demonstrated it directly on my fabric. In the end, it wasn’t as complicated as I had expected, it just involved tracing repeated lines and sewing the pintuck patterns.
Over the weekend, I’ll focus on completing the texture manipulation.
This week felt quite stressful because more tasks were added to my top, which made the process take longer than expected. However, I think a bit of stress can be a good thing, as it helps motivate me and pushes me to finish my work. I no longer have the time to be lazy. I hope to complete the entire look with good workmanship before next Thursday, so I’ll still have time to make final improvements before the garment review on 9th June.
LESSON OF THE WEEK
This week, we continued working on the actual version of our kebaya look. Therefore, there was no lecture session, as the entire time was dedicated to consultation hours.MISSION OF THE WEEK
Our goal for this week was to complete 80%–90% of our kebaya, as we will be having a garment viewing session next Monday. During this session, we will present our progress and final look to Mr. Jasmi, Ms. Melina, and a kebaya expert.For my progress this week, I had to redo my skirt and transform it into a two-layer design which one layer of cotton and another of net fabric. My first version was a gathered skirt, which resulted in a lot of excess fabric. To improve it, I decided to switch to a fitted and flared pencil skirt, cutting the new pattern from the original one.
However, during the process of making the second version of the skirt, I ended up redoing the net fabric twice. The first time, I accidentally overcut the fabric, making it unusable. Additionally, the gathers were too few, which made the overall look less appealing. That’s why I decided to redo it for a better outcome. Fortunately, when I used a new piece of net fabric for the second version, I was able to add more gathers, resulting in a neater and more polished appearance. In my opinion, no matter how disappointing the first attempt may be, having the passion and determination to redo it is important for achieving a better result.
Overall, I feel nervous about next week since it will be the final week to complete everything and apply the finishing touches to our kebaya. I truly hope I can do well overall, as some parts, especially the textile manipulation took me a very long time. Even though there were many breakdown moments this week, I’m glad I managed to get through it and motivated myself not to give up. I also feel grateful to both of my tutors, Mr. Jasmi and Ms. Melina, for guiding me with my pattern and designs to help improve the overall look and ensure a cleaner finish.
LESSON OF THE WEEK
This week, we continued working on the actual version of our kebaya look. Therefore, there was no lecture session, as the entire time was dedicated to consultation hours.
The kebaya expert came at the same week:
MISSION OF THE WEEK
We have to complete the overall look before next Thursday. To continue my progress, I asked Ms. Melina for guidance on how to do the lining for the top. Since my lining is a sleeveless version which is more difficult compared to the sleeved version. It is the most complicated part is around the armholes. I needed step-by-step guidance from Ms. Melina to avoid making mistakes, such as being unable to turn the garment back to the right side. From what I heard from most of my friends, many of them had to do a lot of hand sewing for their linings. Luckily, Ms. Melina helped make my process easier by trying to use machine sewing as much as possible. Only parts that couldn’t be done with the machine, such as the hem, were done by hand. For example, there were sections of the hem with excess lining, which made it difficult to attach to the cotton. Since the lining needed to be cut 2 cm shorter than the cotton, I ended up hand sewing that part.
As for the skirt, I did textile manipulation on the bottom layer of net fabric with Mr. Jasmi, following the judges’ recommendation to add two layers of net to enhance the charm of the look. I did the textile manipulation with machine sewing this time, unlike the top which used hand sewing, because the net fabric had too many small holes. It was easier and more efficient to stitch by machine. After completing the manipulation, I asked Ms. Melina for help in figuring out how to attach the net fabric to the middle layer of the skirt without having to unpick the waistband and undo everything.
On Tuesday, I worked on the skirt with help from Ms. Melina. Unfortunately, I had to unpick everything, as I needed to add another layer of net fabric to the middle layer of the skirt. I sat beside Ms. Melina for step-by-step guidance after completing each stage. She taught me a method to measure and cut fabric neatly by folding it twice to create four layers. This way, it’s easier to cut off any extra or uneven edges.
For the top part of the net fabric, I initially used a gathering foot to create gathers, but it didn’t produce the desired effect. Ms. Melina then showed me a pleating method, which turned out to look much nicer and neater. I preferred this pleated version. After that, I attached the net fabric to the pencil skirt up to the zip length. The rest of the net fabric was left unattached, creating a flowy effect. The remaining steps like adding the waistband and connecting the net fabric were similar to the earlier stages.
This is my final outcome:
LESSON OF THE WEEK
There will be no class this week, as we will be having our prejudging session on Thursday. Therefore, the class hours will be fully dedicated to working on the project.
MISSION OF THE WEEK
There will be no task this week, since we have already completed our kebaya. We can take this week to rest and recover.
I feel relaxed and happy, as we have finally completed the project that took us nine weeks to finish. It was quite a challenging journey, involving multiple revisions and a lot of time spent on hand sewing. Unexpectedly, there was no presentation required during the prejudging session. Upon finding that out, I felt even more relieved, as I had been worried about how to present it and was preparing to practice. Most importantly, there will be no more sleepless nights this semester, as the biggest assignment is finally done.
Lastly, I would like to thank both of my tutors, Ms. Melina and Mr. Jasmi, for their support throughout this project. Even during my lowest moments, they kept encouraging me and helped me stay on track. I’m grateful for their belief in me and for guiding me to finish everything on time.
LESSON OF THE WEEK
This week, Ms. Melina allowed all of us to do the final touch-ups on our kebaya during class. For me, I only needed to remove the chalk marks from my kebaya. Surprisingly, Ms. Melina gave me her magic wet tissue, which made the chalk disappear almost instantly. I had initially thought I could use water or an iron to remove the chalk, but nope, only the magic wet tissue worked. After I finished wiping off all the chalk markings on my kebaya, my piece was officially complete.
MISSION OF THE WEEK
There was no task assigned this week, as Ms. Melina hasn’t started teaching Assignment 2 yet. This week served as the final opportunity for everyone to do the last touch-ups on their kebaya. Assignment 2 will begin after the OPPO fashion show. Moreover, we also need to prepare the materials that will be used for next week for Assignment 2 which included with lining, bra cup, as well as stitch on fish bone.Overall, this week felt quite relaxing since there were no new tasks, and I’m really excited for the fashion show next week. My kebaya will be showcased in the show, and I can’t wait for that moment as it will be my first time presenting my project and hard work in front of everyone at a fashion event.
Week 11 (Task 02: Exploration of Garment Draping - Bustier):
LESSON OF THE WEEK
This week, we started Assignment 2. Ms. Melina began the class by briefing us on what to do and showed us three different samples of corsets so that we could decide which type we wanted to make. Next, we did research on Pinterest to find picture references of bustier corsets that we wanted to explore further. Then, we started draping on the mannequin, as Ms. Melina asked us to complete the draping process by the end of the day.For me, everything went smoothly since the draping technique is similar to our previous assignment, which was also based on the princess line. As a result, I completed it in a short time.
Link to the video of lecture class:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rutsYxyWkmUSMzqb_fr6G3HCjwvMCGPc/view?usp=sharing
MISSION OF THE WEEK
Our goal was to complete the draping process during this week’s class hours. Since I managed to finish it in class, I decided to continue my progress in order to complete the project faster. I transferred the draping onto mahjong paper and traced the master pattern.Draping result:
Draping progress:
Next, I cut out three layers of fabric, as we are required to use three layers for the corset. I cut calico with interfacing, lining, and cotton. Since this is my first time making a corset, I sewed all the pieces of each layer together first. Then, with the help of a YouTube tutorial since Ms. Melina was not around on Monday, I added the fish bones to the calico.
Overall, I really enjoyed this week because I finally got to work on something again for this module. I realized how much I enjoy the draping process. However, I also felt a bit frustrated because some of my friends had already done corset-making during the kebaya project, whereas this is my first time. When I saw their progress, I asked them for guidance. I’m really excited to complete the corset within this week, especially since Ms. Melina said it’s possible to finish it in a week. Once it’s done, I can finally relax, as there will be no more assignments left for this module.
Week 12 (Task 02: Exploration of Garment Draping - Bustier):
LESSON OF THE WEEK
For this week’s class, we continued working on Assignment 2, so there was no lecture session. During the entire class period, we focused on making our corsets. If we encountered any difficulties, we could approach Ms. Melina in class for assistance.
MISSION OF THE WEEK
The task for the week was to continue progressing on Assignment 2, which is the bustier corset. As I had already finished combining the different layers and inserting the fish boning, I showed my progress to Ms. Melina. Unfortunately, I had to remove the fish boning after her feedback, as the top and bottom ends of the boning need to be smoothed, either by taping them with masking tape or burning them slightly.
After that, I combined the three layers: cotton, calico, and lining, starting from the bust line and hem line. I left the center back section unsewn at this stage.
Once everything was combined, I sewed an invisible zipper onto the center back. At this point, I had completed all the steps I was familiar with. What remains is attaching the bra cups into the corset and finishing the lining. I will wait until Tuesday to ask Ms. Melina in person how to proceed with those parts.
This week felt quite relaxed for me, as I realized my progress is ahead compared to some of my classmates. I believe I can complete everything by Tuesday of Week 13. Once finished, I can finally start to relax. I also learned a few new things about corset making. For example, how to smoothen the ends of the fish boning, since I used to insert them right after cutting without any treatment. I also learned how to combine three layers together. Although it was my first time doing so, I found it quite similar to combining two layers, which wasn’t as hard as I initially thought. Overall, making this corset isn’t as difficult as I expected, it just requires more patience and attention to detail.
Week 13 (Task 02: Exploration of Garment Draping - Bustier):
LESSON OF THE WEEK
For this week’s class, we continued working on Assignment 2 as usual as last week, so there was no lecture session. During the entire class period, we focused on making our corsets. If we encountered any difficulties, we could approach Ms. Melina in class for assistance.
MISSION OF THE WEEK
This week, we must all complete Assignment 2: the corset. Therefore, I continued by adding the bra cups and attaching all the seams together.
On Thursday, I asked Ms. Melina whether I should add bra cups or not. She said it was up to me. Since I had already attached all three layers together and nearly finished everything, I decided not to add them. I felt that if I were to add the cups, I would have to unpick the hem, which I wanted to avoid.I also asked Ms. Melina for help on how to sew the center back seams, as this was my first time making a corset. Unfortunately, I had to unpick a bit of the hem because it was difficult to sew from the right side. So, I ended up sewing the center back from the wrong side. After that, I hand-stitched the areas that couldn't be sewn with the machine.
This is my final outcome:
Overall, this week felt quite relaxing since I had completed all the assignments for this module. I feel ready to enjoy my holiday. Through this assignment, I learned how to sew a corset for the first time. I realized that sewing different types of tops often uses similar methods. With this understanding, I believe I will one day be able to complete a top entirely on my own, without any guidance.
Week 14:
LESSON OF THE WEEK
There are no lessons this week, as most of us have already completed all assignments. Therefore, there are no classes scheduled.MISSION OF THE WEEK
The task for this week is to compile all our assignments according to Ms. Melina’s notes and submit everything by Friday.
Ms. Melina’s message:
✅ Task 1 & 2 and Final Submission Checklist
1️⃣A4 Submission Cover Page
• Use the official cover page template.
• Print on A4-sized paper
• Fill in all required details:
o Student Name
o Student ID
o Project Title
o Task Number (Task 1, Task 2, Final Submission)
o Submission Date
• Place the printed cover page at the front of your submission.
2️⃣ Pattern Pieces Submission
• Prepare master pattern set (Task 1, Task 2, and Final Project).
• Ensure all pattern pieces are:
o Clearly labelled (piece name, grainline, notches, seam allowances).
o Neatly trimmed and clean.
• Place all pattern pieces into an A3 clear holder for submission.
3️⃣ Final Check Before Submission
• Submission is neat and professionally presented.
• All required pattern pieces are included.
• Patterns are correctly labelled and organised.
• A4 submission cover page is attached in front.
Moreover, we also have to do a presentation slides of a final compilation of all assignments which included with those pattern makings and progress, and submit it during Friday, as a record.
This is my final outcome:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l2h_nKS8vr2PRDO1EwDwaQaui2fVc6BH/view?usp=drivesdk
Overall experience of the week is that I feel really relax and happy because I can finally relax myself and it’s time for me to enjoy semester break. Inthis module, I learned how to drape a top to create a more fitted silhouette, which sparked my interest in draping during the first assignment. In addition, through lessons with Ms. Melina, I learned how to sew garments neatly and patiently, as she guided me step by step throughout the final project, especially in areas I wasn’t clear about. Everything felt manageable until we began the pattern drafting for the final project. Unlike in Semester 1, we no longer received one-on-one consultations from the tutor to teach us how to draft patterns for our own designs, as we are now considered seniors. Therefore, I had to rely on online resources to research and learn how to take measurements and draft the patterns for my kebaya. I’m looking forward to future assignments, as I find draping both interesting and enjoyable. I hope I can continue applying the draping techniques and lessons I’ve learned in my
upcoming projects.
I am truly grateful and proud that I was able to complete all my assignments on time. Of course, this wouldn’t have been possible without Ms. Melina, who served as both the lecturer and tutor for this module. She supported me greatly throughout all of my assignments. Ms. Melina encouraged me during my low moments, cheering me on and motivating me to continue working on my kebaya. She also responded to my messages very quickly, which helped me maintain steady progress. With all her support and guidance, I was able to complete everything successfully. I would like to sincerely thank Ms. Melina for always being by my side through both the highs and lows. I truly appreciate having you as my teacher.
That’s all for my blogpost for this module.
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